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Wagers and Wallflowers #3
Das verschlossene Herz des Earls
Das Spiel der Verführung und die wahre LiebeDie historische Liebesroman-Reihe im Regency England geht romantisch weiter
Versehentlich kompromittiert, heiratet Prudence Merriweather den gutaussehenden Lord ihrer Träume. Doch noch gibt es kein Happy End für Denn selbst drei Jahre später ist die Ehe immer noch nicht vollzogen, und Lady Prue wünscht sich nichts sehnlicher, als dass ihr Ehemann sich endlich in sie verliebt. Und so wagt die junge Lady eine Verführungskampagne, um das eisige Herz ihres Earls zu gewinnen, wobei sie eine skandalöse Lektüre als Leitfaden benutzt.
Das Herz des Earls of Wycliffe scheint eiskalt und für immer verschlossen zu sein – bis der wahre Grund für die angebliche Vernunftehe sich offenbart. Prue erkennt, dass die Dinge nicht so einfach sind, wenn es um Herzensangelegenheiten geht. Werden die beiden Liebenden dennoch das Glück zusammen finden?
Alle Bände der Reihe sind in sich abgeschlossen und können unabhängig voneinander gelesen werden.
Weitere Titel dieser ReiheIm Bann des Dukes ( 9783987784101)Die widerwillige Braut des Earls ( 9783987784132)
Versehentlich kompromittiert, heiratet Prudence Merriweather den gutaussehenden Lord ihrer Träume. Doch noch gibt es kein Happy End für Denn selbst drei Jahre später ist die Ehe immer noch nicht vollzogen, und Lady Prue wünscht sich nichts sehnlicher, als dass ihr Ehemann sich endlich in sie verliebt. Und so wagt die junge Lady eine Verführungskampagne, um das eisige Herz ihres Earls zu gewinnen, wobei sie eine skandalöse Lektüre als Leitfaden benutzt.
Das Herz des Earls of Wycliffe scheint eiskalt und für immer verschlossen zu sein – bis der wahre Grund für die angebliche Vernunftehe sich offenbart. Prue erkennt, dass die Dinge nicht so einfach sind, wenn es um Herzensangelegenheiten geht. Werden die beiden Liebenden dennoch das Glück zusammen finden?
Alle Bände der Reihe sind in sich abgeschlossen und können unabhängig voneinander gelesen werden.
Weitere Titel dieser ReiheIm Bann des Dukes ( 9783987784101)Die widerwillige Braut des Earls ( 9783987784132)
206 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2021
372 people are currently reading
383 people want to read
About the author
Alyssa Clarke
155 books319 followersAlyssa Clarke writes steamy Regency Historical Romances featuring swoon-worthy heroes and sassy, sometimes unconventional heroines! Her debut novel, Love Me, If You Dare, came to her in a dream as a hot, fun enemy to lover romance where she played the leading lady who fell in love with a duke who looked remarkably like Henry Cavill.
When not writing, Alyssa enjoys hiking, games/movie night, with her husband and two beautiful children, and her Siberian Husky, Cronus. She is a lover of wine, cheesecake, and more wine.
When not writing, Alyssa enjoys hiking, games/movie night, with her husband and two beautiful children, and her Siberian Husky, Cronus. She is a lover of wine, cheesecake, and more wine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
September 25, 2021
Really enjoyed this!!!
I liked that the hero didn't break his marriage vows even though he left her alone I too she grew up. I loved her friends and club and I am very interested in reading the other stories. I read this one out of order because of love books like this, but only if the husband is faithful and he was. She did find something out towards the end about why he married her and he was rudely dismissive of love when she asked him and it broke her heart and I admit I did cry. But excellent book. I am glad I read it and it was free in KU and it's a series so I am off to find the others! I think this may be a new author for me!! 💕 fingers crossed!
I liked that the hero didn't break his marriage vows even though he left her alone I too she grew up. I loved her friends and club and I am very interested in reading the other stories. I read this one out of order because of love books like this, but only if the husband is faithful and he was. She did find something out towards the end about why he married her and he was rudely dismissive of love when she asked him and it broke her heart and I admit I did cry. But excellent book. I am glad I read it and it was free in KU and it's a series so I am off to find the others! I think this may be a new author for me!! 💕 fingers crossed!
August 14, 2021
Some of you that follow me on Goodreads know me, know my story. I read a ton but suck at reviews. I read a lot of really good authors and books so want to recommend of those reads to others. :)
If you aren't aware, I read 415 books last year, just over 2000 in 6 years and hundreds and hundreds of different authors over those years. Some authors I read all their books and some are one time reads that I didn't care for. Even after reading all these different authors, I truly only have a handful of authors that I love, are my favorites and get all their new releases. I do research new authors now and then. Alyssa Clarke is one of those new authors.
I can say, the first thing that catches my eye is the book cover. If you have a great cover, I am looking you up. There may be great authors out there that I am missing because they have a terrible book cover. What can I say...I'm a visual person. Anyway, when I finished this book last night and wanted to put up my review I realized not everyone reads the same or likes the same books but didn't really want anyone to miss out on a good read. It surprises me when I love a book and give it 4 or 5 stars and someone else only gives it a one or two. I can't really tell you why I love a certain book. I can only tell that you I did.
So to help you, as a reader, decide if you might want to read a book I reviewed or not, I'll give you a little history on my style. I don't read a books synopsis anymore. Sometimes they give a way something and I want to be surprised what I'm reading. Since I love most of the authors I read anyway, I don't worry it will be a bad book. I read only read Regency Romances, some Victorian if I love the author (and they don't read "too modern"). I thoroughly research every book I read and every author. I don't like the sweet and nice stories. Some are nice reads but a bit too boring for my tastes. I like a little suspense, intrigue, cussing for you Southern folks and cursing for all others, and definitely sex. I also always love a happy ending...boy meets girl, marries girl, lives happily ever after. How they get there is all part of the fun.
With all that being said, I really, really loved this book. So far, I have loved this whole series..a lot. I really loved these characters. Prue and Oscar were a great pair. I don't like to give too much away with my comments but the storyline is great. The characters were well written. Just a great read. I actually read this book in one sitting. I couldn't put it down.
I would definitely recommend this book.
If you aren't aware, I read 415 books last year, just over 2000 in 6 years and hundreds and hundreds of different authors over those years. Some authors I read all their books and some are one time reads that I didn't care for. Even after reading all these different authors, I truly only have a handful of authors that I love, are my favorites and get all their new releases. I do research new authors now and then. Alyssa Clarke is one of those new authors.
I can say, the first thing that catches my eye is the book cover. If you have a great cover, I am looking you up. There may be great authors out there that I am missing because they have a terrible book cover. What can I say...I'm a visual person. Anyway, when I finished this book last night and wanted to put up my review I realized not everyone reads the same or likes the same books but didn't really want anyone to miss out on a good read. It surprises me when I love a book and give it 4 or 5 stars and someone else only gives it a one or two. I can't really tell you why I love a certain book. I can only tell that you I did.
So to help you, as a reader, decide if you might want to read a book I reviewed or not, I'll give you a little history on my style. I don't read a books synopsis anymore. Sometimes they give a way something and I want to be surprised what I'm reading. Since I love most of the authors I read anyway, I don't worry it will be a bad book. I read only read Regency Romances, some Victorian if I love the author (and they don't read "too modern"). I thoroughly research every book I read and every author. I don't like the sweet and nice stories. Some are nice reads but a bit too boring for my tastes. I like a little suspense, intrigue, cussing for you Southern folks and cursing for all others, and definitely sex. I also always love a happy ending...boy meets girl, marries girl, lives happily ever after. How they get there is all part of the fun.
With all that being said, I really, really loved this book. So far, I have loved this whole series..a lot. I really loved these characters. Prue and Oscar were a great pair. I don't like to give too much away with my comments but the storyline is great. The characters were well written. Just a great read. I actually read this book in one sitting. I couldn't put it down.
I would definitely recommend this book.
August 11, 2021
♟Seduce me, If you Dare ♟
Wagers and Wallflowers Series #3
✒️ Alyssa Clarke
https://www.facebook.com/alyssaclarke... Release Date 08/12/2021
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08TTTD5DS/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Accidentally compromised Prudence Merriweather marries the handsome lord of her dreams. But three years later, their marriage is unconsummated, and Lady Prue wants her husband to fall desperately in love with her. If only wishes were that simple. One wicked dare might be just what she needs to turn her marriage around, from misery to blissful happiness. Soon Prue has launched a seduction campaign against her earl’s icy heart, using a library of scandalous erotic literature as her guide!
Except seduction is a double-edged sword, and Prue finds herself heart entangled with an earl indifferent to her love. Then the reason for their ‘marriage of convenience’ reveals itself, and Prue realizes that things aren’t so simple when it comes to matters of the heart…
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will seduction be enough …
This is my first read by the author, I have seen pass the two previous books in this series but my hectic reading schedule prevented me to read them, yet they are loaded somewhere on my kindle shelves.
As I have a bit more time ahead of me thank to a damned broken feet, when I discovered this upcoming release , I did not hesitated and claimed it.
And glad I did it.
The heroes are far from perfect, both miserable from their mistakes and assumptions. Their lack of communication is what lead them to three of estrangement.
Sure Prue was young when she married, certainly too young as she was still full of her girlish dreams, easily cowed by her much worldly husband. Plus the classical talk about the marriage bed did not help to reassure her when it was so badly handled by her mother then her sister.
But she is no more seventeen, and while still a bit shy, she has found her footing as his countess and some confidence thanks to the club she belongs to.
So if seduction needs be, seduction there will be.
Oscar is persuaded love is a trivial emotion, and is not required for a marriage to work.
The very young age of his new bride plus her overwhelming reaction in the eve of their wedding night convinced him it was best to wait before introducing her to the carnality of the bedroom. Even if he is determined to spare most of her sensibilities.
Why he is at loss when his wife of three years suddenly barges into his rooms and let hint she wants more than their actual understanding. She is no more a girl, she plays with fire but a fire she is willing to ignite and face.
And as they grow closer, and she falls for him, he still refuses to acknowledge there could be more between them, as it would have for him to crumble the walls around his heart and reason.
The author offers us a sensuous tale of a man blinded by his duties who will need the woman he overlooked for years to shred his blinders to full accept what his heart had known for much longer he could think.
4.5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
https://www.instagram.com/p/CSbS5CrDE...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #historicalromanceauthor #bookblog #romanceauthor #historicalromancewriter #bookblogger #historicalromancenovel #2021read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader
Wagers and Wallflowers Series #3
✒️ Alyssa Clarke
https://www.facebook.com/alyssaclarke... Release Date 08/12/2021
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08TTTD5DS/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Accidentally compromised Prudence Merriweather marries the handsome lord of her dreams. But three years later, their marriage is unconsummated, and Lady Prue wants her husband to fall desperately in love with her. If only wishes were that simple. One wicked dare might be just what she needs to turn her marriage around, from misery to blissful happiness. Soon Prue has launched a seduction campaign against her earl’s icy heart, using a library of scandalous erotic literature as her guide!
Except seduction is a double-edged sword, and Prue finds herself heart entangled with an earl indifferent to her love. Then the reason for their ‘marriage of convenience’ reveals itself, and Prue realizes that things aren’t so simple when it comes to matters of the heart…
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will seduction be enough …
This is my first read by the author, I have seen pass the two previous books in this series but my hectic reading schedule prevented me to read them, yet they are loaded somewhere on my kindle shelves.
As I have a bit more time ahead of me thank to a damned broken feet, when I discovered this upcoming release , I did not hesitated and claimed it.
And glad I did it.
The heroes are far from perfect, both miserable from their mistakes and assumptions. Their lack of communication is what lead them to three of estrangement.
Sure Prue was young when she married, certainly too young as she was still full of her girlish dreams, easily cowed by her much worldly husband. Plus the classical talk about the marriage bed did not help to reassure her when it was so badly handled by her mother then her sister.
But she is no more seventeen, and while still a bit shy, she has found her footing as his countess and some confidence thanks to the club she belongs to.
So if seduction needs be, seduction there will be.
Oscar is persuaded love is a trivial emotion, and is not required for a marriage to work.
The very young age of his new bride plus her overwhelming reaction in the eve of their wedding night convinced him it was best to wait before introducing her to the carnality of the bedroom. Even if he is determined to spare most of her sensibilities.
Why he is at loss when his wife of three years suddenly barges into his rooms and let hint she wants more than their actual understanding. She is no more a girl, she plays with fire but a fire she is willing to ignite and face.
And as they grow closer, and she falls for him, he still refuses to acknowledge there could be more between them, as it would have for him to crumble the walls around his heart and reason.
The author offers us a sensuous tale of a man blinded by his duties who will need the woman he overlooked for years to shred his blinders to full accept what his heart had known for much longer he could think.
4.5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
https://www.instagram.com/p/CSbS5CrDE...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #historicalromanceauthor #bookblog #romanceauthor #historicalromancewriter #bookblogger #historicalromancenovel #2021read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader
February 17, 2024
The best thing about this story were the sexy times.
This is a trope I absolutely love…. A couple is forced to get married, normally due to being caught in a compromising situation. Then they have obstacles to overcome and learn to like, and then love each other.
Typically, how I’ve read this trope many times in the past, the hero is angry and feels he was set-up by the heroine and tricked into getting married, he’s resentful, dumps his new bride at his country estate and forgets about her ….until the bride comes to town one day and tries to break down the hero’s walls… and they fall in love during the process.
That’s not what happened in this story. They are indeed caught in a compromising situation and are forced to get married. The hero is NOT angry though, he’s cool with it. He thought she was cute enough. But she was 17 yrs old, and he was 30 yrs old (give or take). He felt she was too young to consummate the marriage with, so he dumped her at his country estate and left her there for 3 years. She gets anxious and wants to have a real marriage so she shows up in town with a plan to get her hubby’s attention.
But he STILL thinks she’s too young (at her now 20 years of age)!!! That’s basically ‘on the shelf, spinster material’ for back in that time period. I just didn’t get that? This is Regency time! She was in the middle of her 2nd season (means she was openly on the marriage mart) when she was 17. And how many of these Regency romances have these heroine’s fathers trying to marry their daughters off to creepy rich guys in their 60’s?! So this would have actually been a non-issue in Regency time. The whole thing felt pointless and contrived.
Besides that, the story was cute enough up until they are caught in the compromising situation in the rain. Then the story skips forward to a few hours after the wedding. So we miss them preparing for the wedding, or the actual wedding. The bride faints from what I’m guessing was a panic attack? And then the next chapter starts with it being 3 years later. It mentions the hero having visited her a few times over the years, but we never get to read about it. So many missed opportunities, in my opinion, to engage us as readers. I feel the author put her efforts into creating wonderful steamy parts, at the expense of also creating a believable engaging plot.
There are tons of conversations the heroine has with other people, but her actually talking with the hero doesn’t happen until about the 35-40% mark. And even then, the hero keeps apologizing for neglecting his wife, but he does NOTHING to change his ways. There was absolutely no reason this poor heroine needed to go thru all of this seduction effort… they were both attracted to each other, they were already married, he wasn’t angry about anything that he needed to overcome. I just didn’t get it. Then, a silly 3rd act break-up.
I definitely liked Book 1 the best so far!
This is a trope I absolutely love…. A couple is forced to get married, normally due to being caught in a compromising situation. Then they have obstacles to overcome and learn to like, and then love each other.
Typically, how I’ve read this trope many times in the past, the hero is angry and feels he was set-up by the heroine and tricked into getting married, he’s resentful, dumps his new bride at his country estate and forgets about her ….until the bride comes to town one day and tries to break down the hero’s walls… and they fall in love during the process.
That’s not what happened in this story. They are indeed caught in a compromising situation and are forced to get married. The hero is NOT angry though, he’s cool with it. He thought she was cute enough. But she was 17 yrs old, and he was 30 yrs old (give or take). He felt she was too young to consummate the marriage with, so he dumped her at his country estate and left her there for 3 years. She gets anxious and wants to have a real marriage so she shows up in town with a plan to get her hubby’s attention.
But he STILL thinks she’s too young (at her now 20 years of age)!!! That’s basically ‘on the shelf, spinster material’ for back in that time period. I just didn’t get that? This is Regency time! She was in the middle of her 2nd season (means she was openly on the marriage mart) when she was 17. And how many of these Regency romances have these heroine’s fathers trying to marry their daughters off to creepy rich guys in their 60’s?! So this would have actually been a non-issue in Regency time. The whole thing felt pointless and contrived.
Besides that, the story was cute enough up until they are caught in the compromising situation in the rain. Then the story skips forward to a few hours after the wedding. So we miss them preparing for the wedding, or the actual wedding. The bride faints from what I’m guessing was a panic attack? And then the next chapter starts with it being 3 years later. It mentions the hero having visited her a few times over the years, but we never get to read about it. So many missed opportunities, in my opinion, to engage us as readers. I feel the author put her efforts into creating wonderful steamy parts, at the expense of also creating a believable engaging plot.
There are tons of conversations the heroine has with other people, but her actually talking with the hero doesn’t happen until about the 35-40% mark. And even then, the hero keeps apologizing for neglecting his wife, but he does NOTHING to change his ways. There was absolutely no reason this poor heroine needed to go thru all of this seduction effort… they were both attracted to each other, they were already married, he wasn’t angry about anything that he needed to overcome. I just didn’t get it. Then, a silly 3rd act break-up.
I definitely liked Book 1 the best so far!
October 1, 2021
I have to dnf at 80%.
It's just too vacuous.
Also, it's just too bloody modern. Normaly I can shrug that off, but the author doesn't seem to have done any homework on the culture of that period. It feels like she only studied her history by reading other historical romances.
It's silly enough to make the netflix version of 'The Bridgertons' feel realistic... AND complex. LOL
Meh.
safety is scrupulously fine.
It's just too vacuous.
Also, it's just too bloody modern. Normaly I can shrug that off, but the author doesn't seem to have done any homework on the culture of that period. It feels like she only studied her history by reading other historical romances.
It's silly enough to make the netflix version of 'The Bridgertons' feel realistic... AND complex. LOL
Meh.
safety is scrupulously fine.
August 11, 2021
4.5 Stars
Prudence Merriweather is seventeen & making her debut into society when she trips whilst outside with her sister Temperance then to make matters worse her dress rips whilst she's attempting to stand, whilst her sister goes for help the handsome lord of her dreams, Oscar, Earl of Wycliffe arrives. It then starts to rain so he gives her his coat & lifts her & starts to carry her inside only for Prue’s Aunt Beatrice to arrive & the wily lady sees an opportunity so Prue & Oscar find themselves married a couple of weeks later. But three years later, their marriage is unconsummated, and Lady Prue wants her husband to fall desperately in love with her. If only wishes were that simple. One wicked dare might be just what she needs to turn her marriage around, from misery to blissful happiness. Soon Prue has launched a seduction campaign against her earl’s icy heart, using a library of scandalous erotic literature as her guide!
This is the third book in the series featuring the ladies who are members of an exclusive Ladies Club. A very well written book, which I read in a couple of sittings, the pace was good & the characters lovely. I loved Prue who was young & naïve in the beginning but grew up & matured. I adored Oscar who was an honourable man who whilst attracted to Prue wanted her to mature & be older before consummating their marriage as it felt wrong to him for a twenty nine year old man to sleep with a seventeen year old girl. Their attraction went from simmering to sizzling. I thoroughly enjoyed how their relationship developed & changed & loved the humour especially Prue fainting at inappropriate times
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Prudence Merriweather is seventeen & making her debut into society when she trips whilst outside with her sister Temperance then to make matters worse her dress rips whilst she's attempting to stand, whilst her sister goes for help the handsome lord of her dreams, Oscar, Earl of Wycliffe arrives. It then starts to rain so he gives her his coat & lifts her & starts to carry her inside only for Prue’s Aunt Beatrice to arrive & the wily lady sees an opportunity so Prue & Oscar find themselves married a couple of weeks later. But three years later, their marriage is unconsummated, and Lady Prue wants her husband to fall desperately in love with her. If only wishes were that simple. One wicked dare might be just what she needs to turn her marriage around, from misery to blissful happiness. Soon Prue has launched a seduction campaign against her earl’s icy heart, using a library of scandalous erotic literature as her guide!
This is the third book in the series featuring the ladies who are members of an exclusive Ladies Club. A very well written book, which I read in a couple of sittings, the pace was good & the characters lovely. I loved Prue who was young & naïve in the beginning but grew up & matured. I adored Oscar who was an honourable man who whilst attracted to Prue wanted her to mature & be older before consummating their marriage as it felt wrong to him for a twenty nine year old man to sleep with a seventeen year old girl. Their attraction went from simmering to sizzling. I thoroughly enjoyed how their relationship developed & changed & loved the humour especially Prue fainting at inappropriate times
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
January 4, 2022
I'm quickly becoming addicted to Alyssa Clarke.
After being caught in a compromising situation, Oscar does the honor thing offers to marry young Prue. After an unfortunate wedding night their marriage is unconsumed and 3 years later they have a marriage of civility and nothing more. Prue wants more out of her marriage and life, she is determined to seduce her husband once and for all.
Oscar was a great hero, kind and faithful, he really had his wife's best interests at heart. His reasons for staying away from Prue and at the same time remaining true to his vows made me love him. I do wish it was bit longer, at less than 200 pages it did feel rushed.
After being caught in a compromising situation, Oscar does the honor thing offers to marry young Prue. After an unfortunate wedding night their marriage is unconsumed and 3 years later they have a marriage of civility and nothing more. Prue wants more out of her marriage and life, she is determined to seduce her husband once and for all.
Oscar was a great hero, kind and faithful, he really had his wife's best interests at heart. His reasons for staying away from Prue and at the same time remaining true to his vows made me love him. I do wish it was bit longer, at less than 200 pages it did feel rushed.
January 3, 2023
Light and a super-fast reading. MCs get married to avoid a scandal, but was that really the reason?
MCs have a significant age difference, and Prudence faints on her wedding night, so Oscar stays far away from his overly delicate wife, thinking she is clearly still too young for the pleasures of the flesh.🤭😴Anyway, 3 years of marriage and Prudence thinks enough is enough and begins to seduce her husband so that he properly beds her. She's now one of the members of the ladies' club at 48 so ofc she isn't shy!
...Hmm, I don't know if I totally buy that she loves him 🤔
MCs have a significant age difference, and Prudence faints on her wedding night, so Oscar stays far away from his overly delicate wife, thinking she is clearly still too young for the pleasures of the flesh.🤭😴Anyway, 3 years of marriage and Prudence thinks enough is enough and begins to seduce her husband so that he properly beds her. She's now one of the members of the ladies' club at 48 so ofc she isn't shy!
...Hmm, I don't know if I totally buy that she loves him 🤔
December 2, 2021
This was easy and straightforward with the stereotypical moments that are still adorable, and the usual misunderstanding of "the man doesn't know what love is and inadvertently hurts the heroine"
I'LL KEEP IT SHORT, because the story didn't exactly inspire me.
OSCAR married our heroine because she happened to be a rich heiress, and she needed saving. He believed it was a win-win situation when truly, his young wife only wants to be loved for who she is. PRUE is also afraid of blood. When her husband is convinced she's too young for him but she insists, she goes into a dead faint when he takes her maidenhead the first time - without completion. The poor man was scared out of his wits, believing himself to be an ogre. Basically, Oscar's a gentleman throughout their marriage and once his innocent wife starts her campaign to seduce him 3 years later, he's not going to complain. The killjoy that pops their bubble of happiness is the typical situation where the man doesn't know what love is, and therefore even if he loves his wife, wouldn't say it because he doesn't recognize it when it's right there in his heart.
Can I truly blame a man who was never surrounded or shown love to KNOW love? Not really.
The story wasn't bad but it turned dull for me quickly when everything was all rainbows and roses BEFORE the misunderstanding.
OVERALL Clarke's stories are quite simple and straightforward, so I suppose it's a good book to pick up when you don't want to overtax your brain, just wanting to have fun and not feel any unnecessary angst at all.
I'LL KEEP IT SHORT, because the story didn't exactly inspire me.
OSCAR married our heroine because she happened to be a rich heiress, and she needed saving. He believed it was a win-win situation when truly, his young wife only wants to be loved for who she is. PRUE is also afraid of blood. When her husband is convinced she's too young for him but she insists, she goes into a dead faint when he takes her maidenhead the first time - without completion. The poor man was scared out of his wits, believing himself to be an ogre. Basically, Oscar's a gentleman throughout their marriage and once his innocent wife starts her campaign to seduce him 3 years later, he's not going to complain. The killjoy that pops their bubble of happiness is the typical situation where the man doesn't know what love is, and therefore even if he loves his wife, wouldn't say it because he doesn't recognize it when it's right there in his heart.
Can I truly blame a man who was never surrounded or shown love to KNOW love? Not really.
The story wasn't bad but it turned dull for me quickly when everything was all rainbows and roses BEFORE the misunderstanding.
OVERALL Clarke's stories are quite simple and straightforward, so I suppose it's a good book to pick up when you don't want to overtax your brain, just wanting to have fun and not feel any unnecessary angst at all.
March 5, 2022
Average book, sweet romance, if pretty bland story. Pretty, rich h with sweet older husband who's trying to wait until she's "old enough" after she fainted on their wedding night, she easily dissuades him from that. Then she demands he fall in love with her. Now!
Will say, LOVED the idea of the women's club where women box and fence and make bets. I wish it was more of a secret from the men though!
Heroine: found how she changed overnight to be this vivacious sensual woman after reading a few books pretty unbelievable. Years of no eye contact then one day she can stare him down? I liked her female friendships and her honesty (says 'I'm going to seduce you'). But bland character and I found her demanding love pretty entitled.
Hero: was sweet and kind and loyal, respectful and loving. But oh he didn't say 'I love you'. Drama ensues. I really felt like introducing this heroine to some of the previous heros I've met lool. I loved how he had a cat.
Overall I liked the sweet romance of falling Iove, the drama was bland but writing good.
Will say, LOVED the idea of the women's club where women box and fence and make bets. I wish it was more of a secret from the men though!
Heroine: found how she changed overnight to be this vivacious sensual woman after reading a few books pretty unbelievable. Years of no eye contact then one day she can stare him down? I liked her female friendships and her honesty (says 'I'm going to seduce you'). But bland character and I found her demanding love pretty entitled.
Hero: was sweet and kind and loyal, respectful and loving. But oh he didn't say 'I love you'. Drama ensues. I really felt like introducing this heroine to some of the previous heros I've met lool. I loved how he had a cat.
Overall I liked the sweet romance of falling Iove, the drama was bland but writing good.
December 27, 2021
5 because he had a CAT!!
September 13, 2022
The concept of 20-year-old being too young to consummate the marriage is silly at best. The complete lack of basic communication between the couple for years for no reason is riddiciolous.
August 11, 2024
A Surprisingly Entertaining Tale
Seduce Me If You Dare offers a simple yet engaging premise: a hero who marries a heroine for her dowry, only to discover love along the way. The plot, while straightforward, is surprisingly entertaining. The author's ability to breathe life into such familiar tropes is commendable.
The three-year wait before the hero consummates the marriage is an interesting twist that adds depth to their relationship. The subsequent misunderstanding due to the hero's reluctance to express his feelings keeps the reader invested. While the journey to their happily-ever-after is predictable, it's the characters and their interactions that truly shine.
Overall, the book is a delightful escape that will leave readers satisfied with its sweet and heartwarming conclusion.
Seduce Me If You Dare offers a simple yet engaging premise: a hero who marries a heroine for her dowry, only to discover love along the way. The plot, while straightforward, is surprisingly entertaining. The author's ability to breathe life into such familiar tropes is commendable.
The three-year wait before the hero consummates the marriage is an interesting twist that adds depth to their relationship. The subsequent misunderstanding due to the hero's reluctance to express his feelings keeps the reader invested. While the journey to their happily-ever-after is predictable, it's the characters and their interactions that truly shine.
Overall, the book is a delightful escape that will leave readers satisfied with its sweet and heartwarming conclusion.
August 30, 2022
Light and fun, good brain candy book. I didn’t get as connected to the characters as in the previous books in the collection, but it’s definitely got some spicy scenes. Worth reading! 3.5 stars
October 6, 2021
3 Stars
This was ok, better than book #2 in this series, but it doesn't compare to book #1. I will say the writing significantly improved! So that's a huge plus and shows the author is growing.
This story follows Prue and her husband, Oscar. The two have been married for 3 years but haven't consummated the marriage. They have only even kissed (just a peck) one time, on their wedding day. The two had to marry since Oscar ran into Prue while she was in a bit of a situation, so witnesses thought he compromised her. Oscar, to save Prue from ruin, agreed to marry her. This was a bit of a benefit to him, since he had needed to marry an heiress anyway to save his estate.
Prue was only 17 at the time of their marriage, and had an incident on their wedding night, so Oscar (despite his strong attraction to her), decided to wait before beginning any sort of physical relationship. 3 years have gone by. Oscar's attempt to distance himself from Prue unfortunately resulted in basically ignoring her altogether. Since their marriage is cordial at best, loveless as worst, Prue decides she cannot take it anymore. She makes a plan to seduce her husband into loving her.
First of all, I adore this trope. The whole "winning over a distant husband" thing in historical romances is always a favorite of mine, so I had high hopes for this. For 90% of the story, it didn't disappoint. I really enjoyed Oscar as a character, he had to save his family from ruin and has grown into a bit of a protector role for his family, so he's a quite pragmatic in all aspects of his life. He views love as a silly wish for marriage, but not something to strive for. Prue is a bit more whimsical and wants her marriage to have it all. This ended up showing a lot of immaturity, which in turn made me dislike Prue. Especially around the 90% mark.
An issue I have had through this whole series is how modern it feels. The women are part of a club, which is a bit questionable, but this is a book of course. My problem is that all the women MCs in these books have insane expectations for their lives and roles as women in their society. Again, yes this is fiction they don't have to be complete pushovers, but their actions, words, and views are not remotely reminiscent of the time period. The women act like they are in the 1990s or something. Prue has a decent marriage with her husband, especially when the two grow in their emotional and physical intimacy. Towards the very end of the story she decides that unless her husband (who she knows is more logical/less emotional AND whose actions clearly show he loves her) exactly says "I love you" she must leave him. This is absurd! She gets into a carriage, having not communicated with her husband at all (she had a weird, roundabout conversation trying to get him to say those words) and leaves him without sharing where she is going. This was infuriating and I almost stopped reading the book. Especially considering the time period when it was rare enough to have a husband that treated you decently and didn't keep a mistress. She should honestly be thankful that she had a husband who clearly loved her and she loved him. She showed her immaturity when she decided to run away rather than giving her husband time to develop and realize his feelings for her. Not to mention that any sane women of the time would have thanked their lucky stars they were married to Oscar, and would not dream of leaving him.
Which leads into - it's like this author realized she didn't write any external plot lines to play into the climax/main conflict in the story, so she just assassinates her FMC. This happened in the last book too, where I enjoyed the FMC for the most part, but then she was completely ruined towards the end for the sake of drama. I don't mind historical romance books being entirely romance focused (ie. pretty much no external plot to speak of), but don't ruin the characters when a bit of drama is needed to make the story interesting.
That being said, I did like this book for the most part. I will continue reading this series and anticipate this author will improve. I believe this is the third book she has written, so I do think there is a ton of potential.
This was ok, better than book #2 in this series, but it doesn't compare to book #1. I will say the writing significantly improved! So that's a huge plus and shows the author is growing.
This story follows Prue and her husband, Oscar. The two have been married for 3 years but haven't consummated the marriage. They have only even kissed (just a peck) one time, on their wedding day. The two had to marry since Oscar ran into Prue while she was in a bit of a situation, so witnesses thought he compromised her. Oscar, to save Prue from ruin, agreed to marry her. This was a bit of a benefit to him, since he had needed to marry an heiress anyway to save his estate.
Prue was only 17 at the time of their marriage, and had an incident on their wedding night, so Oscar (despite his strong attraction to her), decided to wait before beginning any sort of physical relationship. 3 years have gone by. Oscar's attempt to distance himself from Prue unfortunately resulted in basically ignoring her altogether. Since their marriage is cordial at best, loveless as worst, Prue decides she cannot take it anymore. She makes a plan to seduce her husband into loving her.
First of all, I adore this trope. The whole "winning over a distant husband" thing in historical romances is always a favorite of mine, so I had high hopes for this. For 90% of the story, it didn't disappoint. I really enjoyed Oscar as a character, he had to save his family from ruin and has grown into a bit of a protector role for his family, so he's a quite pragmatic in all aspects of his life. He views love as a silly wish for marriage, but not something to strive for. Prue is a bit more whimsical and wants her marriage to have it all. This ended up showing a lot of immaturity, which in turn made me dislike Prue. Especially around the 90% mark.
An issue I have had through this whole series is how modern it feels. The women are part of a club, which is a bit questionable, but this is a book of course. My problem is that all the women MCs in these books have insane expectations for their lives and roles as women in their society. Again, yes this is fiction they don't have to be complete pushovers, but their actions, words, and views are not remotely reminiscent of the time period. The women act like they are in the 1990s or something. Prue has a decent marriage with her husband, especially when the two grow in their emotional and physical intimacy. Towards the very end of the story she decides that unless her husband (who she knows is more logical/less emotional AND whose actions clearly show he loves her) exactly says "I love you" she must leave him. This is absurd! She gets into a carriage, having not communicated with her husband at all (she had a weird, roundabout conversation trying to get him to say those words) and leaves him without sharing where she is going. This was infuriating and I almost stopped reading the book. Especially considering the time period when it was rare enough to have a husband that treated you decently and didn't keep a mistress. She should honestly be thankful that she had a husband who clearly loved her and she loved him. She showed her immaturity when she decided to run away rather than giving her husband time to develop and realize his feelings for her. Not to mention that any sane women of the time would have thanked their lucky stars they were married to Oscar, and would not dream of leaving him.
Which leads into - it's like this author realized she didn't write any external plot lines to play into the climax/main conflict in the story, so she just assassinates her FMC. This happened in the last book too, where I enjoyed the FMC for the most part, but then she was completely ruined towards the end for the sake of drama. I don't mind historical romance books being entirely romance focused (ie. pretty much no external plot to speak of), but don't ruin the characters when a bit of drama is needed to make the story interesting.
That being said, I did like this book for the most part. I will continue reading this series and anticipate this author will improve. I believe this is the third book she has written, so I do think there is a ton of potential.
August 13, 2023
I really liked how she took the initiative to seduce her husband…
I was not a fan of the age gap in this one…she was 17 and he was 29 when they first met and married…it was a little awkward for me BUT I loved that he was willing to wait longer to finally consummate their marriage. She’s the one who couldn’t wait after three years of marriage 😊
I was not a fan of the age gap in this one…she was 17 and he was 29 when they first met and married…it was a little awkward for me BUT I loved that he was willing to wait longer to finally consummate their marriage. She’s the one who couldn’t wait after three years of marriage 😊
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2023
Cute. A quick read with a couple of memorable scenes. The Regency setting wasn’t terribly authentic. Imagine expecting a spin on the London Eye and getting a bounce house. The epilogue was disappointing.
October 17, 2021
It was kind of bland and there was no tension. The description makes it sound like it was a long arduous seduction but it took her one try and then there really wasn’t any more conflict after that.
October 23, 2021
So enjoyed reading this. Loved the plot and the characters. I was so pleased that the H didn't play away from home. Can't wait to read #4. I love the feisty ladies in this series. 5☆
August 13, 2021
Poor Prue is accidentally compromised but gets to marry the handsome lord of her dreams. All she wanted was to marry for love and not because of her fortune. But three years later, their marriage is still unconsummated and Lady Prue wants her husband to fall desperately in love with her, so off to London to seduce she goes! I had so much fun rooting for the seemingly shy Prue as she boldly and brazenly challenged Oscar.
I loved the character development and we really saw these two both grow over the course of the book. There were definitely times I laughed out loud, commiserated with Prue and fanned myself because the flames got too hot to handle.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved the character development and we really saw these two both grow over the course of the book. There were definitely times I laughed out loud, commiserated with Prue and fanned myself because the flames got too hot to handle.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 29, 2021
Alyssa Clarke writes spicy historical romance so if that is not your thing then this book is not for you. If, on the other hand, you are like me and want something other than the fairly traditional virgin/rake story then this book may be just what you were looking for. I enjoyed this book and have loved every other book of hers that I have read partly due to the well written spice, but also because she just writes smashing great tales with interesting situations and fun characters. I don’t think I need to say anything other than ENJOY.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 11, 2021
I started out really like this book! I thought the whole plot of Prue and Oscar being married for 3 years and Prue deciding now was the time to seduce him was great! This book was 5 stars up until about 60-65% of the way through. I thought Prue’s seduction was great, I always enjoy two characters actually getting to know each other and becoming closer, and I loved that Oscar had secretly been painting her for years. Then the Big Conflict happened and I was super disappointed. It felt so lazy and forced! Also the epilogue was super short and it wasn’t even really about them.
August 15, 2021
This is the 3rd book in a series Wagers and Wallflowers, and I loved it. I am loving this whole series and can not wait for more books to come out. This is about Prudence who was accidently compromised by Oscar, which caused them to marry. Three years later, she has not even kissed her husband never mind consummated their marriage. Prue decided things are now going to changed. I enjoyed the story of Prue trying to woo/seduce her husband. I read this book in one afternoon and did not want to put it down. I can not wait for the next story.
I received a copy of this book from Booksprout for my honest opinion.
I received a copy of this book from Booksprout for my honest opinion.
June 25, 2023
3 stars. Very shallow book. Quick read. Light if you need something to read between deeper books. I wasn’t a fan of the 12 year age gap, especially at their ages.
August 26, 2021
Prudence and Oscar's Story . . .
Inadvertently compromised when Oscar Campbell, the Earl of Wycliffe, finds her injured from a sprained ankle in the garden, Prudence Merriweather marries him. This saves her from scandal, and it gives him money from the dowry to restore his depleted funds.
Three years after the nuptials, however, the marriage has still not been consummated and Prudence is now ready to ask for more from her husband. The way to do that is, of course, to seduce him. Will she win the Earl’s love at last? Will she enter into a true marriage with him? Will he accept this second chance to make his marriage real?
Inadvertently compromised when Oscar Campbell, the Earl of Wycliffe, finds her injured from a sprained ankle in the garden, Prudence Merriweather marries him. This saves her from scandal, and it gives him money from the dowry to restore his depleted funds.
Three years after the nuptials, however, the marriage has still not been consummated and Prudence is now ready to ask for more from her husband. The way to do that is, of course, to seduce him. Will she win the Earl’s love at last? Will she enter into a true marriage with him? Will he accept this second chance to make his marriage real?
August 11, 2021
This has been a very good series & I have enjoyed each of the first three books! This was full of the drama of misunderstandings or preconceived notions but had such humorous moments that kept the situations from getting too heavy and kept you turning pages.
Prudence Merriweather is seventeen, a daughter & heiress of a rich merchant father with a large dowry. She doesn't want to marry for business or title, she wants love. However, after falling in the garden, spraining her ankle & tearing her dress; her sister goes to find their aunt so they can leave but before they return, she is found by the most handsome man at the ball, Oscar Campbell, the Earl of Wycliffe. They have been found together under a ruinous situation & he states his intended had sustained an ankle injury. Their marriage, for her saved her reputation & for him saved his depleted earldom. Their wedding night ended in her fainting; she goes to the country - three years later they still have not consummated the marriage.
Prue knows she must find a way to get to her husband, so she visits & becomes a member of the exclusive & secret Lady's Club of 48 Berkeley Square - members wallflowers, bluestockings, widows, & debutantes, who are involved with daring wagers, learn to fight, read scandalous books, & learn techniques on wooing their men & bring them to their knees. Oscar & Prue's romantic adventures begin here & it is tender, educating to both, sweet, sexy, & not all things to smoothly but in the end, they do find their HEA. Another great read that I highly recommend!
Prudence Merriweather is seventeen, a daughter & heiress of a rich merchant father with a large dowry. She doesn't want to marry for business or title, she wants love. However, after falling in the garden, spraining her ankle & tearing her dress; her sister goes to find their aunt so they can leave but before they return, she is found by the most handsome man at the ball, Oscar Campbell, the Earl of Wycliffe. They have been found together under a ruinous situation & he states his intended had sustained an ankle injury. Their marriage, for her saved her reputation & for him saved his depleted earldom. Their wedding night ended in her fainting; she goes to the country - three years later they still have not consummated the marriage.
Prue knows she must find a way to get to her husband, so she visits & becomes a member of the exclusive & secret Lady's Club of 48 Berkeley Square - members wallflowers, bluestockings, widows, & debutantes, who are involved with daring wagers, learn to fight, read scandalous books, & learn techniques on wooing their men & bring them to their knees. Oscar & Prue's romantic adventures begin here & it is tender, educating to both, sweet, sexy, & not all things to smoothly but in the end, they do find their HEA. Another great read that I highly recommend!
August 15, 2021
I have read over 1000 Historical Romance novels in the last few years and have become very fussy in what I enjoy. I tentatively try a new author and if I like the book then devour everything they have ever written. So it was with trepidation that I tried Alyssa's first book in the Wagers and Wallflowers series. She did not disappoint and immediately was added to my top 20 best authors. I have been waiting for book 3 and it was another success. Her stories are well written and the sex scenes are hot and fantastically described. I have loved that her heroines are strong and saucy with great minds and attitudes. The fact that the ladies in the 48 Berkeley Square club are all willing to stand up for what they want yet still fit into the expectations that their families (and the era) demand, is refreshing. If you are reading Seduce me, If you dare as a stand-alone then my only criticism would be that Alyssa does not explain how Prue gets to meet up with the 'club' and become a member very well. It was a little confusing in the beginning but was explained better as you read on. The book had a touching story about 2 very believable characters and how they interact. I liked both of them and was delighted to follow their HEA. I find myself disappointed that I have to wait for book 4. I would have loved to follow straight on with the next book as I have really enjoyed the story so far. If you are looking for a feel-good book that makes you horny then read this immediately.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 24, 2021
This is an easy and quick read with steam. Prue wants to marry for love however all that any eligible bachelor sees is her huge dowry. Then the Earl of Wycliff helps her out of a scandalous situation but is he just like all the other men?
Overall I enjoyed this book but felt that it lacked a lot of meat to it. Things started off well, nice pace, easy to understand, but then started to get muddled. The pace quickened and I really felt that scenes (particularly steamy scenes) were merely put in as fillers. There is very little character development for the two mains which left me with a lot of questions. I like Prue's wit and strong personality but again, this wasn't well defined and when it came out in scenes it felt odd and not right for her. I don't feel as if we really get to know Oscar at all.
And a lot of extra characters get their setups for future books which detracted from the main plot. There is also a scene with the earl's sister but then she is never mentioned again- possibly because she will have her own story? It all felt a bit too rushed with mere snippets of information told.
I do recommend this book, it can be read as a standalone but there is a lot of mention of other characters from the previous (and future) stories.
Overall I enjoyed this book but felt that it lacked a lot of meat to it. Things started off well, nice pace, easy to understand, but then started to get muddled. The pace quickened and I really felt that scenes (particularly steamy scenes) were merely put in as fillers. There is very little character development for the two mains which left me with a lot of questions. I like Prue's wit and strong personality but again, this wasn't well defined and when it came out in scenes it felt odd and not right for her. I don't feel as if we really get to know Oscar at all.
And a lot of extra characters get their setups for future books which detracted from the main plot. There is also a scene with the earl's sister but then she is never mentioned again- possibly because she will have her own story? It all felt a bit too rushed with mere snippets of information told.
I do recommend this book, it can be read as a standalone but there is a lot of mention of other characters from the previous (and future) stories.
August 30, 2021
Starring Miss Prudence Anna Merriweather and Oscar George Campbell, Earl of Wycliffe.
Tropes: Unrequited love, Older Hero/Younger Heroine (12 yrs), Compromised, Marriage of Convenience, Marry an Heiress/Fortune Hunter-ish.
Omigosh!! Oscar and Prue certainly set the pages on fire with their hotness. Whew!! You’ll definitely be fanning yourself with this story.
Okay, totally understood why Oscar wanted to wait a bit before he consummated the marriage… Prue was seventeen and even I went, oh she’s young”, when I read her age. But thank goodness, 3 years later and tired of being in a mundane marriage (and with ta dare from her friends), Prue decides to kick it up a notch and seduce her husband… and oh boy, that’s when all the fun began!!
I smiled, sighed, and ooooooohed a lot while reading this book. Loved these two and and was thoroughly entertained and cheered for their HEA!!
Alyssa Clarke balances romance and steam wonderfully… and she writes characters that you can’t help but fall in love with. Love her stories!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily review it and the comments are 100% my own.
My star system: 4 stars
Book was great. Loved the characters. Storyline kept me entertained... but did not make me cry.
Tropes: Unrequited love, Older Hero/Younger Heroine (12 yrs), Compromised, Marriage of Convenience, Marry an Heiress/Fortune Hunter-ish.
Omigosh!! Oscar and Prue certainly set the pages on fire with their hotness. Whew!! You’ll definitely be fanning yourself with this story.
Okay, totally understood why Oscar wanted to wait a bit before he consummated the marriage… Prue was seventeen and even I went, oh she’s young”, when I read her age. But thank goodness, 3 years later and tired of being in a mundane marriage (and with ta dare from her friends), Prue decides to kick it up a notch and seduce her husband… and oh boy, that’s when all the fun began!!
I smiled, sighed, and ooooooohed a lot while reading this book. Loved these two and and was thoroughly entertained and cheered for their HEA!!
Alyssa Clarke balances romance and steam wonderfully… and she writes characters that you can’t help but fall in love with. Love her stories!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily review it and the comments are 100% my own.
My star system: 4 stars
Book was great. Loved the characters. Storyline kept me entertained... but did not make me cry.
December 11, 2021
Seduction
She'll shatter at her husbands touch for one seductive kiss at a time..
I am seventeen, not a child. I ought to be able to bear one more evening.
Prue wants love more than anything else.
Alyssa Clark has written an amazing story.
She'll shatter at her husbands touch for one seductive kiss at a time..
I am seventeen, not a child. I ought to be able to bear one more evening.
Prue wants love more than anything else.
Alyssa Clark has written an amazing story.
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