Wicked And The Wallflower by Sarah MacLean

Wicked And The Wallflower (Bareknuckle Bastards, #1)

by Sarah MacLean

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

Reviewed by kimbacaffeinate on

4 of 5 stars

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he Mad Duke has come to London, to claim a wife and produce an heir... something the Bareknuckle Bastards cannot allow. When Devil accidentally discovers the spinster Felicity Faircloth, he thinks her the perfect wallflower to set a trap for the Duke. The tale that unfolds delivers wicked banter, snark, passion and a suspenseful dark thread that has me eager to learn more.

MacLean brought us perhaps one of my favorite heroines of hers to date.  Lady Felicity Faircloth is funny, feisty, forward-thinking, outspoken and so brilliant. For fans, you will remember Felicity from a summer house party meant to find a Duke a new wife. Poor Felicity finds herself on the outside of the circle and not at all pleased. When one of her former friends makes fun of her, Felicity says the first thing that pops into her head and announces herself engaged to the Mad Duke himself.

The Devil and Felicity soon come to an arrangement. He offers to help her become engaged to the Duke in return for a boon. His actual plan will destroy her, but a necessary evil. I loved the setup and poor Devil; Felicity is no wallflower despite societies opinions.  I laughed, got mad, shed a tear and swooned as events unfolded.

The Devil and Felicity were so well matched. Scarred, he carries the baggage of his youth, but he is  far better man than most. He may not be titled, but he has the respect, loyalty, and admiration of those who live and work in the gardens. Felicity longs to be a part of the inner circle, but sometimes we don't truly undersand what it is we desire until we stumble upon it. I loved how MacLean peeled back her layers, allowed for growth and showed us the warrior within.  These two sparred perfectly, and the chemistry was off the charts. One would think I would think the Devil a cad for his plan, but the author made me love the fool.

The overall arc has dark edges and left me with more questions than answers, but in all honesty, I am thrilled and cannot wait for it all to be revealed. Wicked and the Wallflower was delightful from beginning to the end. It will delight fans of MacLean. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer

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Reading updates

  • Started reading
  • 21 May, 2018: Finished reading
  • 21 May, 2018: Reviewed