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The Wicked Quills of London #3
Temptations of a Wallflower
Eva Leigh’s deliciously sexy Wicked Quills of London series continues as a Lady’s secret career writing erotic fiction is jeopardized by real-life romance . . .
In society circles she’s known as the Watching Wallflower—shy, quiet, and certainly never scandalous. Yet beneath Lady Sarah Frampton’s demure façade hides the mind of The Lady of Dubious Quality, author of the most titillating erotic fiction the ton has ever seen. Sarah knows discovery would lead to her ruin, but marriage—to a vicar, no less—could help protect her from slander. An especially tempting option when the clergyman in question is the handsome, intriguing Jeremy Cleland.
Tasked with unmasking London’s most scandalous author by his powerful family, Jeremy has no idea that his beautiful, innocent bride is the very woman he seeks to destroy. His mission must remain a secret, even from the new wife who stirs his deepest longings. Yet when the truth comes to light, Sarah and Jeremy’s newfound love will be tested. Will Sarah’s secret identity tear them apart or will the temptations of his wallflower wife prove too wicked to resist?
In society circles she’s known as the Watching Wallflower—shy, quiet, and certainly never scandalous. Yet beneath Lady Sarah Frampton’s demure façade hides the mind of The Lady of Dubious Quality, author of the most titillating erotic fiction the ton has ever seen. Sarah knows discovery would lead to her ruin, but marriage—to a vicar, no less—could help protect her from slander. An especially tempting option when the clergyman in question is the handsome, intriguing Jeremy Cleland.
Tasked with unmasking London’s most scandalous author by his powerful family, Jeremy has no idea that his beautiful, innocent bride is the very woman he seeks to destroy. His mission must remain a secret, even from the new wife who stirs his deepest longings. Yet when the truth comes to light, Sarah and Jeremy’s newfound love will be tested. Will Sarah’s secret identity tear them apart or will the temptations of his wallflower wife prove too wicked to resist?
374 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 26, 2016
160 people are currently reading
2021 people want to read
About the author
Eva Leigh
27 books1,477 followersEva Leigh is a USA Today bestselling romance author. A graduate of the Iowa Writers’ Workshop, her books have been featured by the New York Times, NPR, Oprah Daily, the Washington Post, Entertainment Weekly, Library Journal, Kirkus, Booklist, Self, Paste Magazine, and many more. Her work has also been translated into numerous languages. She lives on the Central California coast with her husband and cats. Visit her on the web at evaleighauthor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 371 reviews
September 18, 2016
I've given this a B+ at AAR, so that's 4.5 stars.
Having featured a female newspaper editor (Forever Your Earl) and a female playwright (Scandal Takes the Stage), this final book in Eva Leigh’s Wicked Quills of London , takes as its heroine the author of a number of highly successful erotic novels. Each of the books in this series has explored what it might have been like for women making their way in a man’s world and has taken an insightful look at the everyday prejudices they had to contend with simply because of their sex and their class. And Ms Leigh has wrapped all that up in some deliciously witty and sensual romances, matching each of the heroines with a hero who understands, appreciates and supports her unique talents.
Lady Sarah Frampton may be the daughter of a duke, but she’s firmly on the shelf, having refused numerous offers of marriage from men she knew only wanted her money. Known as “The Watching Wallflower”, she is frequently disparaged by the male members of the ton and has resigned herself to never knowing the sort of passion to be found in the pages of the erotic novels she pens under the pseudonym “A Lady of Dubious Quality.” It’s incredibly risky; should she be exposed, the scandal would ruin her and her entire family – but for Sarah, writing is as essential to her as breathing and something which gives her life meaning. Only when she writes does she feel as though she’s truly the person she’s meant to be, even though it means she has to invent reasons for the amount of writing she does each day and face her mother’s constant disapproval.
We met Jeremy Cleland (and surely, his last name is an homage to John Cleland, author of the infamous Fanny Hill ) briefly in the previous book in the series, when he paid a visit to his cousin Cam, Viscount Marwood. Jeremy is the third son of the Earl of Hutton and has therefore been expected to make his own way in life, but only in the profession chosen for him by his autocratic father. As ordered, Jeremy entered the church and now possesses a small living in Devonshire, but of late he has become more and more frustrated with his situation. He doesn’t doubt his calling and enjoys helping people, but he finds village life somewhat limiting. But he is financially dependent on his father and, as he reluctantly admits, still asking “how high?” when the earl tells him to jump.
The Earl of Hutton is regarded – and regards himself – as the moral arbiter of society and has summoned Jeremy to London to discover the identity of the Lady of Dubious Quality, denouncing her as a vile scribbler whose immoral writings undermine the very fabric of English morality. Personally, Jeremy can’t see the harm in it, and in fact admires the author for the courage and determination she displays; but the earl will not be gainsaid and makes it very clear that he expects Jeremy to do exactly as he is told, or else.
Sarah knows she is living vicariously through her fictional creations, but the truth is that she has never met a man who induces the sort of desire in her that her fictional heroes induce in her heroines. But when she meets Jeremy, she experiences a real coup de foudre. There is an instant and almost overwhelming attraction between them, both of them sensing a kindred spirit and recognising that here is someone else who has to hide a naturally sensual nature beneath a surface veneer of utmost propriety. But a duke’s daughter and a country vicar can never be more than casual acquaintances, so they each try to resign themselves to that fact, even though it’s obvious to both of them and to the reader that they are perfect for one another. This could so easily have come across as a relationship built on insta-lust, but it is so much more than that; the depth of the emotional connection between the couple leaps off the page from their first encounter and the longing they feel for each other is palpable.
When Sarah learns that someone is close to discovering her identity, she realises that the best way to protect herself and her reputation is to marry… but there is only one man she could ever consider marrying and she knows that her family will object strongly to his lower station. But Sarah is of age, and doesn’t need her parent’s consent to wed; desire and fear of discover are strong inducements and she and Jeremy marry by special license.
The romance between the couple is full of smouldering sexual tension and is very well-written. Their first sexual experiences are both hot and suitably awkward; Jeremy isn’t a virgin, but is just about the closest thing to it there is. Fortunately though, with a bit of help from “The Highwayman’s Seduction” (which he of course, has no idea was written by his wife!) he is nonetheless able to show Sarah a damn good time on their wedding night *wink*. Jeremy is delighted with his wife’s willingness to be adventurous in the bedroom (and just about anywhere else!); indeed, they are both refreshingly open about that aspect of their marriage and their lack of experience is never an issue as they are happy to be learning together.
But while he is delighted at the openness and honesty between them, Sarah is all too aware of the secret she is keeping… clearly, there are some difficult choices looming.
Sarah and Jeremy are very engaging characters, and even though I had to suspend my disbelief somewhat at the idea of a sexually inexperienced woman being able to write convincing erotica, the author gets so much right in the story that it wasn’t difficult to do. She also addresses some interesting themes about the nature of writing – all three of the heroines in this series are authors by profession and by nature and all agree that not writing is completely unthinkable – and also about sex and romance when Sarah’s current project evolves into a story about a relationship and a romance. And with Jeremy as inspiration, I can’t say as I blame her, because he’s absolutely delicious-off-the-charts-sexy.
Together, he and Sarah both find the kind of freedom that comes with being able to be oneself with someone who understands them and treats them as an equal. Ms. Leigh writes with insight and wit, imbuing her story with a wonderful latent sensuality that is perfect for the subject matter; and all in all, Temptations of a Wallflower is a book I’m happy to recommend most strongly.
Having featured a female newspaper editor (Forever Your Earl) and a female playwright (Scandal Takes the Stage), this final book in Eva Leigh’s Wicked Quills of London , takes as its heroine the author of a number of highly successful erotic novels. Each of the books in this series has explored what it might have been like for women making their way in a man’s world and has taken an insightful look at the everyday prejudices they had to contend with simply because of their sex and their class. And Ms Leigh has wrapped all that up in some deliciously witty and sensual romances, matching each of the heroines with a hero who understands, appreciates and supports her unique talents.
Lady Sarah Frampton may be the daughter of a duke, but she’s firmly on the shelf, having refused numerous offers of marriage from men she knew only wanted her money. Known as “The Watching Wallflower”, she is frequently disparaged by the male members of the ton and has resigned herself to never knowing the sort of passion to be found in the pages of the erotic novels she pens under the pseudonym “A Lady of Dubious Quality.” It’s incredibly risky; should she be exposed, the scandal would ruin her and her entire family – but for Sarah, writing is as essential to her as breathing and something which gives her life meaning. Only when she writes does she feel as though she’s truly the person she’s meant to be, even though it means she has to invent reasons for the amount of writing she does each day and face her mother’s constant disapproval.
We met Jeremy Cleland (and surely, his last name is an homage to John Cleland, author of the infamous Fanny Hill ) briefly in the previous book in the series, when he paid a visit to his cousin Cam, Viscount Marwood. Jeremy is the third son of the Earl of Hutton and has therefore been expected to make his own way in life, but only in the profession chosen for him by his autocratic father. As ordered, Jeremy entered the church and now possesses a small living in Devonshire, but of late he has become more and more frustrated with his situation. He doesn’t doubt his calling and enjoys helping people, but he finds village life somewhat limiting. But he is financially dependent on his father and, as he reluctantly admits, still asking “how high?” when the earl tells him to jump.
The Earl of Hutton is regarded – and regards himself – as the moral arbiter of society and has summoned Jeremy to London to discover the identity of the Lady of Dubious Quality, denouncing her as a vile scribbler whose immoral writings undermine the very fabric of English morality. Personally, Jeremy can’t see the harm in it, and in fact admires the author for the courage and determination she displays; but the earl will not be gainsaid and makes it very clear that he expects Jeremy to do exactly as he is told, or else.
Sarah knows she is living vicariously through her fictional creations, but the truth is that she has never met a man who induces the sort of desire in her that her fictional heroes induce in her heroines. But when she meets Jeremy, she experiences a real coup de foudre. There is an instant and almost overwhelming attraction between them, both of them sensing a kindred spirit and recognising that here is someone else who has to hide a naturally sensual nature beneath a surface veneer of utmost propriety. But a duke’s daughter and a country vicar can never be more than casual acquaintances, so they each try to resign themselves to that fact, even though it’s obvious to both of them and to the reader that they are perfect for one another. This could so easily have come across as a relationship built on insta-lust, but it is so much more than that; the depth of the emotional connection between the couple leaps off the page from their first encounter and the longing they feel for each other is palpable.
When Sarah learns that someone is close to discovering her identity, she realises that the best way to protect herself and her reputation is to marry… but there is only one man she could ever consider marrying and she knows that her family will object strongly to his lower station. But Sarah is of age, and doesn’t need her parent’s consent to wed; desire and fear of discover are strong inducements and she and Jeremy marry by special license.
The romance between the couple is full of smouldering sexual tension and is very well-written. Their first sexual experiences are both hot and suitably awkward; Jeremy isn’t a virgin, but is just about the closest thing to it there is. Fortunately though, with a bit of help from “The Highwayman’s Seduction” (which he of course, has no idea was written by his wife!) he is nonetheless able to show Sarah a damn good time on their wedding night *wink*. Jeremy is delighted with his wife’s willingness to be adventurous in the bedroom (and just about anywhere else!); indeed, they are both refreshingly open about that aspect of their marriage and their lack of experience is never an issue as they are happy to be learning together.
But while he is delighted at the openness and honesty between them, Sarah is all too aware of the secret she is keeping… clearly, there are some difficult choices looming.
Sarah and Jeremy are very engaging characters, and even though I had to suspend my disbelief somewhat at the idea of a sexually inexperienced woman being able to write convincing erotica, the author gets so much right in the story that it wasn’t difficult to do. She also addresses some interesting themes about the nature of writing – all three of the heroines in this series are authors by profession and by nature and all agree that not writing is completely unthinkable – and also about sex and romance when Sarah’s current project evolves into a story about a relationship and a romance. And with Jeremy as inspiration, I can’t say as I blame her, because he’s absolutely delicious-off-the-charts-sexy.
Together, he and Sarah both find the kind of freedom that comes with being able to be oneself with someone who understands them and treats them as an equal. Ms. Leigh writes with insight and wit, imbuing her story with a wonderful latent sensuality that is perfect for the subject matter; and all in all, Temptations of a Wallflower is a book I’m happy to recommend most strongly.
July 4, 2016
2.5 stars
I was quite hesitant to read this book, because vicars have never held any appear for me.
I expected this…
And luckily enough, got this….
I did have a hard time rating this book, because although there were parts that I liked, there were things that didn’t work for me.
What I liked:
✔ Sarah, and the fact that she was a wallflower, who secretly writes erotica. I just love unconventional heroines.
✔ Jeremy, and how sexy and sweet he was.
✔ That we had two main characters, the wallflower and the vicar, who was supposed to be boring and prudish, but secretly yearned for passion and ….. sex ;-)
✔ The intense and instant connection between Jeremy and Sarah. They shouldn’t have had anything in common, she was a duke’s daughter, he the unimportant third son, but both have been forced to be someone they are not, and craved their freedom from the strict box society has placed them in.
✔ The sexy times between them. It was VERY steamy for an HR, and I loved it.
What I didn’t like
✖ Their encounter at the clandestine club, where everyone wore masks. I hated the fact that they kissed there, because they didn’t know that the person they were kissing was the person that they were so attracted to, and it felt like a betrayal, like cheating to me.
✖ The things Jeremy said to Sarah when he found out she was The Lady of Dubious Quality. I understood that he felt betrayed because she didn’t tell him, but the fact that he couldn’t understand how much writing meant to her, how it was a part of her, just infuriated me.
✖ I also hated that Jeremy didn’t at first support her being a writer, he actually allowed her to give it up because she believed that was the only way for them to be together. And it almost broke her giving it up, and he didn’t even realise that that was the reason she was so sad, so despondent. Ugh.
I loved the previous book very much, but although I did enjoy parts of this book, it didn’t work as well for me.
April 9, 2022
✨Me: I’m fine I’m like so fine.
Narrator: She snapped y’all she’s really unwell like she’s down bad, embarrassingly bad because this is a piece of fiction but she’s acting like the book personally dishonored her cow.✨
I am… grievously distressed. *Cracks knuckles* Let’s go girls. And all people not named Jeremy or Sarah. I’m sorry if your name is either Jeremy or Sarah, but for the duration of this review, I am morally opposed to anything resembling these two characters.
Now, you may ask, was it always like this? No, dear reader, it twasn’t. I enjoyed the beginning of this book and I really loved that Sarah was the Lady of Dubious Quality. I’ve read a few other Eva Leigh books that reference the naughty books and they’re always so fun. THIS book however was so not fun.
It all started to go downhill when they got married. For one, I was very confused they were getting married. It wasn’t a marriage of convenience (not really), so they just literally got married after like 1-2 kisses. (One of those kisses happened when they didn’t even know they were kissing each other.) However, it was still a little after 50% that this marriage occurred and there was still so much book left. These two were great big horn dogs so fucking did commence vigorously and happily. The sex was nice until they were both so wishy washy and disappointing that you realized the two of them didn’t deserve orgasms.
(Side note: It’s a whole thing but the reader understands why she wanted to get married so quickly and he is “righteously” affronted when he learns but this boy accepted the proposal on nothing more than minor attraction too. He can’t claim “ahhh you misled me” when it was clearly a marriage of like not love. I actually don’t believe they loved each other ever in this book. They were just horny. Which is relatable, but this a romance.)
While it was definitely time for them to bang, I just never felt their connection (pre or post coitus). The marriage was weird and by that point Jeremy was getting on my nerves. He also just really stuck it in and made her first time terrible. (He then got wise and used a Lady of Dubious quality book to inform his pleasuring skills—this is important, remember it.) So after the one terrible time, he was pounding her in every which way and fulfilling both of their repressed, horny wet dreams. I got over his initial selfishness in bed because he seemed hot and I’m pretty shallow. He was also a vicar, but a less stuffy one because he was cool with beating his meat and didn’t really wanna be a vicar in the first place. Again, seemingly hot girl shit. Well, the hot girl shit ended and turned into errand boy baby poop real fast.
1. He had major daddy issues. He could recognize that his father was a shit hole, but he still chose to do his bidding because 2. He couldn’t possibly rely on his wife’s dowry to support their family because 3. His big man pride wouldn’t be able to handle it (this is important, remember it) so he 4. Still decided to hunt down the Lady of Dubious Quality intent on ruining her life to save his pride and please his father, no matter the fact that 5. Jeremy dingled his pringle to those “morally corrupt” books and then used them to foster his sexual prowess and 6. Was so happy that Sarah didn’t judge him for reading the books and hoped that 7. Since she didn’t judge him then, she hopefully wouldn’t judge him for ruining the life and reputation of this writer they both read, even when 8. Sarah is like “bro you’re really fucked for searching her out just because your dad said to, like grow some shrubs on your bubs, you prune” but then 9. When Sarah says she will give up writing for him he’s like “bet” and is SO confused as to why she is now more depressed than ever (“How can my glorious, magical penis not make her happy????” He asks.) and he prays for the answer of what’s wrong with her rather than read the room, so it’s a very believable 10. When he is like it’s actually okay “keep writing your cute little books I just want you in my bed again” but doesn’t actually apologize for anything or grovel at all.
He constantly acted the morally superior hypocrite when he learned she was The Lady. He was like WoW YOu’RE sO PriDeFul YoU RIskeD yoUr REputATioN anD MY cUTe litTle lifE thAT My DaDDy GaVE mE juST sO YoU CouLD BE a CuTe LiTTLe WriTeR. He had the AUDACITY to call her prideful!!!! What the fuck!!! He was literally so angry for her lying to him but HE WAS ALSO A SNEAKY LIL SNEK. DID HE FORGET HE WAS ALSO AT THAT SEX DEN WHEN HE WAS ANGRY AT HER FOR NOT MENTIONING IT???? DONT REMEMBER YOU CONFESSING BUDDY BOY. DID HE FORGET HE WAS ALSO HIDING THE FACT THAT HE WAS HIS FATHER’S LACKEY??? Like yeah crazy she didn’t confess when you said you were literally trying to ruin the Lady’s life for nothing more than an allowance. Seriously so fucking sure.
1. No, Sarah doesn’t make this man do shit and 2. She blames herself multiple times and 3. Sacrifices way too much for this piece of excrement, with the main example being 4. SHE BURNED HER FUCKING MANUSCRIPT BECAUSE OF HIM. I still hate Jeremy more but Sarah really did not help herself until the very end and for me it was too little too late. However, I didn’t think her lies were worthy of Jeremy’s self-righteous drivel.
When she finally plucks up the courage to choose writing over him he’s all like “say what you wanna say then like don’t even care what at this point because then once you stop talking we will share a bed like we must share a bed I need you in my bed why would you possibly not want to be in my bed it’s such a nice bed I’m so nice why don’t you want nice things?”
As for the heat, there’s not too much sex in a “sex is bad” way but sex was always a bandaid for their problems and these 🤪cooky kids🤪 were attracted to each other but weren’t in love (you can’t convince me otherwise) and were a terrible pair and I didn’t want to see them fucking anymore because I hated them and they didn’t deserve orgasms.
Overall, every character sucked. Jeremy, Sarah, Jeremy’s parents, Sarah’s parents. The cousin wasn’t bad sorry cousin. I liked the premise but Jeremy was such a fucker. P.S. I don’t think I’ve cared about an epilogue less than this one. I’m just not convinced they ever actually loved each other. The sex was hot but they didn’t earn a 69.
⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶.5/5
Narrator: She snapped y’all she’s really unwell like she’s down bad, embarrassingly bad because this is a piece of fiction but she’s acting like the book personally dishonored her cow.✨
I am… grievously distressed. *Cracks knuckles* Let’s go girls. And all people not named Jeremy or Sarah. I’m sorry if your name is either Jeremy or Sarah, but for the duration of this review, I am morally opposed to anything resembling these two characters.
Now, you may ask, was it always like this? No, dear reader, it twasn’t. I enjoyed the beginning of this book and I really loved that Sarah was the Lady of Dubious Quality. I’ve read a few other Eva Leigh books that reference the naughty books and they’re always so fun. THIS book however was so not fun.
It all started to go downhill when they got married. For one, I was very confused they were getting married. It wasn’t a marriage of convenience (not really), so they just literally got married after like 1-2 kisses. (One of those kisses happened when they didn’t even know they were kissing each other.) However, it was still a little after 50% that this marriage occurred and there was still so much book left. These two were great big horn dogs so fucking did commence vigorously and happily. The sex was nice until they were both so wishy washy and disappointing that you realized the two of them didn’t deserve orgasms.
(Side note: It’s a whole thing but the reader understands why she wanted to get married so quickly and he is “righteously” affronted when he learns but this boy accepted the proposal on nothing more than minor attraction too. He can’t claim “ahhh you misled me” when it was clearly a marriage of like not love. I actually don’t believe they loved each other ever in this book. They were just horny. Which is relatable, but this a romance.)
While it was definitely time for them to bang, I just never felt their connection (pre or post coitus). The marriage was weird and by that point Jeremy was getting on my nerves. He also just really stuck it in and made her first time terrible. (He then got wise and used a Lady of Dubious quality book to inform his pleasuring skills—this is important, remember it.) So after the one terrible time, he was pounding her in every which way and fulfilling both of their repressed, horny wet dreams. I got over his initial selfishness in bed because he seemed hot and I’m pretty shallow. He was also a vicar, but a less stuffy one because he was cool with beating his meat and didn’t really wanna be a vicar in the first place. Again, seemingly hot girl shit. Well, the hot girl shit ended and turned into errand boy baby poop real fast.
1. He had major daddy issues. He could recognize that his father was a shit hole, but he still chose to do his bidding because 2. He couldn’t possibly rely on his wife’s dowry to support their family because 3. His big man pride wouldn’t be able to handle it (this is important, remember it) so he 4. Still decided to hunt down the Lady of Dubious Quality intent on ruining her life to save his pride and please his father, no matter the fact that 5. Jeremy dingled his pringle to those “morally corrupt” books and then used them to foster his sexual prowess and 6. Was so happy that Sarah didn’t judge him for reading the books and hoped that 7. Since she didn’t judge him then, she hopefully wouldn’t judge him for ruining the life and reputation of this writer they both read, even when 8. Sarah is like “bro you’re really fucked for searching her out just because your dad said to, like grow some shrubs on your bubs, you prune” but then 9. When Sarah says she will give up writing for him he’s like “bet” and is SO confused as to why she is now more depressed than ever (“How can my glorious, magical penis not make her happy????” He asks.) and he prays for the answer of what’s wrong with her rather than read the room, so it’s a very believable 10. When he is like it’s actually okay “keep writing your cute little books I just want you in my bed again” but doesn’t actually apologize for anything or grovel at all.
He constantly acted the morally superior hypocrite when he learned she was The Lady. He was like WoW YOu’RE sO PriDeFul YoU RIskeD yoUr REputATioN anD MY cUTe litTle lifE thAT My DaDDy GaVE mE juST sO YoU CouLD BE a CuTe LiTTLe WriTeR. He had the AUDACITY to call her prideful!!!! What the fuck!!! He was literally so angry for her lying to him but HE WAS ALSO A SNEAKY LIL SNEK. DID HE FORGET HE WAS ALSO AT THAT SEX DEN WHEN HE WAS ANGRY AT HER FOR NOT MENTIONING IT???? DONT REMEMBER YOU CONFESSING BUDDY BOY. DID HE FORGET HE WAS ALSO HIDING THE FACT THAT HE WAS HIS FATHER’S LACKEY??? Like yeah crazy she didn’t confess when you said you were literally trying to ruin the Lady’s life for nothing more than an allowance. Seriously so fucking sure.
1. No, Sarah doesn’t make this man do shit and 2. She blames herself multiple times and 3. Sacrifices way too much for this piece of excrement, with the main example being 4. SHE BURNED HER FUCKING MANUSCRIPT BECAUSE OF HIM. I still hate Jeremy more but Sarah really did not help herself until the very end and for me it was too little too late. However, I didn’t think her lies were worthy of Jeremy’s self-righteous drivel.
When she finally plucks up the courage to choose writing over him he’s all like “say what you wanna say then like don’t even care what at this point because then once you stop talking we will share a bed like we must share a bed I need you in my bed why would you possibly not want to be in my bed it’s such a nice bed I’m so nice why don’t you want nice things?”
As for the heat, there’s not too much sex in a “sex is bad” way but sex was always a bandaid for their problems and these 🤪cooky kids🤪 were attracted to each other but weren’t in love (you can’t convince me otherwise) and were a terrible pair and I didn’t want to see them fucking anymore because I hated them and they didn’t deserve orgasms.
Overall, every character sucked. Jeremy, Sarah, Jeremy’s parents, Sarah’s parents. The cousin wasn’t bad sorry cousin. I liked the premise but Jeremy was such a fucker. P.S. I don’t think I’ve cared about an epilogue less than this one. I’m just not convinced they ever actually loved each other. The sex was hot but they didn’t earn a 69.
⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶.5/5
November 8, 2025
Sorry but this story was not for me.
A virgin sex author in those days. Unbelievable.
An Earl sends his vicar son to investigate and find and stop her unbelievable.
Not a story to grab my interest.
A virgin sex author in those days. Unbelievable.
An Earl sends his vicar son to investigate and find and stop her unbelievable.
Not a story to grab my interest.
February 13, 2017
“Fulfillment was a lazy river moving through her. Up to now, she’d only understood sex as something two bodies engaged in as a means of shaping individual pleasure, of reaching climax for its own selfish purpose. But this...what they made together...defied her capacious imagination. Went far beyond whatever she had known, or believed she’d known. Pleasure led to emotion, and emotion led to pleasure. They fed each other, and it grew and grew until it was the size of the universe.
This, she realized, was love.”
4.5 stars!
Feels, feels and more FEELS pretty much sums up my experience reading Temptations of a Wallflower. I was actually really surprised by how much I ended up loving it. Mainly because the first two books of the series, while enjoyable, didn’t exactly wow me. But Sarah and Jeremy’s story dispelled any doubts I may have had about Eva Leigh’s writing. When she gets it right, it’s MAGIC. This one will definitely be staying with me for awhile.
In my opinion, Sarah was the heart and soul of the book. I loved the way her creative mind worked, how she saw a story in everything. Her passion for writing was all consuming and I felt everything she felt.
“My books aren’t foolish to me. Writing is who I am. I can’t not write. If I did, I’d cease to exist.”
Writing gave Sarah purpose, direction and confidence, things she sorely lacked in her everyday life. I thought the sections where Sarah described in depth, whether inwardly or outwardly, why writing was so important to her very well done and touched me on a deeper level that I was not expecting. The way that she found power and strength in doing what she loved made her a very easy character to love and she’s become one of my new favorite heroines.
I came to love Jeremy a great deal as well. He was a refreshingly open minded type of hero, especially for a modest vicar, who respected and valued Sarah just as she was. Even later on, when her secret identity is revealed, he didn’t belittle her work and actually ASKED to understand why writing erotic novels was so important to her. He eventually comes to see that Sarah’s writing makes up so much of who she is as a person and that without it, she would not be the woman he had fallen in love with.
“She’d made her choice. That choice wasn’t him. Yet he knew that it was the right one. She needed to be herself, entirely. Not to pretend or cut off a limb just to prove something to him or to assuage his pride. This was the woman he’d come to care about so deeply. The one with conviction. Who knew what she wanted and took it.”
Sarah and Jeremy’s relationship progressed so beautifully over the course of the book. Theirs started out as an unlikely meeting of the minds that quickly blossomed into a friendship, followed by intense lust and deepened even more into what I felt was believable and very genuine love. I think it helped that they were so alike, kindred spirits in a sense. Both were similarly stifled, seemingly trapped by their privileged but empty circumstances and forced to suppress their yearning desires and truest selves. It was only after finding each other that they really began to open up and free themselves from their gilded cages. Of course, neither of them were perfect and as a couple they faced many obstacles (i.e. Sarah’s dishonesty, Jeremy’s inability to stand up to his father, their different class stations) but they were ultimately more together than they were apart.
Another aspect I really loved about the book was its celebration of sex and the romance genre. I know that may sound strange because don’t all romance novels do that? But Eva Leigh took it even further. She faced the main criticisms hurled at romance novels and authors alike head on and answered them all in kind.
“Sarah’s stories celebrated the earthy, joyous part of life and left it to that. No need to worry about practicalities or how her characters would go on for the rest of their lives. No, she happily wrote about sex, knowing that her readers would get to enjoy themselves whenever they picked up one of her books, leaving the cares of the mundane world behind, if only for a few hours.”
THAT’S IT. THAT’S WHY I ENJOY READING ROMANCE. If I ever get asked again why I read romance, I will be directing them to this quote, or really this entire book, in the future.
It was also wonderful to have characters discover the joys and wonders of sex portrayed in such a positive light. Sarah and Jeremy’s first time together was not perfect. Inexperienced Jeremy’s wonder peen did not magically induce virgin Sarah to orgasm on command. NOPE. And instead of pouting or brooding over the lackluster experience, they TALKED about it and tried other things until they found what worked for them and most importantly of all, THEY HAD FUN. Because, in case it wasn’t obvious, it’s okay to openly discuss and enjoy sex, whatever your preference may be, without fear or shame.
I cannot recommend this book highly enough to anyone and everyone who enjoys smartly written romances featuring sweetheart couples. Did I mention that there were scenes involving erotic art and a secret sex club? GO READ NOW!!!
August 9, 2019
4/5 stars.
Re-read : The writing is still beautiful, the characters well defined and the conflicts well placed. Wonderful read, once again.
Also holy hell it's hot!
First time reading Eva Leigh, I did not expect to like this book but the premise intrigued me.
I loved the lack of melodrama and theatricals in the love story. I love that the MC's spoke to each other in times of conflict and didn't make stupid, childish and impulsive decisions.
Trully brilliant. And also, hella hot.
Re-read : The writing is still beautiful, the characters well defined and the conflicts well placed. Wonderful read, once again.
Also holy hell it's hot!
First time reading Eva Leigh, I did not expect to like this book but the premise intrigued me.
I loved the lack of melodrama and theatricals in the love story. I love that the MC's spoke to each other in times of conflict and didn't make stupid, childish and impulsive decisions.
Trully brilliant. And also, hella hot.
November 13, 2016
4.5 "The Vicar and the Duke's Daughter With A Secret Wild Side" Stars for the story and narration!
Source: Library-loan.
Source: Library-loan.
September 20, 2025
ooo i really enjoyed the set up for this. lady sarah, while the daughter of a duke, is not one for the social scene. but little does the ton know that this shy wallflower is the woman behind the nefarious and scandalous eroticas, pen name the lady of dubious quality.
the third son of a controlling earl, jeremy is now a vicar who seeks to uncover this lady of dubious quality at his father's urging in order to get his agency back. but as he searches, he meets the demure lady sarah and starts to fall for her - having no idea that she is exactly who he's been looking for, in more ways than one.
i didn't realize this was another vicar mmc when i started and while i normally don't like mmc's of the faith, jeremy isn't really quite of that mold. he was pressured into the career and while he does a great job at being a community leader he doesn't have the prudishness or piety many religious figures do. so in short, he was fine by me lol.
lady sarah was likable and while i think some readers will be frustrated by her choices in the latter half, they're understandable to me. i think she really finds herself through this book.
also the masked club scene was fun, i kind of love how they both felt so guilty even tho not much transpired there.
the third son of a controlling earl, jeremy is now a vicar who seeks to uncover this lady of dubious quality at his father's urging in order to get his agency back. but as he searches, he meets the demure lady sarah and starts to fall for her - having no idea that she is exactly who he's been looking for, in more ways than one.
i didn't realize this was another vicar mmc when i started and while i normally don't like mmc's of the faith, jeremy isn't really quite of that mold. he was pressured into the career and while he does a great job at being a community leader he doesn't have the prudishness or piety many religious figures do. so in short, he was fine by me lol.
lady sarah was likable and while i think some readers will be frustrated by her choices in the latter half, they're understandable to me. i think she really finds herself through this book.
also the masked club scene was fun, i kind of love how they both felt so guilty even tho not much transpired there.
June 3, 2016
"I wanted everything. To write, and to love you. My books aren't foolish to me. Writing is who I am. I can't not write. If I did, I'd cease to exist."
"She'd made her choice. that choice wasn't him. Yet he knew that it was the right one. She needed to be herself, entirely. Not to pretend or cut off a limb just to prove something to him or to assuage his pride. This was the woman he'd come to care about so deeply. the one with conviction. who knew what she wanted and took it."
Loved this! I initially thought this was going to be a marriage of convenience from the synopsis and it was one of the times I was happily proven wrong because the way they ended up married was much nicer. This book flowed much more smoothly than Eva Leigh's previous two books, and it shows a definite progression in her writing. There's a confidence and sureness in her writing and the way she executes the characters and their development. It was an utter delight to read from start to finish.
Jeremy and Sarah were extremely likable characters--- I never need my characters to be likable, but the fact of the matter is, Jeremy and Sarah were just such good, decent people. I've been on a roll reading a string of non asshole beta heroes, and I really like the change. I mean, I still do enjoy and love my arrogant bossy alphas but it's REALLY nice reading beta heroes tbh.
Jeremy was absolutely lovely? He was open minded and caring, and sweet and adorable and was also a volcano in bed (not the first time but everytime after that!). I liked that he was also unsure of himself, and sought to truly put Sarah's happiness first through his actions. Like I don't think he ever really said it besides to her father, but he really showed it how much he wanted her to be happy and how much he cared about her.
Sarah was also great. Sarah, out of all the previous Leigh heroines in this series, was the one I really identified with and I thought felt the most fully formed out of all the Wicked Quills ladies. Reading her explanations of her journey towards becoming an anonymous erotica writer was such a thrill, on why she wrote and why she did what she did. And I think anyone who writes can identify with it.
"My early writing efforts strived hard to be significant... I loved to write but hadn't done it well. Not until I penned my own erotic novel. And then I found myself. My voice, at last. Here it was, all this time, but I'd needed to find the right subject."
Eva Leigh puts in some much needed commentary about the still pervading sexual imbalance of power between men and women, than men are supposed to know everything and women are not, and puts it in Sarah and feelings about her writing. "If we women had as much knowledge as men, it makes us both stronger. It doesn't take away power-- it adds to it." There's also some meta commentary about the romance genre in the entire book and how it's been seen from being immoral to frivolous and Jeremy helpfully states that "There's nothing wrong with a little escape. And there's certainly nothing at fault with teaching someone how to hope for a better life."
I loved how part of the last act of the novel was the arc where both Sarah and Jeremy needed to see how much writing meant to Sarah, that the writing WAS HER. She was the writing. And that for Jeremy, he had to see that Sarah shouldn't have to choose between the writing and him. That the writing was her, and she should always choose herself first.
I'm thankful for this book and I can't wait to re read to see if it makes it into my favorites list. Jeremy and Sarah definitely make it to my favorite heroes and heroines list!
June 20, 2022
2019 read : 5 stars
2020 read : 4.5 stars
2022 read: 3.5 stars
2020 review:
I did not like the first few chapters as it felt boring and they were attracted to one another because of insta lust. But as they bonded as a married couple, the story got so much better. I liked how they tried to overcome their difficulties and had trouble with them as a couple. It was a hard decision that affected their relationship with one another and i liked that they made the correct decision in the end. As much as I enjoyed this book, the end didn’t feel enough. It would have been perfect if we had seen Sarah & Jeremy reconcile with their parents and possible children for the 3 couples in this series.
2022 review:
now, i enjoyed this more than i enjoyed the 1st and 2nd book of the series. while i am a sucker for convenient marriages, the fact that jeremy and sarah belonged well together made this book a better one in my eyes. they were both innocent on the outside, yet not so innocent on the inside. it was nice seeing them bond before and after their marriage. it was quite obvious that they were so much in love and i just enjoyed seeing them not being able to keep their hands off of each other most of the time. i could really feel the pain the both of them experienced after jeremy found out about sarah's secret which led to them separating for a period of time. i thought eva leigh did that very well.
i did not skim this book as much as i did skim the previous 2 books in this series. i was engrossed in the story, and liked the hero's and heroine's interactions. conversations may have been a bit dull, but it wasn't very bad. alas, it would have been nice to see sarah actually expose herself to the world about her being the author. i wonder what they would have done to overcome that situation. sadly, the epilogue didn't cover any children the 3 couples had or not.
2020 read : 4.5 stars
2022 read: 3.5 stars
2020 review:
I did not like the first few chapters as it felt boring and they were attracted to one another because of insta lust. But as they bonded as a married couple, the story got so much better. I liked how they tried to overcome their difficulties and had trouble with them as a couple. It was a hard decision that affected their relationship with one another and i liked that they made the correct decision in the end. As much as I enjoyed this book, the end didn’t feel enough. It would have been perfect if we had seen Sarah & Jeremy reconcile with their parents and possible children for the 3 couples in this series.
2022 review:
now, i enjoyed this more than i enjoyed the 1st and 2nd book of the series. while i am a sucker for convenient marriages, the fact that jeremy and sarah belonged well together made this book a better one in my eyes. they were both innocent on the outside, yet not so innocent on the inside. it was nice seeing them bond before and after their marriage. it was quite obvious that they were so much in love and i just enjoyed seeing them not being able to keep their hands off of each other most of the time. i could really feel the pain the both of them experienced after jeremy found out about sarah's secret which led to them separating for a period of time. i thought eva leigh did that very well.
i did not skim this book as much as i did skim the previous 2 books in this series. i was engrossed in the story, and liked the hero's and heroine's interactions. conversations may have been a bit dull, but it wasn't very bad. alas, it would have been nice to see sarah actually expose herself to the world about her being the author. i wonder what they would have done to overcome that situation. sadly, the epilogue didn't cover any children the 3 couples had or not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 2, 2016
Full review at Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
Temptations of a Wallflower is out now and it’s just as good as I’d hoped. It’s a very meta story–a romance novel about the importance of romance novels and women having the language and ability to discuss their sexuality–but it’s also just an enjoyable read.
The conflict in this novel comes in two forms: 1. Jeremy is beneath Sarah socially making it impossible for them to be together and 2. Sarah can’t tell Jeremy that she secretly writes erotic novels. Honestly, I’d read a book where a vicar and a duke’s daughter fall in love but can’t marry because of station even without the secret author conflict.
There’s a really interesting exploration of the characters’ sexuality that goes on in this book. Sarah is a virgin, but she’s read enough “French novels” to write about sex in detail. Jeremy has only had sex once before. Both of them are inexperienced, but they still want rich sexual lives. Neither of them is uneducated or naïve. When they do have sex, it’s not perfect the first time, but it improves. Jeremy uses techniques that he learned from Sarah’s novels (although he doesn’t know they are hers) to bring her to orgasm. They also talk a lot, and communication about needs and desires is a huge part of this book. It was such an interesting departure from the rake who is good in bed because he’s smexed eleventy billion women. I’d rather read about a beta-hero who did some studying to learn his technique, quite frankly.
Temptations of a Wallflower is very very sexy (people talking openly about sex and finding what works for them together is sexy) and it’s also very smart. There were a few things I still wanted. Overall, I found the third book in the Wicked Quills of London series to be eminently readable and very hot, and I highly recommend it.
- Elyse
Temptations of a Wallflower is out now and it’s just as good as I’d hoped. It’s a very meta story–a romance novel about the importance of romance novels and women having the language and ability to discuss their sexuality–but it’s also just an enjoyable read.
The conflict in this novel comes in two forms: 1. Jeremy is beneath Sarah socially making it impossible for them to be together and 2. Sarah can’t tell Jeremy that she secretly writes erotic novels. Honestly, I’d read a book where a vicar and a duke’s daughter fall in love but can’t marry because of station even without the secret author conflict.
There’s a really interesting exploration of the characters’ sexuality that goes on in this book. Sarah is a virgin, but she’s read enough “French novels” to write about sex in detail. Jeremy has only had sex once before. Both of them are inexperienced, but they still want rich sexual lives. Neither of them is uneducated or naïve. When they do have sex, it’s not perfect the first time, but it improves. Jeremy uses techniques that he learned from Sarah’s novels (although he doesn’t know they are hers) to bring her to orgasm. They also talk a lot, and communication about needs and desires is a huge part of this book. It was such an interesting departure from the rake who is good in bed because he’s smexed eleventy billion women. I’d rather read about a beta-hero who did some studying to learn his technique, quite frankly.
Temptations of a Wallflower is very very sexy (people talking openly about sex and finding what works for them together is sexy) and it’s also very smart. There were a few things I still wanted. Overall, I found the third book in the Wicked Quills of London series to be eminently readable and very hot, and I highly recommend it.
- Elyse
December 31, 2024
Duke's daughter Lady Sarah Frampton is a wallflower. But beneath the quiet surface, Sarah actually writes erotic novels under the pseudonym “A Lady of Dubious Quality.” Vicar Jeremy Cleland's father is a commanding pious figure in society, and he tasks Jeremy with unmasking the scandalous author. Sarah knows she'll be ruined if she's exposed and an unlikely union with the clergyman might be both a lifeline and artistic inspiration.
This is the third book in the Wicked Quills of London series. The other books' couples make brief appearances, but this can be read alone.
This is my favorite Eva Leigh book and a frequent reread! Sarah isn't afraid of her sexuality and continues to write her novels - even though she fears exposure - because when she writes she can be herself. Jeremy really doesn't care about his father's obsession with outing "the author" and is in fact a lover of the stories himself. When they come together, their interactions are unbelievable sexy. It wasn't *just* the sex that I liked, but there sure is a lot of it. Sarah wants to role play and try all kinds of positions...she isn't shy about it and Jeremy can't believe his luck. Leigh is an engaging writer and I love her fun, steamy style.
Tropes: Vicar, Wallflower
Steam: 5
This is the third book in the Wicked Quills of London series. The other books' couples make brief appearances, but this can be read alone.
This is my favorite Eva Leigh book and a frequent reread! Sarah isn't afraid of her sexuality and continues to write her novels - even though she fears exposure - because when she writes she can be herself. Jeremy really doesn't care about his father's obsession with outing "the author" and is in fact a lover of the stories himself. When they come together, their interactions are unbelievable sexy. It wasn't *just* the sex that I liked, but there sure is a lot of it. Sarah wants to role play and try all kinds of positions...she isn't shy about it and Jeremy can't believe his luck. Leigh is an engaging writer and I love her fun, steamy style.
Tropes: Vicar, Wallflower
Steam: 5
May 7, 2020
I saw Eva talking about this one on social media and was instantly intrigued.
I loved Sarah and Jeremy. I loved their instant connection and how they were able to talk with each other. Both of them are such good people, it was easy to root for them. I sort of dropped myself into this series, but I liked what I saw of the other couples.
Plot wise, it was mostly good. I enjoyed seeing them settle into a marriage and was surprised at how it came to be. After a while, the “finding the Lady” thread became repetitive and boring. I didn’t care for how either of them acted towards each other once the info came out. I wanted to shake them until they had a real conversation.
Overall, it was a quick read and I wanted loads more from the epilogue, but I loved these characters and will definitely be looking to the other books.
I loved Sarah and Jeremy. I loved their instant connection and how they were able to talk with each other. Both of them are such good people, it was easy to root for them. I sort of dropped myself into this series, but I liked what I saw of the other couples.
Plot wise, it was mostly good. I enjoyed seeing them settle into a marriage and was surprised at how it came to be. After a while, the “finding the Lady” thread became repetitive and boring. I didn’t care for how either of them acted towards each other once the info came out. I wanted to shake them until they had a real conversation.
Overall, it was a quick read and I wanted loads more from the epilogue, but I loved these characters and will definitely be looking to the other books.
October 1, 2022
Trigger warnings: slut shaming, bullying.
30/9/2022
This was an absolute delight and I stand by everything I said last time - it's definitely my favourite of the trilogy, especially after reading all three books back to back.
2/3/2020
This was definitely my favourite of the trilogy, but I can understand why others didn't like it as much as the other two. Lady Sarah is a delightful lead, and I loved the fact that she's secretly writing smut (and hugely popular smut at that!). I really liked having a vicar as a love interest, and Jeremy is an adorably awkward turtle for the majority of the book.
I really loved the romance between the two of them, and that things between them aren't all fireworks all the time. Basically, this was cute and fun and I liked the couple involved and the way the plot played out. Also . This is definitely one of the smuttier historical romances I've read, and I loved that it's this smutty when it has a virginal lady and the vicar she loves as the leads.
30/9/2022
This was an absolute delight and I stand by everything I said last time - it's definitely my favourite of the trilogy, especially after reading all three books back to back.
2/3/2020
This was definitely my favourite of the trilogy, but I can understand why others didn't like it as much as the other two. Lady Sarah is a delightful lead, and I loved the fact that she's secretly writing smut (and hugely popular smut at that!). I really liked having a vicar as a love interest, and Jeremy is an adorably awkward turtle for the majority of the book.
I really loved the romance between the two of them, and that things between them aren't all fireworks all the time. Basically, this was cute and fun and I liked the couple involved and the way the plot played out. Also . This is definitely one of the smuttier historical romances I've read, and I loved that it's this smutty when it has a virginal lady and the vicar she loves as the leads.
August 16, 2017
4 Stars
Temptations of a Wallflower is the conclusion to the Wicked Quills of London trilogy which focuses on women writers. So far, the books have featured a gossip newspaper owner and a playwright. Now the focus shifts to Lady Sarah Frampton who is known by society as the Watching Wallflower for her tendency to just sit back and observe at events. But, what the ton doesn't know is that Sarah secretly writes popular erotic stories under the pseudonym The Lady of Dubious Quality. Sarah feels content with her life until she begins to suspect that someone is trying to figure out her true identity which happens at the same time that she meets vicar Jeremy Cleland, cousin to the hero of Scandal Takes the Stage.
The whole premise of this book made me happy. I love the intriguing pairing of a vicar and a wallflower who writes erotic fiction. Of course, there is much more to both Sarah and Jeremy than those initial impressions, but talk about a way to grab a reader's attention! Sarah is a spinster who only feels like she is her true self when she is writing especially about sexual escapades. The only thing that makes her wary is the fact that she knows her secret will ruin her and her family. Jeremy is a kindly vicar who was pushed into the work by his father. He enjoys helping people, but often feels restrained by his obligations and his responsibility as a role model.
When Sarah and Jeremy meet, it is obvious that they have an attraction. Both of them see something that the rest of society (and even their families) don't see. They take advantage of this and quickly become friends. Eventually Sarah finds herself in a potentially scandalous situation so they decide to get married and both believe that love is in their future. Of course their blissfully happy life gets turned upside down when it comes to Sarah's secret life and the fact that Jeremy was initially brought to London by his father to hunt down The Lady of Dubious Quality. This causes some obvious strife that shows that maybe they didn't know each other enough after all.
Temptations of a Wallflower puts a strong emphasis on sex and its place in society. Sarah is an inexperienced woman who is interested in it and wants to experience it for herself. Jeremy is in a position where he feels like he must uphold a strong moral compass though that doesn't exactly jive with his lust-filled mind especially after he meets Sarah. I loved the way that the author depicted the trouble of wanting things sexually, but not being able to express those desires for fear of scorn. There is no shame depicted in the sexual encounters between Sarah and Jeremy. Both of them learn to work with each other and take charge of getting what they want. I applaud the author for this timely subplot and for giving it the respect it deserves.
The only quibble I had with this book was the handling of the reveal of Sarah's identity and what Jeremy was really doing in London. These issues were an important part of the story and provided the necessary conflict, but I felt like it took too long. I completely understood both characters' hesitations and their initial reactions. It worked well for their character development. I guess it felt like it just happened so late in the book that the resolution had to be rushed.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed Temptations of a Wallflower and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it or the prequels (Forever Your Earl and Scandal Takes the Stage). The characters blew me away in their complexity and development while the romance was enchanting. There is something to be said about having two likable, mature people finding someone perfect for them when they least expected it. That is one thing I enjoy about reading romance and I definitely found it in this book.
I received an eARC of this book from Avon via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Temptations of a Wallflower is the conclusion to the Wicked Quills of London trilogy which focuses on women writers. So far, the books have featured a gossip newspaper owner and a playwright. Now the focus shifts to Lady Sarah Frampton who is known by society as the Watching Wallflower for her tendency to just sit back and observe at events. But, what the ton doesn't know is that Sarah secretly writes popular erotic stories under the pseudonym The Lady of Dubious Quality. Sarah feels content with her life until she begins to suspect that someone is trying to figure out her true identity which happens at the same time that she meets vicar Jeremy Cleland, cousin to the hero of Scandal Takes the Stage.
The whole premise of this book made me happy. I love the intriguing pairing of a vicar and a wallflower who writes erotic fiction. Of course, there is much more to both Sarah and Jeremy than those initial impressions, but talk about a way to grab a reader's attention! Sarah is a spinster who only feels like she is her true self when she is writing especially about sexual escapades. The only thing that makes her wary is the fact that she knows her secret will ruin her and her family. Jeremy is a kindly vicar who was pushed into the work by his father. He enjoys helping people, but often feels restrained by his obligations and his responsibility as a role model.
When Sarah and Jeremy meet, it is obvious that they have an attraction. Both of them see something that the rest of society (and even their families) don't see. They take advantage of this and quickly become friends. Eventually Sarah finds herself in a potentially scandalous situation so they decide to get married and both believe that love is in their future. Of course their blissfully happy life gets turned upside down when it comes to Sarah's secret life and the fact that Jeremy was initially brought to London by his father to hunt down The Lady of Dubious Quality. This causes some obvious strife that shows that maybe they didn't know each other enough after all.
Temptations of a Wallflower puts a strong emphasis on sex and its place in society. Sarah is an inexperienced woman who is interested in it and wants to experience it for herself. Jeremy is in a position where he feels like he must uphold a strong moral compass though that doesn't exactly jive with his lust-filled mind especially after he meets Sarah. I loved the way that the author depicted the trouble of wanting things sexually, but not being able to express those desires for fear of scorn. There is no shame depicted in the sexual encounters between Sarah and Jeremy. Both of them learn to work with each other and take charge of getting what they want. I applaud the author for this timely subplot and for giving it the respect it deserves.
The only quibble I had with this book was the handling of the reveal of Sarah's identity and what Jeremy was really doing in London. These issues were an important part of the story and provided the necessary conflict, but I felt like it took too long. I completely understood both characters' hesitations and their initial reactions. It worked well for their character development. I guess it felt like it just happened so late in the book that the resolution had to be rushed.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed Temptations of a Wallflower and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it or the prequels (Forever Your Earl and Scandal Takes the Stage). The characters blew me away in their complexity and development while the romance was enchanting. There is something to be said about having two likable, mature people finding someone perfect for them when they least expected it. That is one thing I enjoy about reading romance and I definitely found it in this book.
I received an eARC of this book from Avon via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
September 25, 2016
2.5 Stars
It's a bit too long wound and overly dramatic for me
While I did enjoy some parts of the writing others felt too flowery and constructed. Then there are very beautiful moments I absolutely loved.
I liked the plot well enough but again there were parts I didn't like.
I love how they got to know each other- even if it was total insta it was also slow. I know this is a romance and all that ,so it's quite light hearted- but the end? It kinda annoyed me, what's the message here? What about finding compromises? The parents were way to black and white for my taste. What about the mothers? So basically find your true love and then you will be able to become who you wanna be and screw the rest of the world?
In fact there are so many extreme views in this -like with the writing. Everything is all or nothing, no compromise whatsoever ever - as I said too dramatic for me
The character building feels similar as in that it is full of extreme. The two MCs are really well done. The are complex and interesting. But the support cast are completely black and white. Either they are this are awesome wonderful supportive people or they are mean, short-sighted and selfish. They kinda there to help with the story, but don't particularly feel like real characters.
Basically while I think this is well written and some parts were enjoyable, it also left me annoyed and at times felt more like a chore to read. So I am totally divided. Which leaves me wondering about rating, again. Truly I do believe most people who enjoy historical romances will adore this. It just didn't quite work for me. So while well written and entertaining, it's only 2.5Stars. Because in the end IMO for something to be good, I should like the writing style find plot and character building ok but most of all I should have enjoyed reading it.
It's a bit too long wound and overly dramatic for me
While I did enjoy some parts of the writing others felt too flowery and constructed. Then there are very beautiful moments I absolutely loved.
I liked the plot well enough but again there were parts I didn't like.
I love how they got to know each other- even if it was total insta it was also slow. I know this is a romance and all that ,so it's quite light hearted- but the end? It kinda annoyed me, what's the message here? What about finding compromises? The parents were way to black and white for my taste. What about the mothers? So basically find your true love and then you will be able to become who you wanna be and screw the rest of the world?
In fact there are so many extreme views in this -like with the writing. Everything is all or nothing, no compromise whatsoever ever - as I said too dramatic for me
The character building feels similar as in that it is full of extreme. The two MCs are really well done. The are complex and interesting. But the support cast are completely black and white. Either they are this are awesome wonderful supportive people or they are mean, short-sighted and selfish. They kinda there to help with the story, but don't particularly feel like real characters.
Basically while I think this is well written and some parts were enjoyable, it also left me annoyed and at times felt more like a chore to read. So I am totally divided. Which leaves me wondering about rating, again. Truly I do believe most people who enjoy historical romances will adore this. It just didn't quite work for me. So while well written and entertaining, it's only 2.5Stars. Because in the end IMO for something to be good, I should like the writing style find plot and character building ok but most of all I should have enjoyed reading it.
April 2, 2021
Temptations of a Wallflower is a first time read by this new author to this reader. Well what can I say about this book. You take a Watching Wallflower who writes very erotic stories and pair her with a third son of a duke who is a vicar who is slowing not liking what he does and who keeps the heroines stories under lock and key and you have the makings of a what I thought a very interesting story.
Well both characters are loveable and who are willing to fall in love if they found the right person. Its just that both have secrets they need to breakthrough and need each other to do it. I was not a fan of the overkill of the intimacy scenes as that could have been kept to a minimum. I think the story would have been a bit better if not for that. Sometime little is better than too much. I didn't also care for the the hero's father who seems to placate his son with either cutting him off financially or helping him financially if he does his bidding. In those instances, I was looking for the hero to be a bit bolder and take a stance against his father an uncle who seem to believe that the hero doesn't have anything better to do but be a vicar and is not relevant to them unless they get something out of it.
I can say that I was glad the story had a HEA for both the H/h. I would like to try this author again. 2.5 stars (rounded to 3 Stars).
Well both characters are loveable and who are willing to fall in love if they found the right person. Its just that both have secrets they need to breakthrough and need each other to do it. I was not a fan of the overkill of the intimacy scenes as that could have been kept to a minimum. I think the story would have been a bit better if not for that. Sometime little is better than too much. I didn't also care for the the hero's father who seems to placate his son with either cutting him off financially or helping him financially if he does his bidding. In those instances, I was looking for the hero to be a bit bolder and take a stance against his father an uncle who seem to believe that the hero doesn't have anything better to do but be a vicar and is not relevant to them unless they get something out of it.
I can say that I was glad the story had a HEA for both the H/h. I would like to try this author again. 2.5 stars (rounded to 3 Stars).
May 3, 2016
DNF at about 75% in. That's kind of unheard of for me. I mean, why not just finish it at this point?
Because I'm bored...to death. This book has been hanging over my head for days, when I usually finish a good book within 48 hours. I feel almost bad giving it 2 stars, because it's not horribly written. The characters are likable. But everything is so bland. You'd think a story about a duke's daughter secretly writing erotic stories and the vicar who's trying to find her out would be really fun-- but not in this case. Sarah and Jeremy come off as a perfectly fine pair who should probably be secondary characters in a better book and no more, because there's just not enough to explore there. And at this point, the whole revelation about her authorship has been way too long in coming and I just want to exit this ride before I waste more hours of my life.
Because I'm bored...to death. This book has been hanging over my head for days, when I usually finish a good book within 48 hours. I feel almost bad giving it 2 stars, because it's not horribly written. The characters are likable. But everything is so bland. You'd think a story about a duke's daughter secretly writing erotic stories and the vicar who's trying to find her out would be really fun-- but not in this case. Sarah and Jeremy come off as a perfectly fine pair who should probably be secondary characters in a better book and no more, because there's just not enough to explore there. And at this point, the whole revelation about her authorship has been way too long in coming and I just want to exit this ride before I waste more hours of my life.
January 2, 2018
Well, I really didn't like it.
Hero was a hypocritical bag of shit who in no way deserved the heroine. He has no perspective on himself, all his lying and manipulation... and he never gets it. He simply condescends to accept the heroine.
And the heroine was a spineless bowl of jelly, who should have kicked that judgmental asshole to the curb.
*1.5 stars*
Hero was a hypocritical bag of shit who in no way deserved the heroine. He has no perspective on himself, all his lying and manipulation... and he never gets it. He simply condescends to accept the heroine.
And the heroine was a spineless bowl of jelly, who should have kicked that judgmental asshole to the curb.
*1.5 stars*
July 30, 2020
Temptations of a Wallflower follows two characters we have briefly met before, Lady Sarah Frampton and Jeremy Cleland. Jeremy is the cousin of Lord Marwood, and a vicar, and when he last met with his cousin, he was given a book by the renowned erotic author, The Lady of Dubious Quality. He shouldn't have been as engrossed in the books as he was, especially considering his father received his earldom because of his morality, and with his place in the church. His father, Lord Hutton, recalls Jeremy to London, and gives him an ultimatum - he must find The Lady of Dubious Quality, and expose her, or he will lose his allowance and have to survive on his small living. No one has ever been able to discover her identity, but Jeremy must do so, or be cut off. Lady Sarah Frampton is the Watching Wallflower, the daughter of a duke who has never found anyone she wants to spend her life with. Her parents have always despaired over her love of writing, and stopped her from becoming a 'bluestocking' by forcing her into society, even when she doesn't want to. Little do they know, but she has been writing prolifically, for years, and actually is The Lady of Dubious Quality. If anyone discovered she is The Lady, she would be ruined, but she needs her writing to live, to give her purpose. When she meets Jeremy at a garden party, even with their wholly different social status, they are drawn to one another, and soon feelings develop. And when Sarah realises someone is searching for the Lady, she asks Jeremy to marry her, in a way to give her some protection, but still keeps her secrets. Will Jeremy's search reveal his wife is in fact the Lady he's looking for, and how will the revelation affect their marriage?
To say that Eva's books have quickly become some favourites of mine would be an understatement. In each book she writes, there are fantastic characters and relationships, amazing plot lines, and engaging language. Sarah and Jeremy in this book were, on paper, so very different, but together they were wonderful, and true, and could be real with each other. Even though Jeremy was the son of an Earl, he was the third son, and had been forced into the church, even though it wasn't for him. He enjoyed his work, but it didn't fulfil him like he would've wanted, but with Sarah he felt more like the real Jeremy. Also, he developed a backbone after meeting Sarah, starting to go against his father and stand up for himself, rather than relenting to his wishes. Sarah did the same, too. Her mother, in particular, was adamant about the way her daughter should behave, and forced her to attend events with people who should be her 'friends', but wanted to see her fall. The scene at the gallery was one of my favourites, where both Sarah and Jeremy, together, defied the expectations of those around them, and it was the first real moment we could see their affection blossom. Of course, there were moments of angst and despair, but I enjoyed the way Eva wrote it so that when it was overcome, they were stronger together, and could fit anything head on. All three of The Wicked Quills of London books were beautiful, and I can't wait to start Eva's next series!
To say that Eva's books have quickly become some favourites of mine would be an understatement. In each book she writes, there are fantastic characters and relationships, amazing plot lines, and engaging language. Sarah and Jeremy in this book were, on paper, so very different, but together they were wonderful, and true, and could be real with each other. Even though Jeremy was the son of an Earl, he was the third son, and had been forced into the church, even though it wasn't for him. He enjoyed his work, but it didn't fulfil him like he would've wanted, but with Sarah he felt more like the real Jeremy. Also, he developed a backbone after meeting Sarah, starting to go against his father and stand up for himself, rather than relenting to his wishes. Sarah did the same, too. Her mother, in particular, was adamant about the way her daughter should behave, and forced her to attend events with people who should be her 'friends', but wanted to see her fall. The scene at the gallery was one of my favourites, where both Sarah and Jeremy, together, defied the expectations of those around them, and it was the first real moment we could see their affection blossom. Of course, there were moments of angst and despair, but I enjoyed the way Eva wrote it so that when it was overcome, they were stronger together, and could fit anything head on. All three of The Wicked Quills of London books were beautiful, and I can't wait to start Eva's next series!
May 25, 2016
3.5 Stars
Lady Sarah Frampton is known by the ton as the Watching Wallflower, shy, perfect behaved and always on the outskirts. At least that is the image she portrays to them anyway. What they don’t know, is that she is The Lady of Dubious Quality, the author of the scandalous and wildly successful erotic novels. But, if she is ever found it, she knows she and her family will be ruined and when she discovers someone is on her trail, she knows the only way to protect herself is through marriage. And who better than a vicar? Especially as it is the handsome vicar that she can’t stop thinking about; however, the man she has come to for protection is the very man searching for her true identity…
Well, it isn’t very often (make that never) that I read a book about a sexy vicar, even in a historical romance, so I wasn’t really sure what to expect. However, Jeremy Cleland may have very well changed my mind about the suitability of vicar’s as romantic heroes, he certainly ticks all my usual boxes; handsome, intelligent and intense.
In fact, I really liked both the hero, Jeremy and the heroine, Sarah. Both, were positively bursting at the seams with repressed desires and thoughts, Jeremy because of his profession and Sarah because of her gender and status in society. And, as soon as they meet, all these repressed emotions transform in to some fantastic chemistry, you can see the connection between them almost instantly. I am always partial to a wallflower, but I particularly liked Sarah, although seemingly shy, she was very passionate, independent and curious.
What has made me rate this as a 3.5 instead of a higher 4 or 5 rating is that the conflict regarding Sarah writing as The Lady of Dubious Quality and not telling Jeremy, even though he was searching for her real identity. It dragged on for too long and I just wanted her to hurry up and tell him. as she obviously needed to, so that they could resolve it and move on. Instead it seemed to take forever and I was eager for the story to move on. However, aside from that, I did really enjoy this book, especially the passion between Jeremy and Sarah, it was very well done.
I haven’t read Eva Leigh before, so I have come into this series part the way through, I know, naughty me, but I am definitely going to read the previous books and I look forward to read any forthcoming releases. Eva Leigh is definitely an author I would now read more of.
Lady Sarah Frampton is known by the ton as the Watching Wallflower, shy, perfect behaved and always on the outskirts. At least that is the image she portrays to them anyway. What they don’t know, is that she is The Lady of Dubious Quality, the author of the scandalous and wildly successful erotic novels. But, if she is ever found it, she knows she and her family will be ruined and when she discovers someone is on her trail, she knows the only way to protect herself is through marriage. And who better than a vicar? Especially as it is the handsome vicar that she can’t stop thinking about; however, the man she has come to for protection is the very man searching for her true identity…
Well, it isn’t very often (make that never) that I read a book about a sexy vicar, even in a historical romance, so I wasn’t really sure what to expect. However, Jeremy Cleland may have very well changed my mind about the suitability of vicar’s as romantic heroes, he certainly ticks all my usual boxes; handsome, intelligent and intense.
In fact, I really liked both the hero, Jeremy and the heroine, Sarah. Both, were positively bursting at the seams with repressed desires and thoughts, Jeremy because of his profession and Sarah because of her gender and status in society. And, as soon as they meet, all these repressed emotions transform in to some fantastic chemistry, you can see the connection between them almost instantly. I am always partial to a wallflower, but I particularly liked Sarah, although seemingly shy, she was very passionate, independent and curious.
What has made me rate this as a 3.5 instead of a higher 4 or 5 rating is that the conflict regarding Sarah writing as The Lady of Dubious Quality and not telling Jeremy, even though he was searching for her real identity. It dragged on for too long and I just wanted her to hurry up and tell him. as she obviously needed to, so that they could resolve it and move on. Instead it seemed to take forever and I was eager for the story to move on. However, aside from that, I did really enjoy this book, especially the passion between Jeremy and Sarah, it was very well done.
I haven’t read Eva Leigh before, so I have come into this series part the way through, I know, naughty me, but I am definitely going to read the previous books and I look forward to read any forthcoming releases. Eva Leigh is definitely an author I would now read more of.
April 26, 2016
Temptations of a Wallflower is the third title in the Wicked Quills of London series by Eva Leigh. This is the first book by this author that I’ve read. The book can easily be read as a stand alone.
After a slow start the story picks up mainly because of Eva's vivid and rich characters. The heroine outranks the here; usually what we read on historicals most of the time is the opposite of that situation. There's a lot of sexual chemistry without forgetting to be provocative and romantic.
Jeremy and Sarah have an instant attraction to each other and become friends, they have a lot in common. She’s a dreamer, and shines with her wish for independence. Jeremy doesn't fall behind, he isn't the typical Vicar you expect in a romance novel. About the secondary characters I really like Marwood, Jeremy’s cousin!
His cousin continued, “It almost makes me think . . .” He peered at Jeremy. “As if you were thinking of a specific woman when you gave that look.”
At once, Jeremy said, “There’s no one.” He didn’t want Marwood considering Lady Sarah in any way.
“Shame,” his cousin said. “A woman would want to be looked at that way.” He smiled. “If I wasn’t married, related to you, and inclined toward the amorous company of women, you’d have me in a heartbeat.”
“Thank God for all those ‘ifs,’ ”
Good dialogue, engaging characters and lots of sexual tension is what you get on Temptations of a Wallflower!
I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 12, 2019
This was an enjoyable read, but I think this is the romance where I finally realized that I really just don't want to read graphic descriptions of straight sex (or, like, man parts), and maybe that's why I've been so off romance for years.
I think it's either lesbians or euphemisms from here on out.
Still, totally good book, loved the characters and the relationship.
I think it's either lesbians or euphemisms from here on out.
Still, totally good book, loved the characters and the relationship.
September 7, 2019
This series has definitely gotten better with each new installment. I loved Sarah, a Duke‘s daughter and the writer, unknown to society, of erotica and Jeremy, A vicar and the very much Cowed third son of an autocratic and moralistic father who uses his control of Jeremy‘s income to ensure that his son follows his rules, as characters and loved the way that Eva Leigh brings them together. The series as a whole has explored the ways that women, and particularly women writers, find ways to balance love and the desire to work in a society that presses against that balance and this installment definitely continues that theme. I love that even after Sarah and Jeremy Mary they struggle with being honest with each other and that even as Sarah is shown as inexperienced she is shown to have a rich fantasy life that has its own satisfaction’s. I also appreciated the author‘s subversion of the idea that inexperienced but in love automatically leads to fantastic sex, we watch these two characters fumble but also learn with each other.
June 5, 2016
Decent read but lots of slow parts. Found myself skipping to dialogue at the end. Felt like the resolution of the issues was a bit too easy. Jeremy's dad backed down way too easily given what an asshole we were lead to believe he was the entire book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2020
So this was so sweet! As always, the plot was unique and this one had the marriage closer to the mid point, which is my favorite!!
Also... Vicar as a repressed but sexually curious man... reading erotic novels to learn how the pleasure his wife?! A wife who happens to be the author of said books?!
Yes, yes, yes!
Also... Vicar as a repressed but sexually curious man... reading erotic novels to learn how the pleasure his wife?! A wife who happens to be the author of said books?!
Yes, yes, yes!
dnfs
January 14, 2020dnfed @ 50 pages
I was feeling this priest x smutty romance author pairing but then they got their jollies all hot & bothered at an erotic oriental museum so that was gross
I was feeling this priest x smutty romance author pairing but then they got their jollies all hot & bothered at an erotic oriental museum so that was gross
December 27, 2017
a marriage of convenience between a vicar and a highborn lady who is secretly a published writer of romance books???? have you ever thought of a set of tropes this brilliant?
alas, it is not as hardcore as it looks. the vicar, although introverted and scholarly, does not really want to be a vicar, and the highborn lady is perfectly respectable until she starts flirting with a man she really likes. and although they did get married after a very short acquaintance, they did it because they were really, really hot for each other and genuinely liked one another, so it's not the typical MOC.
it was really nicely written, and the chemistry between the characters was fantastic. it was also quite original - and that coming from me, who's read way too many hrs in my life, is something. the kind of meta analysis of what it means to be a romance writer and the beauty & need of this type of literature was a very important & touching addition, and i saved so many quotes while getting a bit misty eyed
also the hero was so respectful??? normal???? sweet???? no alphole bs, no raking, it was a breath of fresh air. bless his gentle heart
alas, it is not as hardcore as it looks. the vicar, although introverted and scholarly, does not really want to be a vicar, and the highborn lady is perfectly respectable until she starts flirting with a man she really likes. and although they did get married after a very short acquaintance, they did it because they were really, really hot for each other and genuinely liked one another, so it's not the typical MOC.
it was really nicely written, and the chemistry between the characters was fantastic. it was also quite original - and that coming from me, who's read way too many hrs in my life, is something. the kind of meta analysis of what it means to be a romance writer and the beauty & need of this type of literature was a very important & touching addition, and i saved so many quotes while getting a bit misty eyed
also the hero was so respectful??? normal???? sweet???? no alphole bs, no raking, it was a breath of fresh air. bless his gentle heart
August 18, 2019
Lady Sarah Frampton leads two lives: in one she is a notorious wallflower, boring to even the most desperate of suitors; in the other she is the author of wildly successful erotic novels, known only to the world as The Lady of Dubious Quality.
Jeremy Cleland is vicar of a Devon village, the quiet sober third son of a highly successful politician. When his father calls him to London and gives him a job - to track down the Lady and stop her writing for the sake of England’s morals - he is horrified. But not for the reason his father thinks. For years he has denied his sexuality and personal desires, reading the Lady in secret. What will happen when he finds her?
I *adored* this book, so so much more than I expected. For one thing, it’s achingly good at describing desire and longing. When the book opens both Sarah and Jeremy are veterans of grappling with and suppressing their physical needs. They are strung so tight they are almost alienated from their own bodies. Eva Leigh captures this really well, and then uses the first half of the story to draw out their slow loosening. There are some classic scenes, but an especial favourite was when they accidentally find themselves at an erotic art show. Standing next to each other, thrumming with sexual tension, looking at sculptures and paintings that represent what they desperately want, but unable to acknowledge each other and unable to touch. *shivers* For another thing, the release when it does come is INCREDIBLY HOT but still delicate. There is some beautiful writing about how, for Sarah, finally experiencing the acts that she’s imagined and written so much about makes her real, gives her a body in the world.
More than anything this is a book about why writing about and reading about romance, sex and sexuality shouldn’t be a guilty pleasure. Sarah risks everything to publish her books, first because it’s a necessary act of self-acknowledgement, and second because she wants to liberate other people to express their own desire. This is a particularly salient theme for me at the moment, while I’m working to understand my sudden passion for reading exactly the kind of books Sarah writes. You wouldn’t have thought that a book could be steamy and reflective at the same time, but Temptation of a Wallflower manages it. I’ll definitely be reading the others in the series (this was the third and final book of a trilogy, which I didn’t realise when I started it, but it didn’t really seem to matter).
Jeremy Cleland is vicar of a Devon village, the quiet sober third son of a highly successful politician. When his father calls him to London and gives him a job - to track down the Lady and stop her writing for the sake of England’s morals - he is horrified. But not for the reason his father thinks. For years he has denied his sexuality and personal desires, reading the Lady in secret. What will happen when he finds her?
I *adored* this book, so so much more than I expected. For one thing, it’s achingly good at describing desire and longing. When the book opens both Sarah and Jeremy are veterans of grappling with and suppressing their physical needs. They are strung so tight they are almost alienated from their own bodies. Eva Leigh captures this really well, and then uses the first half of the story to draw out their slow loosening. There are some classic scenes, but an especial favourite was when they accidentally find themselves at an erotic art show. Standing next to each other, thrumming with sexual tension, looking at sculptures and paintings that represent what they desperately want, but unable to acknowledge each other and unable to touch. *shivers* For another thing, the release when it does come is INCREDIBLY HOT but still delicate. There is some beautiful writing about how, for Sarah, finally experiencing the acts that she’s imagined and written so much about makes her real, gives her a body in the world.
More than anything this is a book about why writing about and reading about romance, sex and sexuality shouldn’t be a guilty pleasure. Sarah risks everything to publish her books, first because it’s a necessary act of self-acknowledgement, and second because she wants to liberate other people to express their own desire. This is a particularly salient theme for me at the moment, while I’m working to understand my sudden passion for reading exactly the kind of books Sarah writes. You wouldn’t have thought that a book could be steamy and reflective at the same time, but Temptation of a Wallflower manages it. I’ll definitely be reading the others in the series (this was the third and final book of a trilogy, which I didn’t realise when I started it, but it didn’t really seem to matter).
April 23, 2016
4/4.5 Stars | Hot Steam
Having consumed TEMPTATIONS OF A WALLFLOWER twice already—first in a frenzy of discovery and then again to leisurely savor, I’m now considering a near-future third indulgence. I just can’t get over how much this sensational book transported me! Beautifully written, enticingly unconventional, intensely romantic, and wonderfully and wickedly provocative, Sarah and Jeremy’s blazing-hot, blockbuster-of-feels affair seriously knocked my knickers off.
Strikingly different from the first two novels in the Wicked Quills of London series—both of which I loved with all of my literary heart—Sarah and Jeremy’s story takes a powerful and liberating turn as this soul-mated pair, while struggling to break free from society’s strangling conventions and their own individual lives’ oppressive confines, finds solace, strength, and scorching passion with each other. I adored watching this revelatory couple fervently unite, strike out for themselves, blossom, grow, and positively ignite the pages!
Distinctive, fortified, and fascinating, Sarah is a series standout heroine whose winsome personality and effortless relatability captivated me. Passed over and dismissed by the ton as an unbiddable wallflower, I yearned for her happiness and sensual fulfillment. She’s a radiant dreamer—independent, driven, resilient, brave, and brimming with erotic curiosity and unquenchable carnal hunger that’s limitlessness is gloriously matched by the delicious, primal-lover-undercover, Jeremy. Their inspiring, amorous connection and explosive and titillating compatibility was aphrodisiacal perfection.
As blue as I am to say farewell to this top-shelf trilogy, I couldn’t have conjured a more satisfying or idyllic grand-slam finale to the series. Sarah and Jeremy’s heavenly story enchanted from its inviting beginning to its unhurried and unforgettable conclusion—a showstopping, exquisitely incandescent, and phenomenally scorching reconciliation that no doubt will be bookmarked, highlighted, lovingly recalled, and universally revered by readers for years to come.
Bottom Line: Read this book!
Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
Having consumed TEMPTATIONS OF A WALLFLOWER twice already—first in a frenzy of discovery and then again to leisurely savor, I’m now considering a near-future third indulgence. I just can’t get over how much this sensational book transported me! Beautifully written, enticingly unconventional, intensely romantic, and wonderfully and wickedly provocative, Sarah and Jeremy’s blazing-hot, blockbuster-of-feels affair seriously knocked my knickers off.
Strikingly different from the first two novels in the Wicked Quills of London series—both of which I loved with all of my literary heart—Sarah and Jeremy’s story takes a powerful and liberating turn as this soul-mated pair, while struggling to break free from society’s strangling conventions and their own individual lives’ oppressive confines, finds solace, strength, and scorching passion with each other. I adored watching this revelatory couple fervently unite, strike out for themselves, blossom, grow, and positively ignite the pages!
Distinctive, fortified, and fascinating, Sarah is a series standout heroine whose winsome personality and effortless relatability captivated me. Passed over and dismissed by the ton as an unbiddable wallflower, I yearned for her happiness and sensual fulfillment. She’s a radiant dreamer—independent, driven, resilient, brave, and brimming with erotic curiosity and unquenchable carnal hunger that’s limitlessness is gloriously matched by the delicious, primal-lover-undercover, Jeremy. Their inspiring, amorous connection and explosive and titillating compatibility was aphrodisiacal perfection.
As blue as I am to say farewell to this top-shelf trilogy, I couldn’t have conjured a more satisfying or idyllic grand-slam finale to the series. Sarah and Jeremy’s heavenly story enchanted from its inviting beginning to its unhurried and unforgettable conclusion—a showstopping, exquisitely incandescent, and phenomenally scorching reconciliation that no doubt will be bookmarked, highlighted, lovingly recalled, and universally revered by readers for years to come.
Bottom Line: Read this book!
Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
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