Temptations of a Wallflower: The Wicked Quills of London

Unlike Eleanor and Maggie from the earlier books, Sarah is titled, the daughter of a Duke. Having turned down numerous proposals from those interested in her position and money, she’s known as the Watching Wallflower by the tonne. Completely uninterested in marrying for convention alone, she’s resigned herself to spinsterhood, finding her only passions in the novels she pens as “A Lady of Dubious Quality”. I loved that Sarah used her not inconsiderable brain to research and imagine the scenes she pens in her novels, even as she is an innocent. While the stories are not appropriate for ‘polite company’ the references to them have appeared in the earlier titles, and unmasking the author is a great treat. Unless you are Sarah – for it would surely result in ruination. Jeremy Cleland, third son of the Earl of Hutton and cousin to Cam was briefly introduced in Maggie’s story, as a newly installed yet rather unsettled vicar, bearing the surname of the author of Fanny Hill, and now assigned, by his father to discover and reveal the identity of the ‘scribbler of immorality”. A sweet and thoughtful, if slightly manipulated man, Jeremy is everything one could want in a hero, if he dares to relax a bit and allow himself to BE. These two are wonderful together – there is a sexual tension that plays in their physical restraint and with their dialogue – as with earlier books in this series, Leigh gives us moments of insight into Sarah’s writing process and difficulties, her sublimated desires that she works into stories, and her fears about discovery. In Jeremy, she has found a kinship: a man who perhaps feels and desires as deeply as she does. She’s using Jeremy as inspiration for her latest work… but the romance between them, the tension and emotions cannot be denied. With the knowledge of imminent discovery hanging over her head, Sarah knows she must wed – but a country vicar is not a choice her family will approve of. She’s also keeping a very important secret from Jeremy, one that she finds brings a great benefit as he uses one of her books on their wedding night. Clever, heartwarming and just a bit naughty this couple is another who surpasses their own potential with the power of their combined forces. Eva Leigh has brought another wonderful story to the table in this series – one that has made my list of Favorites. I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Well, I had read and enjoyed the first book in this series, Forever Your Earl, so of course I wanted to find out who the Lady of Dubious Quality was, and of course I figured I'd like the book. I wasn't disappointed in who the Lady was, but I will admit I was disappointed in her story. I've been devouring so many historical romances--and really liking most of them--so I guess it was time I had a less than exciting experience. How I feel it a little hard to put into words. On one hand, I think the sex scenes are a little too much? Obviously, this is romance and you're under no illusions that there aren't going to be some--but I just find them off, somehow. I don't normally glue my eyes to the book when that's happening or anything, but I skipped. A lot. Otherwise, I felt like a lot of the book dragged. It's a lot of threat and sitting and wishing, without much happening. Normally, the middle is when the character development happens, which is always my favorite part, but I found it a little hard to card about Sarah and Jeremy and their plight. Honestly, I there's not anything wrong with Temptations of a Wallflower and that most of my problems are largely personal, but it's not a historical romance that's going to stick out for me and I'll certainly remember a lot of other books way before it.

Sinfully. Scandalously. Sexy. Regency at its best. Wicked Quills. Wicked Wallflowers. Clergy and Wallflower/Author. Will there be a future? One trying to hide the truth. The other trying to discover the truth. I was ready for this ride. Well I thought I was ready for this one. I found much in these pages that kept me turning the next page and then the next page. Can someone shout WICKED indeed. Lady Sarash Frampton was not demure miss in reality. She was the pen behind London's Lady of Quality, most wicked pen in erotic fiction. Keeping that under wraps was her goal. Marrying clergy was the way to keep it that way. Jeremy was giving a job by his prestigious family. Find the author. Expose the author. Never every would he have expected, guessed or even pondered that his demure, quite wife would be the one he seek. I tell you this will be enjoyable from the turning of the first page all the way to the end. You will have a ride that will make the trip so worth the price paid. I have no option but to go out and get the first two novels in The Wicked Quills of London series. **This ARC was provided via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.**

Temptations of a Wallflower is two stories in one. Eva Leigh starts each chapter with excerpts from the fictional novel the heroine is writing. Lady Sarah Frampton is the daughter of a duke, a wallflower and also a writer of erotic novels published under the name of The Lady of Dubious Quality. Jeremy Cleland is a vicar and youngest son of the Earl of Hutton. His father has tasked him with discovering and exposing the mysterious Lady of Dubious Quality. During his search, he meets Lady Sarah and a connection begins. Sarah, trying to protect her secret, proposes marriage to Jeremy, they wed without anyone's knowledge and their marriage is a success. Until Jeremy discovers his new bride is the lady he has been searching for. They must decide if they can overcome the secrets, lies and hurt feelings to create a love to last. Great story.

5 stars!! The 3rd installment in Eva Leigh's "The Wicked Quills of London" series!!! Women as writers not something embraced by society, most definitely not embraced by the moralizing Earl of Hutton! He is determined to stop the Lady of Dubious Quality who is penning such outrageous books (in his opinion)...however copies of her (!?) books are flying off the shelves. Jeremy Hutton (Scandal Takes the Stage book #2), vicar of a small parish outside of London and the Earl's son has been put to task..threatened no less, to uncover the identity of the author and expose her to society so she can be subjected to a scandal of epic proportions. Lady Sarah Frampton, the only daughter of the Duke of Wakefield, known to all of polite (and not so polite society) as the Watching Wallflower, has them all fooled. An excitingly heated investigation in pursuit of the truth prevails!

Jeremy may be a vicar, but it was not by his choice. Forced into service by his overbearing father, he is conflicted by his feelings. He loves to help others, but wishes he could do it through other ways that did not mean he had to live such a strict way of life. He hopes to someday marry, but is afraid that the typical vicar's wife would not be as sexually adventurous as he would like to be. Sarah's secret life as an erotic romance writer is quite unconventional for a Duke's daughter, but it's what makes her feel alive. She refused offers of marriage and plans to stay single so that she can continue with the writing career. All of that begins to change when she meets Jeremy. It seems that she is the only one who can sense what lies underneath his clerical clothes. Their is an instant attraction between the pair, but society would not accept a relationship between them due to their station. However, a friendship forms that eventually leads to marriage. They have amazing chemistry both in and out of bed, but will face hard times as Jeremy discovers who she is. I fell in love with Jeremy for his hidden sexual side as well and with Sarah for staying true to herself. Another great books in the Wicked Quills series! 4.5 stars I received an ARC via Edelweiss for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review, all conclusions are my own.

London - 1816 Jeremy Cleland, age 28, is heading to stay at his family’s Mayfair mansion, Hutton House. A vicar for the parish of Rosemead, Jeremy is the third son of the Earl of Hutton whose main home is in Hertfordshire. Jeremy has been summoned by his father. A difficult man, Jeremy had been forced by the Earl to become a vicar and must always do as the man says or be threatened to lose any financial support from him. However, he is much loved by his mother who is very keen on finding a wife for him. His father and uncle, the Marquess of Allam, are waiting to talk to him. The Earl and Marquess are very pious men and are outraged by The Lady of Dubious Quality, an author who has written an erotic novel entitled, “The Highwayman’s Seduction.” She has also written other quite erotic novels. As she writes under a pseudonym, the two men want Jeremy to find out who she is. They are intent on finding out the identity of the author so that they can keep their labels as moral leaders and can make this writer stop writing her lewd books. If Jeremy is successful, his father has promised to increase his money which will allow him to live better. With essentially no choice in the matter, Jeremy agrees. Lady Sarah Frampton, age 23, is the daughter of the Duke of Wakefield. She is attending social events in town and is quite bored by them. She wishes only for quiet and solitude so she can write. Nicknamed the Watching Wallflower. she lacks for attention. She prefers simply to observe people. Secretly, she is also The Lady of Dubious Quality. Her true identity must never be known as the resulting scandal would be devastating. But she will continue to write because she loves it. When Jeremy and Sarah meet and begin to see one another in society, they find they have a lot in common and are attracted to one another. Since Jeremy is just a vicar, Sarah’s mother feels he is beneath her and tries to discourage their relationship. But a clandestine meeting at a club where masked people have anonymous sex with one another throws them into a tailspin. Sarah has attended to see what the place is like and Jeremy has attended to see if he can find The Lady of Dubious Quality there. They dance together not knowing whom the other is. A kiss leads to her fleeing and Jeremy in search of her because he is sure she is the author he is seeking. As their attraction leads to love and finally marriage, they couldn’t be happier. But how can Sarah keep her secret from Jeremy? Will the truth finally come out? This is a very good book. It started out a bit slowly but my interest increased as the book went along. Copy provided by the publisher via Edelweiss

A Grand-Slam Finale to the Series! 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.

I am caught in the rapture that is Eva Leigh. Her Wicked Quills of London novels were the bait that reeled me in. Fascinating femme fetales willing to risk it all. Loved it. I received an ARC of Temptations of A Wallflower in exchange for an honest review. Sarah is beautiful smart and quiet, The perfect match for Jeremy who prides himself on his upstanding image. But behind the facade of this convenient union lies deception and heartbreak. Temptations of a Wallflower did have a few hiccups along the way, but that was not enough to turn me away. The good outweighed the bad. If you love complex characters this is the book for you. Copyright of Night Owl Reviews