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A Wallflower's Wish #7
The Duke's Darling Debutante
He’s the duke that society forgot and she’s the debutante everyone is talking about…
What happens when a duke in need of the perfect wife collides with the debutante who’s known to have one debacle after another?
He asks her to dance, of course.
Despite Miss Tabetha Rutland’s reputation for trouble, the crystal blue of her eyes might be the loveliest color he’s ever seen.
She’s all wrong for him. Everyone says so and he’s knows that it’s true. But he cannot seem to stay away…
What happens when a duke in need of the perfect wife collides with the debutante who’s known to have one debacle after another?
He asks her to dance, of course.
Despite Miss Tabetha Rutland’s reputation for trouble, the crystal blue of her eyes might be the loveliest color he’s ever seen.
She’s all wrong for him. Everyone says so and he’s knows that it’s true. But he cannot seem to stay away…
142 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 29, 2021
149 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
November 23, 2023
The Duke of Walton is looking for a proper wife. Tabitha Darling is not what the ton would consider proper. But Luke promises a friend to dance with Tabitha to attract other suitors to her and her sisters. Luke sees right away that she’s beautiful but what she doesn’t expect is her kindness. He keeps telling himself that she’s unsuitable; she talks too much and laughs often at inappropriate times. Yet there’s something about her that draws him in.
I enjoyed this book and I would recommend it to everyone.
I enjoyed this book and I would recommend it to everyone.
July 26, 2021
"Reclusive duke rejoins society and shows and interest in a new debutante!" Yes he could see the headlines.
As a favor to a friend, he would dance with the eldest of the Rutland girls, Tabetha... Just at three balls to help her and her sisters gain attention from other suitors. It was the last thing he wanted to do.
Tabetha was outspoken, and seemed to fail at trying to be more a lady then how she had been raised. Of course the first thing she did was talk out of turn. Oh yes, then he asked her to dance and all she could do was ramble on.
But something seemed to start happening, he the staid Duke, she the outspoken country girl. Oh yes, magic might just bring these two together!!
Enchanted and smiling!
As a favor to a friend, he would dance with the eldest of the Rutland girls, Tabetha... Just at three balls to help her and her sisters gain attention from other suitors. It was the last thing he wanted to do.
Tabetha was outspoken, and seemed to fail at trying to be more a lady then how she had been raised. Of course the first thing she did was talk out of turn. Oh yes, then he asked her to dance and all she could do was ramble on.
But something seemed to start happening, he the staid Duke, she the outspoken country girl. Oh yes, magic might just bring these two together!!
Enchanted and smiling!
June 29, 2021
4.5 Stars
Luke Tidemore, Duke of Walton has returned to society after recovering from an accident, which kept him in the country. He’s approached at a ball by his good friend The Earl of Havercrest, whilst they are talking Crest asks Luke for a favour to help launch the three Rutland sisters by singling out one of them for dances at three balls. Crest was going to do it but has been called away as his father is seriously ill. Luke chooses the eldest Tabetha & there begins a fun, entertaining page turning read. Luke is upright & honourable Tabetha is a walking disaster, always saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. She can talk the hind leg off a donkey but she’s kind & caring. I loved them both from their first meeting & loved how their relationship progressed from obligation to love. Of course there was a misunderstanding but I loved how Luke solved it. a lovely start to a new series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Luke Tidemore, Duke of Walton has returned to society after recovering from an accident, which kept him in the country. He’s approached at a ball by his good friend The Earl of Havercrest, whilst they are talking Crest asks Luke for a favour to help launch the three Rutland sisters by singling out one of them for dances at three balls. Crest was going to do it but has been called away as his father is seriously ill. Luke chooses the eldest Tabetha & there begins a fun, entertaining page turning read. Luke is upright & honourable Tabetha is a walking disaster, always saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. She can talk the hind leg off a donkey but she’s kind & caring. I loved them both from their first meeting & loved how their relationship progressed from obligation to love. Of course there was a misunderstanding but I loved how Luke solved it. a lovely start to a new series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
June 30, 2021
This was an enjoyable story and fun to read. Good characters and storyline.
I must say this series have lovely front covers. 5☆
I must say this series have lovely front covers. 5☆
December 4, 2025
A sweet albeit empty romance 🤷🏻♀️
"How did you do it?” she repeated, her voice high with elation. “You just took Miss Charlotte down a peg and without even lifting a finger.”
“I should hope not,” he murmured. “It isn’t seemly to strike a lady.”
Her jaw fell as she gaped up at him. “You are teasing. Another delighted laugh escaped her as his lips twitched in return.
I really like tge premise and the overall idea of the main characters - the probkem is that it doesn't venture any deeper than that. And yeah, I know this is a novella but that still doesn't excuse it.
All in all, sweet bit very very forettable ✌️
"How did you do it?” she repeated, her voice high with elation. “You just took Miss Charlotte down a peg and without even lifting a finger.”
“I should hope not,” he murmured. “It isn’t seemly to strike a lady.”
Her jaw fell as she gaped up at him. “You are teasing. Another delighted laugh escaped her as his lips twitched in return.
I really like tge premise and the overall idea of the main characters - the probkem is that it doesn't venture any deeper than that. And yeah, I know this is a novella but that still doesn't excuse it.
All in all, sweet bit very very forettable ✌️
October 10, 2022
Delightful
Funny, heartwarming, and enjoyable to read. The Rutland family is endearingly lovely with all their quirks, and the romance between Tabetha and Luke is a delight to read.
Recommended.
Funny, heartwarming, and enjoyable to read. The Rutland family is endearingly lovely with all their quirks, and the romance between Tabetha and Luke is a delight to read.
Recommended.
January 29, 2022
Good, but not exceptional. There aren't any sexually explicit scenes except one mild kiss—and this doesn't even classify as "sexual". It's super short (novella obviously) and although well written, I wanted more from this couple.
May 30, 2021
Luke Tidemore, 5th Duke of Walton has been a recluse the past few years but now he is at a ball he was invited to by a school friend, the Earl of Havercrest. Crest asks Luke for a favor - there is a new earl that has come into title & he is unprepared as he was sixth in line but now, he trying to learn the ins & outs of society, the earldom, etc. He has three unmarried sisters & Tabetha, the eldest, needs some exposure to society. Crest asks Luke to dance with her at some functions to get other men interested & Luke reluctantly agrees to the brief favor.
Miss Tabetha Rutland is the eldest of three sisters - they are all well-educated, pleasant, beautiful, witty & kind. The only thing their brother nor any of the ladies don't have is experience with the way to society on rules, how to act & what to say or not say. Since Tabetha is the most outgoing, talkative & fun-loving sister, she finds herself being derided for her society faux pas.
When Tabetha accidentally runs into Luke, she proceeds to make another "foot in the mouth" statement & is called out by a society matron. Tabetha leaves but Luke goes to follow her. Their relationship grows from here, but the duke needs a perfect wife who is quiet, well-mannered, cold & Tabetha is the opposite of all those traits - does Luke really want "perfect". The romance is fun, full of humor, loving family with a wonderful HEA & I highly recommend this sweet book! I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.
Miss Tabetha Rutland is the eldest of three sisters - they are all well-educated, pleasant, beautiful, witty & kind. The only thing their brother nor any of the ladies don't have is experience with the way to society on rules, how to act & what to say or not say. Since Tabetha is the most outgoing, talkative & fun-loving sister, she finds herself being derided for her society faux pas.
When Tabetha accidentally runs into Luke, she proceeds to make another "foot in the mouth" statement & is called out by a society matron. Tabetha leaves but Luke goes to follow her. Their relationship grows from here, but the duke needs a perfect wife who is quiet, well-mannered, cold & Tabetha is the opposite of all those traits - does Luke really want "perfect". The romance is fun, full of humor, loving family with a wonderful HEA & I highly recommend this sweet book! I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.
May 24, 2022
Lulu' - per RFS
.
Care Fenici, seguitemi in questa avventura regency, una di quelle che ci piacciono e appassionano, in cui la leggerezza e il brio sono di casa. Dove feroci madri, come sciacalli, si avventano su prede succulente con l’unico scopo di accasare le loro amate figlie in un gioco in cui l’apparenza è fondamentale e pur di vincere tutto e concesso, purché non si scopra.
In questo ben collaudato mondo si muove un uomo solitario, un nobile che ama non apparire. Lui si tiene ben a distanza dalla scintillante vita della Londra della Stagione, la cui vita finisce, grazie allo zampino di un amico, per ‘impattare’ letteralmente con quella della più chiacchierata debuttante, sorella di un conte di fresca nomina, con un pedigree non proprio impeccabile e la funesta fama di pasticciona.
Nonostante le premesse non siano delle più fauste, l’incontro dei due innescherà una serie di eventi che porterà le loro anime a scoprirsi, riuscendo a creare un legame potente oltre le fredde convenzioni.
Il rapporto tra i due protagonisti si consolida con un lento disvelarsi delle loro debolezze e dei loro punti di forza e soprattutto nella reciproca capacità di accettarsi per quello che si è.
La famiglia di lei con le sue peculiarità e i forti legami, così autentici e inusuali nell’epoca in cui è ambientato il romanzo, occupa un posto importante nel rafforzare questa unione.
Il punto di forza de Il debutto di Lady Tabetha è sicuramente la caratterizzazione dei personaggi che arricchisce la trama dandole forza e corposità.
Un romanzo leggero e gaudente, che si legge con piacere e scivola con grazia suscitando sognanti sospiri e ci conduce in un’epoca che mai come ora sembra conoscere il suo momento d’oro.
Insomma un libro che si fa apprezzare senza troppe pretese di originalità.
.
Care Fenici, seguitemi in questa avventura regency, una di quelle che ci piacciono e appassionano, in cui la leggerezza e il brio sono di casa. Dove feroci madri, come sciacalli, si avventano su prede succulente con l’unico scopo di accasare le loro amate figlie in un gioco in cui l’apparenza è fondamentale e pur di vincere tutto e concesso, purché non si scopra.
In questo ben collaudato mondo si muove un uomo solitario, un nobile che ama non apparire. Lui si tiene ben a distanza dalla scintillante vita della Londra della Stagione, la cui vita finisce, grazie allo zampino di un amico, per ‘impattare’ letteralmente con quella della più chiacchierata debuttante, sorella di un conte di fresca nomina, con un pedigree non proprio impeccabile e la funesta fama di pasticciona.
Nonostante le premesse non siano delle più fauste, l’incontro dei due innescherà una serie di eventi che porterà le loro anime a scoprirsi, riuscendo a creare un legame potente oltre le fredde convenzioni.
Il rapporto tra i due protagonisti si consolida con un lento disvelarsi delle loro debolezze e dei loro punti di forza e soprattutto nella reciproca capacità di accettarsi per quello che si è.
La famiglia di lei con le sue peculiarità e i forti legami, così autentici e inusuali nell’epoca in cui è ambientato il romanzo, occupa un posto importante nel rafforzare questa unione.
Il punto di forza de Il debutto di Lady Tabetha è sicuramente la caratterizzazione dei personaggi che arricchisce la trama dandole forza e corposità.
Un romanzo leggero e gaudente, che si legge con piacere e scivola con grazia suscitando sognanti sospiri e ci conduce in un’epoca che mai come ora sembra conoscere il suo momento d’oro.
Insomma un libro che si fa apprezzare senza troppe pretese di originalità.
August 16, 2021
Less than impressed. Finished it just because I don’t like leaving stories unfinished. 🙁
“Crest had planned this from the start. A reclusive duke rejoins society and suddenly shows an interest in a new debutante. Everyone would assume that he’d come back to find a bride. And truth be told, he was about to do that very thing.
The girl he chose would have a clamor of other suitors, and as long as she quickly picked one, he could move on to a more suitable choice with no harm done.”
“She smiled up at his stern frown, taking note of his straight brows that came down above his nose as he studied her. So serious. So proper. So...boring.
He might have been a duke, but she meant to marry for love. And that gentleman would be kind and cheerful, and quick to laugh.”
“His perfect image could hang for all he cared. In this moment, Tabetha, the woman who’d raced to his rescue twice last night, was far more important than a group of vapid ladies and their opinions.”
“Just because you do not always fit in does not mean you are lesser,” he continued. “Being different is not a flaw, but an asset.”
“Whatever the reason I began to lay favor on your sister, I continue to do so because I find that I…” He hesitated, searching for the correct words. “I have a growing affection for her.”
“He cupped her cheek, his thumb skimming across the velvet of her cheekbone. “But I never intended to like you as much as I did.”
“Slowly, she pushed up on tiptoe. “I like you too.”
“But that’s precisely my point. If she has feelings for him, then she ought to marry him.”
“She blinked back tears as she drew in a deep breath. “I was wrong to mistake his kindness for true intentions and I will not allow his nobility and honorable nature to be confused for...for love.”
“Yes! I would rather marry that dreadful Clarence Claremont than say yes to the duke!”
“I suppose that answers that then,” the duke’s calm, measured voice behind her had her eyes shutting as her shoulders slumped.”
“If she thinks you don’t return her affection, she might be trying to save you from a loveless marriage.”
“He laughed. “I love that you understand that. But this time, it is my turn to suffer and you, my dear, should bask in the reward of being so completely entrancing that you have turned a duke to jelly in your bowl.”
“Tabetha,” he said as the music began again. A leaping waltz. “The right thing is to allow me to literally and figuratively sweep you off your feet.”
“Crest had planned this from the start. A reclusive duke rejoins society and suddenly shows an interest in a new debutante. Everyone would assume that he’d come back to find a bride. And truth be told, he was about to do that very thing.
The girl he chose would have a clamor of other suitors, and as long as she quickly picked one, he could move on to a more suitable choice with no harm done.”
“She smiled up at his stern frown, taking note of his straight brows that came down above his nose as he studied her. So serious. So proper. So...boring.
He might have been a duke, but she meant to marry for love. And that gentleman would be kind and cheerful, and quick to laugh.”
“His perfect image could hang for all he cared. In this moment, Tabetha, the woman who’d raced to his rescue twice last night, was far more important than a group of vapid ladies and their opinions.”
“Just because you do not always fit in does not mean you are lesser,” he continued. “Being different is not a flaw, but an asset.”
“Whatever the reason I began to lay favor on your sister, I continue to do so because I find that I…” He hesitated, searching for the correct words. “I have a growing affection for her.”
“He cupped her cheek, his thumb skimming across the velvet of her cheekbone. “But I never intended to like you as much as I did.”
“Slowly, she pushed up on tiptoe. “I like you too.”
“But that’s precisely my point. If she has feelings for him, then she ought to marry him.”
“She blinked back tears as she drew in a deep breath. “I was wrong to mistake his kindness for true intentions and I will not allow his nobility and honorable nature to be confused for...for love.”
“Yes! I would rather marry that dreadful Clarence Claremont than say yes to the duke!”
“I suppose that answers that then,” the duke’s calm, measured voice behind her had her eyes shutting as her shoulders slumped.”
“If she thinks you don’t return her affection, she might be trying to save you from a loveless marriage.”
“He laughed. “I love that you understand that. But this time, it is my turn to suffer and you, my dear, should bask in the reward of being so completely entrancing that you have turned a duke to jelly in your bowl.”
“Tabetha,” he said as the music began again. A leaping waltz. “The right thing is to allow me to literally and figuratively sweep you off your feet.”
June 27, 2021
The Duke of Walton is looking for the perfect wife, one that will follow the dictates of society and never put him to shame. Luke's first encounter with Lady Tabetha Rutland should have told him to avoid her at all costs. However, seeing her crumble in the face of the scorn poured out on her, Luke finds he cannot stay away. Tabetha is a genuine breath of fresh air in his otherwise stale world, and he finds himself starting to fall under her spell. However, when a well-meaning friend thwarts his purpose, he discovers that Tabetha will do whatever she can to protect him from being embarrassed. This sweet novella has wit and charm, and comes to a delightful conclusion. I received a copy of this romance as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
June 29, 2021
Another sweet read but Maggie Dallen. Lukes has been away from society but is finally getting out when his best friend asks for a favor of him, show favor to one of the Rutland sisters specifically Lady Tabetha. Tabetha never expected to become a lady but now that her brother is an Earl she has to go from the country to society where one wrong word or move could cause a scandal. The more time Luke spends with Tabetha the more he seems to fall for her but what happens when Tabetha realizes his attention is all because of a favor and not because he has feelings for her. Will Luke be able to convince Tabetha of his feelings. Very sweet read with funny and slightly awkward characters. Great read!
Voluntarily read and reviewed an arc of this book.
Voluntarily read and reviewed an arc of this book.
July 1, 2021
Another absolutely lovely YA read by Maggie Dallen; I love both the historical and contemporary stories. Always the best dialog and relationship development! Luke, Duke of Walton, is all serious business, duty and honor, steps in for his friend to aid an unexpectedly new Earl to introduce his three sisters to society all in one season. This is a close family who never expected to have to 'behave properly in polite society.' Luke asks Tabetha for one dance and the whole situation is so funny, really bittersweet. You'll be pulling for both of them although you know the whole encounter is a total failure. But the authors in a short but believable time have them falling in love and working out misunderstandings. Recommended read.
July 10, 2021
Darius never expected to become an Earl - he was far-removed from the position when a series of tragedies wiped out all the men ahead of him in line for the title. So of course, his three sisters never expected to be launched into society!
This book is the first in a trilogy within the series about the earl's three younger sisters. Luke agrees to three dances with Tabetha to help attract attention for her as a favor to a family friend. They turn out to have great chemistry and, in a "Ten Things I Hate About You" manner, have to work through a misunderstanding about Luke's intentions before finding their happily ever after.
Highly enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to Clarissa's and Mariah's stories!
I received a free copy from the author. My review is voluntary.
This book is the first in a trilogy within the series about the earl's three younger sisters. Luke agrees to three dances with Tabetha to help attract attention for her as a favor to a family friend. They turn out to have great chemistry and, in a "Ten Things I Hate About You" manner, have to work through a misunderstanding about Luke's intentions before finding their happily ever after.
Highly enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to Clarissa's and Mariah's stories!
I received a free copy from the author. My review is voluntary.
July 22, 2021
Opposites attract
Tabetha and Luke are opposites in more ways than one. She is light, smiles and laughter while he is serious, contemplative and brooding. He is a Duke and she and her family stumbled their way into the ton. But a favor to a friend turns into a fascination and then into love. The path is never smooth for this couple but Luke is determined to win his woman.
The Darling family is full of delightful characters and Luke the Duke is just as he ought to be, slow to realize love had a place in choosing a Duchess but dedicated to pursuing the woman he adored.
I’m looking forward to Clarissa Darling’s story, up next.
Tabetha and Luke are opposites in more ways than one. She is light, smiles and laughter while he is serious, contemplative and brooding. He is a Duke and she and her family stumbled their way into the ton. But a favor to a friend turns into a fascination and then into love. The path is never smooth for this couple but Luke is determined to win his woman.
The Darling family is full of delightful characters and Luke the Duke is just as he ought to be, slow to realize love had a place in choosing a Duchess but dedicated to pursuing the woman he adored.
I’m looking forward to Clarissa Darling’s story, up next.
June 28, 2021
Cute, cute, cute. Luke and Tabetha’s story is so sweet. I loved the dialog in this story – it was hilarious. A duke does a favor for a friend and what happens? He ends up in love. We all know that friend, or us, who is not good with conversation. Ramblings but just due to nervousness. I felt for Tabetha but Luke sees past that and a beautiful relationship begins.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
May 26, 2021
Another great start to another great series. I love the stories Ms Dallen write. They are sweet, entertaining and a joy to read. The characters are wonderfully written, full of compassion and warmth. There is no sex in this story which keeps it beautifully sweet. You can't go wrong with any of these books and I now look forward to the next one. I received this an Arc and freely give my review.
November 11, 2021
Tabitha is looking to she meant to marry for love. And that gentleman would be kind and cheerful, and quick to laugh.
Whereas the Duke is wanting a woman who was more suited to his personality. Quieter, more reflective, finely mannered and...cold. Original thoughts and kindness
Will they find their requirements are met as they bring out those qualities in each other
Whereas the Duke is wanting a woman who was more suited to his personality. Quieter, more reflective, finely mannered and...cold. Original thoughts and kindness
Will they find their requirements are met as they bring out those qualities in each other
January 28, 2025
I liked the writing and the characters very much. I kept being irritated at the misunderstandings. That's on me, I realise. It's just not for me. I feel like a lot of historical romance novels rely on the fact that you must be polite and not actually talk about your feelings, that would clear up any misunderstanding, as a whole plot. I just don't like it. I also don't like mint and chocolate together. YMMV
June 30, 2021
Sweet read
A cute little story about another Darling family member, Tabby, the oldest sister. She gets introduced to Luke through his friend and what starts out as as favor ends up being a happy ever after.
A cute little story about another Darling family member, Tabby, the oldest sister. She gets introduced to Luke through his friend and what starts out as as favor ends up being a happy ever after.
July 6, 2021
Tabatha is a spunky, fun-loving debutante who wants has a hard time acting like an acceptable member of the upper class. Her good intentions get her into all sorts of trouble, but will they keep her from true love?
July 29, 2021
Enjoyable!
This was a sweet, lovely story! I enjoyed it immensely! I liked that I could read it in a couple of days! The characters were very likable and the story kept you interested until the end! I look forward to the next book in the series!
This was a sweet, lovely story! I enjoyed it immensely! I liked that I could read it in a couple of days! The characters were very likable and the story kept you interested until the end! I look forward to the next book in the series!
October 30, 2021
5 Shiny Stars.. I Enjoyed thsi more than expected,, I loved JUST LOVED Tabitha.. I want her as a best friend and Luke .. Sigh.. Swoon worthy Luke
I want my own Luke..
Can't wait to start the next book
I want my own Luke..
Can't wait to start the next book
November 17, 2022
another exciting addition to the series
This is another exciting story, full of emotion that is a great addition to this brilliant series. The amazingly crafted characters and their insecurities help to make this a very engaging and entertaining read.
This is another exciting story, full of emotion that is a great addition to this brilliant series. The amazingly crafted characters and their insecurities help to make this a very engaging and entertaining read.
June 30, 2021
A good clean regency romance: I really enjoyed reading about the Darlings and look forward to the next book.
I would highly recommend it.
I would highly recommend it.
June 30, 2021
Don't skip this book
Very entertaining book, cute story. I enjoyed the characters, and am looking forward to the next book. The book left me wanting more.
Very entertaining book, cute story. I enjoyed the characters, and am looking forward to the next book. The book left me wanting more.
July 3, 2021
Cute, quick read. I look forward to the next in the series.
July 3, 2021
Funny and nice story. Moved along nicely, no long term misunderstandings.
July 3, 2021
Silly Heroine
Tabitha is a silly heroine in this delightful story.
Luke is the serious hero.
Maggie Dallen is a good author and writes a good story.
Tabitha is a silly heroine in this delightful story.
Luke is the serious hero.
Maggie Dallen is a good author and writes a good story.
July 7, 2021
Tabatha
A charming story of a Duke doing a favour for a friend and finding a family. This family is so devoted to each other and will do anything for Tabatha and her Duke.
A charming story of a Duke doing a favour for a friend and finding a family. This family is so devoted to each other and will do anything for Tabatha and her Duke.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews