A steamy courtship between the Prince of the Rookeries and a young society miss. Macauley is not quite sure what to make of Pippa but he can't stop thinking about her. She's his best friend's little sister and too young for him. And then there's the difference in social stations. Can he live up to her expectations as she's beginning to mean too much to him? This is book 3 in the Duchess Society series and not having read the first two, I was aware I was missing something. Pippa and Macauley had met a few years earlier and it was obvious which couples must have been the center of the previous books. I would recommend starting to read from the beginning. There's some nice groveling after the third act break up and I look forward to reading the books from the series I missed.

Sexy, sweet, and heartwarming, The Wicked Wallflower is EVERYTHING I want in a historical romance. If you’re on the fence about if historical romances can be your Jamesia, Tracy Sumner will make a believer out of you.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I love this book and then read the beginnings of the series immediately after and have continued with the series.

The Wicked Wallflower is a sexy romantic tease that has a smooth build-up of heat. Nice acknowledgment of female sexual desire with no unnecessary drama. I enjoyed the intrigue of the street rookery element. I found Xander very likable, as is Phillipa. However, the former is more of a well-rounded character.
the backstory is a little thin in places, more suggestive than informative. I liked the introduction of upcoming stories and couples but could do without some of the secondary characters' pillow talk as it did not further the story. Looking forward to more from this series.

The Wicked Wallflower is book 3 of the Duchess Society series by Tracy Sumner and follows with the characters we met when introduced to the Duke of Leighton. This is because now instead of watching Lady Philippa Darlington pine for self-made man Xander Macauley from afar we now get to watch them muddle through some scrapes, come to some serious self-realizations, and decide what is most important to them in the end. Xander values the friendship he has with Pippa’s brother but there is only so much temptation and longing a man can withstand. Pippa’s gig playing at being a wallflower for multiple seasons is done and her adventure seeking is just the wakeup call that Xander needed to make a move worth risking his heart. This latest installment has all the humor and the steam that was found in the previous books and features a lot of the characters as well but can still be read alone. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series! My review was given on an ARC copy received from the Publisher in return for my honest opinion, happy reading!

There were some things I really loved about this book! Xander and Pip’s relationship was adorable, spicy-ish, and full of banter.

I will say that in this case, reading the previous two books is sort of necessary. I was confused about some things throughout part of the book as a result.

Overall it’s a quick read, and pretty low on plot. So if you’re looking for something like that this is a good one.

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley..

Lady Phillippa Darlington has decided that playing the wallflower during the season will allow her not to be bothered by men she finds boring and droll.

Xander Macauley, a commoner, has come from absolutely nothing to become an extremely wealthy man.

The two has crossed paths before and there is an undeniable burn for each other that both are in denial over. However, when an unfortunate incident throws them together, maybe they will realize they need to stop denying the obvious.

Sophisticated sensuality and I loved the wit.
Many thanks to Wolf Publishing and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

"The peril of sharing secrets shimmered like a rainy mist between them, forbidden promise sparkling the air."

The Wicked Wallflower by Tracy Sumner
Genre: Regency Romance
4 stars
2 peppers spicy

This was my 1st regency romance in a very long time. I think that is why I waited so long to read it. I shouldn't have waited this book was fantastic. I loved how strong Lady Philippa was. She is a fiercely strong, courageous woman who has to sneak to find a place for herself. What she finds is a man whom she cannot get out of her mind. Xander Macauley, she will find a way to make him hers. Xander Macauley, is the owner of a gambling hall, smuggling routes and liquor distilleries, he has had a tortured upbringing and is now the master of his own destiny. He tries to have little to no ties but Lady Philippa's advances intrigue and frustrate him.

This story was wonderful. I enjoyed the character development and backstories included. Xander is a new book boyfriend. He is swoon worthy and the things he says... steamy. My only complaint is there were a few point of view changes that didn't fit in the story. They came out of the blue and I don't understand why they were included. That was my reasoning for less than a 5 star review. I really enjoyed this read & I recommend this book. Check out this book if you are looking for a strong heroine, a complicated yet lovable man and their steamy adventures of the heart.

Thank you to Tracy Sumner and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy! This is my honest review.

Wonderful romance! I really enjoyed the adventures of Philippa and Xander! There was never a dull minute and I couldn’t put the book down. The descriptions of Xander’s gambling hall were fun to imagine—I enjoyed the scenes cast there. I didn’t understand why Xander considered marriage with Pip so impossible, but it was fun following them as they figured it out.

The fourth novel in the The Duchess Society series is this one. Macauley has a tough demeanor and a kind heart. Pippa is a strong, independent woman who is clear about what she wants—and that is Mac. The slow pace of this book, however, is ideal for the narrative. There is no shortage of fun and adventure, as well as certain mysteries that are disclosed. I LOVE a good romance between old foes and lovers.
I admired Pippa's will to be her own woman and pursue her own goals independent of what the Ton believed she should accomplish in her role as a duke's sister. I adored how Mac was written; it gave us a glimpse into his heart and helped us to understand why he felt the need to defend those people and things that were important to him.

A wallflower meets a duke. Not in a conventional manner but because she wrote an announcement that they were engaged! The Duke reputation was trash so he decided to go along with it. This one will have you chuckling and feeling warm and fuzzy. You should definitely pick this one up!

omg I am just going to say that this series keeps it coming! Our latest couple is Pippa and Mac, Phillipa and Xander. So, we've got the brother's best friend that the little sister plot. BUT I love these 2. She admires him for his survival skills and hard work. He doesn't think he's good enough for her, but can't stay away from his true love. I loved watching them overcome the hurdles to the HEA. Well written!

3.5 stars not able to round up. The first third took me an age to get through. The writing wasn't obviously poor or anything, it just did not reel me in at all and was terribly easy to set aside. Once I eventually got past that point though, I finished all the rest in just a couple sittings. I think in the first third the issue was that the hero was just SO determined to avoid the heroine and her attempts to gain his notice felt like a friend's pesky little sister. Not particularly intriguing. But, obviously stories have to start somewhere. The heroine remained less mature than I find entirely enjoyable, but part of their hurdle is their 10 year age gap, and her being such a handful, so I can see why it was the way it was. This hero is quite like his friend Tobias Streeter, who has been my favorite hero in this series, so that was a bonus for me. And there's nice steam, both in quality and quantity, lol.

Release Date: April 21, 2022

📖📖📖📖

Lady Philippa Darlington vows never to marry, she enjoys being independent. Xander Macaulay was born a commoner but through business and shrewd political moves he is tolerated in the “upper crust” circle. Xander has to frequently rescue Pippa from situations she gets herself into by being a “headstrong, foolish girl” (I’m lookin at you Jane Austen). Will the attraction they feel for each other continue to smolder or burn the city to the ground?

I had not read the other books in the series so the references to previous encounters were lost on me. This is a spicy read with a VERY slow start. I enjoyed this book enough to want to read the rest of the series.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

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Phillipa Darlington has spent 2 seasons as a wallflower, after having decided that she will not marry unless it's for love. However, the only man that's ever made her want to marry is her brothers best friend, Xander Macauley, a common born rogue. Xander does everything he can to avoid Phillipa's advances and attention, but after a snowstorm strands them together, will they have the power to resist each other?

This book was an absolute delight to read. So often, I found myself with little smiles on my face, especially when reading about Phillipa. She was just quirky and silly enough that she was adorable and not irritating. The author did a great job with Phillipa and Xander's chemistry and while the story was certainly not a one of a kind, it was still a fun book to sit down and read on a summer weekend.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC copy in exchange for my review and honest opinions

Five hearts as this one is a 2022 favorite and quite easily my favorite historical romance I've read to date!

I guess I'm a simp for English men who call the women they're absolutely head over heels for luv, because Macauley sure had me on my knees from the beginning of this book. But how could I not? He finds Pippa AGGRAVATING! And she finds him ARROGANT! 🥵

"Admit it, you like my company."
"At best, I find you entertaining. At worst, an infuriating termagant."

The Wicked Wallflower may be the best of the series so far (at least, from the ones I've read).  Each word, each sentence serves a purpose, to either build up the tension between the main characters, or to break it by using witty sarcasm. It was absolutely wonderful. I found myself smiling, laughing, and snorting most of the time, but the amount of times I had to stop reading, I had to actually PAUSE, because of the 🔥 sexual tension 🔥 are countless! Chapter 14 people. CHAPTER 14! I'm still fanning myself. 🥵

Macauley quickly became one of my top book boyfriends, because that man in serious goals. The way he treats Pippa restores my belief in mankind. Can one still blame him for his emotional stuntedness causing furious storming out of the room reactions when he's making up for it with his caring and protective ways? No is the correct answer to that question!

Evidently, I loved both characters. Macauley and Pippa are both headstrong, "I know what I want and I'm not afraid to fight for it" characters, which even translated into the writing. Even though the writing was as masterful as it was in The Scandalous Vixen (in which the subtle rule breaking that Roan and Helena got into made it harder for me to enjoy the book because I was too new to the genre to fully grasp those and it had the blink and you've missed it details), this one was way more in-your-face, as Macauley and Pippa are not the ones to tone things down or be subtle about anything. And that may be one of the biggest reasons I liked this one so much. This book has to be read like you savor a fine wine, by taking in each sip and inprinting the best flavors onto your brain.

I was really excited about reading this book as the genre of this book is one of my favourites. I love reading this book! It was very engaging and a pleasure to read.

Look here…there’s something about a man, that’s wealthy, rough around the edges, protective and sexy as all get out that that makes my heart sing…just call me Lady Gaga cause that’s how I feel about Xander Macauley! He’s the perfect alpha-roll, hard on the outside and all soft and gooey on the inside. Yummm! Tracy Sumner has pulled together the perfect blend of adventure and romance in The Wicked Wallflower. The dialogue is witty and engaging and the main characters are fun, energetic and are simply explosive together.


Lady Philippa Darlington is trouble, no two ways about it. She’s feisty, reckless and impulsive… an overall incorrigible sort of chit; and all she wants is the freedom to be who she truly is, without the senseless expectations that come with being the sister of Duke (a station that neither wanted, might I add). While trying to find her place in the world and causing all kinds of mischief in the process, Pippa finds herself infatuated with her brother’s best friend, the last man she’d expect. But wants him she does and have him she will. All it takes is a little bit of planning and a whole lot of patience, for Xander Macauley wants no part of what she’s selling.

Xander Macauley, Prince of the Limehouse docks grew up in the slums. Now he’s one of London’s wealthiest and shrewdest businessmen. A scoundrel, a rake, a self-avowed bachelor …he wants no part love and marriage, especially not with little Darlington, a woman too good for the likes of him. Helplessly drawn to Pippa, he’s vowed to do what it takes to keep her safe even from herself. While attempting to keep her out of trouble, Xander soon realizes that Pippa is more than the beautiful, albeit spoiled brat he thought her to be. The chit has layers…layers that he’s having a hard time resisting. The more time the two of them spend together, the more realizes that resistance is futile…especially when a woman rages all-out war on obtaining his heart!

This book was fantastic. I’ve read the entire series thus far and The Wicked Wallflower is by far my favorite, followed closely by the Brazen Bluestocking. Although a stand alone book, you’ll find more enjoyment if you read the previous two books…for many of the same characters are found in each.


What a wonderful and incredibly fun read! I absolutely LOVED this book. I mean, what’s not to love? There’s a stubborn chit who’s unconcerned about her social standing and society’s lack of warmth towards her, a hard-nosed rogue use to getting his own way and hodgepodge of supporting characters who are not only interesting but utterly delightful.

While I thought the writing was strong, I did lose interest in the constant back and forth between the heroine and hero. I was not that invested in their relationship sand felt that their relationship didn’t have much depth besides physical/sexual attraction.