The Wallflower Wager by Tessa Dare has one of the most delightful heroines I've read in a long time. Penny has the kindest heart and it simply shines from her every pore. She is considered a spinster at 26 and she is enjoying her life in London with her house full of abandoned animals. She takes in all creatures in need and they provide her with the love missing from her life. I loved her devotion to all the animals she took in. Her detailed notes on how to care for them were adorable!
Gabe Duke is scoundrel by the ton's standards. He has ruined families by finding their financial weaknesses and exploiting them. He grew up poor and hates the aristocracy. However, he is intrigued by Penny. The strange daughter of an earl is ruining his plan of getting new money buys for the house next door. When Penny needs his help in order to stay in London, he agrees.
These two are classic opposites attract and I am here for it! Gabe is hardened and cold and Penny is warm and loving. These two were perfect for each other. Penny is the star of the story though. Her backstory is heartbreaking and she is so lonely. Her friends are great, but they are married and having kids and busy. So, she takes in needy animals and my heart melted. As Penny and Gabe get to know each other, Gabe begins to soften and its so swoony! The Wallflower Wager is an enchanting story of bucking societal norms and finding true love!
- POV: 3rd
- Tears: yes
- Trope: opposites attract, regency
- Triggers: Penny was molested as a child by a family friend
- Series/Standalone: standalone within an interconnected series
- Cliffhanger: no
- HEA: yes with epilogue
Brazen and the Beast by Sarah Maclean, The Duke with the Dragon Tattoo by Kerrigan Bryne, Marrying Winterborne by Lisa Kleypas...then you will probably like The Wallflower Wager by Tessa Dare!
See full review on The Book Disciple