I received a copy of this from NetGalley and this is my freely given opinion.

This is the story of Xander Macauley, the Limehouse-raised, street tough business partner of Tobias Streeter, and Pippa Darlington, the younger sister of the Duke of Leighton. Pippa has determined that she wants more from life - adventure, purpose - just more than being a typical society miss, who marries a typical society lord who will use her for money and as a broodmare. So she is hiding her light by being a wallflower, and also by getting into various scrapes doing her own investigating for the Duchess Society. She wants Xander, and has determined that if he does not want her also, that she would not marry. Xander knows she is infatuated, and has his own inconvenient attraction, which he has tried very had to suppress because he knows he is all kinds of wrong for her. He is too old, too jaded, too common, lives too dangerous a life, and does not want to endanger his relationships with his business partners, including her brother. He also feels she is too good for her, but he also cannot stay away either and is constantly on the look out for her. He has people reporting on her movements because she may be acting out under the radar of her family, but not under Macauley's. He is rather determined to try to keep her safe, and has paid look outs keeping tabs on her actions.

They have an incredible attraction and heat that builds slowly through this story, that later just becomes a blazing inferno - the fire at the beginning was just foreshadowing their relationship later.

I loved the development of Xander's character. He came across as a tough as nails, jaded street tough in previous appearances in other books in the series. Furiously loyal to Streeter, and a smart, focused businessman. But not believing in love, and having a very tough wall around himself and his heart. Here, we find that he is a man who deeply feels, is very loyal, is very lonely, and has a lot of love to give to those he lets in. He obviously loves the brotherhood he has formed with Streeter, the two Dukes, and their family, and is fiercely protective of them. He obviously has a strong sense of community and responsibility for his Limehouse community, using his businesses and wealth to help others like him get ahead in life. It is rather heartbreaking how this tough, strong man can also be hurt when torn between love, loyalty and when he feels that a loved one has hurt or betrayed him. I think he is why I enjoyed this story so much, because I grew to love the sensitive and loving man hidden underneath. I would love to know more about his history and relationship (or lack there of) with his family, just to get more nuances.

A lovely continuation of the saga of the Duchess Society. Macauley is all kinds of deeply brooding sexy male with a heart of gold, and he could climb my oak tree any time!

4 stars out of 5.

This story has so much angst and loveeee! Really great if you love some angst and a besotted hero! The heroine and hero has so much chemistry and the story portrays their relationship beautifully. A reread for me!

I finally got the time to properly write this review, so I'll do my best. I personally loved this book for the characters. Pippa was so relatable, and I couldn't help but empathize with her desire to find purpose. She was determined to reject the only roles that were deemed appropriate for her by others and sought to find her own place in the world and real meaning in her life. I think there is something to be admired about her sheer perseverance and power of will, because she would not take no for an answer and did everything she could in a mostly level-headed way that wasn't entirely foolhardy. Xander on the other hand grew up on the streets so to speak and came with all the insecurities such an upbringing would typically result in. He was kind and caring towards Pippa, and most importantly, he saw her. He did his best to let Pippa soar and find her place while still keeping her safe and looking out for her. The story itself wasn't anything new at all, but the ways that the author created both of the characters in a way that each made the other stronger and better was admirable. Also I admired the way that Pippa did find something actually meaningful to do and found a purpose by working for it and putting all of her effort towards that goal.

The spoilers just have some things I enjoyed about the book, but they will spoil some of what I think are the best parts of the book, so caveat lector.

<spoiler>I put this in spoilers but I couldn't not say how much I loved the ending and the proposal. I loved that Pippa took her time in responding and didn't automatically run to Xander at the first sign of "Oh he loves me." I also think that the focus on actions over words was really nice, because novels like to treat the words "I love you" as a panacea for all the hurts and insecurities that a previous action has wrought and they really aren't. Xander's actions did far more to show that he actually thought about what Pippa wanted out of life and found a way to support her than those three words alone ever could in my opinion. I also loved the fact that there was no forced marriage because of ruination or anything like that. In every part of this book, choice, and especially the heroine's choice, seemed to be valued and that was something I loved. </spoiler>

Overall, I think this was a great book simply for the characters and the relationship between them that was portrayed. It was one of respect, deep love, and total support, which I found truly wonderful to read.

Lady Pippa is pretending to be a wallflower. She has several reasons why…..to gather information for the Duchess Society, to avoid marriage, etc. Her brother the Duke hasn’t seen through her deception, nor her friends. Well maybe her sister Theo, but Pippa is getting into one scandal after another and only one who the knows it’s all a lie is the Duke’s friend Xander Macauley, alias the Limehouse Prince. A moniker he hates, but well deserved being his rise to being one of London’s riches men from the slums. He seems the only one in town to keep a eye out for Pippa and has her followed. Getting word that she has gotten herself in another fix, he rushes to her rescue.
The tension, the attraction between the two escalates…..he believes he isn’t good enough, she only wants him. Warning there are some steamy parts. The characters are all back from the previous books and hints are written for the next couple of books. So best to read the beginning of the series. Thank you NetGalley for this ARC. I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story. #NetGalley #TheWickedWallflower #WolfPublishing

Thanks to WOLF Publishing, the author and Netgalley for an ARC of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I have been enjoying this series thoroughly and was so pleased to pick up Pippa and Macauley's story. Pippa is a wonderful heroine, forthright and honest and smart. Macauley is protective, honourable and industrious. If only he would get out of his own way!

The cast of characters expands a little - I love the way the author revisits the previous stories and makes these characters a misfit family. I can't wait for the Earl of Stanford's story coming soon and Theo's (bookish heroines are my catnip).

If you haven't read this series, do yourself a favour and start.

The Wicked Wallflower
The Duchess Society Series, Book Three
by Tracy Sumner

Lady Philippa Darlington is fiercely independent and the last thing she is interested in is getting married because she has to many other interests. She also has a crush on rogue entrepreneur Xander Macauley business partner/best friend of her brother the Duke of Leighton and an unsuitable match for Lady Philippa. Following their romance is full of mystery humour , characters and a few steamy moments in will they won’t they relationship and the secrets they both keep.

Another well written entertaining book in this series. That Keeps you entertained from beginning to end . 4.5/5

Lady Philippa Darlington is the sister of Roan Darlington, the Duke of Leighton and she is not sure if she wants to marry or not. At ball, she pretends to be a wallflower while trying to find out information on single gentlemen that she can pass onto the Duchess Society that does a little matchmaking when possible. Xander Mccauley, is friends with Roan and feels protective of Philippa whenever Roan is not around. Xander was also the eldest, unacknowledged son of an Earl who has passed away. He has a half-brother, Oliver, who is know the Earl of Stanford. There are some hard feelings between them due to an incident in their youth that results in Xander being put in a workhouse. Xander opens a new gaming hall, the Devil's Lair, in the slums of London. The rich, wealthy and titled men of the Ton come anyway. After all two of his friends and business partners are dukes. Philippa has always felt an attraction to Xander, even when she was younger. Xander has recently felt an attract to Philippa. Being friends with her brother and feeling his is too old for her, he only tries to be her protector. What happens when Philippa and Xander begin to spend more time together? Will Xander share some of his life and secrets with her? How will Oliver and Xander's relationship progress? Will Philippa and Xander ever acknowledge their feelings for one another?

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and Tracy Sumner.

Loved this book. It had been a while since I read a historical romance, and this one did not disappoint. Decent levels of angst, pining, and two awesome main characters who make you smile.

Pippa and Macauley are such complementary characters, you root for both as they make each other better people. Great spice and swoon worthy love story. Thoroughly enjoyed this romp!

Have you ever wondered where these talented authors get their ideas? Tracy Sumner always has
a great story. She tells an amazing story all the time. You just open page one, and you are immersed in a wonderful Book.

This is the tale of two people, who are from the wrong side of the tracks. She was lifted when her brother was told he was a Duke. It changed their circumstances. It just happened that she became Lady Philippa Darlington. She did not want to marry, she had met no one that floated her boat, except him.

Xander Macauley had made his money by Smuggling, and gambling. He felt he did not need to get
married. He felt it was a bother. He was a handsome man and had never had to look for a woman.
He had risen from the slums from nothing to being rich. He was also friends with her brother, the Duke of Leighton. Xander knew her brother would kill him.

Everyone had gone out of town and left Pippa sort of alone. She was trying to help the Duchesses Society. He had to go save her, he was always rescuing her from some mishap. This would ruin her reputation and that of her half-sister and her family. This novel had so much going for it, excitement, shooting, cutting, fires, and love. If I find one of her books I haven't read, I must have it.

I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.
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This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was clever, fun and steamy. It held my interest and I didn't want to put it down. This book can be read as a standalone story, though it is book 3 in the The Duchess Society. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books in this series as well as others by this author.

4/5 Stars

'When a love struck smuggler seeks to correct his bleak future.’

The best thing about this book were the chapter tittles😭
This book was set in the early 1800’s. 1824 onwards.

This book was your typical brothers best friend romance set many hundreds of years back- Pippa & Macouley were the definition of hot and cold. She was the Duke's sisters- he was the Duke's bestfriend.

He kept tabs on Pip and their story evolved from there- when he saved her before the scandal.

This was a slow burn- a slow burn that made me want their relationship to hurry up- but in the end they got there. And I love them too so much especially their little boy, Kit.

Lady Philippa Darlington is playing the role of wallflower to keep suitors away and to secretly gather information for her friends at the Duchess Society. In truth, the only man she wants is the one who pretends he wants nothing to do with her: Xander Macauley. He's built an empire from nothing, and Macauley refuses to succumb to love...especially for his friend's little sister! But when he has to rescue her from a scandalous masquerade, he realizes how much she's gotten under his skin.

This is the third book in The Duchess Society series (plus a prequel novella). I recommend reading the books in order as there is a lot of world-building. The previous couples are mentioned and/or make appearances, Pippa and Macauley had an encounter in the last book, and there are clear breadcrumbs for the coming stories.

Pippa's brother unexpectedly inherited a dukedom and she was thrust unwillingly into society. She's a bit impetuous, but just wants her life to have meaning and refuses to settle for an empty ton marriage. Macauley worked his way up from the streets and is about to launch his own gaming hell/social club. He has plenty of baggage from his past and Pippa present a problem he doesn't need, but desperately wants! I felt like the book really took off and held my interest after their first kiss, and their chemistry was a raging fire after that! I really, really hope Sumner "keeps the stove on high heat" for the rest of the series because, not only were the intimate scenes great but, it allowed the characters to open up and be vulnerable with each other. (4.5 stars rounded to 5).

Tropes: (Fake) Wallflower, Class Difference, Age Gap, Secret Crush, Brother's Friend/Friend's Sister

Steam: 5

* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #TheWickedWallflower #NetGalley

I had to DNF after 25%.

I was really excited about this book after seeing the positive reviews on Goodreads for the others in the series, but I was very disappointed.

The writing and dialogue was what made me quit it. There was a lot that I had to assume while reading, and holes in the writing which made it slightly difficult to follow what was happening with different characters. I understand that the author was using dialogue that characters would’ve used during that era, but the way it was formatted made it difficult to follow the conversation at times. I also felt like I couldn’t understand the tenor of the conversations or the overall vibe of the characters with each quote.

Overall it didn’t make for a very enjoyable reading experience and I had to quit it.

I've really been enjoying this series and Wicked Wallflower was no exception. That being said, I do feel like it is the weakest of the series so far. I really liked Pippa. She found herself in a new world and did not let it change her. She continued to help others and explore her own interests. Although Pippa and Xander are obviously perfect for one another, but I sometimes felt like he was really really patronizing towards her. She's trying to do good things rather than just sitting around doing nothing like most young women in her social position and he's constantly telling her how incompetent she is. And then when their relationship is revealed he basically uses the "she came on to me" excuse with her brother. I'm glad he finally got out of his own way and realized what Pippa knew all along - that they were meant for one another.

Lady Philippa Darlington never wants to marry if not for love. In order to remain unnoticed by eligible bachelors, she plays the role of a wallflower. The truth is that the only man who has ever made Philippa feel anything is Xander Macauley, her brother’s best friend. He is entirely unsuitable for her, too old, a rogue, common born and yet it was him she is very much infatuated with. Too bad he seems determined to avoid her and pretend like there isn’t an attraction between them. But Lady Philippa is not one to give up, she is simply determined to enchant the man. When all pretensions are finally off, Xander must decide if love is worth the gamble, or risk losing the only woman who has ever made him happy.

The Wicked Wallflower is the third book from Tracy Sumner’s historical romance series, The Duchess Society. This one tells the story of Lady Phillipa Darlington (Duke’s sister from book 2) and Xander Macauley. Let me start this by saying that the book cover is horrible. Books from this genre need better cover! I shouldn’t lie and say that I don’t judge books by their cover because I do. Sometimes. It has a very modern feel to it so I did not know what to expect as per usual. Anyway, this is my first Tracy Sumner and I think it was a satisfying quick read. One where you won’t remember every detail from but you’d still have a good time flying through the pages.

The heroine was a delightful character who wanted to make something out of her life. She was quirky and yet she wasn’t unbearable in that sense. She has a lust for life and doesn't want the average life, and by average, she means staying at home. Everywhere she goes, trouble seems to follow. Good thing the hero is there at all times to clean her mess, although she was unaware of this. But aside from the traits that somehow set her apart from everyone, she was determined and that was something that I enjoyed about her character. I have admiration for heroines who aren’t afraid to go for what they want or who they want (well, as long as it is reasonable). I find it quite cute and entertaining.

The hero was sexy. That was the first word that came to mind. I liked him and that’s a good thing because when they’re boring I just lose interest altogether. He was your typical rookery hero who is common-born, or in this case, a nobleman’s bastard who somehow never got over his inferiority complex. He was very rich and successful which is of course the most important thing. He was also a good man although people try to paint him as this unscrupulous rogue. He charmed me because he likes to read and was actually very intelligent but he presents himself as this brawny man. Okay but honestly, the thing about him that I loved the most is his willingness to forgive and his unconditional love and care for his brother. I just think there’s something so sexy about a man who has a weakness for his family even when he’s this otherwise all-powerful man who can do whatever he pleases to.

This book wasn’t unique but at this point in my life I don’t really expect a plotline that’s never been done before. I think it is the characters that have to stand out or else they’d be pretty forgettable. And although the characters do not stand out that much, I still enjoyed this book because it has everything that I am guaranteed to like. The Class Difference. The hero thinking the heroine is too good for him. The forbidden romance that leads to clandestine meetings and longing stares. The mutual pining. I love it all!

From the moment I read the prologue, I was hooked and already embarrassed for the heroine. Her infatuation with the hero was obvious and even Macauley was aware of this. However, he doesn’t act on this attraction because she was too young (20) at the time he was aware of her little crush. This one had a 10 year age gap between the couple. The heroine is 22 while the hero is 32 when their love story finally begins. Aside from the age gap reason, her brother is one of his best friends and if that wasn’t enough, Macauley is also socially beneath her. Doomed, is it not? Pippa was a troublemaker and he was truly exasperated with her but at the same time he was also pleased. She was the bane of his existence and the object his desires, methinks.

I enjoyed the happenings in this book and found myself giggling a few times. Sometimes a wide smile too. The heroine and hero had good chemistry and it was a delight to see Macauley finally stop resisting Pippa! I haven’t read other books from the series but I think the added side characters, who are main characters in their own stories, were likeable and added entertainment to this love story. I think I’ll have to read the first book and see the hype for Tobias Streeter who is apparently the handsomest man in all of England. I wasn’t in the mood when I tried reading his book the first time but I’ll see to it soon! By the by, I am very much intrigued with Macauley’s half brother and am looking forward to reading his book! I am also excited for Theo and Dash’s love story! I didn’t skip their scene in that one chapter and thought the author established the start of their romance fairly well.

This author's writing style was easy to get into, nothing that really had the wow-effect but it was okay. It was the usual style one would encounter in the genre. This book was fast-paced and will keep the reader engaged, if only to find out when the hero would finally act on his attraction to our charming heroine. I think it managed to stand alone and I did not really feel that I was missing anything big since there was no mystery whatsoever. However, I think one would appreciate this and the characters more if the books were read in order to get a glimpse of Pippa and Xander from other people’s perspectives. I thought I missed a chapter when I read the prologue (I think the attraction of these two to each other was already established in the past books) but other than that it was enjoyable and understandable on its own. I would give the book four stars because I can’t really think of anything that I didn’t like about it. Sure, I didn’t love it too much to give it five stars but there wasn’t anything disagreeable about it either for the book to get less than four stars. I think I have been very generous with my stars as of late. This wasn’t as good as the other books I rated four stars but it was still a delightful book with all the tropes I usually enjoy reading about.

What can I say but WOW, what a story, full of unbridled and explosive passion, steam level super hot with a fantastic story, my perfect book!

Xander and Pippa’s story for me was perfect. Xander a business man brought up on the street now runs an amazing empire with his friends as backers two of whom are Dukes. Pippa the sister of one of those Duke’s has decided she’s had enough of the ton and has to decided to disguise herself and become a wallflower all the while working under cover with the ‘Duchess Society’.

Pippa being Pippa just wanted Xander but Xander didn’t think he was good enough for Pippa and didn’t think her brother the Duke even though one of his closest friends would accept him until the night they couldn’t resist each other and things changed!

I won’t spoil any more of the story but it’s a definite must read if you love lots of passion, sex and a happy ever after this book is for you. I can’t wait to read Tracy’s next book about the Earl of Stanford.

The Wicked Wallflower is the fourth book in The Duchess Society series by Tracy Sumner. Macauley has a gruff exterior with a heart of gold. Pippa is an independent lady who knows what she wants, and she wants Mac. This book is a slow burn, but it fits the story perfectly. There is no shortage of adventure and humor along with some secrets revealed. I adore a good frenemies to lovers, age difference romance!

I really enjoyed Pippa’s determination to be her own woman and to find her own purpose outside of what the Ton thought she should do as a duke’s sister. I loved the way Mac was written, allowing us a window into his soul to understand his need to protect what and whom he cares about.

Next up: the Earl of Stanford. I’m hopeful he’ll end up with Necessity Byrne. Dash and Theo’s story is up after the Earl’s. I can’t wait!

The Wicked Wallflower is the third book (plus a prequel novella) in the Duchess Society series. It can be read as a stand alone but you should just go ahead and read the entire series because it is fabulous! The primary characters in the rest of the series are regulars in this book. It's great being able to get more insight into how the other relationships are progressing.

Xander Macauley worked his way up from the streets to be a self made entrepreneur and gaming hell owner. He has never felt a need to settle down but seeing all of his best friends finding their soulmates has made him see it's possible to have a happy marriage. Phillipa Darlington pretends to be a wallflower so suitors will leave her along. She has had a crush on her brother's best friend, Xander, since he gave the the perfect birthday gift; a bejeweled knife. It becomes harder and harder to deny their attraction and similarities.

Tracy Sumner writes my favorite rough around the edges heroes. Xander is formidable but can't seem to control the situation whenever Pippa is in the room. They are instantly drawn to each other whenever they are near. I love when the hero convinces himself he just needs to get a girl out of his system. As a reader, we know he'll just want her even more. Every time he called her Pip I found myself even more smitten. Pippa does a lot of the pursuing but Xander gives her the upper hand by allowing her breathing room to decide what she wants for her life without pressure.

The set ups for the next two books have me so excited. I don't even read the descriptions for Tracy's books anymore. They are an absolute "one click" for me. Best friend's sister is might just be my favorite trope and Tracy did not disappoint. She is such a phenomenal author who writes interesting, complex, and steamy stories that are sure to make you swoon.

Thank you to Tracy Sumner, NetGalley, and Wolf Publishing for this eARC. All opinions expressed are my own. #netgalley #tracysumner #wolfpublishing #thewickedwallflower

Tracy Sumner is one of the most versatile authors I have had the pleasure to read.
I was fortunate to receive an ARC of " The Wicked Wallflower" from Wolf Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This is the third book in the Duchess Society series. The story revolves around the lives of Lady Philippa Darlington, a witty outspoken Duke's sister and Xander McCauley, one of the richest, but titleless prince of the city. They are both dfferent in so many ways, all the superficial obvious differences of class and status, but alike in all the ways that truly matter, their personalities of loving and giving, and taking care of others. This is by far my favorite story by Tracy Sumn

Tracy Sumner has done it again! I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the Duchess Society books so far, and The Wicked Wallflower is a worthy addition to the series. I absolutely love Philippa (Pippa) Darlington and Xander Macauley! And, once again, she has given us peaks into those whose love stories are coming up in the series. I can't wait to see where Tracy takes us next!

#netgalley #TheWickedWallflower