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When the Wallflowers Were Wicked #1
Ensnaring the Duke: Regency Romance
This wallflower never wanted marriage... But dukes rarely play by the rules…
Lady Abigail Weston has been a failure as a debutante. But how was a lady to succeed without a mother to guide her? She’s better off remaining by the wall anyway. Her little sister Lydia needs her help so that she doesn’t fail in all the ways that Abigail did. She’ll sacrifice her own chances, for those of her sister.
But an unexpected invitation to a house party sends Abigail’s carefully laid plans awry when she catches the attention of the reluctant to marry Duke of Worthing and now she has to choose. Pursue the elusive duke or dedicate herself to her sister?
Love and dukes… If Abigail isn’t careful, they will ruin even the most well intentioned of wallflowers.
Lady Abigail Weston has been a failure as a debutante. But how was a lady to succeed without a mother to guide her? She’s better off remaining by the wall anyway. Her little sister Lydia needs her help so that she doesn’t fail in all the ways that Abigail did. She’ll sacrifice her own chances, for those of her sister.
But an unexpected invitation to a house party sends Abigail’s carefully laid plans awry when she catches the attention of the reluctant to marry Duke of Worthing and now she has to choose. Pursue the elusive duke or dedicate herself to her sister?
Love and dukes… If Abigail isn’t careful, they will ruin even the most well intentioned of wallflowers.
188 pages, Paperback
Published February 17, 2023
About the author
Daphne Quinn
15 books24 followersDaphne Quinn is a writer and reader of historical romances. She loves the drama and the dresses of the past - even though she is quite happy with all the comforts of the present! She lives in Bristol, England, with her husband, daughter, and dog, and spends most of her time writing or reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 1, 2023
Cute but boring and contrived. H & h had little to no conversation. Oliver’s guilt got old and Abigail had a personality of a wet tissue paper. Meh!
April 12, 2023
Love it
What an amazing story.
This is my first book by this author and what an incredible book!!
Both characters have insecurities about themselves and they think that they don't deserve to be happy or to have love in their life because she needs to take care of her sister and her dad and he thinks he is just unlovable but together they start to see that they deserve not only happiness and passion but love. They see that they bring out the best in each other.
What an amazing story!!
I look forward to the next book in this series
What an amazing story.
This is my first book by this author and what an incredible book!!
Both characters have insecurities about themselves and they think that they don't deserve to be happy or to have love in their life because she needs to take care of her sister and her dad and he thinks he is just unlovable but together they start to see that they deserve not only happiness and passion but love. They see that they bring out the best in each other.
What an amazing story!!
I look forward to the next book in this series
February 6, 2023
Such a sweet book! Both Abigail and Oliver are not in the market for marriage. But a week-long house party make them reconsider their positions on marriage. Great story and fun characters whom I feel have a story all their own too!
I received a free copy of this book from the author. The thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received a free copy of this book from the author. The thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 16, 2023
The first book in the When the Wallflowers Were Wicked series, and I know I want to read more in this series. Lady Abigail Weston and Oliver the Duke of Worthing's story is a story of a second chance. The story is well written with a very good storyline that kept me turning pages I had to know what was going to happen. The story was well worth reading. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 21, 2023
Ensnaring The Duke is a fantastic historical romance by Daphne Quinn. This is my first book by this author but won't be my last. Abigail met Oliver and shared a dance during her first season. Three years later she's invited to a house party hosted by Oliver's mother. Oliver is now a reluctant duke and feels he's not worthy of the title. I enjoyed reading Abigail and Oliver's story and look forward to reading my next book by Daphne Quinn. This is a complete book, not a cliffhanger.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from Bookfunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from Bookfunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 2, 2023
This is the first book I have read by Daphne. I will be looking forward to the next.
I loved how this story was all about our couple and not so much about the balls or what the ton thinks about people. Both Abigail and Oliver had sorrow change their lives. Abigail lost her mother when her little sister Lydia was born. Oliver lost both his father and brother in the last couple of years. He is now the Duke of Worthing instead of just Oliver Barnett and he doesn’t like it one bit. His brother was raised to be the duke not him. He feels unworthy of the title. Therefore, he has decided to never marry and carry on the family line. His mother Elsie, the Dowager Duchess, has other ideas. She is going to have a house party and invite equal numbers of unmarried man and woman with the hope he will find a wife. Abigail had met Oliver three years earlier before his life changed forever. He was so handsome, happy and carefree and she fell in love with him at first sight. Now three years later he is the duke, and she is a failed as a debutante, having three seasons and been a wallflower for all of them. She is not looking forward to seeing him again, sure he will not remember her. With no mother to teach her there is much she doesn’t understand which tends to lead her into trouble. As both Abigail and Oliver feel the draw of the other and spend time together neither can stop the attraction and feelings from growing. This is a lovely slow romance that will draw on your heartstrings as our couple will go through many twists and turns before truly finding what both need and want. This is a great book for reading in front of a fire or when you want a story without lots of action It does have just the right amount of steam for this couple. I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it. A book not to be missed.
I loved how this story was all about our couple and not so much about the balls or what the ton thinks about people. Both Abigail and Oliver had sorrow change their lives. Abigail lost her mother when her little sister Lydia was born. Oliver lost both his father and brother in the last couple of years. He is now the Duke of Worthing instead of just Oliver Barnett and he doesn’t like it one bit. His brother was raised to be the duke not him. He feels unworthy of the title. Therefore, he has decided to never marry and carry on the family line. His mother Elsie, the Dowager Duchess, has other ideas. She is going to have a house party and invite equal numbers of unmarried man and woman with the hope he will find a wife. Abigail had met Oliver three years earlier before his life changed forever. He was so handsome, happy and carefree and she fell in love with him at first sight. Now three years later he is the duke, and she is a failed as a debutante, having three seasons and been a wallflower for all of them. She is not looking forward to seeing him again, sure he will not remember her. With no mother to teach her there is much she doesn’t understand which tends to lead her into trouble. As both Abigail and Oliver feel the draw of the other and spend time together neither can stop the attraction and feelings from growing. This is a lovely slow romance that will draw on your heartstrings as our couple will go through many twists and turns before truly finding what both need and want. This is a great book for reading in front of a fire or when you want a story without lots of action It does have just the right amount of steam for this couple. I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it. A book not to be missed.
March 10, 2023
This is a new author to me, and I am very happy someone recommended her to me. The entertaining story is based around a house party that the less than happy duke has agreed to let his mother have at his estate. Oliver Barnett is the new Duke of Worthing, due to the death of his father and older brother - this is not a title Oliver is happy to accept nor does he feel he deserves it. His mother is having this house party to try and match Oliver with a possible wife, but Oliver has vowed not to marry.
Lady Abigail Weston has had three years as a shy debutante forced to the wallflower section in society's balls, she lost her mother to childbirth when her younger sister was born, so she never had a mother to help her through society's maze of being the perfect debutante. She has decided to remain unmarried and to help her younger sister find a perfect match. When Abigail receives an invitation to a house party from the Duchess of Worthing, she remembers the dance she had three years ago with a young lord who is now the Duke of Worthing - she had fallen in love with him during that time but his father, then brother died, and she hadn't talked to him since. How will it be to see him again, even though he won't remember her.
When they meet at the houseparty, the attraction is instant, but it moves nice and easy as there are many things each of them must find in themselves and then in the other person. Their romance is sweet with some spice that is perfect for this couple. This was an excellent romance with a couple that really needed each other.
Lady Abigail Weston has had three years as a shy debutante forced to the wallflower section in society's balls, she lost her mother to childbirth when her younger sister was born, so she never had a mother to help her through society's maze of being the perfect debutante. She has decided to remain unmarried and to help her younger sister find a perfect match. When Abigail receives an invitation to a house party from the Duchess of Worthing, she remembers the dance she had three years ago with a young lord who is now the Duke of Worthing - she had fallen in love with him during that time but his father, then brother died, and she hadn't talked to him since. How will it be to see him again, even though he won't remember her.
When they meet at the houseparty, the attraction is instant, but it moves nice and easy as there are many things each of them must find in themselves and then in the other person. Their romance is sweet with some spice that is perfect for this couple. This was an excellent romance with a couple that really needed each other.
February 26, 2023
Ensnaring the Duke
A Regency Romance
By Daphne Quinn
Author Daphne Quinn is a new author to me and she swept me away with her sweet romance that stars a Oliver Barnett whose very much a reluctant Duke and Lady Abigail Weston who prefers to be a Wallflower; each have made a self promise to never marry.
Three years prior to the upcoming House Party, Oliver met Abigail and for each that was the one time they felt maybe they had met someone they would consider marrying. During those three years though a second son (Oliver) became the Duke of Worthing, while Abigail felt she had let down her father and sister by not making a match. I think we may find kismet was in the air the night they met!
Author Quinn has written a lovely story about two people struggling with grief and duty. When Oliver’s mother proposes a House Party, literally he rolls his eyes and says yes, not because he wants to marry but because he loves his mother. Enter Lady Abigail into Oliver’s life again.
Readers will enjoy this story, you feel for both Oliver and Abigail as they realize maybe this House Party was just what each of them needed. The author uses innuendo to allow readers to use their own imaginations when our couple spends time together.
It was a quick read enjoyable read. The author’s descriptions of the House Party and all its events easily held my attention and was perfect, not to much – just the right amount! If you are looking for a sweet historical romance, this is it!
A Regency Romance
By Daphne Quinn
Author Daphne Quinn is a new author to me and she swept me away with her sweet romance that stars a Oliver Barnett whose very much a reluctant Duke and Lady Abigail Weston who prefers to be a Wallflower; each have made a self promise to never marry.
Three years prior to the upcoming House Party, Oliver met Abigail and for each that was the one time they felt maybe they had met someone they would consider marrying. During those three years though a second son (Oliver) became the Duke of Worthing, while Abigail felt she had let down her father and sister by not making a match. I think we may find kismet was in the air the night they met!
Author Quinn has written a lovely story about two people struggling with grief and duty. When Oliver’s mother proposes a House Party, literally he rolls his eyes and says yes, not because he wants to marry but because he loves his mother. Enter Lady Abigail into Oliver’s life again.
Readers will enjoy this story, you feel for both Oliver and Abigail as they realize maybe this House Party was just what each of them needed. The author uses innuendo to allow readers to use their own imaginations when our couple spends time together.
It was a quick read enjoyable read. The author’s descriptions of the House Party and all its events easily held my attention and was perfect, not to much – just the right amount! If you are looking for a sweet historical romance, this is it!
May 19, 2023
Preferring quiet moments in the countryside over busy social scenes, Lady Abigail Weston has not had any luck attracting the attention of a suitor. She only wants to stay home to take care of her younger sister Lydia, but she must make an effort to please her father. So Abigail accepts an invitation to a house party at the Duke of Worthing's estate. She captures the Duke's eye but she doesn't know what to choose: a future with him or to be a guardian for her sister?
I don't often read Regency romances, but this was so much fun. I love the idea of the wallflowers finding love rather than the belles of the balls. Abigail is a sweet and big hearted woman. Since her mother passed away, she has taken to caring for her sister. She also has no one to escort her and make introductions in the Season. Three go by with no proposals, and Abigail has given up. Until the gorgeous Duke of Worthing comes along. He doesn't think himself worthy of being a duke after his elder brother's death, but can he be a better man for Abigail? Even he's not certain. The two of them must fight their internal battles while trying to remain proper with the sizzling tension between the two of them.
I don't often read Regency romances, but this was so much fun. I love the idea of the wallflowers finding love rather than the belles of the balls. Abigail is a sweet and big hearted woman. Since her mother passed away, she has taken to caring for her sister. She also has no one to escort her and make introductions in the Season. Three go by with no proposals, and Abigail has given up. Until the gorgeous Duke of Worthing comes along. He doesn't think himself worthy of being a duke after his elder brother's death, but can he be a better man for Abigail? Even he's not certain. The two of them must fight their internal battles while trying to remain proper with the sizzling tension between the two of them.
March 1, 2023
Heart-warming and romantic, my heart went out to the main characters in this novel as they both had to find their place in society. Lady Abigail has a big heart but her shyness is a definite drawback when it comes to competing on the marriage mart. After being relegated to the sidelines as a wallflower, she is content to rather spend time in the country with her family. Receiving an invitation from the Duchess of Worthing to a house party sparks Abigail's interest as her son, the Duke of Worthing, is the only man who has ever spoken to her heart. Unfortunately, Oliver does not seem to remember Abigail, and his interest in meeting his mother's demands to marry and produce an heir falls on deaf ears. Nevertheless, spending time in Abigail's presence makes Oliver feel as if he has a purpose in life, but all that changes when Abigail leaves without saying goodbye. Fortunately, the novel does come to a happy conclusion as Abigail and Oliver find the answers to both their needs. I received a copy of this gentle romance as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
March 2, 2023
Lady Abigail Weston was shy & so on her debut soon became a wallflower but she never forgot her dance with a lord. Her little sister Lydia needs her help so Abigail is happy to remain unmarried. Then an unexpected invitation to a house party sends Abigail’s carefully laid plans awry when she catches the attention of the reluctant to marry Oliver the Duke of Worthing
A new series & a new to me author. A charming read of two people not wanting to marry Abigail because she wants to be there for her sister & Oliver because as a second son he didn't expect to gain the title & feels ill prepared & unworthy. I loved both Oliver & Abigail the chemistry between them sizzled & whilst there were some steamy encounters it was also a gentle charming romance. I loved how both Oliver & Abigail grew throughout the book. The secondary characters were also well portrayed & there was a hint dropped for the next in the series, which I look forward to
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
A new series & a new to me author. A charming read of two people not wanting to marry Abigail because she wants to be there for her sister & Oliver because as a second son he didn't expect to gain the title & feels ill prepared & unworthy. I loved both Oliver & Abigail the chemistry between them sizzled & whilst there were some steamy encounters it was also a gentle charming romance. I loved how both Oliver & Abigail grew throughout the book. The secondary characters were also well portrayed & there was a hint dropped for the next in the series, which I look forward to
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
March 2, 2023
This is a heartwarming story of two people who considered themselves not enough. Lady Abigail Weston’s shyness created difficulty in social situations. She became a wallflower in her first season. Oliver Barnett, Duke of Worthing, never expected to become the duke and feels woefully unprepared for the duty. Neither have plans to marry. They are attracted to each other at his mother’s house party. The chemistry between them sizzles, but they fight the pull. Theirs is a lovely romance with a little bit of steam. Talking to each other and a bit of soul searching helped them work out their feelings for each other and for themselves. Abigail and Oliver were wonderful characters who draw you in. The secondary characters are well portrayed as well. This is a new author for me and the story is the first in a new series. I enjoyed Abigail and Oliver’s story and look forward to more in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
April 28, 2023
Disclosure. This is a review of an e-book I was sent for free. All opinions are my own.
Daphne Quinn is a new author for me. This is the first title in her When the Wallflowers Were Wicked series.
Lady Abigail Weston and Lord Oliver Barnett are first introduced to each other at a ball in the prologue. Oliver makes quite an impression on wallflower Abigail.
3 years later they meet again at a house party organised by Oliver’s mother. Oliver is now the reluctant Duke of Worthing, his brother having died, and his mother is always badgering him to find a wife. He isn’t ready for that.
Meanwhile Abigail has planned to stay unwed and devote herself to ensuring her younger sister Lydia has a better chance.
So neither of them plan to marry. But the attraction is clear to see. Do they both still intend to stick to that plan?
A good romantic read.
Daphne Quinn is a new author for me. This is the first title in her When the Wallflowers Were Wicked series.
Lady Abigail Weston and Lord Oliver Barnett are first introduced to each other at a ball in the prologue. Oliver makes quite an impression on wallflower Abigail.
3 years later they meet again at a house party organised by Oliver’s mother. Oliver is now the reluctant Duke of Worthing, his brother having died, and his mother is always badgering him to find a wife. He isn’t ready for that.
Meanwhile Abigail has planned to stay unwed and devote herself to ensuring her younger sister Lydia has a better chance.
So neither of them plan to marry. But the attraction is clear to see. Do they both still intend to stick to that plan?
A good romantic read.
February 12, 2023
This book was an enjoyable read by an author I do not believe I have ever read before, but I will tell you she is now an author I will put on my to be read list. Abigail, an Earl’s daughter, is a lady who has not been very popular when she came out, but she does remember one dance with Lord Oliver Barnett. Oliver is now a Duke who does not believe he should be one, his Father and Brother both died in the last few years. Oliver’s mother decides to throw a house party to try to get Oliver to marry. Abigail was invited and that is where they meet again. I really like Abigail’s sister who she was very close with and would love to read a story about her when she gets older.
I received an ARC of this book, and I am leaving my honest opinion.
I received an ARC of this book, and I am leaving my honest opinion.
June 21, 2023
No longer a Wallflower
Lady Abigail Weston looked at a gentleman across the room and he looked at her and her world shifted. Lord Oliver Barnett noticed the girl across the room and then moved on.
Three years later Abigail was being invited to house party from the Duke of Worthing. She never forgot her dance with him. Her younger sister Lydia told her to go.
Abigail couldn't sleep and goes to the library for a book, the Duke was in the back of the library. Oliver tells her he doesn't want to marry, she said she didn't think she marry.
One night in the library changes both their lives. They both think of each other. Will he do the right thing or walk away.
Lady Abigail Weston looked at a gentleman across the room and he looked at her and her world shifted. Lord Oliver Barnett noticed the girl across the room and then moved on.
Three years later Abigail was being invited to house party from the Duke of Worthing. She never forgot her dance with him. Her younger sister Lydia told her to go.
Abigail couldn't sleep and goes to the library for a book, the Duke was in the back of the library. Oliver tells her he doesn't want to marry, she said she didn't think she marry.
One night in the library changes both their lives. They both think of each other. Will he do the right thing or walk away.
September 21, 2023
KU - I really appreciated that the heroine was a shy wallflower & didn’t need to marry for money. Similarly, the hero didn’t need to marry for money either. Marriage would give her “protection” & marriage for him would give him an heir. The story is pretty basic, but I liked that the characters were relatable & not too crazy. She wasn’t this beauty, perfect in everything, she was shy, quiet but with a caring heart & innocent because she had no female figure to guide her. He wasn’t a manwhore, still handsome but not overblown and cocky. It was refreshing to read about these characters who fall in love.
February 27, 2023
I was intrigued by the story synopsis. After reading the story the book was great. The story moved with exciting entertainment that had me turning the pages with intrigue. The characters were very charming and an added bonus to the wonderful story. I would have liked Abigail’s age to be a little older, say twenty four or older. The writer could give the readers a guesstimate of her age or just brief acknowledgement of her age. Oliver’s character was supper sweet and fun to read. I enjoyed this book a lot.
June 27, 2023
Nope!
I don't know if author's do reread their work after their hard work in writing down the story, coz there are so glaring differences in the thoughts and process of h here that i am not sure what to make out.
Both H and h deserved each other, sorry being introvert doesn't mean you can't have a personality which is what exactly was portrayed, H and h both no personalities , no chemistry.
It was a very dull read.
I don't know if author's do reread their work after their hard work in writing down the story, coz there are so glaring differences in the thoughts and process of h here that i am not sure what to make out.
Both H and h deserved each other, sorry being introvert doesn't mean you can't have a personality which is what exactly was portrayed, H and h both no personalities , no chemistry.
It was a very dull read.
February 10, 2023
Ensnaring the Duke
Very sweet story of two people who never want to marry.
Oliver never thought he would be a duke after losing his brother, he feels like everyone he has loved has passed.
House parties always seem to bring people together enter again Abigail.
Stand alone
Very sweet story of two people who never want to marry.
Oliver never thought he would be a duke after losing his brother, he feels like everyone he has loved has passed.
House parties always seem to bring people together enter again Abigail.
Stand alone
May 23, 2023
easy read
This story begins with the meeting between Oliver and Abigail at a ball, while he is still a second son. Then it goes ahead to a house party at the estate of Oliver (now a duke). They meet again and after some solo searching situ find their hea
This story begins with the meeting between Oliver and Abigail at a ball, while he is still a second son. Then it goes ahead to a house party at the estate of Oliver (now a duke). They meet again and after some solo searching situ find their hea
June 8, 2023
Excellent.
I enjoyed this novel, it is a good start to the series.
It is an interesting storyline, it progresses well and I felt no angst.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
I enjoyed this novel, it is a good start to the series.
It is an interesting storyline, it progresses well and I felt no angst.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
November 20, 2023
terrific Regency Romance
This is an excellent Regency Romance 🥰 and I really enjoyed it. I thought the characters were very good and the plot was quite good too. There is an excellent HEA at the end. It has little bit of smut and I am glad that it has some as I don’t like “clean”
This is an excellent Regency Romance 🥰 and I really enjoyed it. I thought the characters were very good and the plot was quite good too. There is an excellent HEA at the end. It has little bit of smut and I am glad that it has some as I don’t like “clean”
October 19, 2024
Loved this book
I loved this book.read it in one sitting .even though I had to charge my reader, and read with the charging cable in! Looking forward to reading the rest in the series.😀
I loved this book.read it in one sitting .even though I had to charge my reader, and read with the charging cable in! Looking forward to reading the rest in the series.😀
March 3, 2023
A very engaging, quick read. Abigail and Oliver's story is wonderfully written and quite an easy read about a missed opportunity and a second chance to expand on a first meeting 3 years later.
June 4, 2023
A captivating romance, fun to read. Book one in a new series with great promise. I enjoyed the romance and story.
June 16, 2023
What a fantastic book!
My first book from this author and I cannot wait to read the next ones! What a fabulous house party with interesting characters to discover... Lovely book!
My first book from this author and I cannot wait to read the next ones! What a fabulous house party with interesting characters to discover... Lovely book!
June 19, 2023
this was okay, but really hard to believe they actually love each other. they lust each other
November 19, 2023
cute
Lovely story of love and redemption. Great family values and the love of they have for one another. Happily ever after is a bonus.
Lovely story of love and redemption. Great family values and the love of they have for one another. Happily ever after is a bonus.
January 7, 2024
Felt like a very stagnant read. Didn’t have significant character development and felt like a monotone read. I still enjoyed the concept, but it felt very cliche.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews