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Wagers and Wallflowers #2
Marry Me, If You Dare
Marry Me, If You Dare is the 2nd book in the steamy Regency Historical romance series, Wagers and Wallflowers!
They are wallflowers, bluestockings, merry widows, and debutantes—members of a secret, exclusive Lady’s Club in Berkeley Square! There ladies indulge in daring wagers, learn to fight, read scandalous books, and learn the art of wooing the gentlemen they will bring to their knees…
The last thing Lady Perdie expected when she fled London was to encounter difficulties in securing lodgings as a lady traveling alone. Claiming a particular Scotsman as her husband was only supposed to be a brilliant tiny ruse. Except the damn handsome, devilish, charming scoundrel claims they are now truly married, and he must stay by her side to protect her from undesirables.
Perdie was not looking for distraction, or marriage, or the love and attention from any gentleman. Yet, with each moment spent in Thaddeus’s presence, attraction burns hot and fierce, and Perdie finds he awakens an irresistible desire within her to which she can never surrender.
What's a lady to do but run...
Unfortunately, London was not where Perdie should have gone. With the ton all atwitter over the newly minted and sought-after Earl of Sherburn, Perdie finds herself face to face with the sensual Scot who is more determined than ever to tear down her walls and claim her as his.
They are wallflowers, bluestockings, merry widows, and debutantes—members of a secret, exclusive Lady’s Club in Berkeley Square! There ladies indulge in daring wagers, learn to fight, read scandalous books, and learn the art of wooing the gentlemen they will bring to their knees…
The last thing Lady Perdie expected when she fled London was to encounter difficulties in securing lodgings as a lady traveling alone. Claiming a particular Scotsman as her husband was only supposed to be a brilliant tiny ruse. Except the damn handsome, devilish, charming scoundrel claims they are now truly married, and he must stay by her side to protect her from undesirables.
Perdie was not looking for distraction, or marriage, or the love and attention from any gentleman. Yet, with each moment spent in Thaddeus’s presence, attraction burns hot and fierce, and Perdie finds he awakens an irresistible desire within her to which she can never surrender.
What's a lady to do but run...
Unfortunately, London was not where Perdie should have gone. With the ton all atwitter over the newly minted and sought-after Earl of Sherburn, Perdie finds herself face to face with the sensual Scot who is more determined than ever to tear down her walls and claim her as his.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 2021
532 people are currently reading
395 people want to read
About the author
Alyssa Clarke
155 books319 followersAlyssa Clarke writes steamy Regency Historical Romances featuring swoon-worthy heroes and sassy, sometimes unconventional heroines! Her debut novel, Love Me, If You Dare, came to her in a dream as a hot, fun enemy to lover romance where she played the leading lady who fell in love with a duke who looked remarkably like Henry Cavill.
When not writing, Alyssa enjoys hiking, games/movie night, with her husband and two beautiful children, and her Siberian Husky, Cronus. She is a lover of wine, cheesecake, and more wine.
When not writing, Alyssa enjoys hiking, games/movie night, with her husband and two beautiful children, and her Siberian Husky, Cronus. She is a lover of wine, cheesecake, and more wine.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
October 3, 2021
The Heroine was Hard to Like
She really annoyed me. Her avoidance of marriage was understandable with her ex-fiancee but she loved Thaddeus and he had told her he would let her live her dreams. And still she balked and treated him badly. I was really enjoying it until her repeated aversion to marriage and children just made me frustrated. Thaddeus deserved better. He was such a great hero. I thought He was perfect for her. He loved her so much. She rejected him two times and I really thought He would go get engaged to someone else but he didn't. He loved her completely. The epilogue showed that he still would do anything for her!
She really annoyed me. Her avoidance of marriage was understandable with her ex-fiancee but she loved Thaddeus and he had told her he would let her live her dreams. And still she balked and treated him badly. I was really enjoying it until her repeated aversion to marriage and children just made me frustrated. Thaddeus deserved better. He was such a great hero. I thought He was perfect for her. He loved her so much. She rejected him two times and I really thought He would go get engaged to someone else but he didn't. He loved her completely. The epilogue showed that he still would do anything for her!
October 1, 2021
I was really looking forward to this book. The first book was amazing, a great start to a series but i was not impressed by this work. The start was amazing, the way Perdita carries herself and moves forward shows she has become a strong woman. Thaddeus is amazing.
But i failed to figure out is if you a strong woman dies that mean you forget the choices and opinions and desires of the person you love. Many will not agree but just because the person who is willing to give you everything you desire in a lover and partner you disregard what they want out if the relationship. So i essence if you become and independent woman you become a selfish woman. Then what's the difference between the men and women?
Compromise does not make a person weak. It shows that you are willing to show the person that you care. I was not happy with the epilogue. I guess i am a traditionalist who believes if my partner is willing to give me the world and forgo himself an heir the least i can do is try and see what i can give him in return.
I am totally prepared for negatives to my review but this is my opinion. I never begrudge an independent woman why should I when i am one. But what i do noy accept is selfishness in the name of being independent and strong and being capable of taking care of ones self. Love is a rarity and true love even more so. Cherish it...dont abuse it.
But i failed to figure out is if you a strong woman dies that mean you forget the choices and opinions and desires of the person you love. Many will not agree but just because the person who is willing to give you everything you desire in a lover and partner you disregard what they want out if the relationship. So i essence if you become and independent woman you become a selfish woman. Then what's the difference between the men and women?
Compromise does not make a person weak. It shows that you are willing to show the person that you care. I was not happy with the epilogue. I guess i am a traditionalist who believes if my partner is willing to give me the world and forgo himself an heir the least i can do is try and see what i can give him in return.
I am totally prepared for negatives to my review but this is my opinion. I never begrudge an independent woman why should I when i am one. But what i do noy accept is selfishness in the name of being independent and strong and being capable of taking care of ones self. Love is a rarity and true love even more so. Cherish it...dont abuse it.
March 18, 2022
The H was awesome but really I found the h very irritating.. it didn’t improve throughout the book. I understand her and the fears she had but at some point I found it to be unreasonable.
February 15, 2024
At this point I know that the writing style is incredible and the premise is marvelous. We're still flowing the ladies of the Ton that partake in a secret women's club to be free, natural and wild.
I'm interested in the series and the couples to come. So it will be a matter of me liking the couple or not.
In the case of Marry Me, If You Dare I strongly disliked Perdita's character. The FMC ruined it for me and I don't think she deserves a good MMC such as the earl.
I understand that Perdita is young (19) she is not ready for marriage, never for kids. Even though she wants to be single and build-up her persona she delves in a heated relationship with the earl.
She does not want to marry him and yet she sleeps with him. Naturally the MMC would insist repeatedly upon protecting her honor since she is the sister of a duke and marry her. They are in love for god's sake.
That's when FMC gets vexed and terribly upset.
The FMC does not come as young and innocent but as immature and frivolous.
I'm interested in the series and the couples to come. So it will be a matter of me liking the couple or not.
In the case of Marry Me, If You Dare I strongly disliked Perdita's character. The FMC ruined it for me and I don't think she deserves a good MMC such as the earl.
I understand that Perdita is young (19) she is not ready for marriage, never for kids. Even though she wants to be single and build-up her persona she delves in a heated relationship with the earl.
She does not want to marry him and yet she sleeps with him. Naturally the MMC would insist repeatedly upon protecting her honor since she is the sister of a duke and marry her. They are in love for god's sake.
That's when FMC gets vexed and terribly upset.
The FMC does not come as young and innocent but as immature and frivolous.
December 30, 2022
Super-fast reading. The exact names of the MCs were hard to memorize for me, so I'm just going to call them MCs.
The beginning of the book was incredibly addictive; I could not stop reading it, mainly to know what the social hierarchy of the MMC was.
The MCs meet on the road when the FMC is attacked by burglars. She impresses the MMC with her fighting skills, acquired at the women's club of Theodosia, the club that recently expelled her and made her leave on a journey of self-knowledge. Of course, knowing the MMC has altered the FMC's plans, but she still maintains the conviction that she does not want to marry to not lose her freedom. In that part of the book, the plot got a little boring for me; it didn't take dozens of pages to describe that conviction. The end was meh.
The beginning of the book was incredibly addictive; I could not stop reading it, mainly to know what the social hierarchy of the MMC was.
The MCs meet on the road when the FMC is attacked by burglars. She impresses the MMC with her fighting skills, acquired at the women's club of Theodosia, the club that recently expelled her and made her leave on a journey of self-knowledge. Of course, knowing the MMC has altered the FMC's plans, but she still maintains the conviction that she does not want to marry to not lose her freedom. In that part of the book, the plot got a little boring for me; it didn't take dozens of pages to describe that conviction. The end was meh.
August 21, 2021
I couldn't stand the heroine. All she ever thought about was herself, "me me me me", never once taking into consideration the hero's feeling. I couldn't for the life of me understand why he put up with her, she was so selfish and immature.
September 10, 2021
Heroine is utterly unlikeable
I really could not stand Perdie. She was too self absorbed. She was so busy demanding that others respect her likes, her dreams, her wants, that she didn’t recognize she should extend the same courtesy to others. The fact that Thaddeus wanted her anyway was lucky for her.
She needed to learn that any relationship be it friendship, romantic, familial, etc...requires compromise on both sides. She expected everyone to twist to her - She never once asked Thaddeus what he needed and wanted. The first time Thaddeus made it clear to her that he would respect and honor her wants, she should have stopped fighting him.
Perdie also claimed that she learned about independence from the women in her club and yet the one who founded the club, Theo, married Perdie’s brother. That should’ve been her first clue that marriage was not always like prison. Why didn’t she go talk to Theo about what changed her mind about marriage? And continue to learn from the wiser woman. But she didn’t, instead she ran around like a loose cannon demanding that everybody around her bow to her whims and desires.
And she expected Thaddeus to honor her wishes about how she wanted the marriage to be for the first 3 years - yet at the end of the book she reneged on it. She apparently did not feel she needed to keep her word. She got everything she wanted her way, and still she did not keep to her own set timeline. She is the one who had insisted that she’d need just 3 years to pursue her desires and then she’d be ready to consider starting a family. But nope, her self absorption knew no limits. She did not care about Thaddeus’ wishes and needs.
Perdie never matured and never learned valuable lessons needed in life such as compromise, because when you love someone else you care about their needs as well.
She didn’t learn that freedom is relative, no matter how “free” anyone is they still have obligations and responsibilities to fulfill to others. She complained that women should be exactly like men - men were not truly free either. Yes they had less constraints, but they still had obligations. They had bills to pay, families to support, estates to run, and societal expectations.
The author missed the opportunity at the ending of this book to show that Perdie had grown as a person - that she recognized there are requirements, responsibilities, and obligations to be fulfilled by both men and women. Instead, she was the same stunted person at the end of the book that she was at the beginning of the book. At the end of the book, having gotten her way through the entire book – she should have been ready and willing to make some concessions to her husband.
This book was frustrating- I just wanted to slap some sense and maturity into Perdie. I have not yet decided if I will go on to read the next book in the series.
I really could not stand Perdie. She was too self absorbed. She was so busy demanding that others respect her likes, her dreams, her wants, that she didn’t recognize she should extend the same courtesy to others. The fact that Thaddeus wanted her anyway was lucky for her.
She needed to learn that any relationship be it friendship, romantic, familial, etc...requires compromise on both sides. She expected everyone to twist to her - She never once asked Thaddeus what he needed and wanted. The first time Thaddeus made it clear to her that he would respect and honor her wants, she should have stopped fighting him.
Perdie also claimed that she learned about independence from the women in her club and yet the one who founded the club, Theo, married Perdie’s brother. That should’ve been her first clue that marriage was not always like prison. Why didn’t she go talk to Theo about what changed her mind about marriage? And continue to learn from the wiser woman. But she didn’t, instead she ran around like a loose cannon demanding that everybody around her bow to her whims and desires.
And she expected Thaddeus to honor her wishes about how she wanted the marriage to be for the first 3 years - yet at the end of the book she reneged on it. She apparently did not feel she needed to keep her word. She got everything she wanted her way, and still she did not keep to her own set timeline. She is the one who had insisted that she’d need just 3 years to pursue her desires and then she’d be ready to consider starting a family. But nope, her self absorption knew no limits. She did not care about Thaddeus’ wishes and needs.
Perdie never matured and never learned valuable lessons needed in life such as compromise, because when you love someone else you care about their needs as well.
She didn’t learn that freedom is relative, no matter how “free” anyone is they still have obligations and responsibilities to fulfill to others. She complained that women should be exactly like men - men were not truly free either. Yes they had less constraints, but they still had obligations. They had bills to pay, families to support, estates to run, and societal expectations.
The author missed the opportunity at the ending of this book to show that Perdie had grown as a person - that she recognized there are requirements, responsibilities, and obligations to be fulfilled by both men and women. Instead, she was the same stunted person at the end of the book that she was at the beginning of the book. At the end of the book, having gotten her way through the entire book – she should have been ready and willing to make some concessions to her husband.
This book was frustrating- I just wanted to slap some sense and maturity into Perdie. I have not yet decided if I will go on to read the next book in the series.
May 21, 2021
Lady Perdie wants to travel & enjoy life before bearing children but her fiancé has other ideas. So to give herself time to think breaks her engagement & flees London. Then her carriage is held up by highwaymen, she deals with them. Thaddeus is looking for an opportunity to save the young woman from the two highwaymen without her coming to harm. He’s surprised & impressed when she deals with the pair time but he can’t let unprotected women travel alone. She didn’t expect to encounter difficulties in securing lodgings as a lady travelling alone. Claiming a particular Scotsman as her husband was only supposed to be a brilliant tiny ruse. Except the damn handsome, devilish, charming scoundrel claims they are now truly married, and he must stay by her side to protect her from undesirables. Perdie was not looking for distraction, or marriage, or the love and attention from any gentleman. Perdie returns to London to find the ton all atwitter over the newly minted and sought-after Earl of Sherburn, Perdie finds herself face to face with the sensual Scot who is more determined than ever to tear down her walls and claim her as his.
This is the second book in the author’s debut series, it could easily be read on its own but it also follows on from the first book where we learned of Perdie fleeing. Another very well written page turner. I adored Thaddeus who never wavered in his feelings for Perdie. I did like Perdie but found her to be immature & spoilt at the start of the book but the more I read the more she matured & the more I liked her. I did love the chemistry between the pair, their verbal banter was highly entertaining & their attraction sizzled. I love the idea of a Ladies club where they could literally let their hair down. An engrossing read, which I read in a couple of sittings, I look forward to more in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This is the second book in the author’s debut series, it could easily be read on its own but it also follows on from the first book where we learned of Perdie fleeing. Another very well written page turner. I adored Thaddeus who never wavered in his feelings for Perdie. I did like Perdie but found her to be immature & spoilt at the start of the book but the more I read the more she matured & the more I liked her. I did love the chemistry between the pair, their verbal banter was highly entertaining & their attraction sizzled. I love the idea of a Ladies club where they could literally let their hair down. An engrossing read, which I read in a couple of sittings, I look forward to more in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
May 22, 2021
A Scottish hero
How can anyone deny the appeal of Thaddeus? As he and Perdie make their way through England , they also navigate their way through a courtship. After attempts at wooing Perdie fail because of her need to not be trapped Thaddeus returns to Scotland. It takes some time and some growth on Perdie's end to realize she's irrevocably in love with Thaddeus. Read the book to find out how they came to fall in love and how this beautiful love story ends.
Alyssa Clarke is an up and coming author. Her style of writing is sweet, steamy and so easy to read. The details are lush and the characters are well-developed. There were no grammatical errors which makes the book such a delight. It is a fun, swoon - worthy tale. I look forward to continuing on with this series.
How can anyone deny the appeal of Thaddeus? As he and Perdie make their way through England , they also navigate their way through a courtship. After attempts at wooing Perdie fail because of her need to not be trapped Thaddeus returns to Scotland. It takes some time and some growth on Perdie's end to realize she's irrevocably in love with Thaddeus. Read the book to find out how they came to fall in love and how this beautiful love story ends.
Alyssa Clarke is an up and coming author. Her style of writing is sweet, steamy and so easy to read. The details are lush and the characters are well-developed. There were no grammatical errors which makes the book such a delight. It is a fun, swoon - worthy tale. I look forward to continuing on with this series.
August 13, 2024
Marry Me If You Dare follows a familiar romantic trope: a capable heroine, a surprisingly impressed hero, and a forced proximity that inevitably leads to love. Unfortunately, the plot is as predictable as it is bland. The heroine's ability to fend for herself is a refreshing change of pace, but it's underutilized in a story that lacks genuine tension or conflict.
The forced marriage plot device is a well-worn path, and this novel doesn't offer any new twists or turns. While the characters eventually find their happily ever after, the journey there is devoid of compelling obstacles or emotional depth. Readers seeking a fresh and engaging romance may find this book underwhelming.
The forced marriage plot device is a well-worn path, and this novel doesn't offer any new twists or turns. While the characters eventually find their happily ever after, the journey there is devoid of compelling obstacles or emotional depth. Readers seeking a fresh and engaging romance may find this book underwhelming.
May 22, 2021
Another swoon-worthy installment of the Wagers and Wallflowers series! Loved the first book and this one is just as wonderful. Looking forward to book 3!
October 8, 2021
I'm really loving this fab series. Book 1 was my favourite. The only thing that I didn't particularly like in this story was that the h came across as a bit selfish. Apart from that, I loved it. Good storyline and characters - liked H best. 4☆
November 6, 2021
A SOLID 3.5 STARS!
THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN PERFECT IF THE HEROINE WASN'T SO ADAMANT ABOUT AVOIDING MARRIAGE AND CHILDREN AFTER HAVING A REVELATION. MY ONLY COMPLAIN, SHE'S FLIGHTY, UNKNOWINGLY SELFISH, AND TERRIBLY IMMATURE.
THADDEUS is one of the most wonderfully written heroes I've ever had the pleasure of reading. He made me laugh, sigh and lament that there's probably less than 10% of men like him that exists in the 21st century. When he first met Perdie, he's quite attracted to her and out of honour, and the fact that he can't seem to tear himself away from her, he serves as her escort to wherever she was 'running' away to and at the same time, fell in love with her in a matter of days. He was sweet, understanding and the perfect stranger to confide her woes, and as a big brother himself, and a responsible fellow, he guided her to do the right thing. Frankly, Perdie didn't deserve him in the least, I believe. It felt like even till the end, the heroine was being selfish, but, since he loves her so much, he's willing to bend to her every single will, wishes and desires. Thaddeus is happy enough with her by his side and that's all that matters to him.
PERDIE is hard to like. She started off so great, and then the author just butchered her with her ridiculous wanderlust ideas and irresponsible behaviour. There were moments that I enjoyed her character. Her chemistry with Thaddeus was wonderful, and their blossoming attraction just unfolded so beautifully and naturally, I'm VERY UPSET that the author chose to portray her in such an unflattering, childish light. In her defense, she's 19. Hopefully, when she's older, she won't be so immature and flighty anymore. Reasons why I find her character to be unlikeable at times? Firstly, she ran away from home because her brother insists she marry the man whom she made a fuss to marry since she was 15. Now, she wants to travel the world and fulfil her dreams but her fiance won't allow it, and believes she's being fanciful. So, she's going to break off their engagement. Fair point. I mean if the gentleman doesn't love you enough to compromise, then just let him go. Understanding that he doesn't truly love her, and no one in the house respects her wishes, she runs away from home.
Honestly, I don't even blame her for it. I can totally understand that she wants her space and also, this shocking scenario would make her family realize what they've done to her. Now, this is where Thaddeus comes in. After saving herself from bandits, she meets Thaddeus whom she claims as her husband just to get a room at an inn. Unknowingly, she's aroused his protective side and gained an admirer in him, thus he's sticking around and before she knows it, she's fulfilling some of her bucket list things with him. Thaddeus sees her for who she is, and her insecurities and desires. He advices her to try and do the right thing, that she's not without power and she should be firm in telling her family to listen, and not just shrug her off.
Secondly, I was very annoyed when she avoided marriage like the black plague. It's fine if the heroine wants to play the 'I don't need a man' card or 'getting cold feet' before the parson's noose type. Heck, she's even worse than those contemporary playboys who are so afraid of commitment, they make her look bad. Coming from a loving family, I don't understand her fear of marriage and children. It's fine to want to fulfil your dreams, and be filled with wanderlust but...that makes her seem so...unreliable for a 18th century woman.
OVERALL this would have been perfect if the author hadn't gone overboard with the heroine's adamant behaviour not to want marriage or children. It just defeats the whole point of me reading romance when I'm looking for something wholesome. Don't get me wrong. I understand people like Perdie exists in real life, and I can respect their decision but it won't mean we'll be friends. THIS IS MERELY MY PERSONAL PREFERENCE IN A STORY BUT it doesn't mean this story was bad. It was actually so good, I feel sad that the heroine couldn't have acted a little more mature. I'm peeved with her wanderlust ways....it's just TOO MODERN for a historical era woman TO BE. I'd rather she be fighting for women's rights or domestic abuse that is suitable in her time. At least there's a noble cause.
THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN PERFECT IF THE HEROINE WASN'T SO ADAMANT ABOUT AVOIDING MARRIAGE AND CHILDREN AFTER HAVING A REVELATION. MY ONLY COMPLAIN, SHE'S FLIGHTY, UNKNOWINGLY SELFISH, AND TERRIBLY IMMATURE.
THADDEUS is one of the most wonderfully written heroes I've ever had the pleasure of reading. He made me laugh, sigh and lament that there's probably less than 10% of men like him that exists in the 21st century. When he first met Perdie, he's quite attracted to her and out of honour, and the fact that he can't seem to tear himself away from her, he serves as her escort to wherever she was 'running' away to and at the same time, fell in love with her in a matter of days. He was sweet, understanding and the perfect stranger to confide her woes, and as a big brother himself, and a responsible fellow, he guided her to do the right thing. Frankly, Perdie didn't deserve him in the least, I believe. It felt like even till the end, the heroine was being selfish, but, since he loves her so much, he's willing to bend to her every single will, wishes and desires. Thaddeus is happy enough with her by his side and that's all that matters to him.
PERDIE is hard to like. She started off so great, and then the author just butchered her with her ridiculous wanderlust ideas and irresponsible behaviour. There were moments that I enjoyed her character. Her chemistry with Thaddeus was wonderful, and their blossoming attraction just unfolded so beautifully and naturally, I'm VERY UPSET that the author chose to portray her in such an unflattering, childish light. In her defense, she's 19. Hopefully, when she's older, she won't be so immature and flighty anymore. Reasons why I find her character to be unlikeable at times? Firstly, she ran away from home because her brother insists she marry the man whom she made a fuss to marry since she was 15. Now, she wants to travel the world and fulfil her dreams but her fiance won't allow it, and believes she's being fanciful. So, she's going to break off their engagement. Fair point. I mean if the gentleman doesn't love you enough to compromise, then just let him go. Understanding that he doesn't truly love her, and no one in the house respects her wishes, she runs away from home.
Honestly, I don't even blame her for it. I can totally understand that she wants her space and also, this shocking scenario would make her family realize what they've done to her. Now, this is where Thaddeus comes in. After saving herself from bandits, she meets Thaddeus whom she claims as her husband just to get a room at an inn. Unknowingly, she's aroused his protective side and gained an admirer in him, thus he's sticking around and before she knows it, she's fulfilling some of her bucket list things with him. Thaddeus sees her for who she is, and her insecurities and desires. He advices her to try and do the right thing, that she's not without power and she should be firm in telling her family to listen, and not just shrug her off.
Secondly, I was very annoyed when she avoided marriage like the black plague. It's fine if the heroine wants to play the 'I don't need a man' card or 'getting cold feet' before the parson's noose type. Heck, she's even worse than those contemporary playboys who are so afraid of commitment, they make her look bad. Coming from a loving family, I don't understand her fear of marriage and children. It's fine to want to fulfil your dreams, and be filled with wanderlust but...that makes her seem so...unreliable for a 18th century woman.
OVERALL this would have been perfect if the author hadn't gone overboard with the heroine's adamant behaviour not to want marriage or children. It just defeats the whole point of me reading romance when I'm looking for something wholesome. Don't get me wrong. I understand people like Perdie exists in real life, and I can respect their decision but it won't mean we'll be friends. THIS IS MERELY MY PERSONAL PREFERENCE IN A STORY BUT it doesn't mean this story was bad. It was actually so good, I feel sad that the heroine couldn't have acted a little more mature. I'm peeved with her wanderlust ways....it's just TOO MODERN for a historical era woman TO BE. I'd rather she be fighting for women's rights or domestic abuse that is suitable in her time. At least there's a noble cause.
May 28, 2021
Girl finds man of her dreams, tells her he’ll give her everything she wants, still doesn’t want to get married, because reasons.
Her: I don’t want to get married because I’ll lose all my freedom and not be able to travel
Him: I will let you be free
Her: I still don’t want to marry. I don’t want kids.
Him: we don’t have to have kids
Her: I still don’t want to get married, even though you are exactly what I’m looking for. *runs away*
She also did that thing where you tell someone you don’t want to see them again, but then when they follow your wishes, you are upset they aren’t trying anyway. I hate that. It’s immature and manipulative, which she was, throughout the entire book.
It makes me wonder if I’m aging out of this kind of book. She’s 19 and doesn’t understand her feelings of attraction and arousal. A virgin who knows enough about sex, but not enough to know how you get pregnant. She’s so far out of my experience at this point it’s hard to relate. She’s about as relatable as if she were a vampire, elf or billionaire CEO.
I also wanted an explanation as to why her friend barred her from her club. The club owner then married the brother, and we were told she apologized, but there was no reason or explanation. Also, our heroine was so sure marriage was a death trap, even though it didn’t give us any examples of her being exposed to marriages like that.
To sum up, the heroine was young and frustrating, the hero was sweet and pretty perfect.
Her: I don’t want to get married because I’ll lose all my freedom and not be able to travel
Him: I will let you be free
Her: I still don’t want to marry. I don’t want kids.
Him: we don’t have to have kids
Her: I still don’t want to get married, even though you are exactly what I’m looking for. *runs away*
She also did that thing where you tell someone you don’t want to see them again, but then when they follow your wishes, you are upset they aren’t trying anyway. I hate that. It’s immature and manipulative, which she was, throughout the entire book.
It makes me wonder if I’m aging out of this kind of book. She’s 19 and doesn’t understand her feelings of attraction and arousal. A virgin who knows enough about sex, but not enough to know how you get pregnant. She’s so far out of my experience at this point it’s hard to relate. She’s about as relatable as if she were a vampire, elf or billionaire CEO.
I also wanted an explanation as to why her friend barred her from her club. The club owner then married the brother, and we were told she apologized, but there was no reason or explanation. Also, our heroine was so sure marriage was a death trap, even though it didn’t give us any examples of her being exposed to marriages like that.
To sum up, the heroine was young and frustrating, the hero was sweet and pretty perfect.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2021
Feeling trapped, Lady Perdita, known as Perdie to her friends, takes the only route open to her and flees her home together with her maid and companion. Encountering trouble on the road, Perdie proves herself more than capable of handling herself, but she still does not convince Thaddeus and his servant that she is able to manage on her own, and he is proved correct at the very next inn. I thoroughly enjoyed this romance, having read the first book in this series, and was glad to read Perdie's story. Thaddeus and Perdie have the perfect chemistry and despite her resistance to marriage, he still manages to get under her skin. However, when it becomes obvious that their feelings are more than Perdie can handle, she does what she does best: she runs. This romance is entertaining and most enjoyable. I felt all of Perdie's frustration and anxiety but also felt for Thaddeus as he laid his heart bare for Perdie. When it would appear that the situation is completely hopeless, all is resolved and the couple finds the perfect compromise for a future together. I especially enjoyed the epilogue as it showed that Thaddeus kept his promises. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.
May 21, 2021
I really suck at reviews and never know what to say but I don’t want to not say anything. Especially if I really loved the book. I do hate when reviewers practically rewrite the whole synopsis in their review. I mean I just read the book...I know what it’s about. Geez..anyway, I am trying to do better about saying something to let the author know what I thought of the book.
I read 415 books last year and over 160 this year so far. I have read hundreds and hundreds of different authors over the years. I have a handful that I love and get all their new releases but have "branched" out looking for new authors. Alyssa Clarke is one of those new authors.
I read her first book and loved it. This was just as good if maybe not better. I can tell I am going to have trouble finding a favorite after I’ve read all of them. So damn good. I downloaded it the day it came out and by just after lunch I was finished. I couldn’t put it down. I really loved Perdie and Thaddeus. Such a great story. The only thing is, I would have loved to see what happened to Lord Owen after everything that happened.
Can’t wait for book 3. I would definitely recommend this book.
I read 415 books last year and over 160 this year so far. I have read hundreds and hundreds of different authors over the years. I have a handful that I love and get all their new releases but have "branched" out looking for new authors. Alyssa Clarke is one of those new authors.
I read her first book and loved it. This was just as good if maybe not better. I can tell I am going to have trouble finding a favorite after I’ve read all of them. So damn good. I downloaded it the day it came out and by just after lunch I was finished. I couldn’t put it down. I really loved Perdie and Thaddeus. Such a great story. The only thing is, I would have loved to see what happened to Lord Owen after everything that happened.
Can’t wait for book 3. I would definitely recommend this book.
Want to read
August 19, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon today (8/19/2022)! 🎁
January 7, 2022
SHE IS SO ANNOYING OMG!!!
Ok…so let’s start by the fact that she is a selfish spoiled brat, who left her family without any consideration for them, their reputation or consequences
Then she spend the entire book complaining and saying that she wants a husband who will listen, treat her as an equal and respect her opinions. Then she finds that person and she treats him like GARBAGE!!!
If he was the one who had abandon her after their first time, everybody would be so mad at him and saying how inconsiderate he is, but because she is a women she has the right to hurt him???
She treated him badly the entire book and we simply have to accept the fact that he would still want to marry someone that’s clearly selfish and only cares about herself???? Really?????
It is impossible to relate or even remotely like this character
Also, in the 19th century only male heirs could inherit the peerage title, so his sister’s son could never become an earl
The MMC is amazing and considerate. I loved him, but it’s impossible to like the FMC
Ok…so let’s start by the fact that she is a selfish spoiled brat, who left her family without any consideration for them, their reputation or consequences
Then she spend the entire book complaining and saying that she wants a husband who will listen, treat her as an equal and respect her opinions. Then she finds that person and she treats him like GARBAGE!!!
If he was the one who had abandon her after their first time, everybody would be so mad at him and saying how inconsiderate he is, but because she is a women she has the right to hurt him???
She treated him badly the entire book and we simply have to accept the fact that he would still want to marry someone that’s clearly selfish and only cares about herself???? Really?????
It is impossible to relate or even remotely like this character
Also, in the 19th century only male heirs could inherit the peerage title, so his sister’s son could never become an earl
The MMC is amazing and considerate. I loved him, but it’s impossible to like the FMC
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 26, 2021
3 1/2 stars. This entry is a slight step up from the 1st in the series, and since this is only the second book by this writer, I'm cutting her some slack. It's better edited than the 1st book and there are some particularly well-written passages. I thought the writer did a decent job in the first 3/4 of trying to develop a friendship as well as the lust factor between H/h.
The reason I couldn't bump this up to 4 stars was I just couldn't get into the h. The H seemed like a great guy, but h wouldn't marry him simply because she was immature. She seemed more like a modern 19 year old girl and not a 19 year old young lady of that time period. Other than the fact that she's the typical anachronistic "woman of the ton who's somehow well-muscled and can do everything a man can," here were some things that really gnawed at me:
--Why did she try to shoot the H with her bow and arrow at the beginning (he managed to dodge, but still?) He was no imminent threat to her. She came across as itching for trouble.
--I found her behavior with H snotty at times, based on her perception of his social status (he didn't dress like a member of nobility and didn't disclose his title, so she assumed he was of lower status than she.)
-- I didn't like how she handled the "morning after" scene, disappearing without a note.
-- I also didn't like how she treated her former intended when he was wanting to talk to her. He ended up being a jerk later, but still. Her attitude seemed out of line.
--What really bugged me was that h continually initiated unprotected sex with H, practically forcing herself on him, even though she refused to marry him. Then when H points out that she could be pregnant, it's somehow a shocker? She's 19, not 16. She wants unlimited freedom to travel wherever she wants, whenever she wants, she may or may not want to have kids, etc. Unrealistic for that time period and kind of made me feel bad for H. Even when her close friend, the h from the 1st book, talks to her about the upside of marriage, she doesn't listen. Did she expect to have unlimited freedom as a single woman? Only widows had a modicum of freedom to travel and take lovers without being married in those days. And why is she so convinced marriage will be a prison for her, and why is she so completely terrified about having kids? Did I miss something?? Frankly, I think she deserved to grovel a bit more before she got her HEA with H.
I do think this writer has promise, I just found this h too anachronistic and self-centered to truly like.
The reason I couldn't bump this up to 4 stars was I just couldn't get into the h. The H seemed like a great guy, but h wouldn't marry him simply because she was immature. She seemed more like a modern 19 year old girl and not a 19 year old young lady of that time period. Other than the fact that she's the typical anachronistic "woman of the ton who's somehow well-muscled and can do everything a man can," here were some things that really gnawed at me:
--Why did she try to shoot the H with her bow and arrow at the beginning (he managed to dodge, but still?) He was no imminent threat to her. She came across as itching for trouble.
--I found her behavior with H snotty at times, based on her perception of his social status (he didn't dress like a member of nobility and didn't disclose his title, so she assumed he was of lower status than she.)
-- I didn't like how she handled the "morning after" scene, disappearing without a note.
-- I also didn't like how she treated her former intended when he was wanting to talk to her. He ended up being a jerk later, but still. Her attitude seemed out of line.
--What really bugged me was that h continually initiated unprotected sex with H, practically forcing herself on him, even though she refused to marry him. Then when H points out that she could be pregnant, it's somehow a shocker? She's 19, not 16. She wants unlimited freedom to travel wherever she wants, whenever she wants, she may or may not want to have kids, etc. Unrealistic for that time period and kind of made me feel bad for H. Even when her close friend, the h from the 1st book, talks to her about the upside of marriage, she doesn't listen. Did she expect to have unlimited freedom as a single woman? Only widows had a modicum of freedom to travel and take lovers without being married in those days. And why is she so convinced marriage will be a prison for her, and why is she so completely terrified about having kids? Did I miss something?? Frankly, I think she deserved to grovel a bit more before she got her HEA with H.
I do think this writer has promise, I just found this h too anachronistic and self-centered to truly like.
October 3, 2021
2 Stars
I'm having incredibly bad luck with sequels lately... I loved the first book in this series and gave it 4.5 Stars, but I could barely get through this one.
I liked the first 50% of this book well enough. The meeting and development of Perdie and Thaddeus was nicely done. I enjoyed the how sweet and protective Thaddeus was to join Perdie and her companions to ensure they stayed safe on their journey. He was so caring and loving, he was my favorite character in this by far.
What I couldn't get over was how terrible Perdie was. She was entirely undeserving of Thaddeus. She was incredibly selfish, immature and stupid almost the entire book. Even towards the end I never felt that she was redeemed. I felt so bad for Thaddeus for most of the book. He was clearly being used and discarded by Perdie - physically and emotionally. If the roles were reversed (ie. Thaddeus behaving how Perdie was), he would be the villain of the story and we would be reading something else entirely! For some reason the author thought this behavior was ok since it was coming from a women? I don't know, but either way I hated it. It made the relationship extremely hard to buy into, I simply wasn't rooting for them to be together.
As for the writing - for some reason I didn't notice this in the first book (but did see some reviews mentioning it) - but I finally realized how terrible the writing is. There are so many spelling and grammatical errors! Loads of typos and sentences structured in such a confusing way I had to re-read paragraphs a few times to attempt to understand what was being said. I'm not a writer, so I can't say much here, but this author really needs an editor (or literally anyone to read through this and call out mistakes). I also noticed odd discrepancies such as hair colors changing (I swear Perdie's mother's hair color changed multiple times).
I also felt this was particularly modern for being a historical romance. Perdie's attitude and thoughts about her "freedom" made no sense considering the time. It didn't even make sense why she was so terrified of marriage and children when she would have been raised expected that for her life. There were also a few times when the language and phrases of the characters were quite modern.
I will read the next book in this series, since I do have hope things will get better (especially with the first book being so enjoyable), but I will stop reading this series if the next addition is a dud.
I'm having incredibly bad luck with sequels lately... I loved the first book in this series and gave it 4.5 Stars, but I could barely get through this one.
I liked the first 50% of this book well enough. The meeting and development of Perdie and Thaddeus was nicely done. I enjoyed the how sweet and protective Thaddeus was to join Perdie and her companions to ensure they stayed safe on their journey. He was so caring and loving, he was my favorite character in this by far.
What I couldn't get over was how terrible Perdie was. She was entirely undeserving of Thaddeus. She was incredibly selfish, immature and stupid almost the entire book. Even towards the end I never felt that she was redeemed. I felt so bad for Thaddeus for most of the book. He was clearly being used and discarded by Perdie - physically and emotionally. If the roles were reversed (ie. Thaddeus behaving how Perdie was), he would be the villain of the story and we would be reading something else entirely! For some reason the author thought this behavior was ok since it was coming from a women? I don't know, but either way I hated it. It made the relationship extremely hard to buy into, I simply wasn't rooting for them to be together.
As for the writing - for some reason I didn't notice this in the first book (but did see some reviews mentioning it) - but I finally realized how terrible the writing is. There are so many spelling and grammatical errors! Loads of typos and sentences structured in such a confusing way I had to re-read paragraphs a few times to attempt to understand what was being said. I'm not a writer, so I can't say much here, but this author really needs an editor (or literally anyone to read through this and call out mistakes). I also noticed odd discrepancies such as hair colors changing (I swear Perdie's mother's hair color changed multiple times).
I also felt this was particularly modern for being a historical romance. Perdie's attitude and thoughts about her "freedom" made no sense considering the time. It didn't even make sense why she was so terrified of marriage and children when she would have been raised expected that for her life. There were also a few times when the language and phrases of the characters were quite modern.
I will read the next book in this series, since I do have hope things will get better (especially with the first book being so enjoyable), but I will stop reading this series if the next addition is a dud.
January 5, 2022
Literally worst book I’ve ever read. The heroine was so annoying and a child and to top it off would contradict everything she said. Usually I wouldn’t care to review a book I hated but this one was too much for me to not write about. DO NOT read this book in the series, it’s pointless.
January 28, 2024
5 STARS, VICTORIAN HISTORICAL ROMANCE DRAMA, FLEEING FROM MARRIAGE
Aylssa Clarke a highly popular Author earns another 5 STARS for Book 2 in her Series: Wagers and Wallflowers. Great BLURB provided. It is a well written storyline with wonderful characters that get more developed each book of the series they are in. The interesting & exciting Ladies belong to a women's club were they learn how to fight & protect themselves, (think a knee to a man's privates) & other methods that can save them from being molested & maybe their lives.
Furthermore these ladies motto is: whatever a man can do a woman can do! They learn how to drive a 4 horse coach & be a top whip, get lessons from a top fencing instructor, hand to hand combat, knife fighting, but also study the arts of actual paintings & literature such as Shakespeare & philosophy that men study at school & college. They learn chess, checkers, popular games of cards that men play for money & go in debt because of. Furthermore they are helped in any areas they wish to study in such as riding astride or even finance. Yes, they even study fine wines & drink whiskey if they wish with a cigar. These wallflowers & book worms everyone unkind call these Ladies.
I loved reading about Perdie; yet I so wanted to shake her and give her the Cher treatment: "Snap out of it". Alyssa your only negative was not explaining why & where & possibly when she developed her overwhelming fear. I will not mention what it's for because that would be a *spoiler*.
I have read other Books in this series out of order & just loved it, also.
Our man Thaddeus, is a wonderful great looking kind well built sexy guy that isn't afraid to let a woman be herself because he is so well settled in his own manhood. He meets Perdie while on his way to London to finally legally accept his inheritance from his Uncle. Sparks fly between them from the start. He only knows she is a Duke's sister but not which Duke & just her knickname Perdie. Then Perdie only knows he is a gentleman, had inherited a landed inheritance. She didn't know he was a new Earl.
These two have to fight each other & themselves to be together and it's a wonderful exciting read to find out. Enjoy your exploration!
RECOMMEND
Aylssa Clarke a highly popular Author earns another 5 STARS for Book 2 in her Series: Wagers and Wallflowers. Great BLURB provided. It is a well written storyline with wonderful characters that get more developed each book of the series they are in. The interesting & exciting Ladies belong to a women's club were they learn how to fight & protect themselves, (think a knee to a man's privates) & other methods that can save them from being molested & maybe their lives.
Furthermore these ladies motto is: whatever a man can do a woman can do! They learn how to drive a 4 horse coach & be a top whip, get lessons from a top fencing instructor, hand to hand combat, knife fighting, but also study the arts of actual paintings & literature such as Shakespeare & philosophy that men study at school & college. They learn chess, checkers, popular games of cards that men play for money & go in debt because of. Furthermore they are helped in any areas they wish to study in such as riding astride or even finance. Yes, they even study fine wines & drink whiskey if they wish with a cigar. These wallflowers & book worms everyone unkind call these Ladies.
I loved reading about Perdie; yet I so wanted to shake her and give her the Cher treatment: "Snap out of it". Alyssa your only negative was not explaining why & where & possibly when she developed her overwhelming fear. I will not mention what it's for because that would be a *spoiler*.
I have read other Books in this series out of order & just loved it, also.
Our man Thaddeus, is a wonderful great looking kind well built sexy guy that isn't afraid to let a woman be herself because he is so well settled in his own manhood. He meets Perdie while on his way to London to finally legally accept his inheritance from his Uncle. Sparks fly between them from the start. He only knows she is a Duke's sister but not which Duke & just her knickname Perdie. Then Perdie only knows he is a gentleman, had inherited a landed inheritance. She didn't know he was a new Earl.
These two have to fight each other & themselves to be together and it's a wonderful exciting read to find out. Enjoy your exploration!
RECOMMEND
June 1, 2021
Starring Lady Perdita “Perdie” Anya Crawford and Thaddeus Liam McPherson.
Tropes: Road Trip, In disguise/Not revealing true identity.
Perdie is a very strong heroine who is capable of taking care and defending herself. Sometimes I thought she was a little too strong and she used her toughness to keep people around her from getting too close to her, especially Thaddeus who just really wanted to love her just as she is. Sometimes I just wanted to shake her. But I was totally rooting for her.
I absolutely loved Thaddeus. He was so playful with his Devil-May-care attitude. I love that he was very upfront with his feelings and intensions when it came to Perdie... and he was willing to take her concerns and fears about marriage into consideration and assure her that he just wanted to love her and not change her. He was the best kind of beta hero!!
This is my first Alyssa Clarke story and I really enjoyed it. I will definitely be looking for more of her books!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily review it and the comments are 100% my own.
My star rating; 4 stars
Book was great. Loved the characters. Storyline kept me entertained... but did not make me cry.
Tropes: Road Trip, In disguise/Not revealing true identity.
Perdie is a very strong heroine who is capable of taking care and defending herself. Sometimes I thought she was a little too strong and she used her toughness to keep people around her from getting too close to her, especially Thaddeus who just really wanted to love her just as she is. Sometimes I just wanted to shake her. But I was totally rooting for her.
I absolutely loved Thaddeus. He was so playful with his Devil-May-care attitude. I love that he was very upfront with his feelings and intensions when it came to Perdie... and he was willing to take her concerns and fears about marriage into consideration and assure her that he just wanted to love her and not change her. He was the best kind of beta hero!!
This is my first Alyssa Clarke story and I really enjoyed it. I will definitely be looking for more of her books!!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily review it and the comments are 100% my own.
My star rating; 4 stars
Book was great. Loved the characters. Storyline kept me entertained... but did not make me cry.
December 26, 2021
What I hate even more than boring is unrealistic. This was a tedious read without much going on between the hero and the 19-yr old runaway heiress who doesn’t want to marry because she understandably wanted to live her life and travel. The hero, who’s a secret earl, spends his time chasing after her and wooing her instead of leaving her be and letting her spend a couple of years on her own! Perhaps because she keeps giving him mixed signals, kissing him in dark corners and sleeping with him twice, then running away and saying repeatedly that she didn’t want to marry. I understand her dreams of traveling is difficult given the time period — ladies were not allowed to travel without men. But the hero could have waited a few years for her. When he finally comes to his senses and leaves her be, the author did an abrupt 360 and had our heroine chasing after him and asking him to marry her after all. This happens in the last 20 pages. Then the epilogue tells us they spent a year traveling in europe (what about parliament and his estates?!) and then two yrs in london (reasonable) and then they are headed to south america for a two yr expedition! Without an explanation about what’s going to happen to all his responsibilities! I guess they are wealthy and they do what they want.
June 16, 2021
I loved this book. Alyssa is still quite a new author for my but I can say she's added to my list of gotos. So here we have the story of Lady Perdie and Thad. Lady Perdie is escaping the confines of her station. She needs time to figure her out and what she wanted to do. One thing she does say is she doesn't want any to marry for a while. While traveling she meets Thaddeus. Thad is uncomfortable with Lady Perdie and companions traveling without male protection. Thad is on his way to pick up responsibility as a new Earl. Thad feels a pull to the lovely Perdie and decides to follow them and see them to safety. This begins a wonderful and fun journey as these two learn bits about each other. Well, anything that doesn't give away who they really are. I really like Alyssa's writing. You are able to feel for these characters and understand them. I got all the feels reading this book and didn't want to put it down. I'm ready for the next book! 🙂
I received this book as an advanced reader copy and this is my honest review.
I received this book as an advanced reader copy and this is my honest review.
November 7, 2022
Thaddeus (new Earl of Sherburn) & Perdie. In book 1, we find that Perdie has run away from an unwanted engagement and a desire to "live life" before settling down. Thaddeus comes across Perdie and her 2 companions being held up by some highway men attempting to rob them. Before he can come to her rescue she uses her defensive training and takes out the 2 men. Thaddeus and his valet in training are on their way to London from Scotland to take ownership of the Earldom he inherited from his uncle. He is insta-attracted to Perdie and despite her declining his help, he escorts her to her destination (her grandmother's old cottage). She needed him so she could get rooms at inns along the way (the innkeepers thought a woman traveling alone was a prostitute and didn't want them in their rooms) so she tells the innkeepers that he is her husband. He's Scottish and in their land just announcing themselves as married makes it so (there is a lot of banter of him calling her his wife despite them not being in Scotland so not married). The trip allowed them time to get to know each other and while she was very much attracted to him as well, she refused to move on it because she had no desire to settle down. She was running away from it and didn't want to be "handcuffed" to someone else.
He delivers her to her destination and they have a very charged parting of ways. Both wanted each other and didn't want to leave but he leaves out of respect for her and she lets him go even though she wants him. He goes to stay the night at the local village before his return trip to London (start off fresh the next morning) but he can't help but feel their parting wasn't right. Not realizing it, he was walking from the village to her cottage. She sees him and they go for a walk in the garden (its some sort of maze like labyrinth). It starts to rain and she leads them to some place that looks like a bunch of ruins. They are waiting out the storm and she makes a move on him. There is a chaise lounge in this ruins building (uhhhhhhh OK) and he has sex with her on it. After he tells her that they will marry so she isn't ruined. She freaks out and in the middle of the night she runs from him. He woke up and she had gone.
She runs to their family country seat and chills there. Her brother and mother show up (they had been out looking for her). She decides to return to London after talking with her brother about wanting to end her engagement and he agrees. Even though they had a clear conversation before she ran away (she told him that she wanted to wait to have kids but he declined) which ended in her telling him she wouldn't marry him, he disregards and wants to move forward with their wedding. She tells him no and he proceeds to send her poetry daily, then flowers (because she returned the poetry unopened). Very stalkerish.
She attends the ball for the new Earl of Sherburn. The ladies in the women's social club had a bet going on about who would get the first dance with the new Earl that everyone had heard was wealthy and handsome but haven't seen. Perdie didn't want to participate in the bet because she had no desire to settle down and by dancing with the new Earl would get society talking. At the ball, Thaddeus sees Perdie and is shocked. He didn't believe he would ever see her again and he asks her to dance. She is just as shocked but still doesn't want to marry. He asks her to court her and she said it would be a waste of time because she wouldn't marry him. He decides to try and change her mind. They share kisses at various balls and even go at it in a drawing room.
The next day at the next ball, Owen (her former fiancé) confronts her about wanting to know why she changed her mind about them. Not accepting what she says he takes her down to a drawing room so they can talk. He tries to kiss her but she drops his ass to the floor (her training worked) and as she's leaving they are caught alone in room together. She's ruined and will be forced to marry him.
She is refusing the marriage. Thaddeus hears about the scandal and goes to her house to get the story from her. He hears her arguing with her brother about being forced to marry. He steps out in the hall and says he will marry her (he's been trying to get her to marry him). He offers her everything she wanted (extended honeymoon, 2 seasons in London, hold off on babies) but she refuses. He realizes that he won't ever be able to change her mind and he leaves London.
Having heard that he left, Perdie realizes that she loves him and doesn't want to be without him. She asks her brother for his help (he has told her that he will help her with whatever she needs if she comes to him). He helps her find Thaddeus in Scotland and she proposes to him. He thinks she is doing it because she was ruined or because she may be pregnant but she tells him she loves him. He loves her too and they declare themselves married (in Scotland so it is so by declaration).
3 years later - he held up his part and they had an extending honeymoon traveling and then spent 2 years in London (so she could hang out with her friends in the women's club). He tells her that there is an opportunity to travel to S. America for 2 years and she's super excited. She tells him that she desired a family as well as the travel and they would go on the trip but return home when she gets pregnant. He would've been fine with not having children (tradition of the earldom going to a nephew and he has 6 sisters) but she tells him that she's envisioning it and wants it.
So romantic! Yeah the trip to her grandmothers was a little drawn out but it didn't slow down the story. I found myself getting annoyed with Perdie because she kept running scared. Woman! You have an A+ dude and you still have your doubts. Very enjoyable story.
He delivers her to her destination and they have a very charged parting of ways. Both wanted each other and didn't want to leave but he leaves out of respect for her and she lets him go even though she wants him. He goes to stay the night at the local village before his return trip to London (start off fresh the next morning) but he can't help but feel their parting wasn't right. Not realizing it, he was walking from the village to her cottage. She sees him and they go for a walk in the garden (its some sort of maze like labyrinth). It starts to rain and she leads them to some place that looks like a bunch of ruins. They are waiting out the storm and she makes a move on him. There is a chaise lounge in this ruins building (uhhhhhhh OK) and he has sex with her on it. After he tells her that they will marry so she isn't ruined. She freaks out and in the middle of the night she runs from him. He woke up and she had gone.
She runs to their family country seat and chills there. Her brother and mother show up (they had been out looking for her). She decides to return to London after talking with her brother about wanting to end her engagement and he agrees. Even though they had a clear conversation before she ran away (she told him that she wanted to wait to have kids but he declined) which ended in her telling him she wouldn't marry him, he disregards and wants to move forward with their wedding. She tells him no and he proceeds to send her poetry daily, then flowers (because she returned the poetry unopened). Very stalkerish.
She attends the ball for the new Earl of Sherburn. The ladies in the women's social club had a bet going on about who would get the first dance with the new Earl that everyone had heard was wealthy and handsome but haven't seen. Perdie didn't want to participate in the bet because she had no desire to settle down and by dancing with the new Earl would get society talking. At the ball, Thaddeus sees Perdie and is shocked. He didn't believe he would ever see her again and he asks her to dance. She is just as shocked but still doesn't want to marry. He asks her to court her and she said it would be a waste of time because she wouldn't marry him. He decides to try and change her mind. They share kisses at various balls and even go at it in a drawing room.
The next day at the next ball, Owen (her former fiancé) confronts her about wanting to know why she changed her mind about them. Not accepting what she says he takes her down to a drawing room so they can talk. He tries to kiss her but she drops his ass to the floor (her training worked) and as she's leaving they are caught alone in room together. She's ruined and will be forced to marry him.
She is refusing the marriage. Thaddeus hears about the scandal and goes to her house to get the story from her. He hears her arguing with her brother about being forced to marry. He steps out in the hall and says he will marry her (he's been trying to get her to marry him). He offers her everything she wanted (extended honeymoon, 2 seasons in London, hold off on babies) but she refuses. He realizes that he won't ever be able to change her mind and he leaves London.
Having heard that he left, Perdie realizes that she loves him and doesn't want to be without him. She asks her brother for his help (he has told her that he will help her with whatever she needs if she comes to him). He helps her find Thaddeus in Scotland and she proposes to him. He thinks she is doing it because she was ruined or because she may be pregnant but she tells him she loves him. He loves her too and they declare themselves married (in Scotland so it is so by declaration).
3 years later - he held up his part and they had an extending honeymoon traveling and then spent 2 years in London (so she could hang out with her friends in the women's club). He tells her that there is an opportunity to travel to S. America for 2 years and she's super excited. She tells him that she desired a family as well as the travel and they would go on the trip but return home when she gets pregnant. He would've been fine with not having children (tradition of the earldom going to a nephew and he has 6 sisters) but she tells him that she's envisioning it and wants it.
So romantic! Yeah the trip to her grandmothers was a little drawn out but it didn't slow down the story. I found myself getting annoyed with Perdie because she kept running scared. Woman! You have an A+ dude and you still have your doubts. Very enjoyable story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2022
Marry Me, If You Dare, Book 2 of the Wagers and Wallflower series, was about Lady Perdie Anya Crawford, younger sister to His Grace Sebastian Crawford, Duke of Hartford, and Thaddeus Liam McPherson, the newly minted Earl of Sherburn.
Perdie (Perdy in book 1 according to the author), though engaged to a viscount, was suddenly feeling stifled and needing to get away from everyone and everything. Having joined Lady Theodosia's lady's club, she had just started feeling like she belonged somewhere...until her brother learned of her activities and brought a halt to them. No longer certain she wanted to marry the viscount, Perdie determined to get away from everyone except one friend and a lady's maid. With just the three of them traveling, with no men to aid them should they encounter trouble, they meandered their way through England with no set place to go.
Thaddeus, having recently inherited an earldom, was making his way to London when he and his valet-in-training came upon a young woman being robbed by highwaymen. Upon trying to rescue her, things didn't go the way he had expected them to. However, once the women were safe, he determined to follow them until they reached an inn. When it looked as though she could not secure lodging due to her not having a man with her, Perdie said that Thaddeus was her husband. From that point on, he was determined to see her to safety...as well as claiming they were legally husband and wife.
While the storyline was well-written, it left much to be desired. It was more or less a story out of time because it didn't really fit the era. As for the characters, Perdie was a very selfish person. At first, she had demanded that her brother and mother agree to her engagement with a viscount she had believed herself to be in love with since the age of 15. But when she started getting cold feet, she ran away, not caring about her reputation or that of her family. When she met Thaddeus, she had no problem starting a relationship with him, but when he proposed, she rejected him because she wanted to do things for herself and not be controlled by a husband, children, and society's rules. If she didn't get things her way, she wasn't going to do anything any other way either, regardless of what that did to her or her family in the eyes of society.
Thaddeus, though a well-developed character, put up with way too much from Perdie...much more than he should have. There was a good amount of passion between the two main characters, but Thaddeus should have kept walking away and not given her a second...or third chance. The angst and drama were way too much for this story, but only because Perdie made it difficult for anyone to have a say in things.
This book was definitely not worthy of even a two-star rating. It was a sad excuse for a romance novel. If Thaddeus had been given a different woman to fall in love with, it might have been better, but Perdie was a bad Heroine.
Perdie (Perdy in book 1 according to the author), though engaged to a viscount, was suddenly feeling stifled and needing to get away from everyone and everything. Having joined Lady Theodosia's lady's club, she had just started feeling like she belonged somewhere...until her brother learned of her activities and brought a halt to them. No longer certain she wanted to marry the viscount, Perdie determined to get away from everyone except one friend and a lady's maid. With just the three of them traveling, with no men to aid them should they encounter trouble, they meandered their way through England with no set place to go.
Thaddeus, having recently inherited an earldom, was making his way to London when he and his valet-in-training came upon a young woman being robbed by highwaymen. Upon trying to rescue her, things didn't go the way he had expected them to. However, once the women were safe, he determined to follow them until they reached an inn. When it looked as though she could not secure lodging due to her not having a man with her, Perdie said that Thaddeus was her husband. From that point on, he was determined to see her to safety...as well as claiming they were legally husband and wife.
While the storyline was well-written, it left much to be desired. It was more or less a story out of time because it didn't really fit the era. As for the characters, Perdie was a very selfish person. At first, she had demanded that her brother and mother agree to her engagement with a viscount she had believed herself to be in love with since the age of 15. But when she started getting cold feet, she ran away, not caring about her reputation or that of her family. When she met Thaddeus, she had no problem starting a relationship with him, but when he proposed, she rejected him because she wanted to do things for herself and not be controlled by a husband, children, and society's rules. If she didn't get things her way, she wasn't going to do anything any other way either, regardless of what that did to her or her family in the eyes of society.
Thaddeus, though a well-developed character, put up with way too much from Perdie...much more than he should have. There was a good amount of passion between the two main characters, but Thaddeus should have kept walking away and not given her a second...or third chance. The angst and drama were way too much for this story, but only because Perdie made it difficult for anyone to have a say in things.
This book was definitely not worthy of even a two-star rating. It was a sad excuse for a romance novel. If Thaddeus had been given a different woman to fall in love with, it might have been better, but Perdie was a bad Heroine.
June 2, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. Thaddeus is the swoon worthy, good as gold character hero we all want for a romance novel and he's fallen for the one girl who will do anything to avoid marriage and him. The story line is fun romp and Perdie's wit and wicked tongue are refreshing and funny for a lady of this time. However, I will say that my critique for this novel is of Perdie. The writing is strong, good story line, entertaining, romantic, likable characters but Perdie for all her attributes did not fit for a nineteen year old sister of a duke. Yes, that is what makes her an anomaly and I have no problem with that, in fact I love strong female leads but it was the fact that she is so young and privileged that made this not work for me. She came off as a spoiled brat who threw tantrums just because she did not get her way yet spouted about that it was only because she was a woman that she was denied. Her naivety and sheltered life truly showed and while that may have been the purpose of the author, it came off wrong. I think making her older would have helped.
There was an explanation given towards the end of the book that explained why she was against marriage- "She had been led to believe marriage and children were somehow bonds of misery, where her identity and will would be stolen and controlled. She wanted to live life unfettered. Their kisses and loving were Perdie’s way of exploring more of the world she was denied". -I feel that if this had been placed towards the beginning of the book, it would have made for an easier acceptance as to her character's attitude which sometimes bordered on just plain snobby and rude, not to mention childish. I felt sorry for poor Thaddeus.
I also felt that the cover photo did not give justice to the story, I almost thought it to be a modern romance which could cause some who like historical romance to miss it.
But despite Perdie's character, this was a great read and I highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There was an explanation given towards the end of the book that explained why she was against marriage- "She had been led to believe marriage and children were somehow bonds of misery, where her identity and will would be stolen and controlled. She wanted to live life unfettered. Their kisses and loving were Perdie’s way of exploring more of the world she was denied". -I feel that if this had been placed towards the beginning of the book, it would have made for an easier acceptance as to her character's attitude which sometimes bordered on just plain snobby and rude, not to mention childish. I felt sorry for poor Thaddeus.
I also felt that the cover photo did not give justice to the story, I almost thought it to be a modern romance which could cause some who like historical romance to miss it.
But despite Perdie's character, this was a great read and I highly recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 12, 2022
Well it looks like I had the same problem as a lot of the other readers. By the end of this book I HATED Perdie. She was such a selfish, spoiled, did I say selfish brat. Honestly she was awful. She ran away from home. From a brother that gave her anything she wanted. Who obviously loved her and she expected him to just sit at home and wait for a naive 19 year old to come hone safely. Is she a complete idiot?! Of course her family was worried sick but she needed time to figure herself out. Ok. I mean I get that part but the way she went about everything was with no concern for the people in her life. Then Thaddeus (who I absolutely adored) gals in love with her. He offers to marry her and she refuses. She wants her freedom. Keep in mind this is Regency England. Woman at 19 couldn’t just go off and travel the world on their own. Someone had to pay for it. She expected her brother to pay for all her expenses while she went off and did whatever the hell she wants and f@&$ how much it cost or what they thought about it. It was her right to do. Just the entitled, spoiled, bratty side shines through in that statement alone is enough for me to hate her. But what it gets even better (worse?). She does love Thaddeus and he tells her he will give her anything she wants as long as she’s by his side. Why, because he’s not a selfish prat and wants to make the one he loves happy. He also says they don’t need to have kids. Fast forward 3 years and she hesitantly offers to give him kids bc it’s expected. He says no, don’t do anything you don’t want to. All I need is you. Did anyone else remember how he talks about being a father. How he wants a big family like his own. One to fill his house with. He even learned more about constellations so he could pass down a fun and memorable tradition his father did with him. Yet this little brat was like ok since it’s what I want great. Screw that you’ve thrown away the one thing you’ve mentioned several times to me. I’m more important. HATED HER!!!!!!!!
November 10, 2024
I didn't realize the FMC was so hated. I'd like to add my two cents. I think that Perdie is disliked by readers because she is immature and selfish. She hurts Thaddeus more than once due to her indecisiveness. She is only 19. I can understand her fear of marriage curtailing her ability to live life for herself and travel. The writing and set up of the passage of time failed to show her growth as a person.
I'm only now realizing that AC's loose adherence to historical romandlandia norms is not my cup of tea. I'm a bit of a purist and I don't like it when books are placed in a regency setting and rules are broken for the sake of simplistic storytelling.
I'm only now realizing that AC's loose adherence to historical romandlandia norms is not my cup of tea. I'm a bit of a purist and I don't like it when books are placed in a regency setting and rules are broken for the sake of simplistic storytelling.
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