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Sinful Wallflowers #1
My Darling Duke
Miss Katherine Danvers has always been a wallflower. But now, with her family on the brink of financial ruin, she finds herself a desperate wallflower. To save her family, she'll do anything. Luckily, she has the perfect plan...
She’ll impress the ton by simply announcing she is engaged to the reclusive and mysterious Duke of Thornton, Alexander Masters, and secure strong matches for her sisters. No one has heard from the duke in years. Surely he’ll never find out before her sisters’ weddings, and she can go back to her own quiet life.
Soon, though, everything is out of control. At first, it’s just a few new ball gowns on the duke’s accounts. Then, it’s interviews with reporters eager for gossip. Before she knows it, Katherine has transformed herself into Kitty Danvers, charming and clever belle of the ton—with everyone eager to meet her thankfully absent fiancé.
But when the enigmatic Alexander Masters suddenly arrives in the city, dashing and oh so angry, he demands retribution. Except not in the way Katherine expected…
She’ll impress the ton by simply announcing she is engaged to the reclusive and mysterious Duke of Thornton, Alexander Masters, and secure strong matches for her sisters. No one has heard from the duke in years. Surely he’ll never find out before her sisters’ weddings, and she can go back to her own quiet life.
Soon, though, everything is out of control. At first, it’s just a few new ball gowns on the duke’s accounts. Then, it’s interviews with reporters eager for gossip. Before she knows it, Katherine has transformed herself into Kitty Danvers, charming and clever belle of the ton—with everyone eager to meet her thankfully absent fiancé.
But when the enigmatic Alexander Masters suddenly arrives in the city, dashing and oh so angry, he demands retribution. Except not in the way Katherine expected…
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 31, 2019
1178 people are currently reading
16399 people want to read
About the author
Stacy Reid
89 books3,425 followersI am an unapologetic romance lover. I read it. I write it. Enough said. Well..I also have a warrior way "Never give up on my dreams." I spend a copious amount of time drooling over Rick Grimes from Walking Dead, watching Japanese anime and playing video games with my love, Dusean.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,226 reviews
March 21, 2021
HELLO ONE OF MY NEW FAVORITE HISTORICAL ROMANCES.
This was everything. First, we have Kitty, who is a wallflower desperate for marriage so that she can support her family and her sister can have a good match. So she sends a betrothal announcement to the paper about her and a reclusive duke who hasn't been seen in ten years getting married. The romance was EVERYTHING. Alexander literally comes to London after being away for ten years to go to a ball just to see Kitty and find out who has made this announcement. Alexander is scarred and unable to walk very well on his own, but he is so stubborn and pushes himself way beyond his limits. Their romance was so adorable and I loved how Kitty wasn't scared of Alexander. And this had the only one bed trope, which had me swooning. Alexander agreed to continue with the engagement farce as long as Kitty spent time with him...ALONE...in Scotland. Their trip was everything and the chemistry! So good. And the end? SO GOOD. Ugh. This book had me feeling so many things and I absolutely loved it! If you haven't read it yet, you must!
This was everything. First, we have Kitty, who is a wallflower desperate for marriage so that she can support her family and her sister can have a good match. So she sends a betrothal announcement to the paper about her and a reclusive duke who hasn't been seen in ten years getting married. The romance was EVERYTHING. Alexander literally comes to London after being away for ten years to go to a ball just to see Kitty and find out who has made this announcement. Alexander is scarred and unable to walk very well on his own, but he is so stubborn and pushes himself way beyond his limits. Their romance was so adorable and I loved how Kitty wasn't scared of Alexander. And this had the only one bed trope, which had me swooning. Alexander agreed to continue with the engagement farce as long as Kitty spent time with him...ALONE...in Scotland. Their trip was everything and the chemistry! So good. And the end? SO GOOD. Ugh. This book had me feeling so many things and I absolutely loved it! If you haven't read it yet, you must!
January 10, 2022
Now, this is how you write a Beauty and the Beast retelling.
This was gorgeous. And it has somewhat left me speechless.
This was gorgeous. And it has somewhat left me speechless.
May 17, 2021
"Marry me,” he groaned. “Be my friend…be my wife…my duchess. I promise to love you with every breath in my body and every emotion in my heart until the end of my days, Katherine. I vow it."
I honestly cannot believe that this was my first Stacy Reid book. I was so pleasantly surprised by how compelling and gripping her writing style was! This book was seriously unputdownable, I flew through it in one sitting. My Darling Duke was pretty much a near-perfect read for me. While this was only a loose retelling of Beauty and the Beast, it's definitely my favorite to date.
❁ Plot: ❁
After four seasons of being overlooked, Katherine ‘Kitty’ Danvers (23) is desperate to secure herself a marriage to save her family from financial ruin and to make sure her younger sisters are able to secure suitable matches. When her friends declare themselves ‘Sinful Wallflowers’, she comes up with an outrageous plan to use the power of a duke's name to her advantage. And so, she declares herself fiancée of Alexander Masters (30), Duke of Thornton, a recluse who hasn’t been seen by the ton for many years. But when Alexander hears of this supposed marriage, he is more than intrigued and leaves his life of quiet seclusion at his Scottish estate and goes off to London to meet his fiancée…
❁ Characters: ❁
Kitty was such a likeable heroine! I really admired her for the risks she took for her family. The lie would've completely ruined her and her dreams of having a family of her own but she was so selfless. I also really enjoyed seeing her witty and daring nature shine through when she was around Alexander.
Now, Alexander was such lovable hero! I fell in love with him and his quiet soul so easily. He’s different from other ‘Beasts’ in BT&B retellings in the sense that he had already accepted his disabilities and really had no hopes for matrimony. Although he did lash out at times, I felt like it was completely understandable. I felt for his loneliness and was so happy that he ultimately found intimate tenderness in the silence he shared with Kitty.
You are the only person I’ve ever wanted to share my silence.
The secondary characters in this story were marvelous! Kitty’s friends, the ‘Sinful Wallflowers’ were such a cute bunch, I honestly can’t wait to read their stories. I also really enjoyed the household staff at the Scottish estate and I was so amused with them shipping Alexander and Kitty!
❁ The Romance: ❁
“I never knew a kiss could taste like sunshine,” she said softly.
“And also of the storm,” he murmured.
Even though there was no grand villain or crazy obstacles, I was never bored! The romance was definitely a slow-paced, friends to lovers kind of story. I loved seeing Kitty and Alexander’s friendship blossom and how they navigated their fake betrothal. They settled into each other’s lives so seamlessly and ended up being so perfect for each other despite Alexander's intentions in keeping her at arms length.
Their witty conversations were so fun, I literally couldn’t keep the smile off my face! And the epilogue was just SO PERFECT - you just know Kitty and Alexander are going to be happy for the rest of their beautiful lives.
❁ Other highlights: ❁
In regards to Alexander's disabilities, and without giving too much away, I must say that I was so impressed with the way the author handled everything. Stacy Reid was really able to bring something new to the table and offer a different depiction of the 'Beast'. Sorry that this sounds so vague, but you have to read this book for yourself!
If you love a good BT&B retelling, you do not want to miss this one! While this book doesn't have all the fireworks and explosions other HR's have, if you enjoy a book that focuses on the development of a relationship, this book might just be up your alley.
Rating: 4.5/5
January 1, 2020
I loved writing Kitty and Alexander's love story! I hope you enjoy their journey to HEA as much as I loved taking them there.
Love,
Stacy
Love,
Stacy
January 7, 2020
4.25 "couple goals" stars
Love me some Stacy Reid, so I paid the full price for this one when it came out because I couldn't wait for a sale after I read the blurb and saw some of the reviews!
This book is the first in a new series by one of my favorite HR authors (she always delivers my "musts" in books!), and it features a group of 5 women who have labeled themselves, "Sinful Wallflowers" -- the only problem is that none of them have ever done anything remotely sinful... but they are determined to change that!
Katharine Danvers ("Kitty" to her friends and family) is the eldest of 4 daughters. When their father passed away, the estate and monies went to the nearest male relative, so Kitty and her sisters along with her mother were essentially cast out to live only on a meager dowager salary. As there is no dowry, Kitty has been overlooked for 4 seasons now, and she won't allow that to happen to her younger sisters; thus, she is prepared to risk her own reputation in the hopes that it allows her siblings to secure matches to men who are titled, have at least comfortable wealth on which to live, and most importantly, are by choice. Ideally, she hopes all of her sisters find love matches as she has given up that hope sitting on the shelf at 23 years old. This dream for her sisters inspires her sinful deed: to declare herself engaged to a duke! And who better than the Duke of Thornton of whom no one has seen hide nor hair from for a decade? There is little chance he will hear about it in the wilds of Scotland where he is said to reside, and by the time her farce is played out, Kitty hopes her debuting sister will have made a match that will keep her happy and secure, and later allow for her to sponsor the younger girls in their debuts. How can this plan possibly fail?
Alexander Masters, the Duke of Thornton, has been a recluse for 10 years... since the accident that claimed his parents' lives and left him scarred and semi-paralyzed. Before the fire that took so much from him and his younger sister (whom he risked his life to save), he was entrenched in society and enjoyed the benefits he wrought as the heir to a dukedom. Alexander was engaged to a diamond of the first water, and they were declared a perfect match in every way... but when he was maimed, she could not bear to look upon him any longer and broke off the engagement. Alexander was told by the doctors he has employed that he would never walk again, but he has managed to do just that for a few hours each day, not without pain, but the feeling of some normalcy is well worth the effort to him. And though he has defied some of the odds, he has been informed that he is impotent; and therefore, unable to produce an heir. Given his situation, he has remained at the family estate in Scotland with his younger sister for the last 10 years. He actively participates in politics via his letters, and he has his friends argue his beliefs on the floor for him. He also collects things from all over the world - one he used to travel often, but since his impairment has had to be satisfied with continuing to acquire items to add to his treasure room, which is where he spends much of his time. For Alexander, there is little to live for, and he is deeply lonely, but he refuses to bow to his depression, and he does not burden anyone with his concerns. But when he receives congratulations from one of his solicitors on his engagement, he is intrigued. It isn't the first time that someone has claimed to be connected to him, but they usually want money; in this case, the woman appears to only want to use his name. Alexander is curious as to what she is about with this ruse, so he decides to venture to London for the first time in a decade to meet this imposter. When he is introduced at a ball Kitty is attending, they will finally meet face-to-face, and the sparks fly (in several ways)!
What I liked:
--- Kitty is a spirited young woman looking out for her family at any cost - she is very likeable, and though she knows it is wrong to carry out such a ruse, she keeps a tally of expenses with the full intent of paying the duke back, so her morals are solid
--- Alexander is tough to crack - he allows no one in, but once the reader gets to know him better, he is definitely swoon-worthy
--- Decent helping of steamy goodness
What I didn't like as much:
--- The main characters didn't meet until over 25% into the book - I wish there had been more time with them together bc they were very entertaining
--- Alexander was a little too stubborn (he eventually got there, though)
--- Not as much steamy goodness as I usually get from Stacy Reid, but given the plot points, it made sense as to why
Overall, I was not disappointed! The main characters were refreshingly unique and fun to watch spar with each other, and (of course), they were given a very satisfying HEA.
Plot --- 4/5
Main Characters --- 4.5/5
Supporting Cast --- 4.5/5
Steam Level* --- 3.5/5
Violence --- nothing graphic
Language --- not egregious
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild; 2/5 - sensual but nothing descriptive; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere; 4/5 - yes please! ; 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
Love me some Stacy Reid, so I paid the full price for this one when it came out because I couldn't wait for a sale after I read the blurb and saw some of the reviews!
This book is the first in a new series by one of my favorite HR authors (she always delivers my "musts" in books!), and it features a group of 5 women who have labeled themselves, "Sinful Wallflowers" -- the only problem is that none of them have ever done anything remotely sinful... but they are determined to change that!
Katharine Danvers ("Kitty" to her friends and family) is the eldest of 4 daughters. When their father passed away, the estate and monies went to the nearest male relative, so Kitty and her sisters along with her mother were essentially cast out to live only on a meager dowager salary. As there is no dowry, Kitty has been overlooked for 4 seasons now, and she won't allow that to happen to her younger sisters; thus, she is prepared to risk her own reputation in the hopes that it allows her siblings to secure matches to men who are titled, have at least comfortable wealth on which to live, and most importantly, are by choice. Ideally, she hopes all of her sisters find love matches as she has given up that hope sitting on the shelf at 23 years old. This dream for her sisters inspires her sinful deed: to declare herself engaged to a duke! And who better than the Duke of Thornton of whom no one has seen hide nor hair from for a decade? There is little chance he will hear about it in the wilds of Scotland where he is said to reside, and by the time her farce is played out, Kitty hopes her debuting sister will have made a match that will keep her happy and secure, and later allow for her to sponsor the younger girls in their debuts. How can this plan possibly fail?
Alexander Masters, the Duke of Thornton, has been a recluse for 10 years... since the accident that claimed his parents' lives and left him scarred and semi-paralyzed. Before the fire that took so much from him and his younger sister (whom he risked his life to save), he was entrenched in society and enjoyed the benefits he wrought as the heir to a dukedom. Alexander was engaged to a diamond of the first water, and they were declared a perfect match in every way... but when he was maimed, she could not bear to look upon him any longer and broke off the engagement. Alexander was told by the doctors he has employed that he would never walk again, but he has managed to do just that for a few hours each day, not without pain, but the feeling of some normalcy is well worth the effort to him. And though he has defied some of the odds, he has been informed that he is impotent; and therefore, unable to produce an heir. Given his situation, he has remained at the family estate in Scotland with his younger sister for the last 10 years. He actively participates in politics via his letters, and he has his friends argue his beliefs on the floor for him. He also collects things from all over the world - one he used to travel often, but since his impairment has had to be satisfied with continuing to acquire items to add to his treasure room, which is where he spends much of his time. For Alexander, there is little to live for, and he is deeply lonely, but he refuses to bow to his depression, and he does not burden anyone with his concerns. But when he receives congratulations from one of his solicitors on his engagement, he is intrigued. It isn't the first time that someone has claimed to be connected to him, but they usually want money; in this case, the woman appears to only want to use his name. Alexander is curious as to what she is about with this ruse, so he decides to venture to London for the first time in a decade to meet this imposter. When he is introduced at a ball Kitty is attending, they will finally meet face-to-face, and the sparks fly (in several ways)!
What I liked:
--- Kitty is a spirited young woman looking out for her family at any cost - she is very likeable, and though she knows it is wrong to carry out such a ruse, she keeps a tally of expenses with the full intent of paying the duke back, so her morals are solid
--- Alexander is tough to crack - he allows no one in, but once the reader gets to know him better, he is definitely swoon-worthy
--- Decent helping of steamy goodness
What I didn't like as much:
--- The main characters didn't meet until over 25% into the book - I wish there had been more time with them together bc they were very entertaining
--- Alexander was a little too stubborn (he eventually got there, though)
--- Not as much steamy goodness as I usually get from Stacy Reid, but given the plot points, it made sense as to why
Overall, I was not disappointed! The main characters were refreshingly unique and fun to watch spar with each other, and (of course), they were given a very satisfying HEA.
Plot --- 4/5
Main Characters --- 4.5/5
Supporting Cast --- 4.5/5
Steam Level* --- 3.5/5
Violence --- nothing graphic
Language --- not egregious
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild; 2/5 - sensual but nothing descriptive; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere; 4/5 - yes please! ; 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
May 31, 2021
This is my first Stacy Reid book and I loved it. My Darling Duke was so good. I loved Alexander and Kitty so much. They were adorable together. Alexander was so relatable. I felt his pain, fear and loneliness. Kitty was so much fun. Sassy, bold and vibrant Kitty was the perfect woman to bring Alexander out of his shell. The relationship build up was great. It was a slower burn read but I never felt bored or stalled. The ending was so sweet I hope we readers get more of this couple in future books. Overall I really loved this book and I can't wait to read about the other Wallflowers.
November 14, 2025
Lady Kitty declares herself the fiancé of a secluded Duke no one has seen for years 🏰 But then he ACTUALLY SHOWS UP and snatches her back to his castle *swoon*
This is a 10/10 read for me because:
✔️ dreamy castle in Scotland 🏴
✔️ scarred and tortured hero mmc
✔️ delicious slow burn 🔥 with tension
✔️ brave & take-charge fmc
✔️ scandalous Wallflower pact!
I will admit I have a bit of a crush on Duke of Thornton. Sue me okay. An accident left him scarred, emotionally traumatized and lonely. Imagine a commanding & intelligent man bound to a wheelchair and hating it. My heart broke for the guy 💔💔 It was just so special to see Miss Danvers slowly coax him out of his dark shell!!
Alexander believes he is impotent so the romance is super slow with a huge emphasis on romance and FOREPLAY ONLY. Every woman’s dream ☁️ 🌈 they shared so many amazing moments that build their friendship. AND HE WANTED TO BE KISSING FRIENDS!
“Katherine, you are a flame that has no end.”
“You’re the only person I wanted to share my silence with.”
Favorite moment: when Kitty is wrapped in only a blanket while cleaning the Duke’s muddy face & massaging his scarred leg *my silly Outlander heart just about stopped for a minute* 🏴
I honestly just loved how much he liked Kitty before he even met her. When he was gathering news clippings of her adventures 🥹🥹
Her: “How long am I to stay in Scotland?"
Him: “Until you no longer interest me.”
Her: “What if I interest you forever?”
Him (already obsessed): *gulp*
This book should be dedicated to all loyal wing men/women in the book. I was straight up CACKLING at his staff being so happy she was at the castle. And also her mom!
fake dating
friends to lovers 💕
scarred and grumpy mmc
forced proximity
virgin fmc
slow burn 🔥
third act breakup
HEA
This is a 10/10 read for me because:
✔️ dreamy castle in Scotland 🏴
✔️ scarred and tortured hero mmc
✔️ delicious slow burn 🔥 with tension
✔️ brave & take-charge fmc
✔️ scandalous Wallflower pact!
I will admit I have a bit of a crush on Duke of Thornton. Sue me okay. An accident left him scarred, emotionally traumatized and lonely. Imagine a commanding & intelligent man bound to a wheelchair and hating it. My heart broke for the guy 💔💔 It was just so special to see Miss Danvers slowly coax him out of his dark shell!!
Alexander believes he is impotent so the romance is super slow with a huge emphasis on romance and FOREPLAY ONLY. Every woman’s dream ☁️ 🌈 they shared so many amazing moments that build their friendship. AND HE WANTED TO BE KISSING FRIENDS!
“Katherine, you are a flame that has no end.”
“You’re the only person I wanted to share my silence with.”
Favorite moment: when Kitty is wrapped in only a blanket while cleaning the Duke’s muddy face & massaging his scarred leg *my silly Outlander heart just about stopped for a minute* 🏴
I honestly just loved how much he liked Kitty before he even met her. When he was gathering news clippings of her adventures 🥹🥹
Her: “How long am I to stay in Scotland?"
Him: “Until you no longer interest me.”
Her: “What if I interest you forever?”
Him (already obsessed): *gulp*
This book should be dedicated to all loyal wing men/women in the book. I was straight up CACKLING at his staff being so happy she was at the castle. And also her mom!
fake dating
friends to lovers 💕
scarred and grumpy mmc
forced proximity
virgin fmc
slow burn 🔥
third act breakup
HEA
February 13, 2022
I saw this book at the library and had it on my list tbr so I checked it out and am I glad I did. I devoured it. Some suspension of disbelief is required but I went with the story willingly. Kitty is desperate and decides to announce that she is engaged to a reclusive Duke, and he is amused by it and allows the deception to continue. The duke was severely injured over 10 years ago and has been reading about his fake engagement as it amuses him. Then he shows up at a ball Kitty is attending. The story is fun and funny about falling in love.
April 11, 2021
Disclaimer: Laura ❀, Ren ♡ (and everyone else who loved the book) please close your eyes and act like you haven't seen this. I don't know what went wrong with My Darling Book, it just didn’t work for me.
The story was romantic, and they were really beautiful moments, but I didn’t care about the characters and I struggled to keep reading from the beginning. I thought maybe it would be better when they finally meet, but it felt too unrealistic (or maybe I was just bored).
“I would lay the world at your feet if I could, Katherine.”
“I do not need the whole world. Just a little bit of you, Alexander.”
BUT the disability rep was really good, and it deserves 3 stars for that alone. I only wish I was able to connect with the characters, because it’s really hard to find books which this rep, specially with the degree of disability Alexander (H) had.
Also, I hope I’m not the only one who rolled her eyes in this scene (it was when they almost drown in the river)
“He’s dead?” ()
“I cannot hear his heartbeat or feel the heat of his breath. I fear he is truly dead.” (...)
“Surely it cannot be so. How dreadful!”
Her heart ached at the naked agony in Alexander’s gaze. “He was a wife.. children and grandchildren? Why did I risk going over the bridge? (...) God damn you,” the duke roared, slapping the man’s chest.
It was a sacrilege, beating a dead man’s chest, He repeated the motion, this time his sound of fury and denial muted. Just as she was about to order him to stop, one of the man’s fingers twitched. (...)
“I thought he moved.” Every foolish gothic book she’d ever read in the late evening blared through her mind. It did not help that the sky had the ominous darkness of a fiercely brewing storm. ()
The man jerked and then turned over to his side, coughing up mouthfuls of water. (...) “Ye had to thump so hard, Yer Grace?”
I wouldn’t like to be in the company of these two if I ever got hurt. They are hopeless: one was too busy blaming himself and the other was thinking about zombies.🤦♀️
The story was romantic, and they were really beautiful moments, but I didn’t care about the characters and I struggled to keep reading from the beginning. I thought maybe it would be better when they finally meet, but it felt too unrealistic (or maybe I was just bored).
“I would lay the world at your feet if I could, Katherine.”
“I do not need the whole world. Just a little bit of you, Alexander.”
BUT the disability rep was really good, and it deserves 3 stars for that alone. I only wish I was able to connect with the characters, because it’s really hard to find books which this rep, specially with the degree of disability Alexander (H) had.
Also, I hope I’m not the only one who rolled her eyes in this scene (it was when they almost drown in the river)
“He’s dead?” ()
“I cannot hear his heartbeat or feel the heat of his breath. I fear he is truly dead.” (...)
“Surely it cannot be so. How dreadful!”
Her heart ached at the naked agony in Alexander’s gaze. “He was a wife.. children and grandchildren? Why did I risk going over the bridge? (...) God damn you,” the duke roared, slapping the man’s chest.
It was a sacrilege, beating a dead man’s chest, He repeated the motion, this time his sound of fury and denial muted. Just as she was about to order him to stop, one of the man’s fingers twitched. (...)
“I thought he moved.” Every foolish gothic book she’d ever read in the late evening blared through her mind. It did not help that the sky had the ominous darkness of a fiercely brewing storm. ()
The man jerked and then turned over to his side, coughing up mouthfuls of water. (...) “Ye had to thump so hard, Yer Grace?”
I wouldn’t like to be in the company of these two if I ever got hurt. They are hopeless: one was too busy blaming himself and the other was thinking about zombies.🤦♀️
January 30, 2022
As Katherine Danvers hits society newspapers and gossip columns with claims that she is engaged to the Duke of Thornton, Kitty is preparing for an extensive social calendar as the invites come flooding in. A claim the duke is unlikely to be made aware of, following his self-imposed exile from London society to his estate in Scotland. Choosing to live the life of a recluse, Alexander has ostracised himself from London and Government following a tragic accident that has left him scarred, and by the time he does find out about his alleged engagement, Kitty will have secured a worthy match for her sisters among London’s most eligible bachelors, and thereby protecting her family from financial ruin.
Romance is a very new genre for me and one I choose today to break up some heavy books I have read recently and who doesn’t love a warm, cuddly, sometimes steamy romance that gives us the feel-good factor, and an ending you won’t be disappointed in.? A story of Cinderella combined with a retelling of beauty and the beast. Although the duke is no beast – handsome, rich and a strong character, the perfect male character to transport you into a dream world when you need it.
Surprisingly I thought this was very well written, I say that because some of the other Romance novels I have read over the years were not. I flew through this book today, so easy to read and engrossing. The characters were likeable or at least intriguing, Kitty herself, scheming, resourceful and brazen to have created such an elaborate tale. The feel-good factor that Romance gives us and knowing we will smile at the end is the reason why these novels attract such a huge following. Personally, I prefer crime/thrillers that create so much suspense with an unpredictable ending, but this novel was all about the journey, the scheming and two people with very different backgrounds deciding if they had enough chemistry and depth to make it work.
I will continue to read Romance stories, from time to time, and have a few in store recommended by my Goodreads friend Warda, I have dubbed Queen of Romance!!! And I have to commend Warda on this choice.
Romance is a very new genre for me and one I choose today to break up some heavy books I have read recently and who doesn’t love a warm, cuddly, sometimes steamy romance that gives us the feel-good factor, and an ending you won’t be disappointed in.? A story of Cinderella combined with a retelling of beauty and the beast. Although the duke is no beast – handsome, rich and a strong character, the perfect male character to transport you into a dream world when you need it.
Surprisingly I thought this was very well written, I say that because some of the other Romance novels I have read over the years were not. I flew through this book today, so easy to read and engrossing. The characters were likeable or at least intriguing, Kitty herself, scheming, resourceful and brazen to have created such an elaborate tale. The feel-good factor that Romance gives us and knowing we will smile at the end is the reason why these novels attract such a huge following. Personally, I prefer crime/thrillers that create so much suspense with an unpredictable ending, but this novel was all about the journey, the scheming and two people with very different backgrounds deciding if they had enough chemistry and depth to make it work.
I will continue to read Romance stories, from time to time, and have a few in store recommended by my Goodreads friend Warda, I have dubbed Queen of Romance!!! And I have to commend Warda on this choice.
April 14, 2021
4.5 stars
Sigh. This was such a fantastic book. I'm loving historical romances more and more with each one I read, and this one was great. Stacy Reid is a new to me author and I'm excited to read more from her.
Katherine 'Kitty' Danvers is a Wallflower. She's got an idea to change all that, though. Kitty pretends to be engaged to a reclusive Duke to give her family a little more credibility to get her sisters married off to respectable men. She never ever expects for the Duke to show up and seek her out.
Ten years ago, the Duke was in a tragic accident that left him scarred and wheelchair bound. In mind, he was destined to be alone. Until he met Kitty. She charmed him straight away and these two quickly became friends and started to fall for one another. I loved both of these characters so much. This was reminiscent of a beauty and the beast retelling and I never wanted to hit pause on this audiobook.
There was so much I adored about this story. I only wish we would have gotten more of this couple as a couple, still it was a wonderful read. I'm looking forward to more by this author!
“I would lay the world at your feet if I could, Katherine."
"I do not need the whole world. Just a little bit of you, Alexander”
Sigh. This was such a fantastic book. I'm loving historical romances more and more with each one I read, and this one was great. Stacy Reid is a new to me author and I'm excited to read more from her.
Katherine 'Kitty' Danvers is a Wallflower. She's got an idea to change all that, though. Kitty pretends to be engaged to a reclusive Duke to give her family a little more credibility to get her sisters married off to respectable men. She never ever expects for the Duke to show up and seek her out.
Ten years ago, the Duke was in a tragic accident that left him scarred and wheelchair bound. In mind, he was destined to be alone. Until he met Kitty. She charmed him straight away and these two quickly became friends and started to fall for one another. I loved both of these characters so much. This was reminiscent of a beauty and the beast retelling and I never wanted to hit pause on this audiobook.
There was so much I adored about this story. I only wish we would have gotten more of this couple as a couple, still it was a wonderful read. I'm looking forward to more by this author!
Audio book source: Hoopla (library borrow)
Story Rating: 4.5 stars
Narrators: Mary Sarah
Narration Rating: 4.5 stars
Genre: Historical Romance
Length: 10 hours and 43 minutes
December 26, 2019
Oh so many tears! Simply amazing story.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have to tell you I got the major feels with this book. I found myself reading with tears rolling down my face several times. The author crafted a completely different story with a twist that simply captivated me. And the last part nearly broke my heart.
It’s not easy to catch the attention of a reviewer because we read so many stories. Sometimes it feels like I’m numb to emotion. However, when a author breaks through that tough exterior, the impact is even more touching.
This book is teeming with deep emotion and pain, both physical and emotional. But we also have amusement, wit, and genuine happiness that just makes you smile throughout the story. The complexity of the characters Reid crafted just really touched my heart.
My Darling Duke is one of the most intensely romantic, sexy, fun, and emotional Regency romances I have read. It will be rounding out my Best of 2019 list with a heart stopping five stars. I cannot say enough about this book so suffice it to say that if you love a great romance, you have to read this one!
This author has definitely caught my attention and I will be looking for more from her. If this is an example of her normal work, sign me up!
* copy received for review consideration
Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/my-darling-d...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have to tell you I got the major feels with this book. I found myself reading with tears rolling down my face several times. The author crafted a completely different story with a twist that simply captivated me. And the last part nearly broke my heart.
It’s not easy to catch the attention of a reviewer because we read so many stories. Sometimes it feels like I’m numb to emotion. However, when a author breaks through that tough exterior, the impact is even more touching.
This book is teeming with deep emotion and pain, both physical and emotional. But we also have amusement, wit, and genuine happiness that just makes you smile throughout the story. The complexity of the characters Reid crafted just really touched my heart.
My Darling Duke is one of the most intensely romantic, sexy, fun, and emotional Regency romances I have read. It will be rounding out my Best of 2019 list with a heart stopping five stars. I cannot say enough about this book so suffice it to say that if you love a great romance, you have to read this one!
This author has definitely caught my attention and I will be looking for more from her. If this is an example of her normal work, sign me up!
* copy received for review consideration
Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/my-darling-d...
June 5, 2021
3.5 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was a little slow to start and a little too abrupt in the very end, but the middle I really enjoyed! I enjoy good, witty characters that bond with humorous banter and that’s what happens here. I really liked their connection and I liked both characters enough to be rooting for them from the start. I was a little disappointed with the conflict and how I didn’t feel the emotions behind it or feel as though there was that much time after the conflict was resolved. I also was a little frustrated with the maybe question in the end...why go there?! Why not show that they still really work without it?! Sorry, I know that’s really vague for those of you that haven’t read it, but those that have — I’m sure you know what I mean 😅. I think this could’ve been great but sadly missed the mark on a few things. It still was an enjoyable read and I’ll be looking into other books by this author and in this series!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Kitty and Alexander’s story. Kitty is desperate after her father leaving her and her sisters without a dowry and closing in on her third season without any prospects. She decides, with the support of her group of wallflower friends, that she needs to be bold to make a change in her circumstances. She claims to be engaged to a duke she’s never met that has been missing from London for years but still hold social power to open up doors for her sisters to gain suitors. When Alexander hears about his engagement and reads all about his supposed romance with this unknown woman, he has to meet her. A beauty and the beast type romance ensues with some great banter, some sweet moments, some drama, and a few sexy times...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between focusing on Kitty and Alexander in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Slow to start and the end was a little too abrupt for my liking. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well in the middle though.
Instalove: No, but instant friendship (with attraction) to more.
H (Hero) rating: 4 stars. Alexander. I liked him! I wanted to shake him a few times, but I understood where he was coming from enough to forgive him too.
h (heroine) rating: 4.5 stars. Kitty. I really liked her! She was smart, witty, and brave!
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull:Yes
Heat level: Alright. They have some alright tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so many scenes and not so much it takes away from the story. This is more of a slow burn with them not being intimate until the very end.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes, but mild
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes, but mild
Closure: This ends with a HEA , but as always — I wanted some more...maybe ? Maybe I’ll get some more of them if I continue with the series...
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
Overall Opinion: This was a little slow to start and a little too abrupt in the very end, but the middle I really enjoyed! I enjoy good, witty characters that bond with humorous banter and that’s what happens here. I really liked their connection and I liked both characters enough to be rooting for them from the start. I was a little disappointed with the conflict and how I didn’t feel the emotions behind it or feel as though there was that much time after the conflict was resolved. I also was a little frustrated with the maybe question in the end...why go there?! Why not show that they still really work without it?! Sorry, I know that’s really vague for those of you that haven’t read it, but those that have — I’m sure you know what I mean 😅. I think this could’ve been great but sadly missed the mark on a few things. It still was an enjoyable read and I’ll be looking into other books by this author and in this series!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Kitty and Alexander’s story. Kitty is desperate after her father leaving her and her sisters without a dowry and closing in on her third season without any prospects. She decides, with the support of her group of wallflower friends, that she needs to be bold to make a change in her circumstances. She claims to be engaged to a duke she’s never met that has been missing from London for years but still hold social power to open up doors for her sisters to gain suitors. When Alexander hears about his engagement and reads all about his supposed romance with this unknown woman, he has to meet her. A beauty and the beast type romance ensues with some great banter, some sweet moments, some drama, and a few sexy times...and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between focusing on Kitty and Alexander in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Slow to start and the end was a little too abrupt for my liking. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well in the middle though.
Instalove: No, but instant friendship (with attraction) to more.
H (Hero) rating: 4 stars. Alexander. I liked him! I wanted to shake him a few times, but I understood where he was coming from enough to forgive him too.
h (heroine) rating: 4.5 stars. Kitty. I really liked her! She was smart, witty, and brave!
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull:Yes
Heat level: Alright. They have some alright tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so many scenes and not so much it takes away from the story. This is more of a slow burn with them not being intimate until the very end.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: Yes, but mild
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Yes, but mild
Closure: This ends with a HEA , but as always — I wanted some more...maybe ? Maybe I’ll get some more of them if I continue with the series...
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
February 3, 2021
group of wallflowers ✔
tortured, recluse, and grumpy hero ✔
fantastic heroine ✔
kind of beauty and the beast retelling ✔
delightful love story ✔
I really liked this book!!
Glad that I discovered a new author and will read more by her..
like right now!!
tortured, recluse, and grumpy hero ✔
fantastic heroine ✔
kind of beauty and the beast retelling ✔
delightful love story ✔
I really liked this book!!
Glad that I discovered a new author and will read more by her..
like right now!!
January 6, 2022
🌹 4.5 stars 🌹
➺ Fake engagement
➺ Somewhat like a Beauty and the Beast retelling 🌹
➺ Great friendship and sibling moments
➺ Classic one bed trope
➺ Reclusive and lonely hero
➺ Daring heroine who would do anything for her family
➺ AMAZING love story!
🌹 Summary 🌹
Katherine Danvers and her family were in a poor financial position which had worsened considerably since the death of her father. In an attempt to give her sisters the best shot at making good marriages she lies and tells society that she is the fiancé of the well-known but very reclusive, Duke of Thornton, Alexander Masters.
Kitty never expected the Duke to find out or to care as there was always so much gossip about him. But after hearing news of their supposed engagement, Alexander started keeping a close eye on the scandal sheets and became fascinated by the woman who claimed to be his fiancé - so fascinated that he decided to take the trip to London to meet her, despite not being out in society for around 10 years.
🌹 Review 🌹
This was such an easy, romantic read with so many amazing moments! I loved the writing style so much and I don't know if this can be fully classed as a Beauty and the Beast retelling but there were definitely some hints throughout that it could be one, with Kitty saying that Alexander hides away in the West Wing of his home like the Beast does! Despite the book having some of the more classic tropes I actually thought the story was so unique due to the wonderfully written characters.
Kitty is part of a group of young ladies who call themselves the "Sinful Wallflowers" as a joke. Encouraged by her supportive group of friends she decides to make the life-changing decision of lying about her engagement to an influential Duke to allow her sisters to enter society. Kitty was willing to sacrifice her reputation, as she would be found out to be a liar eventually, in order to allow her sisters to have a chance of happiness and I loved how selfless her actions were throughout the book.
Alexander had an accident that both left him scarred but also affected his ability to walk. Having faced judgement following the accident he set up home in Scotland and decided to keep his distance from the London crowd. I loved his character so much as he became more and more interested in Kitty and their friendship grew. He tried to push her away on numerous occasions because he did not want Kitty to sacrifice so much for him and it was so great to read about their growing feelings for each other.
The romance was just so great and I especially loved it when Alexander and Kitty went on a trip to his home in Scotland - the chemistryyy was AMAZING!!! I loved the epilogue as well, it just brought the story together in such a great way!! Honestly I just really enjoyed reading this love story!!
"Does it matter to you at all that I am here...in this boat with you?" she asked softly.
He stopped rowing. The eyes that peered at her were unfathomable. He reached for her, his fingers tracing the lines of her cheekbones and jaw.
"You are the only person I've ever wanted to share my silence."
➺ Fake engagement
➺ Somewhat like a Beauty and the Beast retelling 🌹
➺ Great friendship and sibling moments
➺ Classic one bed trope
➺ Reclusive and lonely hero
➺ Daring heroine who would do anything for her family
➺ AMAZING love story!
🌹 Summary 🌹
Katherine Danvers and her family were in a poor financial position which had worsened considerably since the death of her father. In an attempt to give her sisters the best shot at making good marriages she lies and tells society that she is the fiancé of the well-known but very reclusive, Duke of Thornton, Alexander Masters.
Kitty never expected the Duke to find out or to care as there was always so much gossip about him. But after hearing news of their supposed engagement, Alexander started keeping a close eye on the scandal sheets and became fascinated by the woman who claimed to be his fiancé - so fascinated that he decided to take the trip to London to meet her, despite not being out in society for around 10 years.
🌹 Review 🌹
This was such an easy, romantic read with so many amazing moments! I loved the writing style so much and I don't know if this can be fully classed as a Beauty and the Beast retelling but there were definitely some hints throughout that it could be one, with Kitty saying that Alexander hides away in the West Wing of his home like the Beast does! Despite the book having some of the more classic tropes I actually thought the story was so unique due to the wonderfully written characters.
Kitty is part of a group of young ladies who call themselves the "Sinful Wallflowers" as a joke. Encouraged by her supportive group of friends she decides to make the life-changing decision of lying about her engagement to an influential Duke to allow her sisters to enter society. Kitty was willing to sacrifice her reputation, as she would be found out to be a liar eventually, in order to allow her sisters to have a chance of happiness and I loved how selfless her actions were throughout the book.
Alexander had an accident that both left him scarred but also affected his ability to walk. Having faced judgement following the accident he set up home in Scotland and decided to keep his distance from the London crowd. I loved his character so much as he became more and more interested in Kitty and their friendship grew. He tried to push her away on numerous occasions because he did not want Kitty to sacrifice so much for him and it was so great to read about their growing feelings for each other.
The romance was just so great and I especially loved it when Alexander and Kitty went on a trip to his home in Scotland - the chemistryyy was AMAZING!!! I loved the epilogue as well, it just brought the story together in such a great way!! Honestly I just really enjoyed reading this love story!!
April 19, 2022
4.5 Stars
This is a five-star book by all accounts, but I have rated it a smidge lower on a re-read, and I have a solid reason, so please, bear with me.
Very few books move me to tears, as alas, I am a tough nut to crack, but I will say this, it touched my heart. A story about dreams long-buried, only for a sliver of hope to appear, a moment of weakness that allows fear to resurface, reality ready to threaten you to a breaking point emotionally, such riotous thoughts, and such a poignant reminder of how afraid we can be of our own hopes and dreams. Loneliness can take many forms, but we forget that there is togetherness in the loneliness, and kinship or a friendship or a romance can be found in that bleakness. I ask you, how can such a tale not move you? (And I believe the rhetoric is implied.)
God, Stacy Reid is such a talented author. Her writing is visceral, and it just speaks to you emotionally. She isn't afraid to turn away from the HR usuals of pretty, rich, titled rakes and quirky, non-biddable wallflowers or to venture into something real, intrinsic and difficult using the barest threads of beloved tropes, in this case - a wallflower, a pretend engagement, and a Duke in a Beauty and the (broken) Beast retelling.
Quick Review
- A darling, beautifully emotional story.
- A darling heroine who is willing to fight for her family, her love, and herself with a bold plan, impudentness, and simple kindness. She may have appeared vain initially, but if that was vain, then it was glorious.
- A darling duke, indeed. Alexander was such a great representation of a scarred hero that he brought out all the saviour instincts in me. He was a sinfully seductive, scarred man and very easy to fall in love with.
- The romance was stars aligned, and we were meant for each other kind. They had a lovely friendship in the making, a feeling of belongingness, and all of it was sweet, especially their conversations, the teasing, and the pretty letters. The chemistry was little on account of the accident, but it was rife with sensuality.
Here is my issue, though the field was wide open to explore all manner of non-invasive, exploratory sex, Ms Reid went with the convenient.
I feel that with the growing sense of success with each encounter, his confidence would have built, lending a solid weight to their romance, as opposed to one seduction becoming a cure-all. Or maybe I am putting the burden of delivering the Sun, Stars and the Moon on Ms Reid's shoulders.
My Recommendation
This story should be turned into a Netflix series and replace the shitshow that was Bridgerton Season 2 (personal vendetta conveyed). All said and done, Ms Reid never disappoints with her work, and this book is just darling.
This is a five-star book by all accounts, but I have rated it a smidge lower on a re-read, and I have a solid reason, so please, bear with me.
Very few books move me to tears, as alas, I am a tough nut to crack, but I will say this, it touched my heart. A story about dreams long-buried, only for a sliver of hope to appear, a moment of weakness that allows fear to resurface, reality ready to threaten you to a breaking point emotionally, such riotous thoughts, and such a poignant reminder of how afraid we can be of our own hopes and dreams. Loneliness can take many forms, but we forget that there is togetherness in the loneliness, and kinship or a friendship or a romance can be found in that bleakness. I ask you, how can such a tale not move you? (And I believe the rhetoric is implied.)
God, Stacy Reid is such a talented author. Her writing is visceral, and it just speaks to you emotionally. She isn't afraid to turn away from the HR usuals of pretty, rich, titled rakes and quirky, non-biddable wallflowers or to venture into something real, intrinsic and difficult using the barest threads of beloved tropes, in this case - a wallflower, a pretend engagement, and a Duke in a Beauty and the (broken) Beast retelling.
Quick Review
- A darling, beautifully emotional story.
- A darling heroine who is willing to fight for her family, her love, and herself with a bold plan, impudentness, and simple kindness. She may have appeared vain initially, but if that was vain, then it was glorious.
- A darling duke, indeed. Alexander was such a great representation of a scarred hero that he brought out all the saviour instincts in me. He was a sinfully seductive, scarred man and very easy to fall in love with.
- The romance was stars aligned, and we were meant for each other kind. They had a lovely friendship in the making, a feeling of belongingness, and all of it was sweet, especially their conversations, the teasing, and the pretty letters. The chemistry was little on account of the accident, but it was rife with sensuality.
Here is my issue, though the field was wide open to explore all manner of non-invasive, exploratory sex, Ms Reid went with the convenient.
I feel that with the growing sense of success with each encounter, his confidence would have built, lending a solid weight to their romance, as opposed to one seduction becoming a cure-all. Or maybe I am putting the burden of delivering the Sun, Stars and the Moon on Ms Reid's shoulders.
My Recommendation
This story should be turned into a Netflix series and replace the shitshow that was Bridgerton Season 2 (personal vendetta conveyed). All said and done, Ms Reid never disappoints with her work, and this book is just darling.
May 21, 2024
4.4⭐️
“You will break me”
“You will recover” 😰🔥
OOOP. A good solid read for me 👌🏾
Tropes: semi slow burn, scarred hero, fake engagement and the classic ONE BED scene 🙌🏾👏🏾
Katherine, Kitty, Danvers and her friends are wallflowers. For one reason or the other they have been cast aside by society and not found worthy of marriage. It could be because one wears glasses and is witty, it could be because one was previously engaged but jilted….for whatever frivolous reason, these amazing young women have not been given a second glance during their seasons. In Katherine’s case, she does not come for a lot of money and her father passed away leaving them very little.
But are these women going to take it lying down? NOPE. ➡️ “How marvelous if we should all be guilty of doing something wicked, just for once?” 😏😈
Katherine’s idea of being wicked and saving her family is lying that she’s engaged to the reclusive Duke of Thornton, Alexander. She concocts a whole engagement and relationship story out of thin air in the hopes he won’t come back to London and expose her….a bit out there but you gotta love her boldness 😂😭
Alexander 🥹🥺💗❤️ I don’t know what’s up with me recently but I’m really loving the scarred hero trope? I think it’s nice when we get vulnerability and that sort of representation in male characters. Anyways, he hears all these insane stories and travels from his mansion in Scotland to confront Katherine and meet the woman crazy enough to lie about being his fiancé.
I can’t fault the writing or story to be honest. It was all really beautiful and dramatic as one would expect in a historical fiction. The love declarations in this were 10/10 “You make me hope, Like a goddamn idiot, you make me pray, you make my throat burn with the need to scream and beg God to give you to me, to treasure, to worship…to love until the end of my days.” 😭👏🏾🥹🤌🏾❤️
Also good spice and romantic scenes. Especially when we had to consider Alexander’s disability.
The only reason it’s not a five star is because of the slow start. My God, it’s was a good few chapters of Alexander just telling us how intriguing he found this woman and wondering who she could be…once we got past that it picked up quite well in my opinion.
I’m excited to read the other ladies’ stories. I hope they all embrace their wickedness and live their best lives 🥹🫶🏾
“You will break me”
“You will recover” 😰🔥
OOOP. A good solid read for me 👌🏾
Tropes: semi slow burn, scarred hero, fake engagement and the classic ONE BED scene 🙌🏾👏🏾
Katherine, Kitty, Danvers and her friends are wallflowers. For one reason or the other they have been cast aside by society and not found worthy of marriage. It could be because one wears glasses and is witty, it could be because one was previously engaged but jilted….for whatever frivolous reason, these amazing young women have not been given a second glance during their seasons. In Katherine’s case, she does not come for a lot of money and her father passed away leaving them very little.
But are these women going to take it lying down? NOPE. ➡️ “How marvelous if we should all be guilty of doing something wicked, just for once?” 😏😈
Katherine’s idea of being wicked and saving her family is lying that she’s engaged to the reclusive Duke of Thornton, Alexander. She concocts a whole engagement and relationship story out of thin air in the hopes he won’t come back to London and expose her….a bit out there but you gotta love her boldness 😂😭
Alexander 🥹🥺💗❤️ I don’t know what’s up with me recently but I’m really loving the scarred hero trope? I think it’s nice when we get vulnerability and that sort of representation in male characters. Anyways, he hears all these insane stories and travels from his mansion in Scotland to confront Katherine and meet the woman crazy enough to lie about being his fiancé.
I can’t fault the writing or story to be honest. It was all really beautiful and dramatic as one would expect in a historical fiction. The love declarations in this were 10/10 “You make me hope, Like a goddamn idiot, you make me pray, you make my throat burn with the need to scream and beg God to give you to me, to treasure, to worship…to love until the end of my days.” 😭👏🏾🥹🤌🏾❤️
Also good spice and romantic scenes. Especially when we had to consider Alexander’s disability.
The only reason it’s not a five star is because of the slow start. My God, it’s was a good few chapters of Alexander just telling us how intriguing he found this woman and wondering who she could be…once we got past that it picked up quite well in my opinion.
I’m excited to read the other ladies’ stories. I hope they all embrace their wickedness and live their best lives 🥹🫶🏾
August 3, 2021
Je je
Je Je Je
Jejejejejejejjejejeje *giggles like a maniac*
Yup, this is a MF and I just gave it 5 stars. SAY WHUUUT??! 😲😲😲
I'm still swooning, clutching my pearls and fainting all at the same time because of this!! What an awesome and refreshing read!!! The story was so lovely and the main gurl? Oh my god, she was so awesome, she had a great personality, a very smart and imaginative mind and she wasn't afraid to put her feelings out there. She was brave and unapologetic in what she wanted, she went for it and achieved things. Loved her, wanna be like her, best heroine I've read in a while!!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
And the Duke? I have a thing with Dukes since Renee took the role of the Duke of hastings or whatever the name is, but this guy? Alexander was something else man, he had a really playful personality, he loved bantering with Kitty and making her show him her mind. I love the guy, jesus. And his sacrifices and the way he tackles his disability? What a strong and stubborn man, me loves.
Loved every piece of this and I will come back later for more. 🥰😍
Je Je Je
Jejejejejejejjejejeje *giggles like a maniac*
Yup, this is a MF and I just gave it 5 stars. SAY WHUUUT??! 😲😲😲
I'm still swooning, clutching my pearls and fainting all at the same time because of this!! What an awesome and refreshing read!!! The story was so lovely and the main gurl? Oh my god, she was so awesome, she had a great personality, a very smart and imaginative mind and she wasn't afraid to put her feelings out there. She was brave and unapologetic in what she wanted, she went for it and achieved things. Loved her, wanna be like her, best heroine I've read in a while!!!! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
And the Duke? I have a thing with Dukes since Renee took the role of the Duke of hastings or whatever the name is, but this guy? Alexander was something else man, he had a really playful personality, he loved bantering with Kitty and making her show him her mind. I love the guy, jesus. And his sacrifices and the way he tackles his disability? What a strong and stubborn man, me loves.
Loved every piece of this and I will come back later for more. 🥰😍
December 14, 2019
Series: Sinful Wallflowers #1
Publication Date: 12/31/19
I finished reading this book yesterday and it has been on my mind all day today. It is a wonderful book filled with wit, humor, and hope – so much hope. We have a truly traumatized and damaged hero and I absolutely loved how this author handled him, his injuries, his spirit, and his bleak outlook on his future. This could have been one of those dark, intense, angsty books that I hate, but it wasn’t that way at all. I’m not usually a huge fan of the retelling of fairy tales, but this Beauty and the Beast retelling was almost magical. This is my first book by this author, but I can assure you I will give her books another try.
Katherine Danvers, her mother, and her sisters (Anna, Henrietta, and Judith) are in a very precarious situation. They are just one breath away from penury. When their father died without an heir, his title went to a relative – and that relative wasn’t in the least interested in providing for Kitty and her family. They had been living on their mother's small portion and that was almost gone. The hope was that Kitty would marry well and save them all, but in her fourth season, she hasn’t had any interest at all. She’s lovely, graceful and caring, but without a dowry and no connections, the men of the ton just aren’t smart enough to see her real value.
Kitty has come up with a plan to save her family even though it will mean ruination for herself. She’s thought long and hard about it. She’s done thorough research and has now chosen the perfect person – the very, very reclusive Duke of Thornton who hasn’t been seen in London in over seven years. How can he possibly get wind of what she is doing when he is so far north at McMullen Castle in Scotland? Her plan is simple, she’ll announce her engagement to the duke, provide a cover story for their courtship, and then do her best to see that her sister Anna makes an advantageous match. That will save the family and Kitty can then announce that her betrothal has ended and while that will ruin her, the rest of her family will be safe.
Alexander Masters, Duke of Thornton, may not have set foot in London in over seven years, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have family and friends there. When he gets a visit from his godmother asking about his betrothal, he’s intrigued and has his butler acquire copies of any and all scandal sheets that carry stories about him and his betrothed. As he reads those stories, he becomes more and more intrigued by that brave and intrepid lady who is brazen enough to claim a betrothal with him. He’s not angry (well, maybe a little) and isn’t looking for revenge (well, maybe a little) – he is just intrigued – and he sets off for London. He’s not sure what he’ll do when he gets there, but…
Since her betrothal announcement things have sort of gotten out of hand for Kitty. Those lies have taken on a life of their own and she doesn’t have any idea how to control them. Then, at a ball, the Duke of Thornton makes his way to her and demands that they have a ‘talk’. Oh! My! Then things snowball and Kitty doesn’t know what to do. Will he denounce her and thus ruin not only her but her entire family? When he makes a demand she can’t refuse, she really is at a loss. Add in servants who want a romance between them, a sister who wants the same – well – that romance is definitely on a rocky roller coaster.
I highly recommend this story and if it is indicative of the entire series – I can’t wait for the stories of the other wallflowers.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 12/31/19
I finished reading this book yesterday and it has been on my mind all day today. It is a wonderful book filled with wit, humor, and hope – so much hope. We have a truly traumatized and damaged hero and I absolutely loved how this author handled him, his injuries, his spirit, and his bleak outlook on his future. This could have been one of those dark, intense, angsty books that I hate, but it wasn’t that way at all. I’m not usually a huge fan of the retelling of fairy tales, but this Beauty and the Beast retelling was almost magical. This is my first book by this author, but I can assure you I will give her books another try.
Katherine Danvers, her mother, and her sisters (Anna, Henrietta, and Judith) are in a very precarious situation. They are just one breath away from penury. When their father died without an heir, his title went to a relative – and that relative wasn’t in the least interested in providing for Kitty and her family. They had been living on their mother's small portion and that was almost gone. The hope was that Kitty would marry well and save them all, but in her fourth season, she hasn’t had any interest at all. She’s lovely, graceful and caring, but without a dowry and no connections, the men of the ton just aren’t smart enough to see her real value.
Kitty has come up with a plan to save her family even though it will mean ruination for herself. She’s thought long and hard about it. She’s done thorough research and has now chosen the perfect person – the very, very reclusive Duke of Thornton who hasn’t been seen in London in over seven years. How can he possibly get wind of what she is doing when he is so far north at McMullen Castle in Scotland? Her plan is simple, she’ll announce her engagement to the duke, provide a cover story for their courtship, and then do her best to see that her sister Anna makes an advantageous match. That will save the family and Kitty can then announce that her betrothal has ended and while that will ruin her, the rest of her family will be safe.
Alexander Masters, Duke of Thornton, may not have set foot in London in over seven years, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have family and friends there. When he gets a visit from his godmother asking about his betrothal, he’s intrigued and has his butler acquire copies of any and all scandal sheets that carry stories about him and his betrothed. As he reads those stories, he becomes more and more intrigued by that brave and intrepid lady who is brazen enough to claim a betrothal with him. He’s not angry (well, maybe a little) and isn’t looking for revenge (well, maybe a little) – he is just intrigued – and he sets off for London. He’s not sure what he’ll do when he gets there, but…
Since her betrothal announcement things have sort of gotten out of hand for Kitty. Those lies have taken on a life of their own and she doesn’t have any idea how to control them. Then, at a ball, the Duke of Thornton makes his way to her and demands that they have a ‘talk’. Oh! My! Then things snowball and Kitty doesn’t know what to do. Will he denounce her and thus ruin not only her but her entire family? When he makes a demand she can’t refuse, she really is at a loss. Add in servants who want a romance between them, a sister who wants the same – well – that romance is definitely on a rocky roller coaster.
I highly recommend this story and if it is indicative of the entire series – I can’t wait for the stories of the other wallflowers.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 16, 2020
My Darling...and very stubborn Duke
This was my first story by Stacy Reid and it will definitely not be my last. The characters were interesting, the storyline was original and I was emotionally invested in their courtship and the struggles they faced.
I absolutely loved that this author was not afraid to approach an issue that is rarely raised (wink, wink) in romance. A man sacrificing his own happiness because of his inability to give his love everything he thinks she deserves. By the end, even I was convinced that the heroine was not going to miss out on much because of the extra effort he went to.
I will now go searching for more of this authors work. If you're looking for a feel-good historical romance...after a few bumps and a rough ride, I highly recommend giving My Darling Duke a try.
This was my first story by Stacy Reid and it will definitely not be my last. The characters were interesting, the storyline was original and I was emotionally invested in their courtship and the struggles they faced.
I absolutely loved that this author was not afraid to approach an issue that is rarely raised (wink, wink) in romance. A man sacrificing his own happiness because of his inability to give his love everything he thinks she deserves. By the end, even I was convinced that the heroine was not going to miss out on much because of the extra effort he went to.
I will now go searching for more of this authors work. If you're looking for a feel-good historical romance...after a few bumps and a rough ride, I highly recommend giving My Darling Duke a try.
March 26, 2023
Read:3/26/23
4.5 stars
Well, my review got deleted, so I'll make this shorter.
I'm surprised how much I actually enjoyed this book! High expectations are rarely ever met. This was such a good, fun love story! I loved the h, but the Duke stole the book for me. He was mysterious with a cheeky personality. These two fit beautifully together! The author let their friendship deepen instead of rushing the relationship like many hr authors tend to do.
I'm glad I got to read this for BOTM! I highly recommend it!
Sidenote: At one point, I thought someone had caused the fire and the bridge to collapse. Definitely, wrong on that one!
4.5 stars
Well, my review got deleted, so I'll make this shorter.
I'm surprised how much I actually enjoyed this book! High expectations are rarely ever met. This was such a good, fun love story! I loved the h, but the Duke stole the book for me. He was mysterious with a cheeky personality. These two fit beautifully together! The author let their friendship deepen instead of rushing the relationship like many hr authors tend to do.
I'm glad I got to read this for BOTM! I highly recommend it!
Sidenote: At one point, I thought someone had caused the fire and the bridge to collapse. Definitely, wrong on that one!
April 13, 2024
"Do you think me so shallow I can love you only if you are perfect?"
I absolutely love beauty and the beast retellings, and I'm so happy to have stumbled upon this book through reddit. Since, my past experiences with reddit recs were rather filled with 1 stars, I seriously had no expectations and went in blindly, but ironically these random picks turn out to be some of my best fucking reads so far.
⸝⸝💌 The twisted skin of his face was so macabre, yet the man so beautiful.
I absolutely adored this minx with her wild and reckless spirit. Usually in historical romances, the females are portrayed as meek and subservient, and although I'm aware that the characterization is supposed to resemble the actual situation of the females back in those days, it honestly thrills my core to be able to read something different, about a female who's off the hook and doesn't give two fucks about the society. Her personality traits were so contradictory yet entertaining at the same time, she cared deeply about her family, put them above herself, had a healthy relationship with them and her friends and on the other side, she amused herself by doing all those things that were totally against the 'proper lady' manual let alone someone who wasn't from an influential family and had no connections whatsoever to find a perfect match for herself .
⸝⸝💌 Alexander wasn’t a beast, but nor was he a beauty. And she seemed to like him despite all of it.
She was a wallflower but the resounding spirit inside her probed her to face challenges, I admire her bravery for creating those false rumors( as stated in the blurb) despite knowing it could tarnish her reputation in the society because everything was worth it when it comes to her fam. I wholeheartedly support women's wrongs. But my favorite thing about her has got to be the way she loved and cared for Alexander, she never outright pitied him and helped him even though he refused to accept any aid and you could see the gratefulness that Alex possessed for her. As his partner, she never backed down from the challenges and still managed to hold her pride through all the difficulties. She also read books to him. Totally a sunshine with a black cat energy.
⸝⸝💌 You are the only person I’ve ever wanted to share my silence
Never thought I'd feel protective of a historical rom mmc but there's a first time for everything, right? His character was definitely filled with complexity yet he is also one of the most perfect male leads ever. When I say complexity, I don't mean it in a demeaning and off-putting way. He was mostly confined to a wheel chair, and he could function without it for a few hours or so. It was certainly agonizing to know about his rough past, and the way he stood strong through the pain, insecurity and embarrassment towards himself.
⸝⸝💌 I am not that damnably selfish to confine so bright a treasure as you to my lonely existence
My heart ached for him whenever he would wonder how Katherine deserved better than an imperfect man by her side. And even then, he was so besotted with her, my man could just stare and admire her "unladylike" manners for hours in a room full of people. He was confused when somebody pointed this out, help! I admired the fact that he was alright with enduring pain if it meant Katherine could feel some sense of normalcy by having him on his side. He also loved to tease tf outta her for the impudent manners, yet proudly boasted about them to others.
⸝⸝💌 "You make me hope,” he snarled low and dangerous. “Like a goddamn
idiot, you make me pray, you make my throat burn with the need to scream and beg God to give you to me, to treasure, to worship…to love until the end of my days."
There's something about historical romances and the way the characters address each other with their last names- HOT? VERY HOT. I giggled like an idiot after following "your grace" and "miss Danvers" throughout the book. I admire the author for adding a subtle modern touch to the writing style with a sense of innocence and formal language still lingering between the words. The banter between them flowed seamlessly and Katherine wasn't the only one blushing here. I'm also goddamn thankful for no OW/OM drama since, the blurb definitely hinted at some parts. While I have no problem with munching on some popcorn, I don’t think I could have handled any bullshit here. I also wished for a longer epilogue but it's alright!
༉‧₊˚🕯️ "𝑌𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑒, ℎ𝑜𝑤 𝑑𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑓𝑢𝑙 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑒𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛.”
“𝐼 𝑑𝑜 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑏𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑣𝑒 𝑖𝑡 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎 𝑚𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡.”
“𝐵𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑣𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡, 𝑌𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑒?"
𝑇ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑡, 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑒, 𝑠𝑢𝑏𝑚𝑖𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑎𝑐𝑡, 𝑚𝑦 𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑢𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑥. ୭
༉‧₊˚🕯️ "𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑓𝑢𝑙, 𝑎𝑙𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠. 𝐼 𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑎𝑦 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛 𝑖𝑛 𝑎 𝑠𝑎𝑐𝑘 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑤𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑏𝑒 𝑟𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔,” 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑢𝑘𝑒 𝑚𝑢𝑟𝑚𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑑.
"𝑂𝑢𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒𝑜𝑢𝑠 𝑛𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑒,” 𝑠ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑖𝑑 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑏𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡ℎ. ୭
༉‧₊˚🕯️ "𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑤 𝑎 𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝑎𝑡 𝑚𝑒, 𝑌𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑒.”
“𝐴𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑜𝑜𝑟, 𝑀𝑖𝑠𝑠 𝐷𝑎𝑛𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠. 𝐴𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑜𝑜𝑟. 𝐼 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑓𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑖𝑡 𝑤𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑛𝑜𝑡 ℎ𝑖𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑜𝑟 𝑒𝑙𝑠𝑒 𝐼 𝑤𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑛𝑜𝑡 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑘𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑡. 𝑁𝑜𝑤 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑝 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑑𝑎𝑔𝑔𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑎𝑡 𝑚𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑒𝑦𝑒𝑠.” ୭
༉‧₊˚🕯️ "𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑚𝑦 𝑐𝑎𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒,” ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑖𝑑 𝑟𝑒𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑦.
“𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑣𝑜𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝐼’𝑣𝑒 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑑!” ୭
༉‧₊˚🕯️ “𝐼’𝑙𝑙 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑦𝑜𝑢,” 𝑠ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑑.
“𝐷𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝐺𝑜𝑑, 𝑛𝑜, 𝐼 𝑎𝑚 𝑎𝑙𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑦 𝑖𝑛 𝑒𝑛𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ 𝑎𝑔𝑜𝑛𝑦.” ୭
(and then she proceeds to sing about a young lady who strangled a duke while he slept 😭)
༉‧₊˚🕯️ “𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑠𝑜 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑓𝑢𝑙, 𝐴𝑙𝑒𝑥𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟.” 𝐴 𝑠𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑠𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑒 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑣𝑒𝑑 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑙𝑖𝑝𝑠. “𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑦 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑠𝑎𝑦 𝑠𝑢𝑐ℎ 𝑓𝑜𝑜𝑙𝑖𝑠ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠.” ୭
I absolutely love beauty and the beast retellings, and I'm so happy to have stumbled upon this book through reddit. Since, my past experiences with reddit recs were rather filled with 1 stars, I seriously had no expectations and went in blindly, but ironically these random picks turn out to be some of my best fucking reads so far.
⸝⸝💌 The twisted skin of his face was so macabre, yet the man so beautiful.
I absolutely adored this minx with her wild and reckless spirit. Usually in historical romances, the females are portrayed as meek and subservient, and although I'm aware that the characterization is supposed to resemble the actual situation of the females back in those days, it honestly thrills my core to be able to read something different, about a female who's off the hook and doesn't give two fucks about the society. Her personality traits were so contradictory yet entertaining at the same time, she cared deeply about her family, put them above herself, had a healthy relationship with them and her friends and on the other side, she amused herself by doing all those things that were totally against the 'proper lady' manual let alone someone who wasn't from an influential family and had no connections whatsoever to find a perfect match for herself .
⸝⸝💌 Alexander wasn’t a beast, but nor was he a beauty. And she seemed to like him despite all of it.
She was a wallflower but the resounding spirit inside her probed her to face challenges, I admire her bravery for creating those false rumors( as stated in the blurb) despite knowing it could tarnish her reputation in the society because everything was worth it when it comes to her fam. I wholeheartedly support women's wrongs. But my favorite thing about her has got to be the way she loved and cared for Alexander, she never outright pitied him and helped him even though he refused to accept any aid and you could see the gratefulness that Alex possessed for her. As his partner, she never backed down from the challenges and still managed to hold her pride through all the difficulties. She also read books to him. Totally a sunshine with a black cat energy.
⸝⸝💌 You are the only person I’ve ever wanted to share my silence
Never thought I'd feel protective of a historical rom mmc but there's a first time for everything, right? His character was definitely filled with complexity yet he is also one of the most perfect male leads ever. When I say complexity, I don't mean it in a demeaning and off-putting way. He was mostly confined to a wheel chair, and he could function without it for a few hours or so. It was certainly agonizing to know about his rough past, and the way he stood strong through the pain, insecurity and embarrassment towards himself.
⸝⸝💌 I am not that damnably selfish to confine so bright a treasure as you to my lonely existence
My heart ached for him whenever he would wonder how Katherine deserved better than an imperfect man by her side. And even then, he was so besotted with her, my man could just stare and admire her "unladylike" manners for hours in a room full of people. He was confused when somebody pointed this out, help! I admired the fact that he was alright with enduring pain if it meant Katherine could feel some sense of normalcy by having him on his side. He also loved to tease tf outta her for the impudent manners, yet proudly boasted about them to others.
⸝⸝💌 "You make me hope,” he snarled low and dangerous. “Like a goddamn
idiot, you make me pray, you make my throat burn with the need to scream and beg God to give you to me, to treasure, to worship…to love until the end of my days."
There's something about historical romances and the way the characters address each other with their last names- HOT? VERY HOT. I giggled like an idiot after following "your grace" and "miss Danvers" throughout the book. I admire the author for adding a subtle modern touch to the writing style with a sense of innocence and formal language still lingering between the words. The banter between them flowed seamlessly and Katherine wasn't the only one blushing here. I'm also goddamn thankful for no OW/OM drama since, the blurb definitely hinted at some parts. While I have no problem with munching on some popcorn, I don’t think I could have handled any bullshit here. I also wished for a longer epilogue but it's alright!
༉‧₊˚🕯️ "𝑌𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑒, ℎ𝑜𝑤 𝑑𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡𝑓𝑢𝑙 𝑡𝑜 𝑠𝑒𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛.”
“𝐼 𝑑𝑜 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑏𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑣𝑒 𝑖𝑡 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎 𝑚𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡.”
“𝐵𝑒𝑙𝑖𝑒𝑣𝑒 𝑤ℎ𝑎𝑡, 𝑌𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑒?"
𝑇ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑠𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑡, 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑒, 𝑠𝑢𝑏𝑚𝑖𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑣𝑒 𝑎𝑐𝑡, 𝑚𝑦 𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑢𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑥. ୭
༉‧₊˚🕯️ "𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑓𝑢𝑙, 𝑎𝑙𝑤𝑎𝑦𝑠. 𝐼 𝑑𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑎𝑦 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛 𝑖𝑛 𝑎 𝑠𝑎𝑐𝑘 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑤𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑏𝑒 𝑟𝑎𝑣𝑖𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔,” 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑢𝑘𝑒 𝑚𝑢𝑟𝑚𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑑.
"𝑂𝑢𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑒𝑜𝑢𝑠 𝑛𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑒,” 𝑠ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑖𝑑 𝑢𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟 ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑏𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡ℎ. ୭
༉‧₊˚🕯️ "𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑡ℎ𝑟𝑒𝑤 𝑎 𝑏𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝑎𝑡 𝑚𝑒, 𝑌𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑒.”
“𝐴𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑜𝑜𝑟, 𝑀𝑖𝑠𝑠 𝐷𝑎𝑛𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠. 𝐴𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑜𝑜𝑟. 𝐼 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑓𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑖𝑡 𝑤𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑛𝑜𝑡 ℎ𝑖𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑜𝑟 𝑒𝑙𝑠𝑒 𝐼 𝑤𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑 𝑛𝑜𝑡 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑘𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑡. 𝑁𝑜𝑤 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑝 𝑠ℎ𝑜𝑜𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑑𝑎𝑔𝑔𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑎𝑡 𝑚𝑒 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑒𝑦𝑒𝑠.” ୭
༉‧₊˚🕯️ "𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑚𝑦 𝑐𝑎𝑝𝑡𝑖𝑣𝑒,” ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑎𝑖𝑑 𝑟𝑒𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑦.
“𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑠𝑡 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑣𝑜𝑘𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝐼’𝑣𝑒 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑑!” ୭
༉‧₊˚🕯️ “𝐼’𝑙𝑙 𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑦𝑜𝑢,” 𝑠ℎ𝑒 𝑜𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑑.
“𝐷𝑒𝑎𝑟 𝐺𝑜𝑑, 𝑛𝑜, 𝐼 𝑎𝑚 𝑎𝑙𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑦 𝑖𝑛 𝑒𝑛𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ 𝑎𝑔𝑜𝑛𝑦.” ୭
(and then she proceeds to sing about a young lady who strangled a duke while he slept 😭)
༉‧₊˚🕯️ “𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑠𝑜 𝑏𝑒𝑎𝑢𝑡𝑖𝑓𝑢𝑙, 𝐴𝑙𝑒𝑥𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑟.” 𝐴 𝑠𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑠𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑒 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑣𝑒𝑑 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑙𝑖𝑝𝑠. “𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑙𝑦 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛 𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑠𝑎𝑦 𝑠𝑢𝑐ℎ 𝑓𝑜𝑜𝑙𝑖𝑠ℎ 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔𝑠.” ୭
February 18, 2021
Audio...3.5 stars
Story 3 stars
This was really a great and emotional story. I loved how sweet, loving and accepting the heroine was of the hero who was facially scarred and physically disabled. I can see why this book will most likely get high ratings. My one and only reason for 3 stars was the pacing. It was sloooowww. 🤷🏽♀️
Story 3 stars
This was really a great and emotional story. I loved how sweet, loving and accepting the heroine was of the hero who was facially scarred and physically disabled. I can see why this book will most likely get high ratings. My one and only reason for 3 stars was the pacing. It was sloooowww. 🤷🏽♀️
July 13, 2021
I have a new favorite author!
Her writing is Funny, Witty, and Sensual!
I love a smart heroine. It's ok to be innocent, but never ok to be stupid. Kitty was savvy and utterly delightful.
The Duke is a scarred, crippled man. I absolutely loved watching him struggle to accept love.
This was a wonderful book. I look forward to more of the Sinful Wallflowers!
Her writing is Funny, Witty, and Sensual!
I love a smart heroine. It's ok to be innocent, but never ok to be stupid. Kitty was savvy and utterly delightful.
The Duke is a scarred, crippled man. I absolutely loved watching him struggle to accept love.
This was a wonderful book. I look forward to more of the Sinful Wallflowers!
December 3, 2019
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
My Darling Duke by Stacy Reid is quite the unusual historical romance. And you're probably thinking, "What's unusual about another beauty and the beast story with a scarred hero?" Plenty, actually.
Miss Kitty Danvers decides to make up a lie to save her family from penury. The newspapers and gossip pages are constantly publishing unfounded stories about the reclusive Duke of Thornton. The Duke has never bothered to write back to prove or disprove any of these claims. Kitty decides to take advantage of the latest gossip about the Duke snatching up a fiancee — she pens a letter to the media confirming that she is the betrothed of the elusive Duke. Right away, Kitty and her sister become belles of the ball and her sister finally has a chance of finding a husband. Kitty doesn't expect the Duke to respond to this lie, but imagine her shock when he actually returns to society and meets her for the first time in public.
It's been 10 years since Alexander survived a tragic event, which scarred a good portion of his body and has left him bound to a wheelchair. But with years of determination and effort, he is able to walk for 2-3 hours a day. When he finds out about Kitty's scheme, he is intrigued by her impudence and decides to meet her in person. He agrees to the fake betrothal for reasons of his own and ends up spending time with Kitty out of curiosity. He even summons her to his estate in Scotland, where they spend a lot of time together. Alexander is bound to discover all he can about the woman who has revived his interest in things that have laid dormant for 10 years.
My Darling Duke is a friends to lovers relationship and it's a little slow paced because the author takes her time to set up the story and its characters. It's also very angsty, emotional and a slow burn. The hero is very unusual in his characterization. He's unpredictable to say the least. I know we've all read multiple historical romances with scarred heroes who hide themselves away in their castles. But this one is different. It takes place after the beast has learned to accept his fate — for the most part. And this scarred hero is medically declared impotent due to his injuries. I've never actually read a romance novel with an impotent hero before, so this was a first for me. It was very interesting to read about how the hero deals with his impotency when he's finally falling in love with a woman he admires and desires. He's harsh at times, but in all honesty, I couldn't blame him because his harshness comes from a place of grief and hurt. I'm no medical expert, so I can't confirm the veracity of the depiction of impotency in this book. But I think the author did a great job showing us the complex emotions involved as the characters try to start a relationship, especially a physical one.
So yea, this one was different for me. If you have any more recommendations of books with impotent heroes, please let me know!
My Darling Duke by Stacy Reid is quite the unusual historical romance. And you're probably thinking, "What's unusual about another beauty and the beast story with a scarred hero?" Plenty, actually.
Miss Kitty Danvers decides to make up a lie to save her family from penury. The newspapers and gossip pages are constantly publishing unfounded stories about the reclusive Duke of Thornton. The Duke has never bothered to write back to prove or disprove any of these claims. Kitty decides to take advantage of the latest gossip about the Duke snatching up a fiancee — she pens a letter to the media confirming that she is the betrothed of the elusive Duke. Right away, Kitty and her sister become belles of the ball and her sister finally has a chance of finding a husband. Kitty doesn't expect the Duke to respond to this lie, but imagine her shock when he actually returns to society and meets her for the first time in public.
It's been 10 years since Alexander survived a tragic event, which scarred a good portion of his body and has left him bound to a wheelchair. But with years of determination and effort, he is able to walk for 2-3 hours a day. When he finds out about Kitty's scheme, he is intrigued by her impudence and decides to meet her in person. He agrees to the fake betrothal for reasons of his own and ends up spending time with Kitty out of curiosity. He even summons her to his estate in Scotland, where they spend a lot of time together. Alexander is bound to discover all he can about the woman who has revived his interest in things that have laid dormant for 10 years.
My Darling Duke is a friends to lovers relationship and it's a little slow paced because the author takes her time to set up the story and its characters. It's also very angsty, emotional and a slow burn. The hero is very unusual in his characterization. He's unpredictable to say the least. I know we've all read multiple historical romances with scarred heroes who hide themselves away in their castles. But this one is different. It takes place after the beast has learned to accept his fate — for the most part. And this scarred hero is medically declared impotent due to his injuries. I've never actually read a romance novel with an impotent hero before, so this was a first for me. It was very interesting to read about how the hero deals with his impotency when he's finally falling in love with a woman he admires and desires. He's harsh at times, but in all honesty, I couldn't blame him because his harshness comes from a place of grief and hurt. I'm no medical expert, so I can't confirm the veracity of the depiction of impotency in this book. But I think the author did a great job showing us the complex emotions involved as the characters try to start a relationship, especially a physical one.
So yea, this one was different for me. If you have any more recommendations of books with impotent heroes, please let me know!
February 16, 2020
3.5 STARS
Miss Katherine (Kitty) Danvers is a heroine who decides to stop hiding who she is in order to conform to society's edicts, she has made the slightly crazy and daring decision to do what she needs to help her mother and sisters - a decision that if revealed would ruin her and her family. The Duke of Thornton, Alexander Masters, hurt and scarred, is ferociously whispered about by the Ton. He has spent a lonely decade or so only living for his younger sister, isolated at his estate. When he hears that a Miss Katherine Danvers is pretending to be his fiancé he finds himself curious, and moving out of the shadows of his Scottish estate and travelling to London to meet the woman he has grasped his attention.
I do wish the main characters had met sooner than they did, but I enjoyed the banter/interplays between them, and loved how gutsy Kitty was. There is a lot of push and pull from Alexander, but it was completely understandable and the pain (emotional and physical) made me ache for him.
A buy I don't regret.
Miss Katherine (Kitty) Danvers is a heroine who decides to stop hiding who she is in order to conform to society's edicts, she has made the slightly crazy and daring decision to do what she needs to help her mother and sisters - a decision that if revealed would ruin her and her family. The Duke of Thornton, Alexander Masters, hurt and scarred, is ferociously whispered about by the Ton. He has spent a lonely decade or so only living for his younger sister, isolated at his estate. When he hears that a Miss Katherine Danvers is pretending to be his fiancé he finds himself curious, and moving out of the shadows of his Scottish estate and travelling to London to meet the woman he has grasped his attention.
I do wish the main characters had met sooner than they did, but I enjoyed the banter/interplays between them, and loved how gutsy Kitty was. There is a lot of push and pull from Alexander, but it was completely understandable and the pain (emotional and physical) made me ache for him.
A buy I don't regret.
August 26, 2024
Re read 2024
One of the swooniest historical romances ever
Original read 2020
5 stars
One of the swooniest historical romances ever
Original read 2020
5 stars
October 31, 2021
3.5 stars.
“Kitty knew who the desires in her heart were for, though they were not traditional desires—Alexander Masters, the reclusive Duke of Thornton.” Miss Katherine Danvers is desperate to save her family from genteel poverty. A high born lady now impoverished since her father died. Having been out in society for four years without one to make an offer of marriage, Kitty had enough. She will take matters in her own hands. To make sure that her sisters have a chance to marry well, she decided to pull off a scheme that includes using the name of the Duke of Thornton who has exiled himself from society for the last ten years. Certain that he does not read gossip columns, she decided to announce herself as his fiancée. Since the news of her fake betrothal to the Duke, Kitty's popularity soared. Things seem to be going very well...except, after long years of exile, the Duke made a surprise appearance at a ball. Left with no choice, Kitty decided to approach him, acting her part as his supposed fiancée. What's more surprising is that the Duke is aware of her lies... knows her... and plans to even befriend her.
My Darling Duke is the first book from Stacy Reid's historical romance series, Sinful Wallflowers. What you must know about me is I love the wallflowers / spinsters / Plain Jane heroines. They have a soft spot in my heart. And I love my tortured heroes too, especially if they're well written. This is my first Stacy Reid book and It's safe to say that I more than liked the book but I did not quite love it.
Meet the Hon. Katherine Danvers, the eldest out of the four daughters of a Viscount. She has been out in society for years but has yet to make a match. She is fairly attractive, not overly accomplished and has no dowry. Her circumstances is the reason gentlemen look past her when looking for a wife. Resigned to her faith and knowing that no one would offer for her, she came up with an extremely advantageous plan. She would use the Duke of Thornton's name, increasing her popularity and therefore would give her sisters a better chance to wed somehow wealthy gentlemen. What she plans to do is to break off her so-called betrothal to the Duke once one of her sisters are able to accept an offer of marriage. She is quite aware that her plan would ruin her reputation but as the eldest sister who failed to do her duty, which is to marry well, she has to come up with something. She's very selfless and puts her family's best interest above her own. She also feels quite guilty about using a Duke's name whom she does not even know.
Meet Alexander Masters, Duke of Thornton. Alex was once dubbed the mad, bad, and dangerous catch of the Season. Attractive, wealthy and very titled. But that was before. A tragic fire accident killed his parents and left him a scarred man. He is scarred, literally, and his fiancée called off the engagement once she saw his physical state. Ladies even fainted when they saw him and his scarred face. And he was rendered impotent by the trauma. He also has to rely on wheel chairs, only able to walk for at least two or three hours. He is a very tortured hero. With his situation, he was depressed for years, of course. But life has to go on, especially because his sister needs him. With his situation, he exiled himself from society and has been living in his castle in Scotland for ten years. Since no one has heard from him for years, there had been many baseless rumors about his life which he all ignored.
The first 20 % of the book was very exciting to me. The build-up of their first meeting was doing it for me. I loved reading about how the fake betrothal helped popularized Kitty, and I was so excited when the news finally reached the Duke. Their first meeting was kind of intense, I was giggling like a child. But unfortunately, it got boring after that. It only ever gets interesting again when the book reached the 60% mark. I was let down obviously because it started out so great for me. I kind of had issues with the pacing because it all seems so slow yet it is all going so fast.
I loved the heroine. She is very bold for a wallflower but I guess it is understandable since she is only a wallflower due to her financial circumstances. She was very selfless and had the audacity to get embarrassed when she realized her scheme is going way too far. As for the hero, he is a tortured man. I think the author handled him well but I am not an expert on the matter. He is not the usual romance hero who's very attractive, rakish, etc... he is a man who's tormented by his trauma and scars. Their romance was not based on initial lust. They formed a friendship first, got to know each other, the heroine saw beyond the hero's physical form which made their romance very believable.
Alexander is boorish but somehow not at all... if that makes sense. He is very nice to the heroine and wants something better for her, believing that he would make Kitty miserable if they marry each other. Although at times, he snaps at Kitty but it is understandable and the reader sees where he's coming from. He does not want to be someone's object of pity, more so, Kitty's pity. He moved on and is healing from the trauma he experienced but of course, it left a scar to his soul. He is a duke but has no possibility to sire an heir because he is impotent. He badly wants to give Kitty everything he could but he thinks that offering marriage to her is even more cruel as she dreams of a family, her own kids, one he could not give her. Alexander said it best, “He would go for her…and explain that while she had his heart, his love—everything else he could give her as a man…as a husband had been lost. The promise of pleasure that had been rekindled had vanished, and it might never be regained. His heart, his title, and his wealth would be hers, but her body would never know the fulfillment of pleasure, and she would not have a child to cradle against her bosom.” This hero is written so well, his trauma, his scars and everything about the way he is was handled well, I think. He really made the book for me. I loved his strength.
Kitty is a very admirable heroine. I loved how she understood Alexander. She was so tender to him, it made me emotional. She really loved the hero. And I love a heroine whose love for the hero is believable. She loved him and it did not matter if he could not give her children, “I can live without children. Our life can be rich and incredible in so many other ways, my darling.” and this, “I would not be lonely… You would not be lonely… We…we would have each other, always.”
The book made me very emotional and I shed a reasonable amount of tears when they were having an argument. The hero wanted the heroine to go because he can make no promises to her and the heroine was stubborn and did not want to go. The emotions I was feeling for the book was all unexpected because I was bored like just 20% ago! This line was so bittersweet, “You make me hope,” “Like a goddamn idiot, you make me pray, you make my throat burn with the need to scream and beg God to give you to me, to treasure, to worship…to love until the end of my days.” He loves her! but he thinks that by marrying her, he would be imprisoning her so he does not want to make an offer. “He wanted to lay the world at her feet; he wanted to know her dreams so they could also be his, and to cage such a wonderful spirit as hers would be a grave sin that he couldn’t condone because he loved her, utterly and completely.”
What more can I say? Hmm. I loved the couple. I was rooting for their happiness because they deserved it so much. Although the book had dull parts, the couple was a delight to read about. I loved their stay at his castle in Scotland and their little moments together, the silence they shared with each other, and how Alexander listens to Kitty's voice although she is not very gifted at that department. The development of their relationship was so good. Their love was so sweet and romantic. I loved the servants too, it reminded me of the relationship dynamic between the servants and the Lord and Ladies of Downton Abbey. Kitty's friends, the other wallflowers, were cute although they only appeared a few times. I am looking forward to reading the next books in the series. I am particularly interested about Charlotte and the Marquess.
Over all, Stacy Reid's writing was okay for me. The book could have been better, such as the pacing, the dull parts edited and such but the star of the story is the couple. You do not automatically root for them. I did not. But as the story went on, they grew on me. I understood them better and was soon wanting a happy ending for them, which is guaranteed of course because it is not a romance book without a happy ending! This book is not the most memorable and I admit that I am getting harder to please but at the end of the day, it was a moderately enjoyable book. I wish the epilogue gave more information about them years after their HEA though. I wanted more of them and to see that they're really happy after everything. I loved Alexander and Kitty though.
“Kitty knew who the desires in her heart were for, though they were not traditional desires—Alexander Masters, the reclusive Duke of Thornton.” Miss Katherine Danvers is desperate to save her family from genteel poverty. A high born lady now impoverished since her father died. Having been out in society for four years without one to make an offer of marriage, Kitty had enough. She will take matters in her own hands. To make sure that her sisters have a chance to marry well, she decided to pull off a scheme that includes using the name of the Duke of Thornton who has exiled himself from society for the last ten years. Certain that he does not read gossip columns, she decided to announce herself as his fiancée. Since the news of her fake betrothal to the Duke, Kitty's popularity soared. Things seem to be going very well...except, after long years of exile, the Duke made a surprise appearance at a ball. Left with no choice, Kitty decided to approach him, acting her part as his supposed fiancée. What's more surprising is that the Duke is aware of her lies... knows her... and plans to even befriend her.
My Darling Duke is the first book from Stacy Reid's historical romance series, Sinful Wallflowers. What you must know about me is I love the wallflowers / spinsters / Plain Jane heroines. They have a soft spot in my heart. And I love my tortured heroes too, especially if they're well written. This is my first Stacy Reid book and It's safe to say that I more than liked the book but I did not quite love it.
Meet the Hon. Katherine Danvers, the eldest out of the four daughters of a Viscount. She has been out in society for years but has yet to make a match. She is fairly attractive, not overly accomplished and has no dowry. Her circumstances is the reason gentlemen look past her when looking for a wife. Resigned to her faith and knowing that no one would offer for her, she came up with an extremely advantageous plan. She would use the Duke of Thornton's name, increasing her popularity and therefore would give her sisters a better chance to wed somehow wealthy gentlemen. What she plans to do is to break off her so-called betrothal to the Duke once one of her sisters are able to accept an offer of marriage. She is quite aware that her plan would ruin her reputation but as the eldest sister who failed to do her duty, which is to marry well, she has to come up with something. She's very selfless and puts her family's best interest above her own. She also feels quite guilty about using a Duke's name whom she does not even know.
Meet Alexander Masters, Duke of Thornton. Alex was once dubbed the mad, bad, and dangerous catch of the Season. Attractive, wealthy and very titled. But that was before. A tragic fire accident killed his parents and left him a scarred man. He is scarred, literally, and his fiancée called off the engagement once she saw his physical state. Ladies even fainted when they saw him and his scarred face. And he was rendered impotent by the trauma. He also has to rely on wheel chairs, only able to walk for at least two or three hours. He is a very tortured hero. With his situation, he was depressed for years, of course. But life has to go on, especially because his sister needs him. With his situation, he exiled himself from society and has been living in his castle in Scotland for ten years. Since no one has heard from him for years, there had been many baseless rumors about his life which he all ignored.
The first 20 % of the book was very exciting to me. The build-up of their first meeting was doing it for me. I loved reading about how the fake betrothal helped popularized Kitty, and I was so excited when the news finally reached the Duke. Their first meeting was kind of intense, I was giggling like a child. But unfortunately, it got boring after that. It only ever gets interesting again when the book reached the 60% mark. I was let down obviously because it started out so great for me. I kind of had issues with the pacing because it all seems so slow yet it is all going so fast.
I loved the heroine. She is very bold for a wallflower but I guess it is understandable since she is only a wallflower due to her financial circumstances. She was very selfless and had the audacity to get embarrassed when she realized her scheme is going way too far. As for the hero, he is a tortured man. I think the author handled him well but I am not an expert on the matter. He is not the usual romance hero who's very attractive, rakish, etc... he is a man who's tormented by his trauma and scars. Their romance was not based on initial lust. They formed a friendship first, got to know each other, the heroine saw beyond the hero's physical form which made their romance very believable.
Alexander is boorish but somehow not at all... if that makes sense. He is very nice to the heroine and wants something better for her, believing that he would make Kitty miserable if they marry each other. Although at times, he snaps at Kitty but it is understandable and the reader sees where he's coming from. He does not want to be someone's object of pity, more so, Kitty's pity. He moved on and is healing from the trauma he experienced but of course, it left a scar to his soul. He is a duke but has no possibility to sire an heir because he is impotent. He badly wants to give Kitty everything he could but he thinks that offering marriage to her is even more cruel as she dreams of a family, her own kids, one he could not give her. Alexander said it best, “He would go for her…and explain that while she had his heart, his love—everything else he could give her as a man…as a husband had been lost. The promise of pleasure that had been rekindled had vanished, and it might never be regained. His heart, his title, and his wealth would be hers, but her body would never know the fulfillment of pleasure, and she would not have a child to cradle against her bosom.” This hero is written so well, his trauma, his scars and everything about the way he is was handled well, I think. He really made the book for me. I loved his strength.
Kitty is a very admirable heroine. I loved how she understood Alexander. She was so tender to him, it made me emotional. She really loved the hero. And I love a heroine whose love for the hero is believable. She loved him and it did not matter if he could not give her children, “I can live without children. Our life can be rich and incredible in so many other ways, my darling.” and this, “I would not be lonely… You would not be lonely… We…we would have each other, always.”
The book made me very emotional and I shed a reasonable amount of tears when they were having an argument. The hero wanted the heroine to go because he can make no promises to her and the heroine was stubborn and did not want to go. The emotions I was feeling for the book was all unexpected because I was bored like just 20% ago! This line was so bittersweet, “You make me hope,” “Like a goddamn idiot, you make me pray, you make my throat burn with the need to scream and beg God to give you to me, to treasure, to worship…to love until the end of my days.” He loves her! but he thinks that by marrying her, he would be imprisoning her so he does not want to make an offer. “He wanted to lay the world at her feet; he wanted to know her dreams so they could also be his, and to cage such a wonderful spirit as hers would be a grave sin that he couldn’t condone because he loved her, utterly and completely.”
What more can I say? Hmm. I loved the couple. I was rooting for their happiness because they deserved it so much. Although the book had dull parts, the couple was a delight to read about. I loved their stay at his castle in Scotland and their little moments together, the silence they shared with each other, and how Alexander listens to Kitty's voice although she is not very gifted at that department. The development of their relationship was so good. Their love was so sweet and romantic. I loved the servants too, it reminded me of the relationship dynamic between the servants and the Lord and Ladies of Downton Abbey. Kitty's friends, the other wallflowers, were cute although they only appeared a few times. I am looking forward to reading the next books in the series. I am particularly interested about Charlotte and the Marquess.
Over all, Stacy Reid's writing was okay for me. The book could have been better, such as the pacing, the dull parts edited and such but the star of the story is the couple. You do not automatically root for them. I did not. But as the story went on, they grew on me. I understood them better and was soon wanting a happy ending for them, which is guaranteed of course because it is not a romance book without a happy ending! This book is not the most memorable and I admit that I am getting harder to please but at the end of the day, it was a moderately enjoyable book. I wish the epilogue gave more information about them years after their HEA though. I wanted more of them and to see that they're really happy after everything. I loved Alexander and Kitty though.
August 24, 2025
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥
Humor: A bit
Perspective: third person from both the hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? slow to medium
When mains are first on page together: Takes awhile, chapter 4, or 17%
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes, 8 months later
Format: listened to an audiobook from the library (Hoopla)
Why I chose this book: I have been hunting for a Stacy Reid novel I love, and saw this book had Mary Sarah (my favorite narrator) so I thought I’d give it a try
Mains: Alexander Masters (Duke of Thornton) and Miss Katherine (Kitty) Danvers – This is a M/F relationship between a cishet hero and heroine.
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
This is book 1 of Reid’s Sinful Wallflowers series.
Basic plot:
Katherine must save her family – so she fakes an engagement to a recluse Duke so the ton favors her family and hopefully her sister can marry before she has to deal with the fallout of her lies. But the Duke hears, and the Duke comes to London...
Give this a try if you want:
- historical romance (maybe Regency?)
- mostly English countryside setting, some London
- fake engagement
- Beauty and the Beast vibes
- disability rep – hero uses a wheelchair and a cane
- size difference – he’s taller with her forehead only reaching his chin
- shelter in the empty cabin
- wallflower heroine
- one bed
- emotionally strong hero (hero cries)
- medium steam – 3 full scenes but 2 are close together towards the very end of the book – very slow burn
Ages:
- heroine is 23, hero is around 30
First line:
We will have to be wicked, improper, and terribly scandalous.
My thoughts:
So I have struggled a bit with Reid’s books (and it might have been a narrator disconnect for the prior books). I initially read her in an anthology and just loved it. Then I had 3 mediocre (for me) reads and I was losing hope that I would love her.
I was searching for more books narrated by Mary Sarah because I love her (and I think 99% of the world despises her narration but it’s okay Mary Sarah I LOVE YOUUUUUUU) and figured I would try this one and see if it was the narration that would help.
Ahhhh I adored this book so much. So, so much. It takes awhile for the mains to be on page together but the set up was so fantastic I didn’t even mind. Plus, they are thinking about each other – she creates a fake engagement with him and he is so dang curious about her that he leaves his estate and comes to London.
I loved the yearning in this novel. He wants her so, so badly. So badly, and you feel it so much. And the way she falls for him is so sweet. My heart was so engaged in this novel, and was tugged on and broken and healed within the pages. When she whispers, ‘You will ruin me.’ I swear I got full body goosebumps. Because it’s more than just being socially ruined. It’s more than a broken engagement that makes her unmarriageable. It’s a ruination of your entire heart, the kind of ruination where your soul mate slips away and you are never, ever the same.
I loved the evolution of their love. I will say the ending was just a touch long for me with their separation. When he wrote the simple letter ‘I am sorry’ my heart just cracked. I needed it resolved right then. But overall I loved most everything about this book. Definitely going to continue with this series and I’m hoping for more winners from Reid for me.
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 5
Average rating from me: 3.8 stars
Favorite book: This one!
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥
Humor: A bit
Perspective: third person from both the hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? slow to medium
When mains are first on page together: Takes awhile, chapter 4, or 17%
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes, 8 months later
Format: listened to an audiobook from the library (Hoopla)
Why I chose this book: I have been hunting for a Stacy Reid novel I love, and saw this book had Mary Sarah (my favorite narrator) so I thought I’d give it a try
Mains: Alexander Masters (Duke of Thornton) and Miss Katherine (Kitty) Danvers – This is a M/F relationship between a cishet hero and heroine.
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
This is book 1 of Reid’s Sinful Wallflowers series.
Basic plot:
Katherine must save her family – so she fakes an engagement to a recluse Duke so the ton favors her family and hopefully her sister can marry before she has to deal with the fallout of her lies. But the Duke hears, and the Duke comes to London...
Give this a try if you want:
- historical romance (maybe Regency?)
- mostly English countryside setting, some London
- fake engagement
- Beauty and the Beast vibes
- disability rep – hero uses a wheelchair and a cane
- size difference – he’s taller with her forehead only reaching his chin
- shelter in the empty cabin
- wallflower heroine
- one bed
- emotionally strong hero (hero cries)
- medium steam – 3 full scenes but 2 are close together towards the very end of the book – very slow burn
Ages:
- heroine is 23, hero is around 30
First line:
We will have to be wicked, improper, and terribly scandalous.
My thoughts:
So I have struggled a bit with Reid’s books (and it might have been a narrator disconnect for the prior books). I initially read her in an anthology and just loved it. Then I had 3 mediocre (for me) reads and I was losing hope that I would love her.
I was searching for more books narrated by Mary Sarah because I love her (and I think 99% of the world despises her narration but it’s okay Mary Sarah I LOVE YOUUUUUUU) and figured I would try this one and see if it was the narration that would help.
Ahhhh I adored this book so much. So, so much. It takes awhile for the mains to be on page together but the set up was so fantastic I didn’t even mind. Plus, they are thinking about each other – she creates a fake engagement with him and he is so dang curious about her that he leaves his estate and comes to London.
I loved the yearning in this novel. He wants her so, so badly. So badly, and you feel it so much. And the way she falls for him is so sweet. My heart was so engaged in this novel, and was tugged on and broken and healed within the pages. When she whispers, ‘You will ruin me.’ I swear I got full body goosebumps. Because it’s more than just being socially ruined. It’s more than a broken engagement that makes her unmarriageable. It’s a ruination of your entire heart, the kind of ruination where your soul mate slips away and you are never, ever the same.
I loved the evolution of their love. I will say the ending was just a touch long for me with their separation. When he wrote the simple letter ‘I am sorry’ my heart just cracked. I needed it resolved right then. But overall I loved most everything about this book. Definitely going to continue with this series and I’m hoping for more winners from Reid for me.
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: 5
Average rating from me: 3.8 stars
Favorite book: This one!
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
December 6, 2019
Oh my! With such a tormented, broken hero, it is no wonder I was completely captivated by every word in this book.
When Kitty is in desperate need to help her family she makes a wicked decision, sure that she is safe from her lie being discovered. At least by the man she has unknowingly pulled into her deception.
Alexander lives a lonely life. He has no hope for the future and lives with the memories of horror as his constant companion. But when he learns about Kitty and the con that she is pulling on London’s society, rather than anger he is intrigued. And soon he is stepping out of the shadows of his home and back into society where Kitty offers the sweetest kind of hope that can never be fulfilled.
’He wanted to know more...everything about her until this perplexing hunger was sated. And suddenly he needed to possess her more than his next breath.’
While Kitty was an interesting heroine, it was Alexander that ruled this story. My heart ached for him and all that he had suffered, continues to suffer. I wanted, needed, him to have a happy ever after. And yet I wasn’t ever sure that was going to happen and if so, what it was going to look like.
This is a pretty angsty read with Alexander’s and Kitty’s relationship being the focal point for the drama. Though there is a lot of push and pull from Alexander, it was completely understandable. While you won’t find your standard alpha hero here, you will find a man who struggles with not only what is currently happening to him, but what the future holds.
I’m looking forward to reading more about Kitty’s friends and learning what wickedness they get themselves into.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
When Kitty is in desperate need to help her family she makes a wicked decision, sure that she is safe from her lie being discovered. At least by the man she has unknowingly pulled into her deception.
Alexander lives a lonely life. He has no hope for the future and lives with the memories of horror as his constant companion. But when he learns about Kitty and the con that she is pulling on London’s society, rather than anger he is intrigued. And soon he is stepping out of the shadows of his home and back into society where Kitty offers the sweetest kind of hope that can never be fulfilled.
’He wanted to know more...everything about her until this perplexing hunger was sated. And suddenly he needed to possess her more than his next breath.’
While Kitty was an interesting heroine, it was Alexander that ruled this story. My heart ached for him and all that he had suffered, continues to suffer. I wanted, needed, him to have a happy ever after. And yet I wasn’t ever sure that was going to happen and if so, what it was going to look like.
This is a pretty angsty read with Alexander’s and Kitty’s relationship being the focal point for the drama. Though there is a lot of push and pull from Alexander, it was completely understandable. While you won’t find your standard alpha hero here, you will find a man who struggles with not only what is currently happening to him, but what the future holds.
I’m looking forward to reading more about Kitty’s friends and learning what wickedness they get themselves into.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
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