A fun, quick historical romance. I liked Viola even though she leaned into her long-suffering-ness a little too much. West was a real dummy (affectionately) but he and Viola did make a good pair. A good and diverting read for a few hours.

The Duke of Westbury is a rake and a scoundrel, and he has one of the worst reputations in the Ton. When it comes to his attention that what he has been doing is making it harder for his sisters to find good matches, he resolves to get married and find matches for his sisters.
When he says as much to his sisters they definitely don't like it and cause Miss Beaton to try and talk some sense into him. Which isn't easy as she has had a major crush on him, and tends to stammer and blush whenever there in the same room. This time though they have a huge argument that causes her to quit, and him to actually truly notice her for the first time.

It doesn't help that without her presence in the house everything goes belly up. Turns out Viola was a major reason his house ran smoothly and his sisters behaved. So off he goes to apologize and bring her back. Now Viola and Brandan are spending lots and lots of time together, and are definitely catching some real feelings for one another. If only Brandan didn't need to marry an heiress, they know they are doomed to never be together. That doesn't stop them from their sizzling chemistry and growing feelings of attachment,

I loved seeing them fall in love, Brandan becoming the man he was always meant to be, realizing money isn't everything, and for Viola to come out of the shadows and take what she wants and deserves.

They made a wonderful couple, and I can't wait to see what Lenora Bell will come out with next

Duke Most Wicked is a lovely story of Brandon Delamare, the Duke of Westbury and Viola Beaton, who is the music instructor for his 5 sisters. Viola is attracted to the Duke but he doesn't even recall her name and constantly calls her by a different name each time they meet. When the Duke decides to marry and also find suitable spouses for his sisters, Viola offers to serve as their chaperone. As the season goes on and she and the Duke are having to be around each other more, their attraction grows. There are numerous issues that could keep them apart, Brandon has a secret from his past and Viola doesn't think she is worthy of a duke as she is not an part of the aristocracy. The story is well written and includes lots of adventure, romance and steam.

I received this story as an ARC from Netgalley and the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

This is the third book in Lenora Bell’s Wallflowers vs. Rogues series, but it can be read as standalone, though the couples from the previous books are present and referenced in the book. As with the other books in this series, this is the book of a wicked man and the wallflower that brings him to his knees. West is the worst type of rake and it is beginning to damage the reputations of his younger sisters who are trying to find matches. His verbal sparring partner is Viola, his sisters’ music tutor and companion. She agrees to help him find matches for his sisters and prepare for a marriage of his own. He is very attracted to Viola but he needs to marry a fortune to save his family, so admitting his feelings is not an easy task.

I absolutely adored Viola. I found her to be a richly written heroine whose story and perspective was always interesting to read. In contrast, West was just kinda there. He was hot and there and that’s about it. He showed no growth throughout the book and I found myself just waiting for something to make him a better and more interesting character. For me this book was saved by the side characters. I adored West’s sisters and loved that we got to see the couples from the first two books again.

My issues with the main relationship likely is because employer / employee romances do absolutely nothing for me. It’s a power dynamic, especially in historical romances, that just makes me feel icky. This was exacerbated by the fact that some of West’s interactions with Viola were bordering on sexual harassment. I will say that the book was written in such a lighthearted way that I was never fully turned off by anything in the book and I still enjoyed my time reading the book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Brandan and Viola are truly meant to be together. Known to his friends as West, Brandan is truly a scoundrel.
It is a truth universally acknowledged that a wicked duke who has gambled away his fortune must be in want of an heiress.
Scarred by a dark secret, Brandan Delamar, Duke of Westbury, must concede his misdeeds have finally caught up with him. With five younger sisters to support, he must marry for money.
Sunny and steadfast, Viola Beaton is no heiress. As music instructor to the duke’s sisters, she’s developed a genuine affection for the bright young ladies. Unfortunately, she’s also developed a forbidden passion for her wildly attractive employer.
It must be the way he inspires her to compose sonatas about moonlight and kisses. Or how his gaze smolders and lingers on her skin. Or because he makes her heart whisper impossible things.
When Westbury decrees that he’ll choose not only a bride, but grooms for his sisters, Viola can’t allow him to curtail their freedom. She strikes a bargain: if he allows his sisters to attend the Season, Viola will chaperone them and keep them safe from scandal.
Only…what if Viola and the duke are the ones most likely to cause a scandal?
Lenora Bell has written another good romance.
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.

This was a fun read! I think the pacing was a little off but I loved this author's writing! I'm excited to check out the rest of the books in this series!

I found myself really rooting for the Duke of Westbury and wanting for him to reform and have a new beginning. He hired Viola a music teacher whose father is trying to complete a composition that he believes is his lives work. during this journey Viola does what no one has been able to do reform a Duke. She told him that he needed to do it for his sister's, so they can have a Season. West's dad was very abusive to his mother and him when he was very young, West was the heir, but when his brother was born West was cast away. But Viola helped him to not only reform, but to be the man that he was meant to be. Their love story they tried to deny, he needs an heiress to rebuild his name and what he gambled away. The more they fought the more the passion build. I really enjoyed this story, and this is my honest opinion. I was given and advanced copy from NetGalley.

Duke Most Wicked has a classic premise: the wicked duke and the wallflower, held apart by circumstance but drawn together anyway. While it succeeded in delivering on that setup, the book as a whole was a bit of a mixed bag for me.

On the one hand, the longing and pining in this book are great, and the story executes a solid slow burn. Both Viola and West figure out their feelings for each other long before they act on them, so there's plenty of weighted glances across a room and frustrated thoughts. I was held in suspense by the story, trying to figure out how they were ever going to make things work with so much - and particularly the question of money - holding them apart.

On the other hand, though, some of the more technical details of the book held me back from fully enjoying myself. There's a lot of dialogue in Duke Most Wicked, and much of it goes back and forth between characters without being broken up by thoughts, feelings, or descriptions. It was honestly a little jarring to read, and I felt like I couldn't sink into the scenes since I couldn't visualize how the characters were actually interacting. I also felt like the pacing meant that the pining went on a little too long, or maybe that the shift from pining to action was a bit too abrupt. Similarly, I felt like we got more of West than Viola, leaving her to feel a little flat. Her thoughts and conflicts were somewhat circular and repetitive, and I wanted more of a natural progression to her growth.

Duke Most Wicked isn't perfect, but it was perfectly enjoyable, and a nice way to pass an evening or two of reading.

3.5/5

I have read and enjoyed the previous titles in this series by Lenora Bell, so I was looking forward to this book. I enjoyed it immensely, despite a few quibbles.

Viola Beaton as been acting as music teacher, governess, and household peacemaker in the home of Brandan Delamar, Duke of Westbury and the Wicked Duke of the title. She rarely sees him as she is occupied with his 5 sisters and he is indeed, wicked. The start of the story finds West hungover and broke. While attempting to head home, he overhears some harsh untruths about his sisters and some equally harsh truths about the impact his dismal reputation is having on their marriage chances. He decides he will fix everything - marry an heiress, marry off most of his sisters without actually giving them a Season, and then return to his profligate ways. Shockingly, his sisters were not on board with this idea, and Viola's attempts to help them bring her into the direct attention of the Wicked Duke. Did I mention she has been in love with him for years?

I adored Viola. She was smart and funny, and the way she used music throughout her POV to detail thoughts and emotions was so on point for her being a composer. I did not like that, prior to the point at which the book starts, she was apparently acting as a doormat, working without pay and doing the jobs of at least 3 people. I enjoyed watching her confidence in herself grow and the way that the men in her life supported her talents, albeit years too late in the case of her father.

I was less of a fan of West, though he did grow on me. I have never been a huge fan of stories where the heroine is in the employ of the hero. The power imbalance makes true romance somewhat impossible, in my opinion. West spent years thinking little of his sisters and not caring a whit what his behavior might do to them. Even his first "transformation" was solely to relieve his own guilty conscience and set things up so that he could continue to drink, gamble, and fornicate (as Viola would call it), Over the course of the book, he became a truly caring brother and a man who could see past the evils of his past and fall in love. With Viola, of course.

The American fiancee, evil suitor, and kidnap plot somehow don't make this book seem too much. 4.5 stars (rounded up) and I would definitely recommend.

He was sin incarnate. Dangerously depraved. Wicked Westbury.

Duke Most Wicked is a lighthearted, fun, grumpy/sunshine romance that will leave you blushing and smiling.

“She’d simply have to force her heart to play a new tune.”

This third installment in a great series has some high notes, but it was mostly mediocre.

“Love is a Rogue”, the first book in this series, was a real hit to me. I enjoyed almost everything about it. So when I started this book, the third of the Wallflowers vs. Rogues series, I was mostly excited. It didn’t exactly let me down as much as it never reached the heights I expected from Lenora Bell.
Some of the good first. Our MCs, Viola and West, are strong characters with personalities that shine through. I especially enjoyed Viola’s sweet temperament that she mixes with fierceness and courage. There is a great supporting cast. I’m especially hoping Jax and Rafe get their own books, along with some of West’s sisters. Throughout the books the authoress Daphne Villenueve has been mentioned and I’m hoping her mystery will be solved eventually as well.
The plot was fast paced- almost too much. It seemed like things happened so quickly I couldn’t keep up.
The writing is good in places. I love Lenora Bell’s humor and sweetness. I did read an ARC of this book and perhaps with a little polish the writing will improve. There is a huge need for some commas throughout. And sometimes the dialog or thoughts of the characters just felt off. It moved so fast I felt like I was being told what to feel and not taken on a journey.
Somewhere I read this is a take on the Little Mermaid and beyond a butler named Sebastian I did not see that at all. Was I misinformed?
Overall it’s a fun read and there’s nothing horrible about it, it just didn’t stand out to me. However, I do look forward to more books in this series.

TW: Parental abuse, kidnapping
Tropes: Enemies to lovers, governess, class differences

Although I did read an ARC of this book, all opinions are my own.

Viola has had a massive crush on her employer for as long as she's known him. Music teacher to his five sisters, Viola is enamored of West, even with his wicked ways. When he realizes that his behavior has tarnished his sisters' reputations, he seeks to make amends by finding a wealthy heiress to marry and suitors for the sisters. Viola is extra protective of the sisters and argues with him on their behalf. Meanwhile, Viola has been secretly composing music and selling it as her father's and adamantly avoiding any time in the spotlight. West sees her talent and beauty despite her plain and drab dresses but believes that he doesn't deserve her sunshine. Overall, great dynamic between our characters and love the flirting and banter they get into.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Harper Voyager for an eARC of this title for review. All opinions are my own.

In Duke Most Wicked, unrepentant rogue Brandan Delamar, Duke of Westbury, comes to the realization that he must marry for money in order to secure his family’s future. Meanwhile, optimistic and kind Viola Beaton, who serves music instructor to the duke’s five sisters and who has long held a torch for West, convinces him to allow her to shepherd his sisters through a London Season. As they each undertake their respective quests, West finds himself seeing Viola in a new light and falling for his sisters’ longtime companion. However, with so much at stake, can Westbury afford to give into this newfound love?

Lenora Bell is one of the biggest names in historical romance, but I’ve only read a few of her books, so I was delighted to get the chance to review Duke Most Wicked. I loved Viola— she was warm, kind, and a lovely steadfast presence for the Duke’s sisters, who had experienced too little genuine kindness in their lives. I had some reservations about West’s characterization, though. As the story progresses, the readers learn that West has experienced traumas that influence his current reckless behavior. As much as I empathized, I still couldn’t understand why he acted out in such a way that gambled away his family’s entire fortune (including his sisters’ dowries) that put their futures at serious risk. Thankfully all worked out well in the end, but it was a bit of a bumpy ride to get there. However, I think Bell is a talented writer, and this was an engaging story that will appeal to many lovers of regency romance. All in all, still a worthwhile purchase for our digital collection, and I’ll look forward to future books from Lenora Bell. 3.5 stars.

Brendan Delamar is the wicked Duke of Westbury. After feeling rejected and never good enough for his father growing up, he decides to live up to his name and spends his life living sin. Once he realizes he's penniless and has 5 sisters to take care of and marry off, he realizes he quickly needs to catch himself a wealthy wife whom he can keep at arms length. Meanwhile, music teacher and daughter of a fallen famous composer, Viola Beaten, is trying to help his sisters get ready for their debuts. When she realizes the Duke and brother of the girls is making hasty decisions that the girls don't want, she quickly steps in to intervene, but soon is over her head against the Duke and his sinful ways.

This was a fun read for me. I absolutely loved the premise of the book, never having read an HR novel I enjoyed it and while I felt like the only thing it was missing was a true villian, it was still really enjoyable. I thought the chemistry between the 2 main characters wasn't forced, I enjoyed the sisters' storylines to add humor and there was just enough steam to keep it interesting! I can't wait to read the next Wallflower book!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for my review and honest opinions of the book.

Brandan Delamar, Duke of Westbury, is on the path to total destruction until he's told by his sister's prim and proper music teacher, Viola Beaton, that he's also ruining his sister's lives. Determined to try and mend his wicked and scandalous ways, West finds it's not so easy to turn things around. He's nearly bankrupt with all his drinking and gambling, and he needs to marry an heiress to refill the duke's coffers, except the more time he spends with Viola, he realizes that she is the only woman he wants to marry. Viola Beaton, the daughter of a disgraced composer, has had a tendre for the Duke of Westbury since she met him, but she's not duchess material. She's penniless and has no social connections that West needs. Falling in love with the duke is the last thing she should do, but it's hard to tell her stubborn heart what to do. Can she keep her distance while instructing his sisters in their music lessons or will she throw caution to the wind and succumb to his wicked ways?

This was an enjoyable story. I loved that Viola was an accomplished music composer in her own right even though no one knows that. Everyone believes it's her father's work, but West convinces her she should claim the winning composition as her own. Viola grew from a shy retiring wallflower to a brilliant and confident woman. I loved West's growth throughout the book from only caring about himself to realizing that he dearly loves his sisters and that his growing affection for Viola is something he can't deny any longer. Ms. Bell teases out the details of West's cruel childhood, and there's a much-needed redemption for him regarding his ducal properties. West's sisters are a delightful addition to the story. I look forward to reading the next story in the series.

4 Stars

He was sin incarnate. Dangerously depraved. Wicked Westbury.

Brandan Delamar, Duke of Westbury is London's most wicked rogue with gambling, women, and booze. He's fallen on hard times with funds diminishing. He must marry a heiress to support his five sisters' dowries and the crumbling of his estate. Westbury employs wallflower, Viola Beaton as his sisters' music teacher. She's strong, tender hearted, and very passionate. This is the 3rd installment to the series. It can be read as a standalone, I believe. I have not read the other two books.

This is a well written story! West and Viola make an excellent pair. West is like fire (wicked, devilish, arrogant) whereas Viola is like water (cool, angelic, strongheaded). They have great banter and build up. I am shocked that I enjoyed it so much since it's a slow burn book. It takes a while for West to make a move due to Viola being in his employed but they both show inner thoughts of wanting each other... badly. The whole book kept me interested and entertained.

One of my favorites lines: "You truly are the most maddeningly arrogant rogue in London. I have to kiss you now, don't I, if only to prove to you that not every woman succumbs to your charm."

Thanks to Netgalley and it's publisher for a free copy of this arc in exchange for my honest review.

Brandan Delamar, Duke of Westbury, has lived a reckless life. But with five sisters to support, he must marry money to provide for their dowries and his crumbling estate. His sisters want nothing to do with his heavy-handed ways, though, and have an ally in their music instructor, Miss Viola Beaton. More than their teacher, Viola has been keeping the peace in the Duke's home; so, when she and Brandan quarrel and she quits, he gets a glimpse of the chaos in his household. Viola agrees to come back and help chaperone his sisters for the season, but maybe she is the one that needs protection from scandal!

This is the third book in the Wallflowers vs. Rogues series. It can be read alone, but there are mentions of characters and events from the other stories. There are also quite a few winks for readers of Bell's School for Dukes series.

This book was like a cup of hot chocolate on a cold day: sweet, frothy, and just what I wanted. I really enjoyed West and Viola's interactions and the pacing of their romance. I also appreciated the strong theme of friendship: Viola with her social club, and with West's sisters, but also West with his friends. It all felt very genuine and fleshed out the characters and story. (4.5 stars rounded to 5)

Tropes: Class Difference, Working Heroine, Secret Crush, Forced Proximity

Steam: 4 (four scenes, but two were on the shorter side)

* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #DukeMostWicked #NetGalley

The duke in #DukeMostWicked is Brandan Delamar, Duke of Westbury, who has worked hard at being the worst, most scandalous duke possible in an effort to live down to the expectations of his father, a cold-hearted man who verbally and physically abused Brandan.

Unfortunately Brandan has five younger sisters who have been impacted by his exploits and irresponsible behavior. To salvage the family’s name and refresh their financial fortunes, he has decided to temporarily reform so that he may marry an heiress. Typically, once he decides this, he also selects potential husbands for his two eldest sisters without consulting them. He sees this as a sensible alternative to the time and expense of their participation in the London Season. His sisters, who have been looking forward to the Season, are appalled at his high-handedness and less than enthusiastic about the potential spouses he has chosen.

Viola Beaton, the daughter of a famous—and disgraced—composer, is the music instructor to the duke’s sisters. She is also the one who manages all the different personalities and keep the household running somewhat on an even keel. Viola is genuinely fond of the Delamar girls and pleads with Brandan to let them have a season and give them the opportunity to make their own decisions regarding their grooms. He agrees, if Viola will chaperone them and keep them safe from scandal.

As a result, Brandan and Viola are thrown together. Despite the fact that they believe they are wrong for each other, Brandan is attracted to her and intrigued by her while Viola-who has always had a crush on Brandan--sees her feelings intensify.

Sadly, this story seemed very formulaic and fell flat for me. The characters never really came to life and their behavior did not always seem credible. Brandan’s efforts to ruin himself are extremely selfish and include gambling away his sister’s dowries. He suddenly realizes how significantly his actions and reputation are affecting his sisters chances to marry after overhearing a single conversation. His instant determination to do better seems unrealistic. As for Viola, based on her early experience and knowledge of Brandan, it's hard to understand why she would initially be attracted to him.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #AvonBooks for the review copy.

Duke Most Wicked: ★ ★ ★ . 5

As the third in the Wallflowers vs. Rogues series by Lenora Bell, I was looking forward to Brandan Delamar's book. The Duke of Westbury is a scoundrel of the highest degree. A constant drunk who has gambled away his money but he needs to care for his sisters to make sure they're set in their lives and marriage. When that awareness settles in, he knows he needs to make a change by marrying an heiress who is actually pretty familiar to his family. Being the medium and the common ground in the family, Viola is the glue of them all, and responsible for making sure that his sisters get the season they deserve & want.

Personally, I didn't like the way Brandon just made no effort to improve his situation other than get married. Especially to someone in his employ, it seemed like his behavior just wasn't always appropriate. Viola really surprised me, though. I didn't expect her to be as strong as she was but she WAS. I really appreciated the way she stood up for herself.

This was a new author for me and I will definitely be looking for more.

*ARC provided by Netgalley for an honest review.

Loved finally getting the story of the duke and music teacher. I’ve been interested in the. Since they were mentioned in previous books. Good story. The flow was great, the characters were great. I can’t wait for future books.

Thank you to the publisher and Lenora Bell for the arc via Netgalley.