Audiobook Review: Bombshell by Sarah MacLean

Author: Sarah MacLean
Narrator: Mary Jane Wells

Title: Bombshell

Series: Hell's Belles #1

Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: Audiobook
Published: August 24, 2021
Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

After years of living as London’s brightest scandal, Lady Sesily Talbot has embraced the reputation and the freedom that comes with the title. No one looks twice when she lures a gentleman into the dark gardens beyond a Mayfair ballroom…and no one realizes those trysts are not what they seem.

No one, that is, but Caleb Calhoun, who has spent years trying not to notice his best friend’s beautiful, brash, brilliant sister. If you ask him, he’s been a saint about it, considering the way she looks at him…and the way she talks to him…and the way she’d felt in his arms during their one ill-advised kiss.

Except someone has to keep Sesily from tumbling into trouble during her dangerous late-night escapades, and maybe close proximity is exactly what Caleb needs to get this infuriating, outrageous woman out of his system. But now Caleb is the one in trouble, because he’s fast realizing that Sesily isn’t for forgetting…she’s forever. And forever isn’t something he can risk.

Review: 

Been meaning to read this for a hot minute. I decided to be wild and pick this for our first book of book club. Yayy.

Here we have Sesily and Caleb. Sesily is a wild-child and London's biggest scandal-maker. She has taken it in stride and lives her life how she wants. She can have any gentleman she wants, but she only wants Caleb Calhoun who has spent years trying not to notice her. Except someone has to keep Sesily from tumbling into more trouble. There is love and lust and everything he ever wanted, but he can't risk having her. 

Sooo technically this is a spin off from another series. I didn't realize this when I first picked this book for book club.....oh well. It did perfectly fine. Some side characters you would appreciate more if you read the others. It was fine. 

This was a lot of fun. Lots of adventure and action. Smexy scenes. Etc, etc. 

However, this was all so improbable and impossible! Sesily would've been cut from society after the first scandal. Maybe if she had been a widow? Maybe? Or she kept her night escapades and wild ways more of a secret? But she was too scandalous and it didn't feel like a Victorian love-story. It felt like a make-believe world. So my immersion was a little off. But I still enjoyed it and wished that society would've just teased her and let her still come to parties. 

Caleb was...okay. He was too stubborn sometimes and I wanted to kick him.

The narrator was good. Her voices were nicely different for everyone. The American accent was super stiff, but I got used to it. 

All-in-all, I did have fun with this. Not very realistic, but still enjoyable at it's core. I feel like the narrator was a lovely pick overall. 

I shall stamp this with 3 stars. 

- Favorite character(s): Adelaide

- Least favorite character(s): Our baddie (I won't name names)

Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #1

- Romance Reading Challenge #1 (On TBR shelf for over 1 year)

Audiobook Review: Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord by Sarah Maclean

Author: Sarah Maclean

Narrator: Mary Jane Wells

Title: Ten Ways to Be Adored When Landing a Lord

Series: Love By Numbers #2

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published:  October 26, 2010

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

“Lord Nicholas is a paragon of manhood. And his eyes, Dear Reader! So blue!” Pearls & Pelisses, June 1823

Since being named on of London’s “Lords to Land” by a popular ladies’ magazine, Nicholas St. John has been relentlessly pursued by every matrimony-minded female in the ton. So when an opportunity to escape fashionable society presents itself, he eagerly jumps—only to land in the path of the most determined, damnably delicious woman he’s ever met!

The daughter of a titled wastrel, Lady Isabel Townsend has too many secrets and too little money. Though used to taking care of herself quite handily, her father’s recent passing has left Isabel at sea and in need of outside help to protect her young brother’s birthright. The sinfully handsome, eminently eligible Lord Nicholas could be the very salvation she seeks.

But the lady must be wary and not do anything reckless… like falling madly, passionately in love.

Review:

Yayy finally got this downloaded to read. I've been meaning to read Nick's story. Like I said in my review of book 1....Nick is the hawt twin ;)

Okay, so here we follow Nick and Isabel. Nick was recently put on the list of London's "Lords to Land" by a popular ladies' magazine. Since then he has been relentlessly pursued and hunted down by every single lady or single lady's mama. When is is given a chance to escape society for a few to a friend he eagerly jumps on the chance. On his way to start this, he comes across Isabel who has a lot of secrets and zero money. She has been taking care of herself and other misses who need her, but after her father died there is no money. What is a girl to do? Ah, yes, sell valuable things so she seeks Nick to appraise and maybe buy these valuable assets.  Things happen and well...they are a match made in Heaven of course. 

Awww I loved Nick and I loved Isabel. They are both kind-hearted people who deserve all the best life has to offer. They have both seen how love can ruin people even parents. So yes, it takes a long, long time for them to admit love. Which made sense. The lust is there for sure and even friendship, but love? Nope. They don't want to be like their parents. 

The side stories and side characters made this even better. I love what Isabel is doing for these young ladies who need help. Bless them. They are sweet. 

OoooOooOoo that side romance was adorable! I'm glad Nick's friend got to find someone to love him!!!! He was an angel. 

Awww loved the ending. It was perfection. Makes me happy when people TALK. 

Different narrator this time. At first, I was bummed, but I grew to like her. I think book 3 has a different person too so I won't be so hesitant ;) 

All-in-all I really enjoyed this one. I didn't want to stop listening! This had great characters and a great story! The narrator was a nice cherry on top! 5 stars from me. 

Challenge(s):

- #57 for Audiobook Challenge

Audiobook Review: Daring and the Duke By Sarah MacLean

Author: Sarah MacLean

Narrator: Justine Eyre

Title: Daring and the Duke

(The Bareknuckle Bastards #3)

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published: June 30th 2020

Where I got It: Audible 

Summary: 

Grace Condry has spent a lifetime running from her past. Betrayed as a child by her only love and raised on the streets, she now hides in plain sight as queen of London’s darkest corners. Grace has a sharp mind and a powerful right hook and has never met an enemy she could not best, until the man she once loved returns.

Single-minded and ruthless, Ewan, Duke of Marwick, has spent a decade searching for the woman he never stopped loving. A long-ago gamble may have lost her forever, but Ewan will go to any lengths to win Grace back… and make her his duchess.

Reconciliation is the last thing Grace desires. Unable to forgive the past, she vows to take her revenge. But revenge requires keeping Ewan close, and soon her enemy seems to be something else altogether—something she can’t resist, even as he threatens the world she's built, the life she's claimed…and the heart she swore he'd never steal again.

Review:

Finally getting myself to read this. One...it is the last book of the series and two....Ewan is the hero here so it was a struggle to want to read it. The author did a great job making him a baddie in the previous books so I was worried about this one. 

Here we follow Grace Condry and Ewan the Duke of Marwick. Grace has spent a lifetime running from her past. Betrayed by the only love she has ever had and was raised on the streets, she now hides her pain. She has become a queen of London's darkest corners. Life seems good in her world until the man she loved returns. Ewan is single-minded and ruthless. He spent decades searching for Grace after he made a terrible gamble to save her life. He learns she is still alive and wants to win her back. 

I feel so bad for Ewan and the other two boys. They were taken from nothing and forced to fight each other for the Dukedom. The old Duke wanted a boy but never got a son from his wife....his wife only provided a daughter that was not his. That old Duke was an evil SOB.  

When Ewan won he had to pretend to want to kill Grace so they had a chance to run away and save her life. However, that backfired on Ewan because the three really and truly believed he was aiming to kill them. And when he tried to track them down they told him Grace died. Which was a lie, but they were trying to protect her from him. BUT it all makes sense why Ewan freaked out and wanted blood. He lost the love of his life and his brothers "failed" to protect her after he made that sacrifice. It all made sense why Ewan wanted revenge. Can you really blame him? 

I'm glad that Ewan had to really and truly prove himself to Grace and the brothers. His actions caused the deaths of some of their people. Sure he didn't pull the trigger himself, but he made a piss poor decision. And yes, he deserved getting his arse kicked by the people and by Grace herself. 

I do wish that Ewan had told Grace the truth sooner. She would've forgiven him sooner. Yes, yes, it would've shortened the book, but I would've liked more time with them finding their footing with each other. I would've liked to see the wedding. 

Oh! There are some side characters I wish would get a HEA or even a brief mention on their fates. 

Ohhhh and I want to see the aftermath of what Ewan did at the very end. Curious how the ton truly reacted. 

I felt like this novel was def sadder than the others. There was a lot of history and a lot of bad blood and hurt feelings to sort through. We also spent the majority of the time down in Grace's world and I liked that. I needed a break from the petty ton.  And I loved, loved, LOVED Grace having a female brothel. Women deserve pleasure too. I would want to be an employee for Grace if I couldn't be rich in that time period. 

The narrator was good. I love her voices and you can't go wrong with Justine Eyre.

Overall, I enjoyed this. It was a slow burn and the characters had a LOT of healing to do before they could rejoice in their love. I'm glad the author gave Ewan the redemption he needed and it was done right. I do wish that we had more time with them actually being happy and in love. I would've loved seeing them get married and the brothers being happy for them. I also wanted more info on some of the side characters. I enjoyed this series and I think it ended well overall. I think book 2 was my favorite. I'll give this 3 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- #22 for Audiobook challenge

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: A Duke Worth Falling For by Sarah Maclean

Narrated by: Penelope Ann Rose

Series: Naughty Brits

Length: 4 hrs and 5 mins

Release date: 03-31-22

Publisher: Tantor Audio

Contemporary romance

to review

 I like a good novella in audio. Short and fast! Perfect. They really should do more novellas in audio format.

Lilah's reputation and career is gone, and now she is taking photos of sheep. Then comes one hot angry shepard. They clash (he thinks one thing, she thinks something else.) They meet again. They fancy each other, and yes this is a novella. Wham bam thank you mam.

There is some drama, since he does not tell her he is a Duke, cos of his past. And then her catches up

And then they live happily ever after, awww.

Cute, fun and short. Perfect in audio. Good narration, made it work

Her career in tatters, celebrity photographer Lilah Rose needs somewhere to regroup and start fresh, outside of the spotlight. There’s nowhere better to hide than the English countryside, complete with fluffy sheep, rolling hills…and Max, the stern, sexy farmer who tends to them.

But the lazy days and lush nights with Max aren't as far from the spotlight as Lilah thinks. He isn’t simply a farmer—he’s also a duke: young, handsome and powerful…and too aware of how a title can dazzle, making the man inside invisible. What’s the harm in playing the farmer for a while? After all, Lilah isn’t staying…

Soon, Max is imagining just that, though--wondering what it would be like to have her on his land, in his life, in his bed forever. For that, he’s going to need to tell her the truth…and hope he can convince her that he’s a duke worth falling for.

Romance

 

Audiobook Review: Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake by Sarah MacLean

Author:  Sarah MacLean

Narrator: Carolyn Morris

Title: Nine Rules to Break When Romancing a Rake

(Love By Numbers #1)

Genre: Historical Romance   

Format: Audiobook

Published: March 30th 2010

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

A lady does not smoke cheroot. She does not ride astride. She does not fence or attend duels. She does not fire a pistol, and she never gambles at a gentlemen's club.

Lady Calpurnia Hartwell has always followed the rules, rules that have left her unmarried—and more than a little unsatisfied. And so she's vowed to break the rules and live the life of pleasure she's been missing.

But to dance every dance, to steal a midnight kiss—to do those things, Callie will need a willing partner. Someone who knows everything about rule-breaking. Someone like Gabriel St. John, the Marquess of Ralston—charming and devastatingly handsome, his wicked reputation matched only by his sinful smile.

If she's not careful, she'll break the most important rule of all—the one that says that pleasure-seekers should never fall hopelessly, desperately in love.

Review:

Okay...so I only picked this up because it was free at the library and it has the word RAKE in it which helps with my reading challenge. BUT I do like this author, so super plus!

We follow Lady Calpurnia who has always followed the rules. Where did those rules lead her? Left her unmarried and pretty much on the shelf at 28. And worse....unsatisfied with her life. After overhearing a conversation between her sister and her fiance, she realizes that she needs to find her own happiness. She has vowed to break the rules and creates a list of things she has always wanted to do. First item...get a kiss from Gabriel St. John the Marquess of Ralston who is a notorious and wicked rogue. However, if they are not careful they both may lose their hearts. 

I enjoyed this!! I really did. I loved watching Callie grow into a woman and break all these society rules. I especially loved her dressing as a man and fencing and gambling. YOU GO GIRL! It was awesome to see her flourish. 

Now Gabriel....I liked him a lot. I LOVE his brother though. *swoons* He is the hawt twin in my opinion. Plus in some ways I feel like he and Callie would've fit better, BUT I am biased...I know. Don't get me wrong...I liked good ol' Gabe, but he was very closed off in the heart department which I get, but poor Callie had to literally pry his heart open and even when that happened it took a certain scene for the dumb-dumb to be all "OH RIGHT...I love her. Okay." Idiot. 

This was fun and I am glad I found it. I do want to check out book 2. Maybe...*researches* Okay - yes - I for sure want to check that one out. It is about Nicholas. Yayy!

The narrator was perfect. Loved her voices. Even the men voices were spot on. Her girl trying to be a boy (when Callie dressed up as a dude) had me LAUGHING. Fantastic. 

In the end, I enjoyed this a lot. Loved our characters and I loved watching them fall in love and Callie finding herself. It was a goodie for sure. 5 stars from me even with Gabriel being a dunderhead. 

Challenge(s):
- #80 for Audiobook challenge

- #24 for Romance Bingo - "RAKE" in title. (one more leffftttt)

Book Review: The Rogue Not Taken by Sarah MacLean

Author: Sarah MacLean

Title: The Rogue Not Taken

(Scandal & Scoundrel #1)

Genre: Historical Romance
Format: ebook

Published:  December 29th 2015

Pages: 419 
Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: LADY SOPHIE'S SOCIETY SPLASH

The youngest of the infamous Talbot sisters scandalized society at the Liverpool Summer Soiree, striking her sister’s notoriously philandering husband and landing him backside-first in a goldfish pond. And we thought Sophie was the quiet one…

When she finds herself the target of very public aristocratic scorn, Sophie Talbot does what she must to escape the city and its judgment—she flees on the back of a carriage, vowing never to return to London…or to society. But the carriage isn’t saving her from ruin. It’s filled with it.

ROYAL ROGUE'S REIGN OF RAVISHMENT!

The Marquess of Eversley was espied descending a rose trellis—escaping an irate Earl and his once-future countess. No lady is safe from Eversley’s Engagement Ending Escapades!

Kingscote, the Marquess of Eversley, has never met a woman he couldn’t charm, a quality that results in a reputation far worse than the truth, a furious summons home, and a long, boring trip to the Scottish border. When King discovers stowaway Sophie, however, the trip becomes anything but boring.

WAR? OR MORE?

He thinks she’s trying to trick him into marriage. She wouldn’t have him if he were the last man on earth. But carriages bring close quarters, dark secrets, and unbearable temptation, and suddenly opposites are altogether too attractive…

Review:

I've enjoyed previous novels by this author and I randomly seen this while scanning through all the ebooks my library is offering (just found out they now have a HUGE selection of ebooks and even audiobooks - yayy!). Love that dress and that summary. Couldn't resist checking it out. 

We have Lady Sophie who is just trying to get away from London and her family. She has always hated the city and the ton, but now she scandalized society at the Liverpool Summer Soiree by striking her sister’s notoriously philandering husband and landing him backside-first in a goldfish pond. Whoops. She jumps on the back of a carriage to leave forever. Little did she know it is a carriage with the notorious Marquess of Eversley inside. He is quickly heading north to see his father.

This had great potential...but I had such a rough time with it. NOT because of the journey but because of our two main lovebirds.

We have Sophie and King (a nickname of course). They are so similiar....thick-headed dumb-dumbs. I wanted to scream at them and shake them....especially near the end. I get them hating each other in the beginning. It was fun watching them throw insults at each other. Cute. Fun. However....it did get a tiny bit old.  

I blame mainly King. He would NOT let it go that he thought Sophie wasn't trying to trap him into marriage. GIRL had proved it 100 million times. LET IT GO. She does NOT want to trap you. She just wants to be alone and open a book store. She even tried just leaving and getting her own carriage a handful of times. BUT noooooooo...she MUST be trying to trap King into marrying her *eye roll*. Okaaaaaaaaay. And Sophie...be dumber. Let's just run away on the back of someone's carriage? Go back to your hometown and hope your childhood friend will 1) remember you (it's been 10 years girl...let it go) and 2) didn't marry someone else because he is pining away for you even though you never maintained a communication with him and 3) HOW are you going to afford your life and opening a library? Girl. Use yo brain. Of course King is going to call you stupid when you tell him your plan. 

Okay this sounds like I would just call it done-so and say I hated the book. Nope, I did enjoy the story overall even though the two annoyed me. It was for sure a different take to a historical romance. There was lust after a while and then love later on. They really had to both grow up and learn to trust each other. It made sense that it took forever. They have a lot of issues to work through...especially King. 

The twists and turns were enough to keep you on the edge of your seat. I really had no idea what was going to happen next. Especially with King's father's secret/twist. That shocked me for sure! D: D: Whaaaaa? No way. Love it. 

Once the two got over their issues, they were SO cute together. 

Overall, not the best I've read by this author, but I did like it. I am interested in book 2 mostly because I want to read book 3 really bad. Mmmm now what to stamp this? *does complicated math equations and calculations* I'll give this 3 stars. 

Challenge(s):

- #9 on THE BAD BOYS OF ROMANCE challenge

- #20 Borrowed from library. 

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Daring and the Duke by Sarah MacLean

Narrated by: Justine Eyre

Series: The Bareknuckle Bastards, Book 3

Length: 10 hrs and 59 mins

Unabridged Audiobook

Release date: 06-30-20

Language: English

Publisher: HarperAudio

Historical romance

In exchange for an honest review

Narration

Justine Eyre is great narrating as always. She makes me forget that her male voices are actually her. She always sweeps me away with her range. I like how she does them.

Story

Did I think I would like Ewan after what he has done in the past 2 books? Not really, BUT, see, my memory is lacking. And it was a year since I listened to book 2, which means I had totally forgotten what an ahole he had been.

Ewan and his 2 half brothers was pitted against each other by their crazy ducal father. Grace was the Duchess' bastard who was made to pretend to be a boy until the Duke could get one of his bastards to take over. Ewan won, the rest fled for their lives, and built themselves as kings and queen of the bad part of London. Oh and Ewan hates his brothers cos he think they failed to protect Grace, and that is why he has been a total evil bastard for the last two books.

But she is alive. And she hates him. And he really loves her and would do anything for her. Damn, see there is where he got me, he loves her, all he ever did was for her.

And she is a true queen of the underworld. With her fancy brothel catering for women, her gang of spies and her security force of kickass women. She needs no man. But then she still loves him underneath that hate.

SO they spar. So he tries to win her back. It was another sort of book. Revenge, lost love and sadness.

I enjoyed it.

Grace Condry has spent a lifetime running from her past. Betrayed as a child by her only love and raised on the streets, she now hides in plain sight as queen of London's darkest corners. Grace has a sharp mind and a powerful right hook and has never met an enemy she could not best...until the man she once loved returns.

Single-minded and ruthless, Ewan, Duke of Marwick, has spent a decade searching for the woman he never stopped loving. A long-ago gamble may have lost her forever, but Ewan will go to any lengths to win Grace back...and make her his duchess.

Reconciliation is the last thing Grace desires. Unable to forgive the past, she vows to take her revenge. But revenge requires keeping Ewan close, and soon her enemy seems to be something else altogether--something she can't resist, even as he threatens the world she's built, the life she's claimed...and the heart she swore he'd never steal again. 

Audiobook Review: Brazen and the Beast by Sarah MacLean

Author: Sarah MacLean
Narrator:  Justine Eyre

Title: Brazen and the Beast
(The Bareknuckle Bastards #2)

Genre: Historical Romance
Format: Audiobook
Published:  August 29th 2016
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)



The Lady’s Plan

When Lady Henrietta Sedley declares her twenty-ninth year her own, she has plans to inherit her father’s business, to make her own fortune, and to live her own life. But first, she intends to experience a taste of the pleasure she’ll forgo as a confirmed spinster. Everything is going perfectly... until she discovers the most beautiful man she’s ever seen tied up in her carriage and threatening to ruin the Year of Hattie before it’s even begun.

The Bastard’s Proposal

When he wakes in a carriage at Hattie’s feet, Whit, a king of Covent Garden known to all the world as Beast, can’t help but wonder about the strange woman who frees him—especially when he discovers she’s headed for a night of pleasure... on his turf. He is more than happy to offer Hattie all she desires... for a price.

An Unexpected Passion

Soon, Hattie and Whit find themselves rivals in business and pleasure. She won’t give up her plans; he won’t give up his power... and neither of them sees that if they’re not careful, they’ll have no choice but to give up everything... including their hearts.



Book 2! I was a little hesitant about this one because I didn't really like Whit in the last one. Some of his decisions made me mad! But I decided to give it ago. 

The story continues with Lady Henrietta who is SO old that she might as well throw in the rag because she is 29. She decides it is time to live her life and screw the rest of everyone. She wants to inherit her father's business because she is good and smart and better than her dumb brother. However, she discovers a man tied up in her carriage mysteriously and little does she know that this man may ruin the Year of Hattie. Whit wakes up in a carriage at Hattie's feet. He is called Beast because he is...well...a beast. He works side-by-side with his brother at Covent Garden smuggling in goods. Things happen and Hattie and Whit find themselves as rivals in business and pleasure. She won't give up her plans and he won't give in to love or let go of his power.

Okay...so I did not like Whit going into this one. However, my mind was quickly changed. I got to hear his side of stuff and plus his sister-in-law and brother are not mad so neither I am. He does what he does to protect those he loves. Okay. You win author...I adore Whit now. ;)

I liked Hattie immediately. I loved her zest to make her own life! Screw feeling bad for yourself. Screw those snotty people. AND WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU ENGLISH MEN!!!!!???? BIG BOOBS ARE NOT GROSS! YOU DO YOU HATTIE! WHIT LIKES YOUR BOOBS AND HEIGHT! Sorry. I wanted to shake someone because she is tall with big boobs. Why wouldn't the men like that? Gah. They want the little ones I guess.....boo on them. 

Loved, loved, LOVED Nora. She was fun. I am also liking this maybe relationship she may have. I guess we'll have to see what book 3 has in store. Too bad she isn't getting her own book. Boooooo. Maybe we'll get a side short story ;) That would be nice.

The narrator was fantastic as usual. She really brings these characters and world to life. 

Overall, this was fun. I loved Hattie and Whit. I also loved Nora. She was her own little gift to the reader/listener. I highly recommend reading/listening to book 1 first. I'll give this 4 stars. 

Challenge(s):

- #3 on Bingo sheet for Historical Romance

- #1 on THE BAD BOYS OF ROMANCE challenge



- #1 for Audiobook Challenge

Blodeuedd's Monday Review: Brazen and the Beast by Sarah MacLean

Audiobook, Unabridged 11 h 25 min

Published July 30th 2019 by HarperAudio

Series: The Bareknuckle Bastards #2

Historical romance

In exchange for an honest review

My Thoughts

Oh the horror, she is 29! Not even a spinster anymore, just forgotten. But Hattie did not care, she wanted to live her own life and make her own rules. You go Hattie!

Hattie wants to rid herself of her virginity and the road she aims to take, well her rules. She also wants to take over her dad's business as her brother does not know a ship from a rowing boat.

Beast is a crime lord in Covent Garden, he and his brother and sister rule that place, but they are "nice" criminals, so they have some rules. He is also the bastard son of this evil Duke that pitted his kids against each other. And now I have to talk about his evil brother the Duke, that guy is getting his own book, but that guy is so evil? Not sure there, but then we do not get all the details.

Hattie and the Beast meets. He thinks she is plotting with his evil brother and wants to take her down. She is upset cos he is ruining her plans. At times I felt all omg Hattie, take care of yourself! But then I quickly realised that she could. She is his equal.

I enjoyed this book and these two main characters. They had such great chemistry. I also liked the side characters like her bestie Nora.

Fun times

Narrator

Justine Eyre! I just can't grown tired of her historical romance narrations, I truly enjoy her voices 

When Lady Henrietta Sedley declares her twenty-ninth year her own, she has plans to inherit her father’s business, to make her own fortune, and to live her own life. But first, she intends to experience a taste of the pleasure she’ll forgo as a confirmed spinster. Everything is going perfectly…until she discovers the most beautiful man she’s ever seen tied up in her carriage and threatening to ruin the Year of Hattie before it’s even begun.

The Bastard’s Proposal

When he wakes in a carriage at Hattie’s feet, Whit, a king of Covent Garden known to all the world as Beast, can’t help but wonder about the strange woman who frees him—especially when he discovers she’s headed for a night of pleasure . . . on his turf. He is more than happy to offer Hattie all she desires…for a price.

An Unexpected Passion

Soon, Hattie and Whit find themselves rivals in business and pleasure. She won’t give up her plans; he won’t give up his power . . . and neither of them sees that if they’re not careful, they’ll have no choice but to give up everything . . . including their hearts. 

Audiobook Review: The Wicked and the Wallflower by Sarah MacLean

Author: Sarah MacLean 
Narrator: Justine Eyre
Title: Wicked and the Wallflower
(The Bareknuckle Bastards #1)
Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: Audiobook
Published: June 19th 2018 
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)



When Wicked Comes Calling...

When a mysterious stranger finds his way into her bedchamber and offers his help in landing a duke, Lady Felicity Faircloth agrees—on one condition. She's seen enough of the world to believe in passion, and won't accept a marriage without it.

The Wallflower Makes a Dangerous Bargain...

Bastard son of a duke and king of London's dark streets, Devil has spent a lifetime wielding power and seizing opportunity, and the spinster wallflower is everything he needs to exact a revenge years in the making. All he must do is turn the plain little mouse into an irresistible temptress, set his trap, and destroy his enemy.

For the Promise of Passion...

But there's nothing plain about Felicity Faircloth, who quickly decides she'd rather have Devil than another. Soon, Devil's carefully laid plans are in chaos, and he must choose between everything he's ever wanted...and the only thing he's ever desired. 

I had read a couple of reviews about this so I was super curious to check it out. My library didn't have and then it popped up on my audible, so why not? 

The story follows a wallflower named Felicity and a Duke's bastard son Devil/Devon.  Felicity was marked as a spinster and lost all of her shallow friends. She meets Devil and he offers her a Duke and her place back in society. Like dealing with a real devil there is always a price, however, Felicity doesn't care because she wants back in. 

I liked Felicity from the start. She was an intriguing character. She was a dummy though sometimes, but she just wants to be loved. Now, Devil? It took me a while to warm up to him. I hated the fact that he wanted to use Felicity in his revenge plan against his half-brother who is now Duke. It rubbed me the wrong way. Granted he does change his mind because of loooovvvveeee, but still. WTH man? 

The story was really fun and unique. It was a breath of fresh air. I enjoyed seeing both sides of London. Society and the slums. It really gave the story dynamic!

In all honesty, I did get annoyed with all the times the word "flame/moth", "light/dark" was used. WE GET IT!!! We do. I promise. It was killing me near the end there. 

Now...that ending was good. I had NO idea how everything was going to be fixed. By this time I liked Devil, but he needed a kick in the romp. I was worried, but it is an HR so you know they end up together, but it seemed so impossible. I am curious to read book 2 now. 

The narrator was amazing. I had listened to an audio by her in the past and she was just as good. She really brings the story and characters to life. 

All-in-all, I really did like this book. The repeating of some words annoyed me, but other than that I liked the story. It takes a bit to forgive stupid Devil, but he does make it up. I'll stamp this with 4 stars.