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Bad Boys & Wallflowers #3
What a Wallflower Wants
In the third novel in Maya Rodale's charming Wallflower series, London's Least Likely to Be Caught in a Compromising Position finds temptation in a devilishly handsome stranger . . .
Miss Prudence Merryweather Payton has a secret.
Everyone knows that she's the only graduate from her finishing school to remain unwed on her fourth season—but no one knows why. With her romantic illusions shattered after being compromised against her will, Prudence accepts a proposal even though her betrothed is not exactly a knight in shining armor. When he cowardly pushes her out of their stagecoach to divert a highwayman, she vows never to trust another man again.
John Roark, Viscount Castleton, is nobody's hero.
He's a blue-eyed charmer with a mysterious past and ambitious plans for his future—that do not include a wife. When he finds himself stranded at a country inn with a captivating young woman, a delicate dance of seduction ensues. He knows he should keep his distance. And he definitely shouldn't start falling in love with her.
When Prudence's dark past comes back to haunt her, John must protect her—even though he risks revealing his own secrets that could destroy his future.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2014
129 people are currently reading
2016 people want to read
About the author
Maya Rodale
46 books1,621 followersMaya Rodale is the best-selling and award-winning author of funny, feminist fiction including historical romance, YA and historical fiction. A champion of the romance genre and its readers, she is also the author of Dangerous Books For Girls: The Bad Reputation of Romance Novels, Explained. Maya reviews romance for NPR and has appeared in Bustle, Glamour, Shondaland, Buzzfeed, The Huffington Post and PBS. She began reading romance novels in college at her mother’s insistence and has never been allowed to forget it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 362 reviews
December 25, 2020
Trigger warning: Heroine is raped in the beginning at a party and suffers trauma from it. Dnf because of trauma.
February 28, 2018
While I felt that the plot of this story was insane, Maya Rodale hit all the right notes in the emotion department and gave me new insight and a feeling of compassion for women who have been assaulted.
I don't remember much of the plot except that things were a bit contrived to set-up how the hero and heroine met, then the coincidence of the villain returning pushed things along, and then the hero did some serious theatrics at the end. So..not my cup of tea there.
What was amazing was how Rodale described Prudence's private pain. The opening line slayed me. Prudence's constant battle to put one foot in front of the other in a time when she could tell no one what had happened kept me turning pages. And how the hero, for all his flaws, had the humanity and good soul to recognize her pain, fall for her, and doing everything in his power to build up trust between them when Prudence had no trust or hope to begin with. It was angsty and raw and beautiful.
I can't give this a full five stars due to the crazy plot. However, in the character department, Rodale really did justice to Prudence's character and ultimate triumph, not on the marriage mart, but in conquering her own demons and reclaiming her mind, body, and soul for herself.
I don't remember much of the plot except that things were a bit contrived to set-up how the hero and heroine met, then the coincidence of the villain returning pushed things along, and then the hero did some serious theatrics at the end. So..not my cup of tea there.
What was amazing was how Rodale described Prudence's private pain. The opening line slayed me. Prudence's constant battle to put one foot in front of the other in a time when she could tell no one what had happened kept me turning pages. And how the hero, for all his flaws, had the humanity and good soul to recognize her pain, fall for her, and doing everything in his power to build up trust between them when Prudence had no trust or hope to begin with. It was angsty and raw and beautiful.
I can't give this a full five stars due to the crazy plot. However, in the character department, Rodale really did justice to Prudence's character and ultimate triumph, not on the marriage mart, but in conquering her own demons and reclaiming her mind, body, and soul for herself.
September 10, 2016
I've given this an A- for narration and a B+ for content at AAR, so 4.5 stars.
This is the final book in Maya Rodale’s Wallflower trilogy, and is the best of the lot. I enjoyed the first one (The Wicked Wallflower), which was full of humour and light-hearted banter, even though it did require rather a large suspension of disbelief at times; the second (Wallflower Gone Wild) was a bit of a disappointment, but Ms Rodale clearly saved the best till last, because What a Wallflower Wants is a much more deeply felt story, telling of a young woman’s path towards reclaiming her life following a horrific event.
Prudence Merryweather Peyton, known throughout the ton as “London’s Least Likely to be Caught in a Compromising Position” has seen both her dearest friends find love with two handsome, charming men who are devoted to them. While she is delighted for them, Prudence can’t help but be just a little sad for herself, as she has no such happy prospect before her. Four years previously when in her very first season, she was violently assaulted, something she has revealed to no-one, not even her closest friends. Ashamed, scared and no longer desirous of attracting the attention of any man, Prudence retreated to the wallflower corner at balls and parties. Having learned never to expect help from any quarter, Prudence now has to save herself from the ridicule that will ensue if she is still unmarried by the time of the annual ball held by the graduates of the famous Lady Penelope’s Finishing School. In desperation, she accepts a proposal of marriage from a young man she knows will be satisfied with a marriage in name only, and elopes with him – only to discover that her intended has feet of clay when their coach is held up and robbed.
Having managed to escape, Prudence encounters a young man driving a smart equipage who offers his assistance. Unable to conquer her fear of being alone with a man, she refuses his help and continues on foot, only to discover that the same man - who had introduced himself as John Roark, Viscount Castleton – has thoughtfully arranged a room, food and a hot bath for her at the nearest inn.
A storm of almost Biblical proportions means that Roark and Prudence are stuck at the Coach and Horses for a few days, during which time they come to know and understand each other. Their relationship does develop a little quickly perhaps, but it’s very well written, and John is such a wonderful hero – kind, gentle and with a real sense of fun – that it’s easy to believe in the depth of his feelings for Prudence and his desire to protect and help her to overcome the horrible thing that happened to her. And the thing that really stands out is the way in which Ms Rodale doesn’t turn him into a miracle “cure”. Prudence is a great heroine – strong, clever and witty – but she just needs a little push to re-discover her true self, the one she buried after the rape, and that’s what John provides. He’s perceptive enough to realise that she is the only person who can change her life and he offers her the quiet, non-judgemental support that she needs in order to do it.
But swoonworthy though John is, it’s clear fairly early on that he’s keeping secrets, too, although it isn’t until around the halfway point that the listener gets a real inkling of what those might be. I’ll admit that I found this part of the plot to be somewhat frustrating; the romance develops quite quickly in the first two-thirds of the book, and the last is taken up with dealing with John’s situation and Prudence’s sense of betrayal when she discovers his deception. I realise that there has to be some sort of conflict in a romantic novel, but I thought Prudence had enough to overcome without discovering that the man she’d fallen for had withheld important information from her.
That said, John isn’t a terrible person and the deception he perpetrates is done because of his intense need to look after his mother and sister; and is one that could almost be said to be victimless, although it does open Prudence up to hurt and derision. But she holds her head up high and is no longer willing to be cowed by circumstance, taking back control of her life in one fabulous masterstroke.
In spite of that and my reservations about the pacing, I have to say as well that Ms Rodale gets a lot right in this book. Prudence is often angry at herself for allowing her fear to dictate so many of her actions, and the way she recoils from the slightest touch is perfectly believable. The rape itself is described in flashback in the story, and is very difficult to hear – as it should be. But the author focuses on Prudence’s reactions and feelings, and her desperation when she realises that no-one is coming to her rescue is gut wrenching as are her thoughts later: “The Beast hadn’t just taken her innocence -he’d stolen her future.”
And that brings me to Carolyn Morris’ performance, which in that particular scene is simply excellent and brought me close to tears. She hits exactly the right note with Prudence’s inner monologue, going from disbelief that something like this could happen to a young lady who has always done the right thing – to a desperation thinly laced with hope at the thought that surely someone will happen along to prevent what’s about to happen – to despair at the realisation that nobody is coming to save her.
Ms Morris is someone to whom I always enjoy listening, and I’ve made much in past reviews of her affinity for light comedy and her ability to bring to life the sort of witty banter characteristic of authors like Ms Rodale and Tessa Dare. This being a slightly darker story than the others in the series, there is perhaps less of the banter, but she nonetheless brings a great deal of warmth and humour to the interchanges between John and Prudence as they become close and fall in love. She’s a narrator who differentiates between the sexes through the use of tone and timbre rather than by using pitch to a great degree, and while she is for the most part successful, there are times when it’s a little tricky to tell the difference between Prudence’s friends Emma and Olivia, or their husbands, Ashbrooke and Radcliffe. That’s not to say the differences aren’t there – they’re just quite subtle and aren’t always immediately apparent, which meant that I sometimes had to rely on the dialogue tags to remind me who was speaking. She is, however, very good when it comes to voicing Roark and his (possible) half-brother, because they sound similar enough to believably be related, but not so similar that they are difficult to distinguish from one another.
There’s one thing that’s a little confusing in the audio which is nothing to do with Ms Morris’ performance; and that’s the fact that there are a number of flashbacks/flashforwards from John’s perspective that show how he comes to be where and when he is. In the print edition, these are placed at the ends of certain chapters and are printed in italics, but in the audio, there is nothing to distinguish them from the rest of the story, so they are somewhat jarring. The first one made me wonder if there was a production fault that had catapulted me a long way forward into the story – although once I realised what was going on, it wasn’t a problem.
Ultimately, What a Wallflower Wants is an audiobook I’d certainly recommend to fans of historical romance. I did have some issues with the storytelling, although the story itself is satisfying, and Ms Rodale deals with a difficult subject in a very sensitive manner. Carolyn Morris’ performance is thoroughly enjoyable, and she proves once again that she’s a skilled performer with the ability to get to the heart of the stories she narrates and to pack a real emotional punch when required.
This is the final book in Maya Rodale’s Wallflower trilogy, and is the best of the lot. I enjoyed the first one (The Wicked Wallflower), which was full of humour and light-hearted banter, even though it did require rather a large suspension of disbelief at times; the second (Wallflower Gone Wild) was a bit of a disappointment, but Ms Rodale clearly saved the best till last, because What a Wallflower Wants is a much more deeply felt story, telling of a young woman’s path towards reclaiming her life following a horrific event.
Prudence Merryweather Peyton, known throughout the ton as “London’s Least Likely to be Caught in a Compromising Position” has seen both her dearest friends find love with two handsome, charming men who are devoted to them. While she is delighted for them, Prudence can’t help but be just a little sad for herself, as she has no such happy prospect before her. Four years previously when in her very first season, she was violently assaulted, something she has revealed to no-one, not even her closest friends. Ashamed, scared and no longer desirous of attracting the attention of any man, Prudence retreated to the wallflower corner at balls and parties. Having learned never to expect help from any quarter, Prudence now has to save herself from the ridicule that will ensue if she is still unmarried by the time of the annual ball held by the graduates of the famous Lady Penelope’s Finishing School. In desperation, she accepts a proposal of marriage from a young man she knows will be satisfied with a marriage in name only, and elopes with him – only to discover that her intended has feet of clay when their coach is held up and robbed.
Having managed to escape, Prudence encounters a young man driving a smart equipage who offers his assistance. Unable to conquer her fear of being alone with a man, she refuses his help and continues on foot, only to discover that the same man - who had introduced himself as John Roark, Viscount Castleton – has thoughtfully arranged a room, food and a hot bath for her at the nearest inn.
A storm of almost Biblical proportions means that Roark and Prudence are stuck at the Coach and Horses for a few days, during which time they come to know and understand each other. Their relationship does develop a little quickly perhaps, but it’s very well written, and John is such a wonderful hero – kind, gentle and with a real sense of fun – that it’s easy to believe in the depth of his feelings for Prudence and his desire to protect and help her to overcome the horrible thing that happened to her. And the thing that really stands out is the way in which Ms Rodale doesn’t turn him into a miracle “cure”. Prudence is a great heroine – strong, clever and witty – but she just needs a little push to re-discover her true self, the one she buried after the rape, and that’s what John provides. He’s perceptive enough to realise that she is the only person who can change her life and he offers her the quiet, non-judgemental support that she needs in order to do it.
But swoonworthy though John is, it’s clear fairly early on that he’s keeping secrets, too, although it isn’t until around the halfway point that the listener gets a real inkling of what those might be. I’ll admit that I found this part of the plot to be somewhat frustrating; the romance develops quite quickly in the first two-thirds of the book, and the last is taken up with dealing with John’s situation and Prudence’s sense of betrayal when she discovers his deception. I realise that there has to be some sort of conflict in a romantic novel, but I thought Prudence had enough to overcome without discovering that the man she’d fallen for had withheld important information from her.
That said, John isn’t a terrible person and the deception he perpetrates is done because of his intense need to look after his mother and sister; and is one that could almost be said to be victimless, although it does open Prudence up to hurt and derision. But she holds her head up high and is no longer willing to be cowed by circumstance, taking back control of her life in one fabulous masterstroke.
In spite of that and my reservations about the pacing, I have to say as well that Ms Rodale gets a lot right in this book. Prudence is often angry at herself for allowing her fear to dictate so many of her actions, and the way she recoils from the slightest touch is perfectly believable. The rape itself is described in flashback in the story, and is very difficult to hear – as it should be. But the author focuses on Prudence’s reactions and feelings, and her desperation when she realises that no-one is coming to her rescue is gut wrenching as are her thoughts later: “The Beast hadn’t just taken her innocence -he’d stolen her future.”
And that brings me to Carolyn Morris’ performance, which in that particular scene is simply excellent and brought me close to tears. She hits exactly the right note with Prudence’s inner monologue, going from disbelief that something like this could happen to a young lady who has always done the right thing – to a desperation thinly laced with hope at the thought that surely someone will happen along to prevent what’s about to happen – to despair at the realisation that nobody is coming to save her.
Ms Morris is someone to whom I always enjoy listening, and I’ve made much in past reviews of her affinity for light comedy and her ability to bring to life the sort of witty banter characteristic of authors like Ms Rodale and Tessa Dare. This being a slightly darker story than the others in the series, there is perhaps less of the banter, but she nonetheless brings a great deal of warmth and humour to the interchanges between John and Prudence as they become close and fall in love. She’s a narrator who differentiates between the sexes through the use of tone and timbre rather than by using pitch to a great degree, and while she is for the most part successful, there are times when it’s a little tricky to tell the difference between Prudence’s friends Emma and Olivia, or their husbands, Ashbrooke and Radcliffe. That’s not to say the differences aren’t there – they’re just quite subtle and aren’t always immediately apparent, which meant that I sometimes had to rely on the dialogue tags to remind me who was speaking. She is, however, very good when it comes to voicing Roark and his (possible) half-brother, because they sound similar enough to believably be related, but not so similar that they are difficult to distinguish from one another.
There’s one thing that’s a little confusing in the audio which is nothing to do with Ms Morris’ performance; and that’s the fact that there are a number of flashbacks/flashforwards from John’s perspective that show how he comes to be where and when he is. In the print edition, these are placed at the ends of certain chapters and are printed in italics, but in the audio, there is nothing to distinguish them from the rest of the story, so they are somewhat jarring. The first one made me wonder if there was a production fault that had catapulted me a long way forward into the story – although once I realised what was going on, it wasn’t a problem.
Ultimately, What a Wallflower Wants is an audiobook I’d certainly recommend to fans of historical romance. I did have some issues with the storytelling, although the story itself is satisfying, and Ms Rodale deals with a difficult subject in a very sensitive manner. Carolyn Morris’ performance is thoroughly enjoyable, and she proves once again that she’s a skilled performer with the ability to get to the heart of the stories she narrates and to pack a real emotional punch when required.
October 1, 2014
I've looked forward to Prudence's story for months. I've also really enjoyed every book by Maya Rodale that I've ever read. What a Wallflower Wants ended up leaving me feeling a bit let down, though.
SPOILERS AHEAD
I'd suspected that Prudence had been raped long before I read What a Girl Wants (the contemporary counterpart to What a Wallflower Wants), just from a few clues left here and there in the previous two Wallflower novels. Rape is something that isn't often handled in romance novels, so I was very curious to see how Rodale would write a heroine who had experienced something so horrific.
Unfortunately, there were things about the book that kept me from enjoying it anywhere near as much as I wanted to. There was a lot of head-hopping, which kept drawing me out of the story (and isn't something Rodale's typically done in her previous novels, which threw me even more). There were also some weird formatting things (which could have just been my Kindle App acting up) and some very jumpy bits that made no sense. These things alone made it hard to truly immerse myself in the book.
John was almost too good to be true. In a lot of ways he was perfect for Prudence--she needed someone who would be patient with her and who understood (as best as someone who's never been raped can understand) all of her hangups and trepidations and trust issues. That last part, though, really hung me up--Prue had all these trust issues (understandably so), but within a week has sex and falls in love with John. Every rape survivor's story is different, and some move faster than others, but for Prue this just did not feel "right." I had a very hard time believing that she'd fallen for him that quickly, and that she'd trusted him and her body with him that quickly. Which made John's big secret reveal even worse, IMO...
Ends up John isn't who he says he is. Is he still a good guy at the core? Yes. Did he do whatever he had to in order to survive and achieve his goals? Yes. Did he hurt anybody by doing what he did? Eh, not really, but it's still morally shaky. He lied to Prue about something as important as his identity. She was understandably upset. I thought she forgave him far too quickly (if he'd been spying for the government under a different identity that's one thing--but masquerading as his probable half-brother who's out of the country is just...not cool, even if he was an empathetic character), especially considering her trust issues regarding men.
The entire timeline just felt rushed, and I felt like Prue's story should have taken much more time, because to me her story wasn't just about falling in love, but about learning how to love herself again and healing from one of the most horrific things that can happen to a person. Healing is hard. It takes time. Things don't just magically fall into place.
All of that being said, Rodale did some things with this story very well. Prue letting her figure get "rounder" is a very common reaction. Her aversion to being touched was completely believable. Telling the story of her rape in bits and pieces via flashback, and focusing more on Prudence's feelings than the act itself was done very well. I loved the fact that John taught her how to defend herself, and that she used what she'd been taught and took a lot of her power back over Dudley. I loved that she took even more power back by writing a letter for all of London to read. The story was told with a lot of sensitivity. I especially appreciated the fact that at the beginning of the book Rodale's very upfront about this being a book that deals with rape (I've read some that didn't, and that can be a very dangerous thing if it triggers a reader). And I'm glad that Dudley died, even though I feel like his demise was too nice for him (I also had a love/hate thing going for the scenes in his POV--on one hand I didn't want his POV, but on the other I'm glad we got it).
Overall, it was a good book, but not the best of Rodale's that I've read.
SPOILERS AHEAD
I'd suspected that Prudence had been raped long before I read What a Girl Wants (the contemporary counterpart to What a Wallflower Wants), just from a few clues left here and there in the previous two Wallflower novels. Rape is something that isn't often handled in romance novels, so I was very curious to see how Rodale would write a heroine who had experienced something so horrific.
Unfortunately, there were things about the book that kept me from enjoying it anywhere near as much as I wanted to. There was a lot of head-hopping, which kept drawing me out of the story (and isn't something Rodale's typically done in her previous novels, which threw me even more). There were also some weird formatting things (which could have just been my Kindle App acting up) and some very jumpy bits that made no sense. These things alone made it hard to truly immerse myself in the book.
John was almost too good to be true. In a lot of ways he was perfect for Prudence--she needed someone who would be patient with her and who understood (as best as someone who's never been raped can understand) all of her hangups and trepidations and trust issues. That last part, though, really hung me up--Prue had all these trust issues (understandably so), but within a week has sex and falls in love with John. Every rape survivor's story is different, and some move faster than others, but for Prue this just did not feel "right." I had a very hard time believing that she'd fallen for him that quickly, and that she'd trusted him and her body with him that quickly. Which made John's big secret reveal even worse, IMO...
Ends up John isn't who he says he is. Is he still a good guy at the core? Yes. Did he do whatever he had to in order to survive and achieve his goals? Yes. Did he hurt anybody by doing what he did? Eh, not really, but it's still morally shaky. He lied to Prue about something as important as his identity. She was understandably upset. I thought she forgave him far too quickly (if he'd been spying for the government under a different identity that's one thing--but masquerading as his probable half-brother who's out of the country is just...not cool, even if he was an empathetic character), especially considering her trust issues regarding men.
The entire timeline just felt rushed, and I felt like Prue's story should have taken much more time, because to me her story wasn't just about falling in love, but about learning how to love herself again and healing from one of the most horrific things that can happen to a person. Healing is hard. It takes time. Things don't just magically fall into place.
All of that being said, Rodale did some things with this story very well. Prue letting her figure get "rounder" is a very common reaction. Her aversion to being touched was completely believable. Telling the story of her rape in bits and pieces via flashback, and focusing more on Prudence's feelings than the act itself was done very well. I loved the fact that John taught her how to defend herself, and that she used what she'd been taught and took a lot of her power back over Dudley. I loved that she took even more power back by writing a letter for all of London to read. The story was told with a lot of sensitivity. I especially appreciated the fact that at the beginning of the book Rodale's very upfront about this being a book that deals with rape (I've read some that didn't, and that can be a very dangerous thing if it triggers a reader). And I'm glad that Dudley died, even though I feel like his demise was too nice for him (I also had a love/hate thing going for the scenes in his POV--on one hand I didn't want his POV, but on the other I'm glad we got it).
Overall, it was a good book, but not the best of Rodale's that I've read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
did-not-finish
February 2, 2021DNF @17
The flashbacks make the story disjointed and confusing. The instalove on the H's part is OTT and the chemistry is lacking. This is my 2nd DNF from this author and the only book I finished from her was a 2 star. Its safe to say this Maya Rodale is not for me and I won't be missing out if I removed all her book from to TBR.
The flashbacks make the story disjointed and confusing. The instalove on the H's part is OTT and the chemistry is lacking. This is my 2nd DNF from this author and the only book I finished from her was a 2 star. Its safe to say this Maya Rodale is not for me and I won't be missing out if I removed all her book from to TBR.
December 25, 2020
I'm going to have to dnf this one as it has a lot of trauma after our heroine is sexually assaulted.
October 2, 2014
Devoured this book in a day. I absolutely adored this story and how it has a message behind it. Beautiful and tastefully done.
September 21, 2014
***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***
What A Wallflower Wants by Maya Rodale
Book Three of the Bad Boys & Wallflowers series
Publisher: Avon
Publication Date: September 30, 2014
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from Edelweiss
***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***
Summary (from Goodreads):
In the third novel in Maya Rodale's charming Wallflower series, London's Least Likely to Be Caught in a Compromising Position finds temptation in a devilishly handsome stranger . . .
Miss Prudence Merryweather Payton has a secret.
Everyone knows that she's the only graduate from her finishing school to remain unwed on her fourth season—but no one knows why. With her romantic illusions shattered after being compromised against her will, Prudence accepts a proposal even though her betrothed is not exactly a knight in shining armor. When he cowardly pushes her out of their stagecoach to divert a highwayman, she vows never to trust another man again.
John Roark, Viscount Castleton, is nobody's hero.
He's a blue-eyed charmer with a mysterious past and ambitious plans for his future—that do not include a wife. When he finds himself stranded at a country inn with a captivating young woman, a delicate dance of seduction ensues. He knows he should keep his distance. And he definitely shouldn't start falling in love with her.
When Prudence's dark past comes back to haunt her, John must protect her—even though he risks revealing his own secrets that could destroy his future.
What I Liked:
First things first: hate the cover? Me too. It's atrocious, in my opinion - very reminiscent of old-school historical romance novels' covers *shudders*. But don't let that deter you at all, because this book is probably one of my favorite historical romance novels of 2014.
Second thing - it's been a while since I've read/reviewed a historical romance novel, hasn't it? July 27th was the last day that I reviewed one. I have this one and another one releasing in September, but I just got both of them, so I can't read/review them a month in advance, like I usually do (I'm in the middle of the October releases, if you hadn't noticed). But, I'm squeezing in this one because I love Rodale's books, and this one turned out to be quite awesome!
Prudence is the last of the wallflowers to shirk her awful nickname and "title" of wallflower. Emma and Olivia are married to wonderful men, and the finishing school's ball is coming up. Prudence needs to marry, otherwise she will look like a fool and a failure. When she is stranded in an inn one night, a stranger decides to pay for her stay. John Roark is a handsome, titled stranger, and Prudence has caught his eye. But both of them have terrible secrets - are either of them ready for the other?
I read book one of this series - Emma's story - and really enjoyed this one. For some reason, I totally missed out on book two, and skipped it. This one is my favorite though. Prudence is so different from your typical husband-hunting girl in season. Something awful happened to her, and while we know what it is that happened, the actual even itself is revealed slowly to readers.
Prudence has a lot of spirit and backbone - I really liked her. She isn't a ninny at all, she isn't weak, she isn't stupid. She's really funny to read about, but she's also made of iron, because she is so incredibly strong and hard-willed. Something awful happened to her, but throughout the story, she learns to hold her head high and not let it define her.
I thought John would be a total rogue, but he isn't! He's quite the gentleman... sort of. You'll have to read the book to know what I mean by that. John is seriously a good man, a nice person, clever and flirtatious, but also intuitive and understanding. Definitely a favorite historical romance hero.
I loved learning about these two characters' pasts. Prudence's secret is more obvious but more painful. My heart broke for her on so many occasions, especially as John was discovering them for himself. John's secret kind of took me by surprise - I didn't really expect that at all. Good old John... although, he isn't that old. *winks*
The romance starts as a attention-is-caught-quickly kind of thing, but the hero and heroine progressively fall in love. It's obvious that Rodale won't play any games with the romance in this book, which is a relief. We know that Prudence and John are meant for each other, but each of their secrets are like barriers. Nevertheless, I really liked the romance. It was sweet and well-developed, but also quite sizzling and steamy.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! I'm kind of sad to see this series end, but it ended with the best book! I can't ask for much more than that.
What I Did Not Like:
I think I would have wanted to see more steamy scenes between John and Prudence. I understand, given the nature of certain things, that this might have proven difficult, but I feel like it would have added to Prudence's character development. In general, I wanted more physical interactions from those two. We get plenty of emotional/sentimental interactions though!
Would I Recommend It:
As far as historical romances go, yes! Sure! This one was different from most of the ones I've read, since both of the protagonists don't really seem to act all high-society-bred... and both of them are hiding BIG secrets. I liked this book so much!
Rating:
4 stars. I hope Rodale has a new series coming out soon! I do enjoy her historical romance novels.
What A Wallflower Wants by Maya Rodale
Book Three of the Bad Boys & Wallflowers series
Publisher: Avon
Publication Date: September 30, 2014
Rating: 4 stars
Source: eARC from Edelweiss
***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***
Summary (from Goodreads):
In the third novel in Maya Rodale's charming Wallflower series, London's Least Likely to Be Caught in a Compromising Position finds temptation in a devilishly handsome stranger . . .
Miss Prudence Merryweather Payton has a secret.
Everyone knows that she's the only graduate from her finishing school to remain unwed on her fourth season—but no one knows why. With her romantic illusions shattered after being compromised against her will, Prudence accepts a proposal even though her betrothed is not exactly a knight in shining armor. When he cowardly pushes her out of their stagecoach to divert a highwayman, she vows never to trust another man again.
John Roark, Viscount Castleton, is nobody's hero.
He's a blue-eyed charmer with a mysterious past and ambitious plans for his future—that do not include a wife. When he finds himself stranded at a country inn with a captivating young woman, a delicate dance of seduction ensues. He knows he should keep his distance. And he definitely shouldn't start falling in love with her.
When Prudence's dark past comes back to haunt her, John must protect her—even though he risks revealing his own secrets that could destroy his future.
What I Liked:
First things first: hate the cover? Me too. It's atrocious, in my opinion - very reminiscent of old-school historical romance novels' covers *shudders*. But don't let that deter you at all, because this book is probably one of my favorite historical romance novels of 2014.
Second thing - it's been a while since I've read/reviewed a historical romance novel, hasn't it? July 27th was the last day that I reviewed one. I have this one and another one releasing in September, but I just got both of them, so I can't read/review them a month in advance, like I usually do (I'm in the middle of the October releases, if you hadn't noticed). But, I'm squeezing in this one because I love Rodale's books, and this one turned out to be quite awesome!
Prudence is the last of the wallflowers to shirk her awful nickname and "title" of wallflower. Emma and Olivia are married to wonderful men, and the finishing school's ball is coming up. Prudence needs to marry, otherwise she will look like a fool and a failure. When she is stranded in an inn one night, a stranger decides to pay for her stay. John Roark is a handsome, titled stranger, and Prudence has caught his eye. But both of them have terrible secrets - are either of them ready for the other?
I read book one of this series - Emma's story - and really enjoyed this one. For some reason, I totally missed out on book two, and skipped it. This one is my favorite though. Prudence is so different from your typical husband-hunting girl in season. Something awful happened to her, and while we know what it is that happened, the actual even itself is revealed slowly to readers.
Prudence has a lot of spirit and backbone - I really liked her. She isn't a ninny at all, she isn't weak, she isn't stupid. She's really funny to read about, but she's also made of iron, because she is so incredibly strong and hard-willed. Something awful happened to her, but throughout the story, she learns to hold her head high and not let it define her.
I thought John would be a total rogue, but he isn't! He's quite the gentleman... sort of. You'll have to read the book to know what I mean by that. John is seriously a good man, a nice person, clever and flirtatious, but also intuitive and understanding. Definitely a favorite historical romance hero.
I loved learning about these two characters' pasts. Prudence's secret is more obvious but more painful. My heart broke for her on so many occasions, especially as John was discovering them for himself. John's secret kind of took me by surprise - I didn't really expect that at all. Good old John... although, he isn't that old. *winks*
The romance starts as a attention-is-caught-quickly kind of thing, but the hero and heroine progressively fall in love. It's obvious that Rodale won't play any games with the romance in this book, which is a relief. We know that Prudence and John are meant for each other, but each of their secrets are like barriers. Nevertheless, I really liked the romance. It was sweet and well-developed, but also quite sizzling and steamy.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book! I'm kind of sad to see this series end, but it ended with the best book! I can't ask for much more than that.
What I Did Not Like:
I think I would have wanted to see more steamy scenes between John and Prudence. I understand, given the nature of certain things, that this might have proven difficult, but I feel like it would have added to Prudence's character development. In general, I wanted more physical interactions from those two. We get plenty of emotional/sentimental interactions though!
Would I Recommend It:
As far as historical romances go, yes! Sure! This one was different from most of the ones I've read, since both of the protagonists don't really seem to act all high-society-bred... and both of them are hiding BIG secrets. I liked this book so much!
Rating:
4 stars. I hope Rodale has a new series coming out soon! I do enjoy her historical romance novels.
March 26, 2019
3.5 stars - Historical Romance
July 13, 2020
Who thought this was s good idea? Trigger warning - very detailed account of a rape and the hero lies about his identity for 3/4 of the book.
December 1, 2014
I ended up not being able to finish this last book in the Wallflower series.
Don't get me wrong, some things were done super well! I felt the way the author handled Prudence's attack was both tasteful and realistic. Prudence's inner monologue and behavior in light of her past trauma felt real and authentic.
What fell way, way short for me was John/Castleton. This guy was ridiculous. Too much insta-love, not enough substence to his character. He didn't feel real. Despite the chivalrous rescuing of a damsel in distress, he felt like a pansy to me. I did not care for him at all, despite his hunky physique and mysterious past.
There were awkward flashbacks/flashforwards (I couldn't figure out what was going on) that disrupted the flow of the story. Plus, Prudence's entire predicament would never have happened in "real life." I never could get behind the entire premise that allowed her and Castleton to meet in the first place.
I'm very disappointed. The first two books in this series were a delightful surprise, but this conclusion story was a complete let down.
Don't get me wrong, some things were done super well! I felt the way the author handled Prudence's attack was both tasteful and realistic. Prudence's inner monologue and behavior in light of her past trauma felt real and authentic.
What fell way, way short for me was John/Castleton. This guy was ridiculous. Too much insta-love, not enough substence to his character. He didn't feel real. Despite the chivalrous rescuing of a damsel in distress, he felt like a pansy to me. I did not care for him at all, despite his hunky physique and mysterious past.
There were awkward flashbacks/flashforwards (I couldn't figure out what was going on) that disrupted the flow of the story. Plus, Prudence's entire predicament would never have happened in "real life." I never could get behind the entire premise that allowed her and Castleton to meet in the first place.
I'm very disappointed. The first two books in this series were a delightful surprise, but this conclusion story was a complete let down.
April 24, 2014
This installment of the Wallflower series has a depth that eclipses the last two. It doesn't shy away from what happens to Prudence and how it affects her life. But it also shines a light on how a person heals and finds love despite those terrible things. I loved the scene where she finally reclaims herself and her body and I fell in love with John for his loving patience and thoughtfulness. I liked his twist, and that his secret, when revealed, shows his bravery and loyalty. I hope that in the printed Author's Note Ms. Rodale adds the RAINN info (http://www.rainn.org) for those who had gone and might be going through similar issues, just in case that would help just one person.
March 20, 2021
A rather sad story, H is kind to the h when she needed kindness from someone. He fell in love with her but he didn't trust her with his secrets. I liked the heroine who had accepted being lowered in society. I liked that she found the courage to help the H. He like other men in her life, let her down as much as he helped her. It was a shame his half brother wasn't a better man. I liked the heroine's saying ' no-one ever comes, God doesn't answer, a girl is on her own'. Sadly very true.
December 22, 2019
While I enjoyed Prue and John I did not love the trauma that led to Prue being who she is. I don't like romances that use rape, or some other abuse to create challenges for characters to overcome. Do I know that it happens in real life? Yes of course. That's why I'm reading a romance novel. To disengage from all that can be terrible in the world and instead focus on a sweet love story.
November 22, 2014
***Note: The author's introduction contains this warning: This novel includes a graphic depiction of sexual violence.***
Like a true wallflower, Prudence was always in the background, quietly supporting her fellow wallflowers on their quest to make good marriages. Prudence never seemed to voice out her own dreams and wishes -- only her fears: what if, in the 100-years of existence of Lady Penelope's Finishing School for Young Ladies of Fine Families, she would be the only graduate of their school not to get married after her fourth season? It is not hopeful enthusiasm or youthful optimism that drives Prudence to seek out a marriage: it is fear. And, now we understand why.
Prude Prudence is London's Least Likely to be Caught in a Compromising Position. There are two ways to read this statement:
1. No one would ever think to put Prude Prudence in a compromising position.
2. If Prudence was in a compromising position, no one would be able to catch her.
It is the second statement that is, sadly, sad, but true. There was a moment in Prudence's past when she desperately needed someone to walk in and interrupt something, when she hoped Society would do its job -- but God and Society failed her and it left her ruined.
The first line of her story shattered my heart and set the tone for What a Wallflower Wants: Prudence has been let down time and time again by the people and forces that she depended on. No one was there that night she she was ruined. No one stepped in to say no. Even now as she faces another failure, another social disgrace (being a spinster and the only unmarried graduate of Lady Penelope's Finishing School for Young Ladies of Fine Families), she is by herself. By her standards, she's doing fine: she has successfully rebuffed unwanted attention and she has kept her demons at bay. But, when her planned arranged marriage goes awry (and she is left alone once again), Prudence is forced to reevaluate her situation. But, this time, when she expected no one to come to her rescue, someone did:
John Roark is a man on a winning streak who is on his way to London to cement his future and further increase his wealth.
Prudence and John have both been on the receiving end of life's misfortunes and both have survived it. John recognizes Prudence's wariness -- it's a feeling he knows only too well. He also recognizes that Prudence has been hurt. While he doesn't know how, why, or by whom, it's also a feeling he knows very well. Our hero doesn't really talk about his past, but the few glimpses of it that we see, show us the slow and steady climb of a man from darkness to light. On that road to London, John had a choice: he could've respected Prudence's decision and left her be, so that he could concentrate on his plans -- or he could stay and help her. The former would help him and his family, the latter would help ... Prudence.
On the surface, it seems like a no-brainer: the needs of the one versus the needs of the many, but John saw things differently, and chose to stay with Prudence. I really loved John. I loved how gentle and understanding and kind her was to Prudence and to the people around him. His goodheartedness isn't an act to impress Prudence or gain her favours. It's really something that is innate to John: he deeply cares for everything around him: be it horse or human. He hadn't planned on being attracted to Prudence, but, as the days passed, John saw how incredibly brave and wonderful Prudence was -- and falling in love with her became inevitable.
In her author's introduction, Rodale promises a happy ending. A strange thing to say, because all romance stories end happily anyway, but I realized as I read on that the reminder is necessary: as the story progresses and we discover what truly happened to Prudence, as your heart breaks when you read about John's past, as things don't seem to go our hero and heroine's way, the promise of the happy ending is a comfort, because no two people deserve it more than them. No two people have worked and struggled harder at living than John and Prudence.
Royale does a wonderful job of balancing the events in the story: there are negative things, but there are also positive things. Like the crests and troughs of a wave, Prudence and John's story is a wonderful testament that: yes, one's winning streak won't last forever, but neither would one's losing streak. The story will break your heart to pieces, but it will also mend it and make it whole in the end.
Saving the best for last. It's why coffee and dessert come after a meal and it's why Maya Rodale's What a Wallflower Wants is the letter-perfect ending to her Bad Boys and Wallflowers series.
Like a true wallflower, Prudence was always in the background, quietly supporting her fellow wallflowers on their quest to make good marriages. Prudence never seemed to voice out her own dreams and wishes -- only her fears: what if, in the 100-years of existence of Lady Penelope's Finishing School for Young Ladies of Fine Families, she would be the only graduate of their school not to get married after her fourth season? It is not hopeful enthusiasm or youthful optimism that drives Prudence to seek out a marriage: it is fear. And, now we understand why.
Prude Prudence is London's Least Likely to be Caught in a Compromising Position. There are two ways to read this statement:
1. No one would ever think to put Prude Prudence in a compromising position.
2. If Prudence was in a compromising position, no one would be able to catch her.
It is the second statement that is, sadly, sad, but true. There was a moment in Prudence's past when she desperately needed someone to walk in and interrupt something, when she hoped Society would do its job -- but God and Society failed her and it left her ruined.
"Are you there, God? 'Tis I, Prudence."
- Prologue
The first line of her story shattered my heart and set the tone for What a Wallflower Wants: Prudence has been let down time and time again by the people and forces that she depended on. No one was there that night she she was ruined. No one stepped in to say no. Even now as she faces another failure, another social disgrace (being a spinster and the only unmarried graduate of Lady Penelope's Finishing School for Young Ladies of Fine Families), she is by herself. By her standards, she's doing fine: she has successfully rebuffed unwanted attention and she has kept her demons at bay. But, when her planned arranged marriage goes awry (and she is left alone once again), Prudence is forced to reevaluate her situation. But, this time, when she expected no one to come to her rescue, someone did:
John Roark is a man on a winning streak who is on his way to London to cement his future and further increase his wealth.
Prudence and John have both been on the receiving end of life's misfortunes and both have survived it. John recognizes Prudence's wariness -- it's a feeling he knows only too well. He also recognizes that Prudence has been hurt. While he doesn't know how, why, or by whom, it's also a feeling he knows very well. Our hero doesn't really talk about his past, but the few glimpses of it that we see, show us the slow and steady climb of a man from darkness to light. On that road to London, John had a choice: he could've respected Prudence's decision and left her be, so that he could concentrate on his plans -- or he could stay and help her. The former would help him and his family, the latter would help ... Prudence.
On the surface, it seems like a no-brainer: the needs of the one versus the needs of the many, but John saw things differently, and chose to stay with Prudence. I really loved John. I loved how gentle and understanding and kind her was to Prudence and to the people around him. His goodheartedness isn't an act to impress Prudence or gain her favours. It's really something that is innate to John: he deeply cares for everything around him: be it horse or human. He hadn't planned on being attracted to Prudence, but, as the days passed, John saw how incredibly brave and wonderful Prudence was -- and falling in love with her became inevitable.
He wasn't done with Miss Merryweather. Not that he had plans or designs, just that there was more there to explore; he knew it with a bone-deep certainty. he could not go, not yet, and that is why he was vexed. he was tugged in two directions.
Those eyes. That rare smile that made him forget everything else. The hint of what she would feel like in his arms. He wanted to lose himself in her curves, taste her, know her, soothe her, protect her. In more ways than she would ever, ever know, he wanted to be the man for her.
- p. 117
In her author's introduction, Rodale promises a happy ending. A strange thing to say, because all romance stories end happily anyway, but I realized as I read on that the reminder is necessary: as the story progresses and we discover what truly happened to Prudence, as your heart breaks when you read about John's past, as things don't seem to go our hero and heroine's way, the promise of the happy ending is a comfort, because no two people deserve it more than them. No two people have worked and struggled harder at living than John and Prudence.
"It's hard, isn't it," she mused, "when the world doesn't allow much room for a person to live the life they want."
She thought of all the strict rules imposed on a woman, defining her innocence, her marriageability -- or ruination. She thought of the strict social barriers separating the aristocrats from everyone else, and she thought of servants who were just supposed to fade into the background. She wanted to be more than her qualifications as a wife, more than the status of her virginity.
He wanted more, too. Was that so wrong?
- p. 308
Royale does a wonderful job of balancing the events in the story: there are negative things, but there are also positive things. Like the crests and troughs of a wave, Prudence and John's story is a wonderful testament that: yes, one's winning streak won't last forever, but neither would one's losing streak. The story will break your heart to pieces, but it will also mend it and make it whole in the end.
Saving the best for last. It's why coffee and dessert come after a meal and it's why Maya Rodale's What a Wallflower Wants is the letter-perfect ending to her Bad Boys and Wallflowers series.
February 7, 2018
OK WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT???!!!
THAT WAS SO UNEXPECTED I DIDN'T READ THE BLURB BEFORE I READ THE BOOK BECAUSE I READ THE FIRST TWO SO FAST I WAS LIKE OK I'M JUST GONNA MOVE ON TO PRUDENCE'S BOOK AND IT'LL BE ENTERTAINING AND FUNNY AND QUIRKY AND NOT ANGSTY LIKE THE FIRST TWO BUT ???!!!
i just died
TO MAYA RODALE FOR CAPTURING THE MENTAL STATE OF A STRONG ASS WOMAN WHO HAS BEEN VIOLATED IN A WAY THAT NO ONE DESERVES
So basically, Prudence, "London's least likely to be caught in a compromising position" was compromised indeed, during her first season, as you learn after the first few chapters of the book. However, this "compromising" was against her will. She . Was. Raped.
Raped.
She was so jaded (rightfully so), and scared and anguished and not broken, but damaged, she reminded me of this heartbreaking scene
The damage, shame and heart-brokenness this had caused her, at mere 18 years of age, was too much for someone like her to bear, yet SHE PERSISTED.
The book starts right where you would want it to if you have read the first two, and you don't have to read the first two for it, but I feel like it would be good to get to know Prue's character from her two best friends' points of view because it shows just how she was able to hide her grief.
As her coach gets robbed by a highwayman, her fiance, whom she was planning to marry for convenience just to show the London Ton (the pack of the most bitchiest bitches who I would love to strangle) was a wussy and made her sacrifice herself, and she ended up stranded, walking towards the nearest town. It is on the road, when it is a hot ass day where she meets "Castleton" aka John.
I LOVED John. SO FUCKING MUCH.
He was handsome, understanding and so so patient and strong and everything you would wish for in a man. He recognized what Prue was going through in a matter of days when no one realized it since the four years when it happened.
Basically he was perfect, and their romance was so beautiful I cried. I literally cried and that has not happened in a while when I've read a book, but it was a good cry. Like I actually wanted to cry because I knew she would get through it because this is a HEA kinda book.
While it was heavy and sad, it was so heartwarming and uplifting, because John taught Prue that she was worth loving, and she needed to love herself, and know that she was lovable. During their time together John taught her to embrace the strength he knew he saw in her
“Anger will give you strength, where fear will make you weak.”
“I love you, Prudence,” he declared with a crack in his voice. “I, John Roark, upstart footman, love you. I want to marry you.”(I DIED RIGHT HERE IT WAS TOO SWEET
AND THIS
“The truth is, I love you,” he said, gazing into her eyes, unflinching. “All of you. I know you, Prudence. And I am only telling you this now because I want you to know that you are loved fully and completely for who you are—the good, the bad, the ugly, the beautiful. I am so sorry that this lie came between us, but without it, we would have never known each other, so I cannot bring myself to regret it completely. It will haunt me until my dying day that I am not enough for you. I came tonight, Prudence, to keep my promise. And to make sure that you know that you are loved.”
in a nutshell, me:
AND AT THE END WHEN ALL WAS WELL AND GOOD AND HAPPY AND SWEET AND SOLVED AND DEAD IM DEAD YALL
IM SO HAPPY
THAT WAS SO UNEXPECTED I DIDN'T READ THE BLURB BEFORE I READ THE BOOK BECAUSE I READ THE FIRST TWO SO FAST I WAS LIKE OK I'M JUST GONNA MOVE ON TO PRUDENCE'S BOOK AND IT'LL BE ENTERTAINING AND FUNNY AND QUIRKY AND NOT ANGSTY LIKE THE FIRST TWO BUT ???!!!
i just died
TO MAYA RODALE FOR CAPTURING THE MENTAL STATE OF A STRONG ASS WOMAN WHO HAS BEEN VIOLATED IN A WAY THAT NO ONE DESERVES
So basically, Prudence, "London's least likely to be caught in a compromising position" was compromised indeed, during her first season, as you learn after the first few chapters of the book. However, this "compromising" was against her will. She . Was. Raped.
Raped.
She was so jaded (rightfully so), and scared and anguished and not broken, but damaged, she reminded me of this heartbreaking scene
The damage, shame and heart-brokenness this had caused her, at mere 18 years of age, was too much for someone like her to bear, yet SHE PERSISTED.
The book starts right where you would want it to if you have read the first two, and you don't have to read the first two for it, but I feel like it would be good to get to know Prue's character from her two best friends' points of view because it shows just how she was able to hide her grief.
As her coach gets robbed by a highwayman, her fiance, whom she was planning to marry for convenience just to show the London Ton (the pack of the most bitchiest bitches who I would love to strangle) was a wussy and made her sacrifice herself, and she ended up stranded, walking towards the nearest town. It is on the road, when it is a hot ass day where she meets "Castleton" aka John.
I LOVED John. SO FUCKING MUCH.
He was handsome, understanding and so so patient and strong and everything you would wish for in a man. He recognized what Prue was going through in a matter of days when no one realized it since the four years when it happened.
Basically he was perfect, and their romance was so beautiful I cried. I literally cried and that has not happened in a while when I've read a book, but it was a good cry. Like I actually wanted to cry because I knew she would get through it because this is a HEA kinda book.
While it was heavy and sad, it was so heartwarming and uplifting, because John taught Prue that she was worth loving, and she needed to love herself, and know that she was lovable. During their time together John taught her to embrace the strength he knew he saw in her
“Anger will give you strength, where fear will make you weak.”
“I love you, Prudence,” he declared with a crack in his voice. “I, John Roark, upstart footman, love you. I want to marry you.”(I DIED RIGHT HERE IT WAS TOO SWEET
AND THIS
“The truth is, I love you,” he said, gazing into her eyes, unflinching. “All of you. I know you, Prudence. And I am only telling you this now because I want you to know that you are loved fully and completely for who you are—the good, the bad, the ugly, the beautiful. I am so sorry that this lie came between us, but without it, we would have never known each other, so I cannot bring myself to regret it completely. It will haunt me until my dying day that I am not enough for you. I came tonight, Prudence, to keep my promise. And to make sure that you know that you are loved.”
in a nutshell, me:
AND AT THE END WHEN ALL WAS WELL AND GOOD AND HAPPY AND SWEET AND SOLVED AND DEAD IM DEAD YALL
IM SO HAPPY
October 21, 2014
Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads
Blog rating: B
Prudence is the last wallflower standing, her two best friends and fellow wallflowers are now married and Prue has left London and is desperate to find a husband before the very important Lady Penelope’s Ball, the finishing school Prue and her friends attended and no one in the history of the school has come to the ball unmarried. Prue doesn’t want to be the first, so she’s agreed to a marriage of convenience with a man whose heart seems to be set on another man. Prue’s just fine with that, she doesn’t want anything to do with actually being married other than in name only, but on their way back to London, they’re intercepted by a robber. Only Prue manages to escape and makes her way to a small inn where she meets John Roark.
John Roark, Viscount Castleton, is hiding some pretty big secrets about who he really is, but one look at Prue and he’s smitten. But Prue’s past is dark and tragic and she wants nothing to do with men, period. She was raped a few years ago during her first year out in society and through flashbacks we get the details of that horrible night when she needed help and no one came. This story is definitely darker than the previous two books in the series and for me, the flashbacks scenes were hard to read. I don’t like having those details on page, frankly I got the impact of what happened to Prue just fine through her current thoughts and actions; I didn’t need to know exactly what happened. So just be warned that the details are there. Roark understands fairly quickly what happened to Prue and he’s the perfect man for her. His own sister went through something similar and John helps Prue reclaim herself and gain some confidence. He’s there for her in whatever capacity she needs and he helps her move past that ugly night and realize that not every man is a monster and that John is someone she can trust with her heart and her body. Too bad he keeps a huge truth from her for too long.
Yes, I didn’t like that John lies to Prue for as long as he did, but he more than pays for it and he came across as so genuine on page, it didn’t bother me as much as it might have in another story perhaps. My heart went out the Prudence throughout the whole book. I have such a soft spot for that woman who is put in an awkward, potentially embarrassing position, which Roark’s lie puts Prue in. But she grows in strength throughout the whole story and she makes it through, with her best friends by her side. I really enjoyed her story and seeing her move beyond this horrible thing that happened to her and become stronger and more confident.
I enjoyed getting to know the three Wallflowers in this Maya Rodale trilogy and Prue’s story was a nice ending to wrap it all up. Even with the darker tone of story, I liked Prue very much, she captured my attention right away and I just wanted her to find her hero, a man she’s convinced doesn’t exist. John makes some mistakes sure, but he ended up being the perfectly, imperfect man for Prue. He pays for not coming clean to Prue sooner, but he makes up for it and is her ultimate hero. I loved getting to see their relationship play out. The Wallflowers are all fun, sweet woman and I’d recommend this series for all historical romance fans.
Blog rating: B
Prudence is the last wallflower standing, her two best friends and fellow wallflowers are now married and Prue has left London and is desperate to find a husband before the very important Lady Penelope’s Ball, the finishing school Prue and her friends attended and no one in the history of the school has come to the ball unmarried. Prue doesn’t want to be the first, so she’s agreed to a marriage of convenience with a man whose heart seems to be set on another man. Prue’s just fine with that, she doesn’t want anything to do with actually being married other than in name only, but on their way back to London, they’re intercepted by a robber. Only Prue manages to escape and makes her way to a small inn where she meets John Roark.
John Roark, Viscount Castleton, is hiding some pretty big secrets about who he really is, but one look at Prue and he’s smitten. But Prue’s past is dark and tragic and she wants nothing to do with men, period. She was raped a few years ago during her first year out in society and through flashbacks we get the details of that horrible night when she needed help and no one came. This story is definitely darker than the previous two books in the series and for me, the flashbacks scenes were hard to read. I don’t like having those details on page, frankly I got the impact of what happened to Prue just fine through her current thoughts and actions; I didn’t need to know exactly what happened. So just be warned that the details are there. Roark understands fairly quickly what happened to Prue and he’s the perfect man for her. His own sister went through something similar and John helps Prue reclaim herself and gain some confidence. He’s there for her in whatever capacity she needs and he helps her move past that ugly night and realize that not every man is a monster and that John is someone she can trust with her heart and her body. Too bad he keeps a huge truth from her for too long.
Yes, I didn’t like that John lies to Prue for as long as he did, but he more than pays for it and he came across as so genuine on page, it didn’t bother me as much as it might have in another story perhaps. My heart went out the Prudence throughout the whole book. I have such a soft spot for that woman who is put in an awkward, potentially embarrassing position, which Roark’s lie puts Prue in. But she grows in strength throughout the whole story and she makes it through, with her best friends by her side. I really enjoyed her story and seeing her move beyond this horrible thing that happened to her and become stronger and more confident.
I enjoyed getting to know the three Wallflowers in this Maya Rodale trilogy and Prue’s story was a nice ending to wrap it all up. Even with the darker tone of story, I liked Prue very much, she captured my attention right away and I just wanted her to find her hero, a man she’s convinced doesn’t exist. John makes some mistakes sure, but he ended up being the perfectly, imperfect man for Prue. He pays for not coming clean to Prue sooner, but he makes up for it and is her ultimate hero. I loved getting to see their relationship play out. The Wallflowers are all fun, sweet woman and I’d recommend this series for all historical romance fans.
January 7, 2016
I thought this was a decent conclusion to a series I have really come to enjoy. In the first two books of the series, readers have seen Prudence Payton sit by quietly as her best friends find true love and happiness. It soon became obvious that something was keeping Prudence from hunting for a husband like most young ladies in this time period. What a Wallflower Wants provides readers with an explanation for her discomfort with society and gives her the opportunity to show how strong of a character she is.
I have had a soft spot for Prudence from the beginning so I was excited to read her story. I love how Maya Rodale portrayed her character. She did not back away from the ugliness of the past, but also made sure that it didn't define Prudence. There was so much to admire about Prudence with her kindness, her intelligence, and her strength which wasn't obvious to most people including her.
John Roark was the perfect person to help Prudence regain her confidence. He is a charming lord who comes upon Prudence while she is walking towards an inn in a downpour. I loved how he was able to tell that she had to complete this journey on her own, but was willing to do anything to help her once she arrived. John just had a gentle and fun-loving personality that helped bring Prudence out of her shell without having any expectations beyond friendship. There were definitely some unexpected elements to his character that I enjoyed reading about as the book moved along.
My main issue with What a Wallflower Wants was the fact that I thought the romance developed too fast. It is a "cabin romance" which is a theme that I enjoy so I understood the reasoning behind the quick turnaround. I guess I just wanted the aftermath of being stranded at the inn to give Prudence and John more time to develop as a couple. I thought they were a cute couple, but insta-love just isn't something that I enjoy reading about so I had to lower the rating of the book overall.
I have been a fan of Maya Rodale's writing since her debut back in 2007 so I was super happy to see cameos of characters from her Writing Girls and Negligent Chaperone books. Seeing Lord Huntley return and show how much he has changed since The Rogue and the Rival was a true delight. I also liked that the appearances did not seem cliched or unreasonable for the situation at hand.
While there were definitely parts that disappointed me, I am pretty happy with the way the Bad Boys and Wallflowers series ended. The three heroines were easy to relate to and I wanted them to be happy. I definitely look forward to what Maya Rodale comes up with next.
I received a free e-galley of this book from Avon via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
I have had a soft spot for Prudence from the beginning so I was excited to read her story. I love how Maya Rodale portrayed her character. She did not back away from the ugliness of the past, but also made sure that it didn't define Prudence. There was so much to admire about Prudence with her kindness, her intelligence, and her strength which wasn't obvious to most people including her.
John Roark was the perfect person to help Prudence regain her confidence. He is a charming lord who comes upon Prudence while she is walking towards an inn in a downpour. I loved how he was able to tell that she had to complete this journey on her own, but was willing to do anything to help her once she arrived. John just had a gentle and fun-loving personality that helped bring Prudence out of her shell without having any expectations beyond friendship. There were definitely some unexpected elements to his character that I enjoyed reading about as the book moved along.
My main issue with What a Wallflower Wants was the fact that I thought the romance developed too fast. It is a "cabin romance" which is a theme that I enjoy so I understood the reasoning behind the quick turnaround. I guess I just wanted the aftermath of being stranded at the inn to give Prudence and John more time to develop as a couple. I thought they were a cute couple, but insta-love just isn't something that I enjoy reading about so I had to lower the rating of the book overall.
I have been a fan of Maya Rodale's writing since her debut back in 2007 so I was super happy to see cameos of characters from her Writing Girls and Negligent Chaperone books. Seeing Lord Huntley return and show how much he has changed since The Rogue and the Rival was a true delight. I also liked that the appearances did not seem cliched or unreasonable for the situation at hand.
While there were definitely parts that disappointed me, I am pretty happy with the way the Bad Boys and Wallflowers series ended. The three heroines were easy to relate to and I wanted them to be happy. I definitely look forward to what Maya Rodale comes up with next.
I received a free e-galley of this book from Avon via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
October 22, 2014
I really tried to love this book. I just found it to be hard to get through.
It is a very dark book, and given the subject material that is totally understandable and acceptable. You cannot have sunshine and rainbows all the time, I get that. And bad things happen to good people, I get that too. But this book was just depressing to me.
Then there is the whole flashback thing. I am not a fan of flashbacks. Sometimes it is necessary and in this book it was needed. But the insertion of these flashbacks just ruined the flow of the story for me. And if that wasn't enough to there are totally random flash forwards that are totally out of the blue. The first one I read, I was like WTH was that. I actually thought the book might have a formatting issue. It was that random and out of context.
Prudence is a tortured soul. And I tried to empathize with her. Never having had been through the horror she had, I tried to give her the benefit of the doubt. But for the first half of the book she is rigid and then when she has an encounter with her tormentor and what happens after that was totally unbelievable to me. But, I still tried to give her a pass.
The final nail in the coffin for me was her reaction when the truth about John finally came out. She was such a snob! After everything this man did for her and that was her reaction?!? I actually hated her at that moment. She did not deserve John!
I loved John and he is the only reason this book is getting three stars instead of one. He had secrets and he did lie about who he was (but so did she!) but he wasn't a bad man and he didn't really hurt anyone with his deception. So for Prudence to treat him the way she did, pissed me off. She does redeem herself, but her initial reaction just turned me off.
So between the darkness, flashbacks, flash forwards and her reaction. I just didn't care for this book.
It is a very dark book, and given the subject material that is totally understandable and acceptable. You cannot have sunshine and rainbows all the time, I get that. And bad things happen to good people, I get that too. But this book was just depressing to me.
Then there is the whole flashback thing. I am not a fan of flashbacks. Sometimes it is necessary and in this book it was needed. But the insertion of these flashbacks just ruined the flow of the story for me. And if that wasn't enough to there are totally random flash forwards that are totally out of the blue. The first one I read, I was like WTH was that. I actually thought the book might have a formatting issue. It was that random and out of context.
Prudence is a tortured soul. And I tried to empathize with her. Never having had been through the horror she had, I tried to give her the benefit of the doubt. But for the first half of the book she is rigid and then when she has an encounter with her tormentor and what happens after that was totally unbelievable to me. But, I still tried to give her a pass.
The final nail in the coffin for me was her reaction when the truth about John finally came out. She was such a snob! After everything this man did for her and that was her reaction?!? I actually hated her at that moment. She did not deserve John!
I loved John and he is the only reason this book is getting three stars instead of one. He had secrets and he did lie about who he was (but so did she!) but he wasn't a bad man and he didn't really hurt anyone with his deception. So for Prudence to treat him the way she did, pissed me off. She does redeem herself, but her initial reaction just turned me off.
So between the darkness, flashbacks, flash forwards and her reaction. I just didn't care for this book.
February 7, 2015
Unlike her friends Miss Prudence Payton hasn't wanted to find a husband...not until now; now that her friends have found husbands, she doesn't want to be the sole graduate of her finishing school not to have been married. However, her carefully selected husband proves to be a coward when he shoves her out of a carriage to save himself from highwayman. Abandoned in the middle of nowhere, Prudence find something she had lost all hope of ever finding...a knight is shining armour. But her knight may have his own secrets, secrets that may destroy her new found faith in love.
This is the final full length novella in the Bad Boys & Wallflower series by Maya Rodale and it starts with a much darker tone than the previous books as we discover the reason that Prudence has never married. However, although there was a dark subject within the book and it had a heart breaking start, the tone of the book was fairly light.
The Bad Boys & Wallflowers series has been great, it was funny and romantic with heroines that I have liked and some sexy heroes. John Roark, although he hasn't stood out as much as the other heroes in the series...he was just so damn nice, definitely not the bad boy I was expecting. Prudence, however, I really liked she was brave and funny and I couldn't help but admire her.
This was a good series and I like the idea of the accompanying novellas telling the story from a modern day perspective. I would recommend this if you want something light hearted but with great writing and polish.
October 9, 2014
So, I don't usually read too many historical romances...why...I don't know...I LOVE Lisa Kleypas' Historicals and Judith McNaught, but haven't ventured out of my comfort zone, but I am SOOOOOO glad that I did with Maya Rodale's Newest Release, and the final in the Bad Boys & Wallflowers Trilogy, WHAT A WALLFLOWER WANTS.
John Roark...Just says it all...John Roark...If he isn't one of the best heroes I have EVER read, well then I just don't know romance. He couldn't have been more perfect for our heroine Prudence, who I have to say, has become one of my favorite heroines in romance, and for those of my readers who read most of my reviews...well..let's just say I want all the heroes for myself...not too keen on sharing with the heroine!
Maya Rodale couldn't have done a more perfect job at writing such a delicate plot and weaving in a budding romance, while keeping the importance, and strength of the underlying message there at all times. The beauty of healing is written at it's BEST in WHAT A WALLFLOWER WANTS. John doesn't "save" her, well...not in the mental sense, Prudence herself is strong, he just gives her a push in the direction to start the real healing, and to feel empowered instead of afraid. I swear, I couldn't have LOVED him more.
Such a great romance, and an even better message to those who have been hurt by a similar tragedy...and God Does Answer, a Hero Does Come...You are NEVER alone!!
Thank you Maya for a TRULY amazing book!! (and on a side note...Now I have to go and read the OTHER two in the series AND the three Modern Day Companion Novellas...So much for sleep these days!)
John Roark...Just says it all...John Roark...If he isn't one of the best heroes I have EVER read, well then I just don't know romance. He couldn't have been more perfect for our heroine Prudence, who I have to say, has become one of my favorite heroines in romance, and for those of my readers who read most of my reviews...well..let's just say I want all the heroes for myself...not too keen on sharing with the heroine!
Maya Rodale couldn't have done a more perfect job at writing such a delicate plot and weaving in a budding romance, while keeping the importance, and strength of the underlying message there at all times. The beauty of healing is written at it's BEST in WHAT A WALLFLOWER WANTS. John doesn't "save" her, well...not in the mental sense, Prudence herself is strong, he just gives her a push in the direction to start the real healing, and to feel empowered instead of afraid. I swear, I couldn't have LOVED him more.
Such a great romance, and an even better message to those who have been hurt by a similar tragedy...and God Does Answer, a Hero Does Come...You are NEVER alone!!
Thank you Maya for a TRULY amazing book!! (and on a side note...Now I have to go and read the OTHER two in the series AND the three Modern Day Companion Novellas...So much for sleep these days!)
August 17, 2017
Suuuuuuuuuuuuper Quickie Dropped Book Notes!
Pages Survived:
147
OTP:
I liked both characters but alas, hero was a bit too Perfect Prince Charming with his insta-love.
Writing:
I was mostly fine with the book, not ADORING it but not loathing it. There was hero insta love and a LOT of back & forth time line jumping, but I could deal...til we get a gratuitous rape scene. Our heroine opens the book as a victim of sexual assault and we see the affects of that manifest LONG before the flashback rape sequence.
In my opinion it's unnecessary to vividly depict a her sexual assault. It felt exploitative & emotionally manipulative. Before that scene, we got numerous examples of how this assault has devastated her. Her entire way of life is built around this assault and she we witness her endure panic attacks & depression. This tells us how traumatizing that experience was, so why take your reader through it? "Show don't tell" doesn't always work. After all, we don't always read every emotionally devastating moment in a character’s life.
Hero’s have dead wives, war trauma, or PTSD all the time, but don't ALWAYS read the moments that instigate those tragedies. What possible benefit does writing the assault scene give, other than to create emotional sympathy in your reader? Something that, might I add, shouldn't hing on depicting an assault.
(Whoops I wrote an essay!)
Pages Survived:
147
OTP:
I liked both characters but alas, hero was a bit too Perfect Prince Charming with his insta-love.
Writing:
I was mostly fine with the book, not ADORING it but not loathing it. There was hero insta love and a LOT of back & forth time line jumping, but I could deal...til we get a gratuitous rape scene. Our heroine opens the book as a victim of sexual assault and we see the affects of that manifest LONG before the flashback rape sequence.
In my opinion it's unnecessary to vividly depict a her sexual assault. It felt exploitative & emotionally manipulative. Before that scene, we got numerous examples of how this assault has devastated her. Her entire way of life is built around this assault and she we witness her endure panic attacks & depression. This tells us how traumatizing that experience was, so why take your reader through it? "Show don't tell" doesn't always work. After all, we don't always read every emotionally devastating moment in a character’s life.
Hero’s have dead wives, war trauma, or PTSD all the time, but don't ALWAYS read the moments that instigate those tragedies. What possible benefit does writing the assault scene give, other than to create emotional sympathy in your reader? Something that, might I add, shouldn't hing on depicting an assault.
(Whoops I wrote an essay!)
April 8, 2021
My first book by this author and I enjoyed it! Someone recommended this to me and I enjoyed it. There's definitely some silly moments with the plot but overall, this was pretty good.
This book starts with Castleton and Prue encountering each other after Prue is stopped by a highwayman on her way to eloping. The plot sort of carries on from there as they get to know each other. The other major plot point is that Prue was raped by a man named Dudley a few years before the start of this book. This event a Prue's recovery is a major part of this book so definitely know that going in. I thought that plot point was handled pretty well. I think Rodale did a good job avoiding the idea that falling in love will fix your trauma. There are definitely some modern sensibilities sprinkled in but this is fiction so I'm almost always fine with that sort of thing, but your mileage may vary. A lot happens at the end and some things were a bit silly, but I was satisfied with how this wrapped up.
The characters are fun. Castleton has a big secret that keeps part of his identity undercover until the very end. We know more about Prue but there was still a moment at the end what I thought "wait, does Prue have a family?" I would have appreciated to learn more about both characters beyond their secrets and other struggles but I did like them as a couple. I liked the way Castleton treated Prue with regards to her experience with assault. The sex is really tame in this book but in the context of the larger plot, this was fine with me. I'm not sure if this is typical with Rodale's books or if she did that because of the sexual assault part of this book but either way it was fine.
I would definitely read more from this author. I own the first book in this series and I would also love to read the book about Mr. Knightly, the newspaper man we see briefly in this book. I enjoyed the relationship and the plot and hopefully I'll enjoy whatever I read next from this author.
This book starts with Castleton and Prue encountering each other after Prue is stopped by a highwayman on her way to eloping. The plot sort of carries on from there as they get to know each other. The other major plot point is that Prue was raped by a man named Dudley a few years before the start of this book. This event a Prue's recovery is a major part of this book so definitely know that going in. I thought that plot point was handled pretty well. I think Rodale did a good job avoiding the idea that falling in love will fix your trauma. There are definitely some modern sensibilities sprinkled in but this is fiction so I'm almost always fine with that sort of thing, but your mileage may vary. A lot happens at the end and some things were a bit silly, but I was satisfied with how this wrapped up.
The characters are fun. Castleton has a big secret that keeps part of his identity undercover until the very end. We know more about Prue but there was still a moment at the end what I thought "wait, does Prue have a family?" I would have appreciated to learn more about both characters beyond their secrets and other struggles but I did like them as a couple. I liked the way Castleton treated Prue with regards to her experience with assault. The sex is really tame in this book but in the context of the larger plot, this was fine with me. I'm not sure if this is typical with Rodale's books or if she did that because of the sexual assault part of this book but either way it was fine.
I would definitely read more from this author. I own the first book in this series and I would also love to read the book about Mr. Knightly, the newspaper man we see briefly in this book. I enjoyed the relationship and the plot and hopefully I'll enjoy whatever I read next from this author.
July 20, 2020
This one is a DNF for me. While the first two were light and fun reads that I thought very funny this one was suddenly dark and not nearly as funny. Many will probably like that this one was more serious but I didn't because I was used to the mood of the first two. I also thought the first two were also more original.
April 15, 2018
Of all of Maya Rodale’s books that I’ve read so far, this is my favorite. I loved everything about this book.
September 24, 2019
Hat mich vor allem gegen Ende hin überzeugt. Passende Aufarbeitung des Themas!
June 9, 2014
"What a Wallflower Wants", the final book in the Bad Boys & Wallflowers series by Maya Rodale, is a surprise. The series revolves around three women who are London's "Least Likely" and find themselves in desperation mode to get married before the One Hundred Year Anniversary of Lady Penelope's Finishing School for Young Ladies of Fine Families. The humiliation of attending unwed or not betrothed is too great so the ladies have been on a quest to get hitched. The first two books in the series focused on Emma and Olivia and now this book focuses on the remaining wallflower, Prudence.
SPOILERS:
The surprise comes in why Prudence is still unwed. Evidentially, Prudence was attacked her first season by a peer and since then has largely avoided men altogether while keeping this a secret from her closest friends. It is a huge source of anxiety for her as she constantly evaluates where to stand, sit, look, and even eat it would seem so as not to be in close physical contact with a male. She doesn't even take her footmen's hand to get in and out of her carriage because the touch bothers her.
This proves problematic as she calculates a way to get married in time for the ball with a peer who has a penchant for men so she guesses she'll be safe with him. But horrible circumstances occur and she ends up in an Inn in some out of the way town to wait out heavy rain before she can go back to London.
It is here that she meets Castleton. He is such a thoughtful, caring, sweet hero that I found myself warming to him in the same way that Prudence tries to. It is so hard for her to get close to him and each time he gets too close, she ditches him and runs. It is such a let down! But I was sympathetic to her character and due to Rodale's character development, I "got it" and didn't judge Prudence like she thought everyone would.
I have to say the way Rodale handled Prudence's traumatic experience was nicely done. I am sensitive to stories regarding rape and many readers are. It would be easy to be turned off and avoid the book if it were told more graphically. But Rodale describes it in bits and pieces. She offers a little, then holds back for awhile, then a little more, then holds back again. I thought it was a good easing in so the reader could accept Prudence's account with little aversion to the entire book. It was a good call to have Castleton be familiar with peers and their attitude toward women, namely his sister, so that he had some credibility with Prudence and they fit better as a result.
The interaction between them is cute and enjoyable. Then the unthinkable villan enters the picture and messes a lot of things up for them and the story takes a few turns. It was quite shocking what comes out about Castleton and I found myself surprised. I started to suspect but then wasn't sure, so I thought Rodale foreshadowed well without giving too much away.
All in all, this is an enjoyable read. I like my books a little steamier though, and unfortunately, or really fortunately, there was more substance to this story. I was engrossed and happy with how everything was laid out. The wrap of up these girls and their stories was nice and tidy. A good series to read.
Thanks to Edelweiss who provided a review copy for my review.
SPOILERS:
The surprise comes in why Prudence is still unwed. Evidentially, Prudence was attacked her first season by a peer and since then has largely avoided men altogether while keeping this a secret from her closest friends. It is a huge source of anxiety for her as she constantly evaluates where to stand, sit, look, and even eat it would seem so as not to be in close physical contact with a male. She doesn't even take her footmen's hand to get in and out of her carriage because the touch bothers her.
This proves problematic as she calculates a way to get married in time for the ball with a peer who has a penchant for men so she guesses she'll be safe with him. But horrible circumstances occur and she ends up in an Inn in some out of the way town to wait out heavy rain before she can go back to London.
It is here that she meets Castleton. He is such a thoughtful, caring, sweet hero that I found myself warming to him in the same way that Prudence tries to. It is so hard for her to get close to him and each time he gets too close, she ditches him and runs. It is such a let down! But I was sympathetic to her character and due to Rodale's character development, I "got it" and didn't judge Prudence like she thought everyone would.
I have to say the way Rodale handled Prudence's traumatic experience was nicely done. I am sensitive to stories regarding rape and many readers are. It would be easy to be turned off and avoid the book if it were told more graphically. But Rodale describes it in bits and pieces. She offers a little, then holds back for awhile, then a little more, then holds back again. I thought it was a good easing in so the reader could accept Prudence's account with little aversion to the entire book. It was a good call to have Castleton be familiar with peers and their attitude toward women, namely his sister, so that he had some credibility with Prudence and they fit better as a result.
The interaction between them is cute and enjoyable. Then the unthinkable villan enters the picture and messes a lot of things up for them and the story takes a few turns. It was quite shocking what comes out about Castleton and I found myself surprised. I started to suspect but then wasn't sure, so I thought Rodale foreshadowed well without giving too much away.
All in all, this is an enjoyable read. I like my books a little steamier though, and unfortunately, or really fortunately, there was more substance to this story. I was engrossed and happy with how everything was laid out. The wrap of up these girls and their stories was nice and tidy. A good series to read.
Thanks to Edelweiss who provided a review copy for my review.
October 14, 2014
3.75 Stars
Of the three books, this one was the best from a romance point of view. I appreciate the author creating a real reason for Prudence to be a wallflower rather than just the typical historical excuses (like chronic Bluestocking-itis). All of her internal struggles and breakthroughs had real significance to show how this character grew from page one through to the epilogue. I absolutely adored John and for whatever reason never saw the twist coming about his identity. He was such a wonderful Hero for Prudence! His care and patience with her truly was romantic as it allowed her to be herself and believe that the man she opened up to wouldn't abuse that trust. Even when things had fallen apart I loved how these two held tight to all of the emotions they felt for one another and used that to keep fighting for a happy ending.
For all of the reviewers complaining about a lack of historical accuracy in this series, I would have to just say to go with it. Sure, there was insta-lust and a completely improbable reason for these two to be together alone for so long; however the story itself was entertaining and it hit all the right marks, making it a joy to read.
Of the three books, this one was the best from a romance point of view. I appreciate the author creating a real reason for Prudence to be a wallflower rather than just the typical historical excuses (like chronic Bluestocking-itis). All of her internal struggles and breakthroughs had real significance to show how this character grew from page one through to the epilogue. I absolutely adored John and for whatever reason never saw the twist coming about his identity. He was such a wonderful Hero for Prudence! His care and patience with her truly was romantic as it allowed her to be herself and believe that the man she opened up to wouldn't abuse that trust. Even when things had fallen apart I loved how these two held tight to all of the emotions they felt for one another and used that to keep fighting for a happy ending.
For all of the reviewers complaining about a lack of historical accuracy in this series, I would have to just say to go with it. Sure, there was insta-lust and a completely improbable reason for these two to be together alone for so long; however the story itself was entertaining and it hit all the right marks, making it a joy to read.
November 8, 2014
Maya Rodale is one of my favorite writers of historical romance and she pens a romantic and gracefully told story. Like the last book in her fun and flirty concurrent Bad Boys series, What a Girl Wants, this romance has a darker tone than other books in the series. In that story, the heroine was attacked but not raped; the heroine here, unfortunately, is not as lucky. It’s a poignant and tender love story that warmed my heart and made me smile and laugh on its journey to a happy ending.
Prudence Merryweather Payton, raised to be a good girl during her education at Lady Penelope’s Finishing School for Young Ladies of Fine Families, along with her best friends, Emma (The Wicked Wallflower) and Olivia (Wallflower Gone Wild), was raped by a peer during her very first London season. Ashamed and fearing she might be forced to marry her attacker if she told—an unfortunately real and probable outcome—she keeps it a secret, avoiding dancing with eligible gentleman, hiding in the wallflower corner, and generally resigning herself to a life without a husband or family.
For my full review on my historical romance & history blog: http://bit.ly/114KcB9
Prudence Merryweather Payton, raised to be a good girl during her education at Lady Penelope’s Finishing School for Young Ladies of Fine Families, along with her best friends, Emma (The Wicked Wallflower) and Olivia (Wallflower Gone Wild), was raped by a peer during her very first London season. Ashamed and fearing she might be forced to marry her attacker if she told—an unfortunately real and probable outcome—she keeps it a secret, avoiding dancing with eligible gentleman, hiding in the wallflower corner, and generally resigning herself to a life without a husband or family.
For my full review on my historical romance & history blog: http://bit.ly/114KcB9
October 26, 2016
This is the third book in this series and in my opinion the best book so far in this series. The reason for it are the two leads and their collective heartbreaking and heartwarming backstories. The author did an outstanding job handling really heavy subject, while adding some humor throughout the story.
If you love complex characters, these two are it. Both have a need to get rid of some past baggage in order to surrender to the love they both feel and deserve.
The plot "thickened" as the story progressed and kept me in constant state of anticipation of the end result.
Great story with some angst and suspense. Well worth the read!
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher
If you love complex characters, these two are it. Both have a need to get rid of some past baggage in order to surrender to the love they both feel and deserve.
The plot "thickened" as the story progressed and kept me in constant state of anticipation of the end result.
Great story with some angst and suspense. Well worth the read!
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher
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