Book Review: Wicked and the Wallflower by Sarah MacLean

Wicked and the Wallflower
Author: Sarah MacLean
Series: Bareknuckle Bastards Book 1
Publication: Avon (June 19, 2018)

Description: When Wicked Comes Calling . . .

When a mysterious stranger finds his way into her bedchamber and offers his help in landing a duke, Lady Felicity Faircloth agrees—on one condition. She’s seen enough of the world to believe in passion, and won’t accept a marriage without it.

The Wallflower Makes a Dangerous Bargain . . .

Bastard son of a duke and king of London’s dark streets, Devil has spent a lifetime wielding power and seizing opportunity, and the spinster wallflower is everything he needs to exact a revenge years in the making. All he must do is turn the plain little mouse into an irresistible temptress, set his trap, and destroy his enemy.

For the Promise of Passion . . .

But there’s nothing plain about Felicity Faircloth, who quickly decides she’d rather have Devil than another. Soon, Devil’s carefully laid plans are in chaos and he must choose between everything he's ever wanted . . . and the only thing he's ever desired.

My Thoughts: This was an entertaining historical romance. Lady Felicity Faircloth is a wallflower who has fallen from the center of the popular people in the ton and wants her place back. Devil is a man with revenge on his mind who has clawed himself out of the gutter to become a very rich man. Their paths collide when Devil decides to use her to get revenge on the Duke of Marwick - his estranged half-brother.

I liked Felicity who sees herself as plain and uninteresting but has a quick wit and a major skill with lockpicking. Devil is also an interesting character who has his life upturned by Felicity.

The setting weaving between the upper class homes of the rich and the poor area of Covent Garden was well done. I loved the relationship between Felicity and Devil who both had to make major changes in their expectations before they could fall in love.

Since this is the first in a series, there are still many questions to be answered. There was a fair amount of background information given too but it didn't slow down the fast-paced plot.

Favorite Quote:

"It's difficult, as at this point, my mother has strict requirements for any suitor."

"For example?"

"A heartbeat."

He did laugh at that, a single, harsh bark, shocking the hell out of him. "With such high standards, it's unsurprising that you've had such trouble."

I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.