I’m afraid this was a DNF for me. Given the title I expected it to have more heat than a typical regency novel, but what I didn’t expect was for the characters to be as obsessed with sex as a teenage boy, to the point it was all they thought of. After getting 25% through the book and only reading about the carnal thoughts of the main characters, I gave up, having decided it looked as though no storyline would develop other than the eventual realisation of their desires

I liked it better than the second book in the series, to be honest, but it doesn't really beat the first one. The characters were enjoyable though and I liked the romance. I noticed the author uses the word 'chit' a lot and truthfully it was quite grating to hear it every other sentence to reference a girl or another. Still, I had fun and if there are more books to come I am eagerly looking forward to them.

Pippa Darlington has been drawn to Xander Macauley for years. Xander wants her, as well, but she, being the sister of a duke and ten years his junior, is unattainable, at least in his mind. But Pippa is willing to fight for what she wants, and wait while he accepts just how much he's drawn to her. When she convinces him to kiss her, things escalate-- they meet in private, exchanging further kisses, and more. Xander understands Pippa better than anyone else, and she knows secrets he's told only her. The two dance closer to love and ruination and finally can't hide their feelings from themselves, each other, and their social circle any more.

I've been excited to read Pippa and Xander's story since I read The Scandalous Vixen, and it absolutely did not disappoint. It's sweet, hopeful, and funny, while also lightly exploring both the darker parts of both main characters' pasts and the more heated moments between them. It also left me really looking forward to reading about the couple teased in the epilogue, so I'll be keeping an eye out for that book, as well!

This book is historical fiction at it's best.
Xander Macauley crawled from the slums of London to rule an empire.
He has everything he could ever want or need.
Lady Pippa Darlington has had two miserable seasons and has vowed to never marry without the help of the Duchess Society.
Xander rescues Pippa from a party she should not have been at and from that night on the two are destined to be together. They just have to work through there pre conceived notions of love and marriage.
Xander Macauley is delightful and that little bit of rough and ready we all need in our lives. He is swoon worthy but smart, protective and incredibly funny as well.
Pippa is fiercely independent and so eager for adventure that sometimes she rushes in without thinking.
The chemistry between Xander and Pippa was sizzling but they also connected on a much deeper level. Mutual respect and an understanding of each other just added to the overall romance of their story.
This is book 3 in the series but can be read as a stand-alone

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley. These are my opinions. It was a wonderful, page turning story.
Pippa had secretly been in love with McCauley for a long time. There was great chemistry between them. I would recommend this book for anyone who loves an HEA.

Desire captured between pages.

Absolutely fantastic read! For me it was a page turner. From the start we are dragged into captivating story. I adore stories where the heroine is overlooked by everyone but not the hero.

Pipa is a strong woman who knows what she wants and she is determined to get what she want but is not mean about it. And Mac is such a gentleman, the best "bad boy" you can imagine.

Story is full of passion, desire and sexual tension between character. If you like your romances spicy than this book is what you need and want. It reminded me of best books written by Erica Ridley or Tessa Dare - if those names ring a bell, you are not gonna be disappointed.

This is the 4th book in The Duchess Society series (including the prequel). I was super excited to know the story of Pippa and Xander was next.
Pippa is such a strong female character who knows what (and who) she wants. And Xander has this secret protectiveness over her whilst he is fighting his attraction. I loved this story and I also enjoy reading about all the other characters from previous books.
The next two stories were introduced in this book so I can't wait for more from this series.
Thanks to Netgalley.com and Wolf Publishing

This is the is third book in The Duchess Society series, which I absolutely adore. It picks up soon where the previous book left off and follow Xander Macauley and Lady Pippa Darlington, who have been side characters in the previous books. This book can be read on its own but readers who have read the whole series will enjoy it more. Xander notices that Pippa is using her wallflower status to go an adventures and continuously places herself in danger. He takes it upon himself to keep an eye on her and proximity leads to feelings that have always been there under the surface.

I really enjoy Tracy’s writing style. It’s easy to read with descriptions vivid enough to paint a clear picture. I have been looking to this stores for the past couple books and it delivered. I love that Macauley wants Pippa to be her true self and doesn’t try to deter her, just keep her safe while she does her thing. I loved all the sweet moments between them especially toward the beginning of the story when Pippa was allowed to enter Macauley’s private sanctuary. I loved how much these two cared for one another even when adamantly stating otherwise. The love scenes were steamy and tender at the same time. Overall I’m very pleased by this story. I can’t wait to read the next one.

Thank you to Netgalley, Wolf Publishing, and Tracy Sumner for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Lady Philippa Darlington may be the sister of a duke, but the only man who has ever interested her is so far beneath her notice, or that's what he thinks at least. Xander Macauley may have more money than most of the ton, but he's common born and worked his way up from the gutter. A lady like Pippa should have nothing to do with him, but they seem to be unable to keep away from each other. As Pippa finds her way into the seedy underside of London, and needing Xander's protection, it's clear that soon the their attraction will become too much for them to control and contain.

I just adore this series. With each book, it's getting better and better, and Pippa and Xander are my favourite couple so far! They're an unlikely couple, but one made for each other. Though Pippa may act like a wallflower, she's anything but, and her impulsive nature is a joy to see. Both of the couple see each other truly, and raise them up when others would want to drag them down. They're truly a match made in heaven, and I love how they story progressed. I hope we get to see more of them in future books.

Brimming with sexual tension and witty characters that simply shine this 3rd full length addition to the Duchess Society series is an absolutely fantastic treat! A toe-curling, gleefully joyous, sweet, spicy and steamy treat! I devoured this book happily and just left wanting more and more. With a host of familial baggage, simmering tension and heaps of charisma this book is my absolute favorite of the series so far!


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Pippa is the younger sister of a newly made Duke. A role she wants no part in. She was perfectly content with their simpler life with title of Baron and barely a penny to their names. She’s got so much grit, is quick on her feet and smarter than most give her credit for and Xander Macauley sees straight through her current charade as a wilting little wallflower. And it drives him wild.

Big, brooding Xander is such a menacing grump with a heart of gold it’s hard not to find him adorable. His inner thoughts are quite honestly hilarious at times but also help to understand his overall character and his tumultuous relationships better. The by-blow of an Earl, a wicked man to his sons, who forever fractured the tentative relationship the boys had one summer in their youth is the person who holds a giant piece of the secrets that make up Macauley’s backstory. He has so many demons and he just doesn’t know how to process everything and reconcile who he was, his parentage, who he is now and who he ultimately wants to become with Pippa by his side. It’s heartbreaking and endearing and oh so loveable!

The sizzling chemistry between these characters and the inner turmoil they both endure over their undeniable attraction is honesty captivating. They are possibly the most intriguing and boisterous members of the “Leighton Cluster” and I can’t get enough!


4.75 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨



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Tidbits and Tropes:

Forbidden love
Grumpy teddy bear
Opposites attract/ class divide
Age gap
Regency romance
HEA
Steamy: 🌶🌶🌶/5

This is my second book in the series and although I'm late to the group of characters, I'm thoroughly enjoying it.
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Pippa is so different from the other women in the book, I think that in each Tracy Sumner book her characters, especially the female ones, are so different from each other. They defy conformity and rules but from different characters, backgrounds and feelings
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Philippa Darlington tries to go unnoticed in society by pretending to be an innocent woman and very unprepared to interact with others because for her there is nothing more important than adventure and the possibility of discovering her place in the world at all costs, putting her life and integrity at risk
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For luck or bad luck one of her brother's best friends is determined to prevent misfortune from befalling their family because unlike the others Macauley really sees all of Pippa's faces and knows how difficult a sense of adventure can be without caution
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Macauley is a rake, with no titles or honours, he is willing to take society by storm and put it to shame with his new gaming parlor but trying to keep his business and his best friend's sister out of scandal can be quite a challenge.
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I liked the chemistry between them and how they built common ground for both of them, Tracy Sumner's characters are unique and easy to love even if they are brash youngsters or womanizers with unbearable egos. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book without counting how much I look forward to Theo's book
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Thanks to Tracy Sumner and Wolf Publishing for give me this beautiful book in exchange for my honest opinion I really enjoyed reading it

This was the first book I have read in the series after starting but not finishing the immediately preceding book. While I wish I had read more of Macaulay's story before meeting him here, I think it would have only made me like him more and I liked him well enough. I am a huge fan of the "forbidden lover" story and I thought this one was done particularly well. Macaulay was brooding without being maudlin or melodramatic. His friends were supportive and added requisite comic relief. I thought Pippa was a great deal of fun and enjoyed her far more than the other women except for her new step-sister, Theo, whose story is going to be next and I can't wait.

The set-up is simple and obvious, but the characters are well-written and enjoyable. There is a lot of tension and build-up that is as satisfying as the brief period of happiness. Fortunately, the reconciliation doesn't take long.

If you haven't read the others, you are fine to start here like I did. If you read the others and liked them, I am sure you will like this one just as well. If you read the others and didn't particularly care for them, give this one a try, I think you might enjoy it.

This book become on of my favoure regency romances immediately. It has a lot of warmth, compassion and love that capture your heartstrings and keep you invested in the book till the end. A must read!!!!

What a delightful tale! Brimming with good dialogue and descriptions, Tracy Sumner takes you on another adventure to an HEA!

Thank you NetGalley and WOLF Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

“The Wicked Wallflower” (The Duchess Society Series) is book three by Tracy Sumner. Lady Philippa Darlington, fake wallflower to elude possible suitors decides to secretly gather information for her friends of the Duchess Society. She is also in love with her brother’s best friend Xander Macauley who has built his empire with friends from different walks of life. Here’s a trope of in love with brother’s best friend and in love with best friend’s sister. Unfortunately, Xander is keeping his distance from her as she is the sister of her best friend. Not until he rescues her from a very scandalous masquerade, that he realizes how much the “Little Darlington” has affected his heart.

Although Pippa can be a bit annoying, she very likeable because she goes after what she wants…and she is in hot pursuit of Xander. I like Xander also because he has become this formidable opponent of Pippa but somehow the more, he tries he just can’t get her out of his system. A loveable cat chasing the mouse historical romance love story. I enjoyed the novella in this series and Tracy Sumner is slowly becoming a favorite of mine. This story is well-written and I enjoyed seeing the building romance to their HEA. It doesn’t hurt that his friends have found their life partners that makes him wonder that he can have the same for himself.

I just finished reading Sarah MacLean’s Bareknuckle Bastards which reminds me so much of the characters mentioned in this story. Although I haven’t read the first two books, I do plan on doing so to get caught up to this third and wait for the next. Very rare do I give 5-Stars, however this one garnered one for a wonderful story and totally recommend the read.

The wicked wallflower is a fun, spicy historical romp perfect for fans of Courtney Milan. Tracy Sumner is a beautiful wordsmith. In particular, I loved the line "I miss you. Your laughter, your wit, your courage. I wake with dreams of you on my lips, choking my breath" - I was immediately besotted, and I just other readers will be too

There were so many future pairings within the pages, and I hope there are more books to follow. Pippa was a wonderfully boisterous character, though there were times I wanted a bit more from her; to really fight and argue and to keep Macauley on his toes. I loved the character of Macauley, he was just as individual as Pip and I wish we’d had more time with his history - perhaps a solid nightmare scene or a conversation where he opened up about the workhouse to Pip. The same comes for Pip though, I wanted to know more of her history, more of the story with her father. It doesn’t detract from the book at all, but I just found myself so full of curiosity about both of their backgrounds.

It’s important to note though that this is third in the series and I’ve not read the other two, so it could be very well explained there. The romance scenes were wonderfully written and absolutely captivating - and plentiful!

This book was read thanks to NetGalley.

At first I didn't know what to expect with this book because I thought it would focus more on the side plots but it was very lead character driven which I do appreciate.

I loved the leading lady, she has an amazing grown as a person.

I love the story and the characters,

Wow! What an unexpected treat this was. It has everything I personally love about a historical romance. The novel concentrated on the two main characters more than side plots and for that I was grateful. I have read numerous books recently where they seem to go off from the main two and it leaves me internally screaming. It’s not that I don’t enjoy side plots – this book has them and they are very well done – it’s just I want to be involved in our hero and heroine’s world and read about their thoughts and feelings. This novel I felt was an excellent example of this, keeping the focus where it should be and making me stay up far too late to read another chapter.

This book, for me, had serious ‘Derek Craven’ vibes. Macauley was born and raised in the slums, he now owns a gaming hell and he has secrets from his past. He is not – in his mind at least – worthy of a Duke’s sister. However, fate has other ideas and Lady Pippa knows what she wants and, Macauley is it. The tropes in this book are all my faves; age gap, protector, best friend’s sister.

The Wicked Wallflower is book number 3 in the series ‘The Duchess Society’ and like all good series, we see characters from past books and what they are up to now in their HEA. I felt comfortable enough to read this as a stand-alone but because I loved it so much, I will definitely be reading all the others - and anything else Tracy Sumner has ever released! This book made me tummy flip on more than one occasion and Macauley is now on my list of top book boyfriends – he’s very swoon worthy! I cannot wait to go back to read the others in the series.

*I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Thanks to Netgalley, Wolf Publishing and the author for an ARC.

I really liked this book. I liked Xander, who pulled himself up by the bootstraps to become wealthy without a title to pave the way and Pippa, who could capitalize on being a Duke's sister, but didn't. Despite the diversity in their backgrounds, the two of them fall in love and get their HEA only after much hair-pulling on his part and several dangerous escapades on her part. The prose is witty and the characters well-developed. Another hit for Ms. Sumner.

I've enjoyed this series so much. Xander Macauley is a complicated man. His reputation as brutal and dangerous is really hiding a fiercely loyal and generous man. He cares about so many causes. I loved how Ms. Sumner slowly revealed all that Xander was doing and feeling for those less fortunate. . Lady Philippa was smart, funny and relentless. She's the perfect woman for Xander if only he'd allow himself to admit his attraction and love for her. After much tension and angst, these two finally get their HEA.

This was another good addition to the series and I can't wait to read the next story.