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The Notorious Nightingales
Winning A Wallflower
Read Bram and Ivy’s story before they became guardians to the Notorious Nightingales.
Their course was set, but the game of love changes everything. Can a well placed arrow bring them what their hearts desire?
Bram was a vastly different man than the spoiled indolent one who walked out on society. He’s learned control and will no longer willingly follow the dictates of his family. And this is what draws him to the shy wallflower, Miss Ivy Birdwhistle.
With her hideous dress sense, and need to make herself invisible, Bram is intrigued to know why she is hiding. When he discovers her secret and that he played a part in the woman before him today, he is forced to face something he’d never believed himself capable of. His heart beats a little harder when Ivy is near and suddenly his most dangerous adventure is the one he faces pursuing her.
Miss Ivy Birdwhistle’s first season had been a disaster. Four years on, and not much had changed, except her aunt had promised this will be her last. All she had to do was support her cousin at Lady Pandora Osborne’s house party, and her torment was over.
All was going to plan until the enigmatic man who had saved her from ruin four years ago returned from his travels. Bramstone Nightingale was her handsome savior. It’s clear he does not recognize her. And it's also clear that he is determined to ignore the fact she is the most unpopular guest at the party. With him continually seeking her out, and Lady Osborne insisting she compete in the archery competition, her careful plans are deteriorating.
Winning A Wallflower was originally released in the Wedding Wager Anthology.
Their course was set, but the game of love changes everything. Can a well placed arrow bring them what their hearts desire?
Bram was a vastly different man than the spoiled indolent one who walked out on society. He’s learned control and will no longer willingly follow the dictates of his family. And this is what draws him to the shy wallflower, Miss Ivy Birdwhistle.
With her hideous dress sense, and need to make herself invisible, Bram is intrigued to know why she is hiding. When he discovers her secret and that he played a part in the woman before him today, he is forced to face something he’d never believed himself capable of. His heart beats a little harder when Ivy is near and suddenly his most dangerous adventure is the one he faces pursuing her.
Miss Ivy Birdwhistle’s first season had been a disaster. Four years on, and not much had changed, except her aunt had promised this will be her last. All she had to do was support her cousin at Lady Pandora Osborne’s house party, and her torment was over.
All was going to plan until the enigmatic man who had saved her from ruin four years ago returned from his travels. Bramstone Nightingale was her handsome savior. It’s clear he does not recognize her. And it's also clear that he is determined to ignore the fact she is the most unpopular guest at the party. With him continually seeking her out, and Lady Osborne insisting she compete in the archery competition, her careful plans are deteriorating.
Winning A Wallflower was originally released in the Wedding Wager Anthology.
101 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 1, 2024
319 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Vella
99 books832 followersWendy Vella is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author of historical romances filled with mystery, intrigue, unconventional heroines, and dashing heroes.
Connect with Wendy in her Facebook reader group facebook.com/groups/wendyvellareaders or sign up for her reader newsletter at WendyVella.com to get goodies, exclusive excerpts and behind-the-scenes peeks.
Wendy also writes small town contemporary romances under the name Lani Blake.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
July 30, 2024
This is the story of Bram and Ivy, who are the guardians and also, Uncle and Aunt to the Nightingales.
Lovely short story of a lady (Ivy)betrayed by a man for a bet. But helped by another (Bram).
They meet again 4 years later .
Lovely short story of a lady (Ivy)betrayed by a man for a bet. But helped by another (Bram).
They meet again 4 years later .
May 15, 2024
Second reading of this perfectly lovely story. An ejoyable read. Loved it. 5☆
December 18, 2023
This was originally part of an Anthology with various authors. As you know from the description, two cousins make a bet that the other cousin can’t make 12 ton matches in 12 months or she get’s a family tiara. Not a fan of these anthologies because they end up being little novellas which I'm also not a big fan of but I like 5 authors in this series, some I consider favorite authors, so went ahead and decided to read them. Some of the authors books came out individually after the anthology.
Wendy is actually one of my favorite authors. This is my 30th book by her and have been reading her since 2016. Super quick read but super cute. I liked the couple.
Wendy is actually one of my favorite authors. This is my 30th book by her and have been reading her since 2016. Super quick read but super cute. I liked the couple.
March 20, 2024
Interesting story.
I was glad to get the backstory on Ivy's supposed fall from grace, which really never happened thanks to Bram. But she was unaware of that for four years. Four years of her dressing down to not draw any attention to herself.
Bram, as the second son, was mistreated by his older brother and ignored by his mother. He left England to travel and he found himself and accepted himself and decided he did not really care what they thought or how they treated him. He had friends and confidence in his own self and to heck with them.
Bram and Ivy were an unlikely pairing, but love conquers.
I was glad to get the backstory on Ivy's supposed fall from grace, which really never happened thanks to Bram. But she was unaware of that for four years. Four years of her dressing down to not draw any attention to herself.
Bram, as the second son, was mistreated by his older brother and ignored by his mother. He left England to travel and he found himself and accepted himself and decided he did not really care what they thought or how they treated him. He had friends and confidence in his own self and to heck with them.
Bram and Ivy were an unlikely pairing, but love conquers.
November 3, 2023
Her second chance.
Ivy debuted four years ago. But when she realized when she was kissed and it was only because of a beat she was determined to do things her way.
Bram left society four years ago and traveled the world. Know back with his not so thrilling family he will make the best of it. When he meets Ivy something stirs within him and he realizes she dresses the way she does to hide herself. With Lady Pansy pushing the two together will Ivy realize her future is right next to her. A sweet story to start the series.
Ivy debuted four years ago. But when she realized when she was kissed and it was only because of a beat she was determined to do things her way.
Bram left society four years ago and traveled the world. Know back with his not so thrilling family he will make the best of it. When he meets Ivy something stirs within him and he realizes she dresses the way she does to hide herself. With Lady Pansy pushing the two together will Ivy realize her future is right next to her. A sweet story to start the series.
November 4, 2023
5 STARS, MOVING, ROMANTIC
Wendy Hella definitely gets 5 STARS for this sweet delicious delightful Novela all about those Notorious Nightingales' Uncle Bram & Aunt Ivy. This well written storyline about how they fell in love and played archery is very charming.
It definitely satisfies how the children live with them & not at the Nightingales' Estate with their obvious shallow Mother, if you are a reader of the Series. If not it simply doesn't matter about this statement.
RECOMMEND
Wendy Hella definitely gets 5 STARS for this sweet delicious delightful Novela all about those Notorious Nightingales' Uncle Bram & Aunt Ivy. This well written storyline about how they fell in love and played archery is very charming.
It definitely satisfies how the children live with them & not at the Nightingales' Estate with their obvious shallow Mother, if you are a reader of the Series. If not it simply doesn't matter about this statement.
RECOMMEND
February 3, 2023
4.25
Ivy and Bram story actually started 4 years ago and picks up again.
Ivy wears hideous clothes to disguise her shape and beauty because of a bet made against her years ago.
Bram has traveled the world as a second son and made his fortune!
Bram doesn’t remember Ivy at first but they are both superb archers and this is a focal point of the story! I love their chemistry and the fact Ivy was afraid to hope!
Her atrocious sense of dress is actually humorous! Bravo!
Ivy and Bram story actually started 4 years ago and picks up again.
Ivy wears hideous clothes to disguise her shape and beauty because of a bet made against her years ago.
Bram has traveled the world as a second son and made his fortune!
Bram doesn’t remember Ivy at first but they are both superb archers and this is a focal point of the story! I love their chemistry and the fact Ivy was afraid to hope!
Her atrocious sense of dress is actually humorous! Bravo!
February 7, 2023
Ms. Vella brings characters to life in a small story of a wallflower purposely hiding until the season is over and can leave the “ton” behind for good. Foiling her carefully constructed plans, a charming man refuses to buy her deception. A fine, light historical romance. Just right for the mood I had.
April 25, 2025
Fun story
Ivy was badly hurt during her first season and now wants nothing to do with society. Bram is back after 4 years abroad. They meet at his brother's house where he sees through her dowdy clothing and hairstyle to the beautiful woman within. Read how they traverse the rocky road to love.
Ivy was badly hurt during her first season and now wants nothing to do with society. Bram is back after 4 years abroad. They meet at his brother's house where he sees through her dowdy clothing and hairstyle to the beautiful woman within. Read how they traverse the rocky road to love.
February 1, 2023
Read in the Wedding Wager Anthology
Humiliated in her first season, Ivy Birdwhistle hides in plain sight. Bramstone Nightingale however seems to see through her disguise and insists on making her the centre of attention.
Humiliated in her first season, Ivy Birdwhistle hides in plain sight. Bramstone Nightingale however seems to see through her disguise and insists on making her the centre of attention.
September 11, 2023
Read this after the first book in The Notorious Nightingales. It was good to read about the Uncle and Aunt who saved the family and their story. The two fleetingly met some years earlier and not meet up at a house party. Lovely story. Really recommend this
December 31, 2023
Winning A Wallflower
The Wedding Wager Anthology, Book 2
Wendy Vella, author
I enjoyed Bram and Ivy's story very much. It was a delightful read and quite heartwarming. This was also the first literary works I've read by this author. I recommend it for an afternoon read.
The Wedding Wager Anthology, Book 2
Wendy Vella, author
I enjoyed Bram and Ivy's story very much. It was a delightful read and quite heartwarming. This was also the first literary works I've read by this author. I recommend it for an afternoon read.
May 27, 2024
Wonderful
Wonderful, quick read with plenty of romance. I loved seeing how Ivy and Bram met and fell in love. Long before the Nightingale's become their wards. Definitely recommended.
Wonderful, quick read with plenty of romance. I loved seeing how Ivy and Bram met and fell in love. Long before the Nightingale's become their wards. Definitely recommended.
August 7, 2024
too short, wonderful beginning
Bram is an interesting character and so is Ivy. The story how they met is intriguing and cute but it needs more. I could read about his adventures and how he made his money. He seems like his character was dashing and Ivy was in disguise.
Bram is an interesting character and so is Ivy. The story how they met is intriguing and cute but it needs more. I could read about his adventures and how he made his money. He seems like his character was dashing and Ivy was in disguise.
May 17, 2025
Winning the Wallflower
I had already read two books from the notorious Nightingales series when I came across this one and just had to read it I wasn’t disappointed. It was a lovely story of Bram and Ivy‘s romance how they met.
I had already read two books from the notorious Nightingales series when I came across this one and just had to read it I wasn’t disappointed. It was a lovely story of Bram and Ivy‘s romance how they met.
December 15, 2025
winning a wallflower
This was a historical romance short story that the author brings to life for me. Kind of like theater in my mind. I read the notorious nightingale series but not how ivy and beam got together.❣️😾💃🏻
This was a historical romance short story that the author brings to life for me. Kind of like theater in my mind. I read the notorious nightingale series but not how ivy and beam got together.❣️😾💃🏻
January 31, 2023
Miss Ivy Birdwhistle's first season was a failure when she was tricked by a gentleman and almost ruined. It's been four years; she is a wallflower, but she has agreed to support her cousin and go to a house party and then she may become a spinster in the country at her aunt and uncle's estate. Bramstone Nightingale has come back home, after being gone four years making his fortune, and is attending a houseparty at his mother's demand. The first person he runs into (literally) is Ivy - she is shocked for he is the man who rescued her in her first season but luckily Bram does not recognize this changed wallflower. What a fun romance they have - archery too, must be Cupid's arrows!
February 1, 2023
A delightful and heart felt romance. Bram and Ivy are wonderful and I enjoyed their connection, an instant attraction and a most beautiful forever love.
February 15, 2023
Winning the Wallflower
A good easy story to read. The story flows smoothly and keeps you reading. So read this story for your enjoyment and pleasure.
A good easy story to read. The story flows smoothly and keeps you reading. So read this story for your enjoyment and pleasure.
March 5, 2023
Sweet story
This was right on par for one of Wendy's stories. Very sweet romance with plenty of humor to make you laugh. It is 5 stars from me.
This was right on par for one of Wendy's stories. Very sweet romance with plenty of humor to make you laugh. It is 5 stars from me.
April 16, 2023
Rate - 3.5 stars
Loved the interactions between Thea and Bram also with David and Ivy. Pansy is like an aunt to her matches
Loved the interactions between Thea and Bram also with David and Ivy. Pansy is like an aunt to her matches
July 29, 2023
sweet
A short little story but a very sweet and (bonus) read. It shows a hea after Bram and Ivy realize they suit each other well
A short little story but a very sweet and (bonus) read. It shows a hea after Bram and Ivy realize they suit each other well
August 13, 2023
Great book
Loved the story of Ivey and Bram, he saw her for who she was and made an effort to know and love her. Looking forward to the new series, love this author. Enjoy!
Loved the story of Ivey and Bram, he saw her for who she was and made an effort to know and love her. Looking forward to the new series, love this author. Enjoy!
October 9, 2023
I liked the story. It's funny. The characters are entertaing. I have always found the mate selection rituals of the Victorian era to be amusing.
February 21, 2024
Short and sweet.
A good quick read, an interesting storyline with no racy stuff.
I would have liked a bit more from the ending or an Epilogue.
Worth the read.
A good quick read, an interesting storyline with no racy stuff.
I would have liked a bit more from the ending or an Epilogue.
Worth the read.
June 28, 2024
What can I say? Wendy Vella's work is guaranteed to pull you in to her world. The only downside is that you hate leaving when the story ends.
February 2, 2025
- quick read
- meh
- meh
April 19, 2025
Good story, I have already read the rest of the books in this series, somehow I missed the first one, but read them now, might be another one to go, but probably won't bother.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews