Temptations of a Wallflower
The Wicked Quills of London
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4.1 • 66 Ratings
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- $7.99
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- $7.99
Publisher Description
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?
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Leigh's intelligent and emotional third Wicked Quills of London Regency (after Scandal Takes the Stage) proves that even the most demure ladies can hide a sexy side. Lady Sarah Frampton, the Duke of Wakefield's daughter, has been nicknamed the Watching Wallflower. She must hide her identity as the Lady of Dubious Quality, the author of several shockingly erotic novels, to avoid scandal and shame to her family. When she meets Mr. Jeremy Cleland, a vicar and the son of an earl, she's instantly drawn to him. Unbeknownst to Sarah, Jeremy's father has demanded that he expose the identity of the Lady of Dubious Quality. Though Sarah and Jeremy's brief acquaintance results in marriage, Sarah's not sure that their newfound happiness can last if Jeremy learns her secret. Sarah is a refreshing heroine who insists on following her passion for writing. Jeremy is the perfect hero for her; despite his somewhat puritanical demeanor, he has a passionate heart and sees Sarah as a woman worth more than just her dowry. Leigh's latest is a thoughtful and sensuous romance.
Customer Reviews
another wonderful story to the table in this series – one that has made my list of Favorites
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.