Miss Maryann Fitzwilliam is too witty and bookish for her own good. No gentleman of the ton will marry her, so her parents arrange for her to wed a man old enough to be her father. But Maryann is ready to use those wits to turn herself into a sinful wallflower.When the scandal sheet reports a sighting of Nicolas St. Ives, the Marquess of Rothbury, climbing out the chamber windows of a house … windows of a house party, Maryann does the unthinkable. She anonymously claims that the bedchamber belonged to none other than Miss Fitzwilliam, tarnishing her own reputation—and chances of the dastardly union her family secured for her. Now she just needs to convince the marquess to keep his silence.
Turns out Nicolas allows for the scandal to perpetuate for his own reasons… But when Maryann’s parents hold fast to their arranged marriage plan, it’ll take a scandal of epic proportions for these two to get out of this together.
Each book in the Sinful Wallflowers series is STANDALONE:
* My Darling Duke
* Her Wicked Marquess
more
Oh. My. Goodness.
I loved this book SO MUCH, it’s simply ridiculous!
Maryann was the perfect leading lady to see yourself in. The knowledge she held in a time when women were simply to look pretty and keep their opinions to themselves would astound the noblest of men. The talent she possessed with a rapier was surprising, but grand. The depth with which she felt, her ability to truly sense the person beneath the persona, her desire to bend for nothing in a marriage beyond true love, and her determination to put an end to plans to marry her off for something less…all were not desirable qualities then to most…except the right one.
Nicholas had a very carefully cultivated persona, not simply for acceptance in the ton because his title alone and being born a male did that on its own. No, his reasons were entirely more self serving and yet in the vein of justice that once revealed can not be ignored. He needed that cover to exact the revenge he sought for one that could no longer fight their own battles. He needed to stay focused in order to lurk in the shadows undetected, flit behind the scenes to uncover truths well hidden, and reach his ultimate goal despite the passage of time…but then came Maryann.
The heart wants what it wants…even if it’s too stubborn to admit it, too involved in other business to take care of it, or too driven by darker plans to call it quits and accept the gift being given. It all comes to a delightful head with an explosive ending you won’t expect and a twist that will have your heart in pieces, but rest assured…the Marquess always gets his man (or woman) in the end.
**eARC received for review; opinions are my own
The second book in the Sinful Wallflowers series a well written story that I will warn do not start at bedtime. Miss Maryann Fitzwilliam and Nicolas St. Ives, the Marquess of Rothbury’s story which I found myself smiling as I read. A story that is well worth reading. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved this story. Both Maryann and Nicolas were great main characters; interesting and with great depth. Their emotions clearly shown through even though there were times when Nicolas showed a poked face. As time goes on, it becomes clear at least to Maryann that Nicolas has two faces. Both the dandy and the dangerous man that he can be. She begins to see even more than that though. Nicolas has a thirst for revenge that has driven him for ten years. Five men committed a heinous crime and because of their family has a high position in society, no justice has been served. Nicolas tried every avenue of the law that he could without any success. So now it has been his life’s mission to mete it out himself. And he has been hugely successful on it. He was still looking for The Wolf and the Black Dahlia. We follow his efforts as the story goes on. That alone provided quite a few twists and turns all on its own. Maryann was an unrecognized gem and she was a whole lot of fun with her sharp wit, her sense of humor, and her clever mind and mouth. She was also clever in her efforts to get rid the man that her family is trying to force her into marrying. But no one is listening to her wishes so the rebel in her rises up and leads her into some interesting situations. It kept me involved all the way though.
I liked that the story and the friendship between Maryann and Nicolas was also well developed before anything HOT happened between them. And it does get steamy much further in the book.
The story has a savage twist towards the ending of the book with a huge surprise following. It also leads up to a more dangerous confrontation that was like a 1,2,3 punch.
There is a H.E.A. which I enjoyed along with a sweet Epilogue that tied up some loose ends when it came to a couple other people as well.
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
This book is stunning. Maryann is a wallflower whose parents have promised her to a duke that is not only her father’s age but also cruel. She needs a way out of this upcoming engagement and quick so decides to begin rumors about herself and Nicholas…a marquess and notorious rake. Surprisingly, he goes along with it for the most part and the two begin to get to know one another.
I loved this couple so much. One of my favorite things in this book is the friendship they form. While the chemistry is definitely there, the additional scenes of them becoming friends only makes it that much more delicious. They have an easy camaraderie and a way with words that had me thinking I could just read about them talking all day. I loved that the majority of their “courting” took place in secret in her bedroom. The tension between the two and the desperation each felt had me sucked in and really cheering for their HEA. The love each had for their siblings (and vice versa) was heartwarming. It made me like them all that much more. I really liked that Maryann was strong and independent and yet wasn’t afraid to own to her love for embroidery and wanting a home and family. Plus, there is just a little bit of adventure that often adds to a good historical romance.
Stacy Reid seems to get better with each book. Her Wicked Marquess is a solid 5-stars and should be on everyone’s must-read list.
Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled for an ARC of this book. The opinions here are my own.
4.5 stars
Lady Maryann, although considered a wallflower and timid, had hidden depths. She was willing to go to great extremes to escape an unwanted marriage. However, her mother was determined that Maryann should marry. Nicholas, Marquess of Rothbury, was also not what he seemed to be. He too, had hidden depths and didn’t show his true character to society. Nicholas was on a vengeance mission. Maryann and Nicholas gradually got to know each other and their feelings deepened but would Nicholas’s mission take precedence. This was an engaging read, some of the scenes towards the end were wonderful and heartfelt. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it l all thoughts and opinions are my own. However, I did purchase my own copy.
Her Wicked Marquess was phenomenal! It was exciting to read with all the twists and turns and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I loved the drama, wit, passion, and intensity!
Ooooo, what a deliciously sinful romance!
If you thought Kitty was brave and daring in My Darling Duke, then you are not prepared for the very mischievous Maryann! The story starts with a delightful meet cute with a dash of revenge fantasy and just keeps getting better and better as the story progresses.
Maryann is determined to avoid a forced marriage to an utterly abhorrent man, and she has no qualms about borrowing the scandalous reputation of a notorious rake. Nicolas, however, has carefully cultivated his rake status as a cover to investigate the affairs of the men who committed a horrible crime so that he can mete out whatever justice he can, in the style of the Count of Monte Cristo.
This carefully crafted cat-and-mouse tale is superbly written, with both Maryann and Nicolas taking turns as the predator and the prey. Their banter appears effortless on the surface but there’s an unmistakable current of honest emotion constantly flowing between them. It is this soulmate-level interplay that really sets this book above its contemporaries, and I absolutely loved every last bit of it.
The secondary characters are also complex and multi-faceted, bringing surprising conflicts as well as shocking resolutions to the seemingly insurmountable obstacles. I was so happy to see the secondary romance get a solid HEA as well – any story that delivers two HEAs is an automatic winner in my book!
Nicolas and Maryann have the kind of love that legends are made of, making this one of the most romantic stories I’ve read all year. I highly recommend it for anyone who loves historical romances, or just romance in general. It’s truly one of a kind. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Wickedly delightful! The playful banter between Miss Maryann and the Marquess of Rothbury is splendid. As the story goes on, the more heated it becomes between them. I love that Maryann has a mind of her own, even though that sort of thinking was not encouraged in that time. The pacing is good. Like a sensual dance and I was engaged the whole way through. The world building was fantastic! I really felt transported to that era. A wonderful escape read!
This is a sinful and fantastic read! I couldn’t put it down. It’s definitely a guilty pleasure read! I enjoyed the authors writing style and will look for more books by her in the future. If you’re a fan of regency romance reads, this book is for YOU! You won’t be disappointed. Add it to your TBR today. I give this 5 stars.
What a stupendous read! Couldn’t put it down! An intrepid, smart and witty heroine, and a rakehell hero who is much more than his reputation.
”How wicked does one need to be to achieve the illusion of ruination.”
Lady Maryann Fitzwilliam is desperate to evade an unwanted marriage to the odious Lord Stamford and is willing to do just about anything, including something as wicked as compromising herself. The unwitting accomplice would be the scandalous rake, Nicolas St Ives, Marquess of Rothbury. However, she never expected him to notice one of London’s wallflowers, nor did she bargain for his electrifying effect on her.
”Now that something about her had captured his regard, Nicolas had an odd sense that he might never unsee her.”
Nicolas has been on a revenge quest for five years that has left room for little else, especially relationships. When he comes across the infinitely fascinating Lady Maryann and she links their names inexorably together, he finds himself almost helpless in the face of his compelling attraction to her. An attraction that puts her in the crosshairs of his enemies.
”You hold my stare so fiercely, an undeniable fire in your gaze…I want to touch that fire, and I can only do that by possessing you.”
God, this book! I absolutely adored it. It’s been a year since I’ve read this author and, honestly, I have to make more time for her because she is such a fabulous writer. Her writing is witty, hella hot and just right for this genre. Maryann and Nicolas have the most unholy chemistry between them. They were so incredibly sexy together. The tension between them was almost exquisite agony. He was wholly fascinated by her character and her beauty – with every encounter, she seeped deeper under his skin. The plot itself was fantastic, as we follow how Maryann and Nicolas are woven into the fabric of the story. I felt his torture and pain as he tried to do the right thing to keep her safe.
”You obliterate even my darkest thoughts and replace them with sunshine and want and hunger and dreams of things I’ve never thought about.”
The climax of the story was absolutely riveting. OH MY HEART! The sheer desperate romance of it had my heart palpitating like crazy! This really was a brilliant read and I can’t wait for the next book in this wonderful, well-written series. Top Read 2020.
This is the second book I read from this author and is definitely not going to be the last, even though I didn´t like this one that much.
Miss Maryann Fitzwilliam is a wallflower. Bookish and smart, she wants a chance to be happy with someone that could enjoy her opinions and cherish her. But her parents arrange for her to wed a man old enough to be her father. He is cruel and violent so Maryann is not going to accept this marriage without a fight.
Nicolas St. Ives, the Marquess of Rothbury, has made his living reason to avenge the death of his sweetheart, Ariana, who suffer in the hands of some lords ten years ago. For the last five years he has destroyed most of them but the identity of the Black Dahlia remind unknown. And he thinks that Maryann´s brother could be the elusive lord.
When the scandal sheet reports a sighting of the Marquess of Rothbury, climbing out the chamber windows of a house party, Maryann anonymously claims that the bedchamber belonged to her, tarnishing her own reputation. But when Maryann’s parents hold fast to their arranged marriage plan, it’ll take a scandal of epic proportions for these two to get out of this together.
What I like most about this book is Nicolas. He is brave and honorable, even though he acts the irresponsible rake for the ton. He is really drawn to Maryann and tries to protect her all the way. Maryann is the kind of wallflower than seems more like a contemporary character to me. I love heroines with spirit but in this case I felt it was a bit much. She has opinions on everything and wants to be included in all the decisions but it’s hard for me to picture someone so liberal at that period of time. I hate her mum and in some moments also her brother. The dialogs between Maryaan and Nicolas are witty and entertaining. He keeps reaching her room during the night (I love that plot) but after the fifth time it was just absurd for me that no one realizes that he is using the kitchen door.
For me the end was really good, it was the part I enjoyed the most. The mystery was well developed. It was a bit too long for me and I wished it had steamier interactions between the main characters.
In my opinion, the story is a 3.5 starts, but I´ll give this one 4 stars because I think the writing is flawless. If you enjoy Historical Romance, you should give this book a chance.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Lady Maryann Fitzwilliam made the mistake of being too free and outspoken with her opinions in her first season and has now been labeled a wallflower. With no offers forthcoming several years later, her parents arrange a match for her with a man the same age as her own father. Maryann is determined to use her wits to escape the match.
When a scandal column chronicles Nicholas St. Ives, the Marquess of Rothbury, climbing out of a debutante’s window, Maryann sees an opportunity. She daringly claims the bedchamber in question was her own and counts on the gossipmongers to cast shadows onto her reputation in the hopes that her parents’ choice of groom will cry off. She just has to make sure the marquess doesn’t give her ruse away.
I wound up enjoying this but it did take awhile for me to get that point. For the first half or more, Maryann just frustrated me, especially when she kept making excuses for her parents’ awful and hypocritical behavior towards her. I was also not expecting the revenge plotline and that definitely threw me off a bit. I loved the ending and its revelations, but I can’t say more for fear of spoilers. I will say I liked the clandestine nature of the courtship between Nicholas and Maryann. Him sneaking into her rooms was quite romantic and allowed them to get to know each other on a deeper level, which made it believable that they fell in love fairly quickly. I did find the ending to be a bit abrupt and there were a lot of errors with titles and wrong words, even for an ARC, but hopefully these are fixed in the final copy. Overall, the storyline was original and the ending satisfying. I liked this much better than its predecessor and will look forward to the next book in the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Miss Maryann Fitzwilliam has not yet married. Fearing no one will marry their daughter, her parents arrange a marriage to an older man whose behavior is disgusting. Maryann would rather remain a wallflower than submit to this fate!
So when Nicolas St. Ives, the Marquess of Rothbury, is reported to have climbed out of a window at a party, Maryann claims it was her bedchamber, thus ruining her reputation so that the match her parents arranged won’t happen. Although Nicolas remains quiet about the truth for his own reasons, Maryann’s parents insist on continuing with the arranged marriage! What other option does she have to prevent this travesty? And has she unwittingly put herself in danger by associating herself with Nicolas who has real enemies?
I loved this story and the characters we meet. Despite the vengeance plan, Nicolas is a loyal and caring friend. He and Maryann really do like each other and develop of friendship which could easily turn into more. Grab your copy and follow the action to see what can be done about their situations!
Let me start off by saying that I enjoyed much this novel. I especially enjoyed the banter between Nicolas and Maryann, and watching them turn into friends. I definitely saw chemistry between the two as they learned more about one another, and as they realized that neither of them was exactly the person they presented to the rest of the world.
And I really liked how despite their desires for one another, they refrained from acting upon it immediately. Yes, there are some pre-marital shenanigans that happen, but these things happen later on after the two have spent a good deal of time with one another playing chess, and in one instance learning how to pick a lock.
However, this was not the light-hearted romance that the blurb would lead you to believe.
In fact, the blurb doesn’t even divulge the fact that there is another pl0t-line to this story. One that at times overshadows the romance, and could possibly be triggering for some readers. And that is Nicolas’ revenge against the men who long ago harmed a girl he was in love with.
Now, I think it’s worth mentioning that the reasons behind his thirst for revenge, while understandable to a point, are dark and brought up often. There also seemed to be some parts of Nicolas that were in contrast to the other. He makes it a point to repeatedly talk about how young he was when he told his first love they couldn’t be together. He uses his age to justify asking her to wait for him to convince his parents of their match. But then he doesn’t take the fact that the men who purported the heinous crimes against her were also the same age he was – not even the man who did not actually touch her, but also did nothing to stop the others. That not only cast doubt on his logic on the whole, but also when the big twist was revealed at the end, caused me no end of confusion. If one person was able to forgive another so easily, why couldn’t Nicolas? There was also a scene involving Maryann, a shove and a carriage that when looked at on the whole seemed out of place.
On the whole, if you can overlook the dark aspects of this story, then I think a lot of people will enjoy it.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
Her Wicked Marquess focuses on Nicholas and Maryann. Maryann is trying to escape an unwanted engagement and thinks Nicholas, a Marquess with a rakish reputation, is her ticket to freedom. Nicholas has put his personal life on hold to seek vengeance against the men who destroyed someone he loved. The closer Maryann gets to Nicholas, the more her life is in jeopardy, and Nicholas will do whatever it takes to protect her. With so many obstacles in their way, can Maryann and Nicholas find their happy ending?
Maryann is a fantastic protagonist! A self-proclaimed wallflower, Maryann is strong in her opinions and not willing to be a submissive wife. She yearns for the freedom to be herself and not who her parents and society expect her to be. She is a perceptive woman and an excellent judge of character as well. Nicholas puts up a convincing and rakish façade, and Maryanne is the only person to see through his disguise. She sees the kind and honorable man that Nicholas really is. Maryann is also the only one to recognize some of the scoundrels of the ton for what they really are.
Nicholas is smart, determined, and guilt-ridden. He blames himself for something that happened in the past and spends his present consumed with thoughts of revenge. Nicholas is a good man with a haunted past, and his selflessness stands in stark contrast to the selfish rake he presents to the ton. Of course, when he meets Maryann, everything changes. From his first meeting with Maryann, Nicholas is thrown off his guard, and the way he reacts to her is endearing. He fights his feelings, as does Maryann, but it’s impossible. The way he feels about her is romantic, intense, and wonderful!
The romance between Maryann and Nicholas is epic! It’s spicy and sweet, intense and playful, and so powerful. They are a well-matched pair who challenge each other, bring out the best in each other, and make each other feel things they never expected to feel. I think they give each other hope, and I loved watching them slowly grow closer.
I also love that they developed a strong, layered relationship. They have meaningful conversations, enjoy each other’s company, and listen to each other. In the same token, their desire is intense, and their romantic moments are steamy! I enjoyed their witty banter and flirtatious antics as much as I enjoyed their swoon-worthy romance.
Both Maryann and Nicholas reject the expectations and rules of the ton and want more in their lives than the gossipy hypocrisy they experience among their peers. There are great messages throughout the book about good vs. evil, the abuse of power, the unbending societal rules, and the gender inequities of the time. Additionally, several unexpected twists surprised me, especially toward the end of the book. I like that, just when I thought I knew what was going to happen, new revelations and obstacles unfolded.
I loved Her Wicked Marquess! It has great characters, a swoon-tastic romance, and a little bit of intrigue. Though this is the second book in a series, it can easily be read as a standalone and will appeal to readers who enjoy swoon-worthy historical romances with a HEA. Thanks so much to Entangled Publishing and the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
This clever story and its wonderful characters stole my heart. Life is funny sometimes and I thought that often while I was reading this book. Desperation and vengeance draw these two together for an all the feels love story I felt there was a certain baseline cuteness to this tale that served as a smart and intriguing jumping off point for lots of emotion, drama, turmoil and tension. When you add in a ton of heart, sweetness and heat, you have yourself, what I felt was an impossible to resist romance. I am freely posting a frank review.
Miss Maryann Fitzwilliam is too witty and bookish for her own good. No gentleman of the ton will marry her, so her parents arrange for her to wed the Earl of Stamford, a man old enough to be her father. But Maryann is ready to use those wits to turn herself into a sinful wallflower. When the scandal sheet reports a sighting of Nicolas St. Ives, the Marquis of Rothbury, climbing out the chamber windows of a house party, Maryann does the unthinkable. She anonymously claims that the bedchamber belonged to none other than Miss Fitzwilliam, tarnishing her own reputation—and chances of the dastardly union her family secured for her. Now she just needs to convince the marquis to keep his silence. Turns out Nicolas allows for the scandal to perpetuate for his own reasons… But when Maryann’s parents hold fast to their arranged marriage plan, it’ll take a scandal of epic proportions for these two to get out of this together.
I love the author’s books & am always thrilled when there’s a new one & she never ever disappoints. This is another very well written page turning read. The characters have plenty of depth & I loved both Maryann & Nicolas, the chemistry between them was electric & the sexual tension simmered but it was their verbal bantering, which raised this book over the parapet. As well as a lovely romance there’s also the revenge Nicolas is seeking, this added an engrossing mystery to the book & there were a couple of twists & turns which I didn’t see coming. I loved how Nicolas fell for Maryann & how protective & caring he was plus he really saw her & she also soon saw beneath his façade.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Delightful
Careful what you wish for. Especially when your being terribly wicked. For you never know who may be lurking in the shadows. So yes be careful what you wish for, Lady Maryann, for I am of a mind to be wicked with you, too. I loved how Maryann and Nicolas came together. Lady Maryann was seeking to give Lady Sophie a dose of her own medicine. Poor Sophie I think she got way less than what she deserved. Maryann had a wicked agenda and with Sophie checked off her next item to achieve was the illusion of ruination. Thinking it would break a betrothal her father had arranged with one of his friends she needed the assistance of the London’s most debauched lord or at least the allusion of his assistance. Nicholas St. Ives, London’s most debauched Lord was seeking to avenge the death of a very dear friend. And with the clues in a letter Arianna left behind his avenging was progressing the only clue left to solve was the identity of the Black Dahlia. Unbeknownst to Lady Maryann the debauched lord also had in his possession her wicked letter outlining her road to ruination. With sword fights, nasty fiancés, a misunderstanding and a brother with a big secret Nicholas and Maryann are destined for a wickedly perfect love.
Normally for various reasons I rarely enjoy the epilogues but I thoroughly enjoyed Maryann and Nicolas’s it just felt like family coming together.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lady Maryann Fitzwilliam and her friends have named themselves the sinful wallflowers. Even if society doesn’t seem to notice them, the are determined to enjoy themselves. However Maryann’s parents are insisting she marry a man she has no feelings for, so maybe by being sinful she can escape her fate.
Nicolas St.Ives, Marquess of Rothbury hides his real intentions behind the facade of a rake. He is pursuing vengeance again a group of men who caused irreparable harm to someone he loved.
This is a wonderful, sexy historical romance with interesting characters. It also has a big surprise at the end. Although it’s part of a series you can read it on it’s own but it will tempt you to buy the other books. Our wallflowers are very special ladies.
I loved it.
Another intensely hot and extremely sensual romance by Stacy Reid. When Maryann meets Nicolas in the middle of a ball, she’s seeking justice against the cruelest debutant in London. Nicolas knows about seeking justice. He’s given it his full attention for ten years. He’s the shadow you don’t see and Maryann is disturbing his invisibility. From the first time he climbed into her room, passion and need took over. He doesn’t want the distraction, but he can’t stop thinking about her. As he gets closer to his last victims, one of them may destroy the life he wants with Maryann.
Explicit sex, one hot Marquess and a young lady who won’t give up on happiness.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
I loved reading Maryann and Nicholas’ amazing story in My Wicked Marquess by Stacy Reid book two in her Sinful Wallflowers series. Maryann Fitzwilliam was raised to think for herself, form opinions, and say what she thinks; which was quite unusual for women of her time. No gentleman of the ton will marry her, so her parents arranged for her to wed a man who was old enough to be her father. Maryann was ready to try anything to avoid that marriage, even if she turned herself into a sinful wallflower. Reading a scandal sheet she sees a report that Nicholas St. Ives, the Marquess of Rothbury, was seen climbing out a chamber window during a house party. Maryann does the most unimaginable thing, claiming that it was her bedchamber he climbed out of, ruining her own reputation. Her plan was to stop the arrangement her family secured for her. Now she just has to convince the marquess to keep his silence and agree with her. Nicholas has his own reasons for allowing the scandal Maryann set forth, to continue. With Maryann’s parents refusing to cancel the arranged marriage, Maryann and Nicholas work together to figure out a plan that would convince them otherwise. It just might take a scandal of epic proportions for these two to get out of this situation together.
I loved Nicholas and Maryann. Maryann was a strong, heroine with a plan who became a wallflower by refusing to belittle or bully others. Nicholas had a heart of gold, trying to right a wrong that occurred years prior to a female friend of his. After meeting Maryann Nicholas found excuses to visit her bedchamber and spend evenings talking, fencing, partaking of games; she fascinated him. Maryann enjoyed those evening with Nicholas, being able to be her true self. There were so many twists and turns in this story as Nicholas avenges his friend, what part Maryann’s brother played in the event, the number of members of the ton who cheated on their spouses or took advantage of the help; one almost needed a score card to keep up. The more time Nicholas and Maryann spent together, the more their feelings grew. The chemistry between them sizzled and they were magnetically pulled together by the attraction they shared.
Ms. Reid wrote an emotional love story that should not be missed. She provided a tale rich with emotions, sizzling chemistry, humor, wonderful dialogue, and endearing characters giving Maryann and Nicholas a chance to have a forever love. I highly recommend My Wicked Marquess to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.