This is a story of two people who need to marry. Tabitha wants to join the Sterling Society and Finn needs to marry to keep his parents support. They decide to marry.

The heroine is strong and brilliantly smart. The hero has been underestimated his whole life. When Tabitha is turned down for Sterling Society because she is a woman. Finn comes up with an idea for the Platinum Collective. He makes some mistakes and hurts Tabitha. He really loves her and she loves him. I’d love enough?

The story was well written. I can’t wait for Don’s story.

3.5 stars

How the Wallflower was Won is a steamy and entertaining marriage of convenience historical romance. It's book 2 in the series, but can be read as a standalone. It will be more fulfilling though if read in order, since characters from the previous book appear throughout.

Things to look forward to:
- The tropes: marriage of convenience, sexual lessons/instruction, opposites attract, let me set you up with my friend/someone else, and slow burn.
- The spice! The scenes between Finn and Tabitha were so hot! I was definitely fanning myself while reading. Finn's dirty talk was A+ and I loved that no surface/room was off limits! LOL
- Finn. He was so thoughtful and kindhearted. I loved all the little gestures, gifts (the libraries!), and ways that he let Tabitha know he cared. His history and the shame he felt because of it, broke my heart and I wanted to give him a hug so many times throughout the novel. To top it all off, not only is he a complete sweetheart, but he's insatiable in the bedroom! Tabitha is a very, very lucky woman ;)
- Wonderful cast of secondary characters! I loved the diversity and loyalty of the Benezra library crew and even the villains in the Sterling Society played their roles so well.
- Lots of updates and scenes with Kieran, Celeste, and Dom. I loved catching up with the happy couple and seeing Dom so obviously miserable has me so excited for him and Willa's second chance romance!

Things to note:
- The third act break up was a tough one. It felt very forced and really made me dislike Tabitha. She punished Finn for something he really had no idea about and lashed out in a way that she knew would wound him. It annoyed me how stubborn she was and that Finn was the one profusely apologizing and trying to make amends. I liked that she made her big declaration after the symposium, but I needed soooooooooooooooo much more grovel from her. I felt like Finn deserved better.
- Some readers may not enjoy that a good part of the novel involves Finn trying to set Dom up with Tabitha. I didn't have any issues with it, since it's clear that Finn and Tabitha are actually the ones growing closer.
- The pacing. I was really loving the novel up until about the 85% mark. The build up, the steam, the heart to hearts between Finn and Tabitha were all working for me, but like I mentioned above, the third act break up felt very forced and rushed. I would have preferred more page time be devoted to them reconciling and not the symposium (though Finn's grand gesture was wonderful).

CW: learning disability, emotionally and sometimes physically abusive parent and tutor, bullying, sexism

*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*

This is a sweet, low angst romance in this three book series by Eva Leigh. It is well written, it is well paced, the hero and heroine are interesting and their romance overall is gently heartwarming. Leigh's writing has a charm to it, and her characters are well rounded. I found this to be a delightful middle novel, and while it was not quite as gripping as the first to me, it still held my interest and I was charmed throughout.

Tabitha is a wallflower, focused on her books and expanding her mind. Her dream is to join an elite society but is turned away because she is a woman, but given some hopes that if she is married her dreams might become a reality. Finn is an expert gambler who is afraid of love, but after his father's ultimatum of matrimony is swiftly closing in on him, he knows he must marry. And the alluring bluestocking is the only woman who has held his interest. When they both realize they can help each other they decide to enter into a marriage of convenience, where of course they swear not to fall in love.

Tabitha is smart, kind and determined. She has dreams that she will work hard for. She is also very protective of her heart after her disastrous first season. Because of all this, Tabitha is cautious around Finn as they are slowly developing their relationship with each other. Finn is observant and aware, he keeps his intelligence hidden, but he has a veracious mind that loves to learn (content note of learning disability, which the author notes at the start of the novel). I love that Finn is small ways shows Tabitha that he is interested and values her and her dreams. He provides her with a library, he makes sure she consents in all of their interactions, and when she needs him to be a sponsor he steps up for her. Leigh softly shows Tabitha and Finn meeting on common ground and building the foundation of love gently. While their feelings have a more gentle and slow build, these two still have very steamy and sensual marital interactions. I really loved that these two did not dance around the physical side of their relationship, they both wanted a physical side (even if they did not want to fall in love), and they were both consensual adults in their exploration. (There is a very steamy bath scene, which is always something I delight in when it is in a novel!) I think Leigh uses these moments brilliantly to show that they are slowly growing to trust each other in all aspects as well as they are being drawn together even though they might be fighting their hearts. I really enjoyed that both Tabitha and Finn are able to show each other their interests, I love that they are both open and receptive to the other. I understand the want for the third act break up and while I would not have minded it being eliminated, I think it did give both the chance to reflect on things they say and how they will chose to interact with each other as they move forward.

I think if you love Eva Leigh you will enjoy this novel. I do very much recommend this, especially if you are in the mood for a sweet romance, that is still full of spicy moments, but is more about a gentle growing of understanding and respect between the hero and heroine.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for providing me with an advanced copy. What follows is my honest review.

This is the fastest I’ve read a book in months. I originally requested this book because the title was a great pun, so I want to call attention to the excellent title, but wow did this book live up to it!

How the Wallflower Was Won draws you in immediately, with fun and relatable characters and an interesting plot. The chemistry between Tabitha and Finn is undeniable, and they’re just easy to root for. It’s a very standard historical romance plot, but it’s done so wonderfully—it’s exactly what I wanted.

Diversity in historical romances is something that often seems to be lacking, and I really appreciated how diverse the cast of secondary characters is. It was refreshing to find people of color and queer relationships in a book set in England during this time period, and this diversity really enriched the plot itself, too. Similarly, I’ve read too many historical romances who try to be feminist and either miss the mark completely or end up making their FMC too #girlboss, but I felt Tabitha was the perfect feminist lead.

Where this book hits some snags is it’s pacing, and this is ultimately why I dropped a star. The story was wrapped up nicely by 75%, and all the drama after felt too manufactured and unnecessary to me. If the main story had been drawn out for the duration of the book, this would’ve been an easy 5* for me. As it is, we’re at a very strong 4* if not 4.5*, but I do have to bump this down since I skimmed bits of the last quarter.

Very unique storyline with unexpected character traits in the main characters. Maybe not typical of the characters in that time period, but satisfying to read.

Y’all, I’ve been waiting all year for this book, and @zoearcher73 did not disappoint. This is the second book in Leigh’s Last Chance Scoundrels series, and I’m in love with Finn. Like, head-over-heels in love.

Summary: Finn needs to marry within a year to get money from his father, and Tabitha needs go get married to be a “respectable” woman so she can enter London academic society. A beautiful marriage-of-convenience story follows, and two complete opposites find out it’s those differences that make them perfect for one another.💙

Finn is the type of hero I have a thing for—a sexy woobie who thinks he’s not good enough for the heroine, so he keeps his feelings under wraps. Of course, he is insanely in love with Tabitha, but tries to keep it cool around her, for fear he’d scare her away. Ugggghhhh. This man is my weakness.

Leigh has such a gift for writing men that support their partners and who want them to shine. Each guy in this series is like, “Wow, do I love you and I want you to have the stars and moon and you’re amazing.” They want to shout it from the rooftops how lucky they are to be with these women. Who doesn’t want that?! That’s the DREAM.😍

I related so much to Tabitha because, as an academic myself, I found it easy to relate to her and her obsession with learning. To be taken seriously in a job that is filled with men who think they’re smarter than me. I absolutely love how she was so proud of her intelligence.

As for the steamy stuff, Leigh KILLS It. She is the master of spicy scenes and this one is HOT. Let’s just say that, like the book cover, there’s a table involved.🥵🌶

If you love her last one, you’ll adore this one as well. Finn is a beta male with cinnadom tendencies, and I ate that up. I can’t wait for everyone to read this.💙💙💙

**A huge thank you to NetGalley for this ARC to read and review!**

I have been really into historical romance lately and I really loved this book. The main characters were so fun and I just wanted to spend more time in the world.

I’m so happy to be writing this review tonight. I remember waiting to see if I would be approved for an ARC - constantly checking NetGalley, very much like Ralphie waiting for his Little Orphan Annie decoder ring. Unlike him, however, I was not disappointed in the least with this outcome nor did I get my mouth washed out by LifeBoy soap. Although, the more smut I read, who knows?! It may become a kink.
Practically blazing through Eva Leigh’s, How the Wallflower Was Won, the second in the Last Chance Scoundrels series, I am coming off the high of a marriage of convenience, wallflower, bluestocking, strong willed heroine/super supportive hero love affair. I love a #womendoingitforthemselves HR with a supportive MC who's a little bit of a rogue - cat. nip.

A Little Bit About the Plot
Brilliant bluestocking philosopher Tabitha Seaton has a problem. Being absolutely brilliant has it’s drawbacks, especially in the marriage mart. She’s seen a few seasons and had no offers, not that she cares, her mind is on more existential and intellectual pursuits. One such goal is to gain access to the brightest think tank in London, the Sterling Society, who at present, disallows women from their ranks.

When presented with a loophole, she may be given a chance of membership if she becomes a married lady. Luckily for her, profligate gambler Finn Ransome has less than 8 months to find a wife or be cut off completely from his family inheritance.

Both Tabitha and Finn discover instant attraction but are they suited to rub along together for as long as they both shall live? Are these two so different that a marriage of convenience will eventually lead to one of resentment? Or will they discover in each a partner so well suited that compliments them in every way?

I mean, duh, it’s a romance novel.

The Compliment Sandwich
The Top Bun (The Pro)
The Writing

Eva Leigh is an absolute top shelf writer. I still quote parts from her previous novel as they have resonated so well with me. She literally had a "the bar is on the floor, guys!" bit of dialogue - how could I not fall in love?!

What I noticed with this novel is how differently she wrote the dialogue (both inner and outward) for Finn and Tabby. On a number of occasions I had to use the kindle dictionary to look up words because I had no idea what they meant, but those were usually from Tabitha’s POV because she’s the uncontested ‘Cleverest Woman in England”. When writing as Finn, the dialogue was still very witty but he described how her intelligence made him feel, it was a physical reaction. Much more instinctive and empathic descriptions

What is the line of inquiry, Mrs. Ransome?...
“The development of canonical thought,” she answered at once. “Its origins, and the forces that shape it, and the pedagogy of the canon.”
Hell, he loved hearing her wax cerebral. Each word from her lips shot through him hotly. He didn’t think he could feel arousal in this temple of dry erudition, but she was in all ways remarkable.

We have two characters that converse easily with one another and those closest to them; but so many times hold off being truly honest when it's important. One large argument stems from a miscommunication due to the sharing of only half-truths between them. Both have secrets, one more than the other, and both have been scarred mentally, making them a bit gun shy when dealing with true deep down affection.

Because Finn is the more sensitive of the pair, we see love blossoming more rapidly and with more severity than Tabitha. Not that she’s unfeeling, she’s just been hurt by most of the men in her life. Conversely, the way Leigh describes Finn's growing attachment is almost like an organic sensation - one I've only truly come across as being from the FMC perspective. It's actually refreshing.

He jolted as something stirred in his chest, something small but growing. It was a green shoot that strengthened and grew hardier with each passing moment. Looking at her, that tendril grew even more as it burgeoned with life.

Oh, Finn…swoon. Also, it doesn’t hurt that I know that the inspiration for his character is Tom Ellis (Lucifer). As I’m currently staring at a life sized cut out of that man, it won’t be hard to guess what my bottom bun is gonna be…we’ll get there.

The Meat (The Con)
This one was hard for me - I had to find something…
Leigh has written two absolutely delightful characters with overwhelming chemistry and undeniable affection for one another. I was slightly put out by the 3rd act angst because it was hard to imagine that it blew up as quickly and severely as it did. I love me a great Grand Gesture and boy, was there a great one here, but may have had the tiniest moue on my face at what led to it. Just a bit... Fraction... Lilliputian.. Miniscule…Microscopic..

I love Finn! Just had to get that out.

The Bottom Bun (The Pro)
Finn and his damn dirty talk - this book is fuego, y’all

I could LITERALLY just quote this book for the next 15 pages. I actually gasped a couple times out loud when it came to certain points in Finn’s dialogue.

Holy cats.

And Tabitha is INTO IT. Which makes it even friggin’ hotter.

Look at that cover - you see it? It’s gorgeous, no? The scene from which that cover is derived, will force you into a cold beverage, a rotating fan, and possibly a cigarette. My eyeballs were sweating.

As much as I want to quote that scene, I’m letting that be a surprise. But enjoy this other delectable excerpt:
A wild noise escaped her as ecstasy blossomed. She jolted with each plunge of his cock, her sounds growing louder and wilder the fiercer he became. “This is what you like, love.” His words left in rough gusts with each stroke into her. “This is how you want to be fucked”.

Excellent.
Have a great day..
I’m done.. My expectations are now unattainable…
I’ll see myself out…

Nothing in the entirety of her existence could have prepared her for him.
“You are, “ he said in a gratifyingly spent voice, “the most magnificent being I’ve ever known”.

Damn you, Finn, you clever beautiful bastard, 10/10.

Lastly, the one other point I’d like to make about both this book and it’s predecessor is the unabashed female empowerment celebrated within. Leigh writes sensitive and empathetic heroes that aren’t afraid to be affectionate or support independent female ideals. For example, Kieran, Finn’s older brother, and previous hero and bar elevator, is as distraught or even more so than Celeste when forced apart.

With the amount of flowery poetry written during this time period, it’s hard to believe that all English gentry were disillusioned rakes hell bent on deflowering virgins, dueling at sunrise, and shooting guns at foxes for no reason. I can imagine that they needed to at least somewhat woo their ladies into accepting their suit - especially those not in the tonne.

Either way, I’m more partial to a heartfelt hero who loves his lady something fierce.

I would recommend both books in this series - they can be read as stand alones; but come on, hot guys and hot sex. Done and done.

How the Wallflower was Won is the second book in Leigh’s Last Chance Scoundrels series. Essentially, the three male MC’s have all been called to the carpet by their parents. All three must marry, or be cut off from their allowance. Finn is determined to help his friend Dom find his future wife and he knows exactly who would be a good match for him, Tabitha Seaton. Tabitha is a wallflower, who is also a scholar. She has decided to try to join an illustrious academic society, but to do so, she must be married. The more Finn pushes Dom into Tabitha’s path, the more everyone involved begins to realize that Finn and Tabitha are the two that should marry. So, they do, and of course, it is strictly a marriage of convenience - there will be NO feelings involved!

Marriage of convenience is my jam and in my opinion, Eva Leigh knocked it out of the park! I loved the pacing of this book. There are many ways to tackle the marriage of convenience trope and I think Leigh successfully hit every note possible - from the meeting, to the realization Finn and Tabitha should get married, to witnessing the marriage, and of course, the eventual conflict. Tabitha is a fantastic character (I love an intellectual wallflower) who is trying to change society by being accepted into the current system. Finn is a gambling rogue, whose character has been stilted by the narrative his family created about him. Once Finn and Tabitha team up, they are an unstoppable force who will find a way to dismantle the system outside of societal constraints! To say ‘I am here for it’ is a massive understatement! I loved this book and I can’t wait to read Dom getting his second chance in the next book!

While this is the second in the series, it works very well on its own. Finn & Tabitha are a delightful couple, and their story was a joy to read. They are truly opposites - she's a bluestocking fighting for better education and he's a gambler hiding a secret - but they are attracted right from the beginning.

I enjoyed their story, and truly believed it was love at first sight. I think anyone who enjoys a good romance will love this book as well.

se of a history of bad behavior, the final straw being the break-up of a wedding, Finn Ransome, his younger brother, Kieran, and their best friend, Dom, are given an ultimatum by their families: marry within a year or be cut-off from all family funds. Finn is not too concerned for himself, as he makes a decent living as basically a professional gambler, but all three of them have to be married within the year for the money to keep replenishing everyone's coffers. Kieran is first to fall in love (Last Chance Scoundrels #1), so Finn sets his sights on helping best friend Dom.

Tabitha Seaton is an intellectual who has no interest in getting married. Her main concern is getting herself into "The Sterling Society," an all-male intellectual society who have a huge influence over bills being voted on in Parliament. Tabitha wants the help of The Sterling Society to help pass an education bill that would benefit girls and boys of all classes and backgrounds. The Sterling Society snobs won't even consider her application unless she is married. This, of course, brings Finn and Tabitha together with a mutually beneficial arrangement: get married and Tabitha gets into The Sterling Society, and Finn is one step closer to inheritance.

Initially, Finn tries to set-up Tabitha with Dom, who he considers to be more on Tabitha's intellectual level, but he soon realizes that he is the better match for her. His main concern is that she is "too smart" for him. HIs entire life, his mother and family have treated him as the family "dunce" because he has such trouble reading. Naturally, he tries to keep this a secret from Tabitha, while still wholeheartedly trying to help her get-into the snobby Sterling Society.

I really loved both Finn and Tabitha. I am always a sucker for an "intellectual" character who is not concerned with all of the trappings of the ton. My only criticism is with the "big blow out" in Act III. If Tabitha would have been more forthcoming with Finn concerning something that happened in her past, it wouldn't have happened at all. It bothered me that she made it "his" fault when he really had no idea why she was so upset. Regardless, this is a romance, and it all worked out in the end much to the chagrin of the snobby Sterling Society! (less)

How the Wallflower was Won is the story of Finn Ransome, a second son of a nobleman and Tabitha Seaton, a 26 year old bluestocking, who after one failed season has given up on finding a spouse. Finn, his brother Keiran and their friend, Dom Kilburn were given an ultimaturm by their fathers that they should find a mate within one year or risk losing their allowances. Finn decides to introduce Dom to Tabitha and they all agree to meet at a local fair.
Tabitha is intent on joining an itellectual society which currently admits only men but after she is told by the leader of the society that they wouldn't consider her unless she is married, she begins to think of finding a spouse just for that reason alone. This is an exciting story of opposites attracting as Finn and Tabitha get to know each other more as they are often thrown together after Dom keeps disappearing from the agreed upon meetings. The story is steamy and romantic with a HEA. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

I received the book as an ARC from Netgalley and Avon and I am voluntarily leaving this review

The second book in the series features Finn Ransome and Tabitha Seaton who both need to marry as quickly as possible--Finn for financial reasons and Tabitha to gain entrance to an intellectual society. What starts out as a marriage of convenience soon turns into something neither of them ever expected. Can these two work together to gain their goals while trying to keep their growing attraction at bay?

I loved that Tabitha was the intellectual powerhouse in this story. It was a nice departure from the usual alpha male story. Tabitha's growth in emotional maturity was a welcome relief as she learned that there was more to life than just book knowledge. Finn was such an honorable man always supporting Tabitha in her aspirations. His self-doubt about his own intellect was heartbreaking until Tabitha begins to show him that his business smarts and insight are as powerful as book smarts. These two grew in emotional maturity and after a few bumps in the road, got their HEA. I can't wait to read Dom's story.

I've enjoyed books by @zoearcher73 since being given My Fake Rake a few years ago, so I was thrilled to read How the Wallflower Was Won, Book 2 in the Last Chance Scoundrels series. Thanks to @netgalley @avonbooks and @harpervoyagerus for early access to this book in exchange for my honest review.

✔️ Marriage of Convenience
✔️ Matchmaker
✔️ Opposites Attract
✔️ It's Only One Bed

I don't often read Marriage of Convenience, mostly because I don't often come across it. I really enjoyed it here and felt like the practical reasons for both characters to get married made sense and set up the forced proximity well.

Loved both characters and their courtship. Adore it when the matchmaker becomes the love interest - ha!

I adored Finn, but am a sucker for a rake who is in awe of super smart Tabitha. A rake who really wants to be a cinnamon roll for the right person! 🥺

I love how steamy Eva Leigh books are and this one was no exception.

4.5⭐️ - pick it up when it's published later this month (Sept 26)

Steam 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Banter 🗣🗣🗣
Swoon 💕💕💕💕

This addition to Eva Leigh's Last Chance Scoundrels series completely extends against its predecessor, both in depth and complexity of character. Leigh's romances have the ability to grasp my attention right until the very end. In hand with some of my favorite romance tropes, it's no surprise that I loved this one.

Eva Leigh’s books are no questions asked insta-reads for me, since I first picked up My Fake Rake. Her Last Chance Scoundrels series is like all trilogies that came before it – engaging and sexy with characters you can’t help but like and emotional depth that keeps you reading. How The Wallflower Was Won is the second in this series, and I think I enjoyed it even more than its predecessor.

Finn, his brother, and their best friend must all marry respectable women within a year, or their parents will cut them off. Tabitha cannot be granted admission into a prestigious academic society until she’s a married woman. Even though he initially tries to match her with his friend, Finn and Tabitha soon realize a marriage of convenience with someone they respect is the
answer to both their problems.

Like any good marriage of convenience, they swear they won’t actually fall in love. [Insert the world’s largest eyeroll here.] But like any good book about a marriage of convenience, watching them learn to live as husband and wife and fall for each other against their better judgment is so much fun. I love reading about people who don’t seem to realize how well matched they are, even as they subconsciously act like a happily in love couple.

*Minor spoilers here*

Finn has been told his whole life that he’s stupid and useless because he struggles to read. Tabitha has spent her life knowing that people think she’s weird because she’s brilliant and bookish and has no time for balls. Neither one of them ever expected to find someone who accepts them exactly as they are and encourages their dreams, and I found it really lovely that being in love was not a factor in the respect they showed each other. Even when they were simply friends at the beginning, they understood and supported each other, and I think that laid the foundation for a really lovely love story.

Finn Ransome is an expert on Lady Luck, which is why he refuses to take a chance on love. Experience has taught him that he’s happier at a gaming table than around people he will, inevitably, disappoint. However, the clock is ticking on his father’s matrimonial demands. But the only woman to catch his eye is a bluestocking who would never consider a rogue like him.
After a disastrous first Season, Tabitha Seaton decided to focus on books instead of ballrooms. She hopes to join the Sterling Society, a collective of the most brilliant, influential minds in London. Except, they will never admit an unmarried lady. Now Tabitha needs a husband, and a notorious, handsome gambler may be her best bet.
Finn and Tabitha are opposites who have no intention of wagering on a love match, and a calculated marriage of convenience solves all their problems—with no risk to their hearts. Once married, however, their potent attraction boils over into a deep passion that neither expected. When a painful mistake drives the new lovers apart, Finn will risk it all to prove a scoundrel and a wallflower are a winning pair.
Finn and Tabitha are meant to be together. Once they are married you can't keep them apart.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

How the Wallflower Was Won is the second book in the Last Chance Scoundrels series by Eva Leigh and I really enjoyed it. I don’t usually like reading books out of order, but this book focused on a different couple than book one and Leigh did a great job recapping Finn’s situation. I think Finn and Tabitha were great characters to follow and any Bridgerton fans will love them and this series!

A marriage of convenience is one of my favorite tropes. But UGH JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER!!!! One of my least favorite consequences of this trope is that the characters fall in love with each other but because it's "convenience" and not a love match, they don't TALK to each other.

I really enjoyed this book and liked seeing Finn grow and learn to accept the love he deserves. I thought it was a great addition to the series. Obviously, it was different from Kieran and Celeste, they are different couples with different goals and struggles. Finn is absolutely a keeper and I loved him. I also thought that Tabitha was a wonderful character but she could feel very one note because her previous trauma with a love interest.

Overall, I really, really liked this installation of this series. 4.5 stars. Can't wait for Dom and Willa's book.

4/5. Releases September 27, 2022.

Gambler meets bookworm--and don't we love it?

Finn Ransome needs a wife... and so does his best friend, Dom. Which is why he introduces Dom to Tabitha, a bookish spinster who wishes to join an exclusive academic society, and needs to be married in order to do so. Unexpectedly, Finn and Tabitha hit it off instead, and enter into a marriage of convenience meant to benefit them both.

The issue? As different as Finn and Tabitha are from one another, they quickly discover a connection that could leave them in emotional peril.

This book is not overly complex, in terms of plot. It's actually one of the more straightforward books that I've liked--the problems the couple faces are really much more internal than external, though of course it sucks that Tabitha has to deal with sexist, classist douchebags. Really, the heart of their struggles lies in the fact that Tabitha and Finn are both wounded people who need to find a way to trust each other, and to take their immediate physical attraction to something deeper.

The thing is that I just really liked these characters. I liked Finn, who was sweet without being toothless--and I liked that he was genuinely really good at gambling? I feel like often, a gambling hero is presented in something of a negative light, whereas here it was used to illustrate that while Finn might not be academically inclined, he's still extremely intelligent and talented.

But I equally liked Tabitha, whose nerdiness never slipped into being pathetic--and she was a really fun take on the virgin heroine moment in general. (A virgin heroine who's familiar with orgasms, what a concept!.). She may not have the street smarts that Finn possesses, but that's not holding her back, and she does in fact have a past that she needs to work through.

And another thing... This book is super hot. In a way that takes it to another level. If you want a historical with good sex scenes--this is it. And it genuinely does feel like sex furthers the plot here, because the plot really is Finn and Tabitha growing closer to each other, trusting each other. Sex is a part of that. Their physical connection is a huge aide in increasing their understanding of one another, in a way that I feel few books really acknowledge, though it's certainly true for many romance novels. It also made Tabitha much more human, in my opinion. Often, nerdy heroines come off as caricatures of nerdiness, glasses-wearing cardboard cutouts. Tabitha's not hesitant about sex with Finn... at all. I never got the vibe that she was sitting there like "why's a guy like him into a girl like me" or doubting his attraction to her. I don't know how she could realistically doubt his attraction to her after that table scene.

Another aspect of the book that I really enjoyed was the fact that Finn has a learning disability. His brain just doesn't comprehend letters--and during the time that this book is set, that's something that few understand. This did give me my favorite conflict between him and Tabitha, too. Every night after they have sex, she goes off to huddle around her books... Which just hammers home in Finn's mind this idea that they can't work together.

I won't lie--I do have a preference towards books with a bit more external conflict, a little more "fate intervenes" ... So I could have done with a few more obstacles between the pair. But it really doesn't take away from the book, and I will say that the emotional conflict was just great. And ultimately, that's what matters most. You can pull off a book with good internal conflict without much external conflict, but you can't pull off a book that's just external conflict with no internal conflict.

Ultimately, I was just sold on Finn and Tabitha's love, their issues, and their growing bond. And that's the point of it all, right?

Thanks to Netgalley and Avon for providing an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.