How to Win a Wallflower is the third book in Samara Parish's historical romance series Rebels With a Cause. I have not yet read the first two books; I definitely plan to amend that situation! This book stood alone perfectly well, though references were made to past events. I was not confused in the least. I loved the twist in this story...the wallflower in question was our hero!

John Barnesworth, the reluctant new Viscount Harrow, has to leave his reclusive life in the American wilderness and return to England to settle his brother Walter's affairs. He's shocked to see the condition of the estates; they are crumbling, and the coffers are empty. What John has inherited is a huge debt...and apparently a horrible fiancée! Her dowry can save him, but can he spend his life in utter misery married to this hateful woman? Enter Lady Charlotte Stirling, who has had a crush on John for some time. He is her brother the Duke's best friend; the Duke has warned Robert away from his sister as he believes John is totally unsuitable. Charlotte cannot bear the thought of John marrying her nemesis to get the woman's dowry. She comes up with a bold plan to win the funds to save his estates...

I absolutely adored this opposites attract/friends-to-lovers story! This was a character-driven story first, and that's what made it special to me. I just loved John, our "wallflower". Yep, I have added another book boyfriend to my list. John was a reclusive genius with a photographic memory and a stutter. He resented leaving America and returning to England to inherit the mess Walter left him, but he was determined to do what was right for his tenants, and he would pay off all the debts his brother owed. He was socially awkward and didn't want to go to Society balls; he just wanted to work on his inventions and projects and return to America when everything was set to rights. And then there was Charlotte. She was a social butterfly who adored going to parties and acting as her brother's representative when he needed it. She loved everything about Society, except for the woman John was expected to marry! Her brother told her that John was not for her, but she knew differently. (I didn't find Charlotte's brother particularly likable; perhaps he had his reasons. I look forward to going back to read his story.) Charlotte also has a financial problem of her own: Her other brother Will, who was forced to be a soldier by the Duke, returns to town, very sick and owing lots of money to some bad characters, and Charlotte is determined to get both John and Will out of debt. But how? Well, with Charlotte's charm and John's ability to count cards due to his photographic memory, they were bound to win at cards! Of course, some things didn't go so well, but Charlotte and John got closer to each other and passion exploded. Some sexy scenes were behind closed doors, but some were a bit more explicit; it was all lovely, however. I loved their relationship and their determination to beat the odds and become a couple. There were some tough times, but their romance was incredibly satisfying. I hope we get to see brother Will beat his demons and find true love, and I hope we get it soon!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
How To Win A Wallflower caught me off guard with its vivid characters, brilliant dialogue, and engaging plot. John is an inventor and scientist who abhors society. John is most comfortable alone with his inventions. Charlotte is the opposite of John; she is the center of every crowd and thrives on attention. John has inherited an estate that is broke and is facing an intolerable solution until Charlotte steps in to help. The once unrequited love Charlotte has felt for John begins to grow, but the odds are against the couple. John and Charlotte must decide if love is enough to keep them together.

Both John and Charlotte are relatable, lovable characters. Their connection is one-sided at the beginning of the book. However, the couple’s connection turns passionate the longer they are together. I thought John and Charlotte were perfect for each other; their differences strengthened each other. The couple’s relationship is magnetic.

The storyline moved well and kept my attention. I enjoyed the pent-up emotion between the couple; it was electric, and John and Charlotte ignited the page when they allowed their passions to grow. The opposite natures of the couple seem an unsurmountable problem, yet each strength complimented each weakness perfectly. Secondary characters and plots enriched the story. How To Win A Wallflower is the third book in the Rebels With A Cause series. Samara Parish delivers another unforgettable, poignant romance that leaves the reader demanding more!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The third installment in Parish''s "Rebels with a Cause" series picks up after Duke Edward & Fiona's story. It is the love story of the duke's long-time friend and business partner John (who I guess is a "rebel?") & his younger sister Charlotte (who I guess is a "wallflower?). A sweet, brilliant, introverted guy suddenly inherits a title and the social butterfly girl-next-door who's always crushed on him, finally gets her shot at turning his head? I'm here for it. I love good opposites-attract romance, especially when the guy is the nerdy one!

Though, there's nothing really rebellious about John. He's in trade. He's an inventor. He does everything society expects of him whether he likes it or not. Charlotte's "wallflower-ness" is also up for debate. She was a very social person and always dancing. Just because she chose to befriend wallflowers, doesn't necessarily make her one. I probably would've gone with another title, especially since Eva Leigh's "How the Wallflower Was Won" was published recently as well and these titles are soooo confusingly similar. Easier said than done though, as all historical romance titles and stories seem to blur together.

This book had everything a high-stakes steamy romance needs: a villain to take down, a family to win approval from, lots of money issues, gambling schemes, family drama and a couple you root for. I love the mad-cap race about town ending. It's a very bingeable book, hard to put down.

It left me wondering if her brother William's story might be next and what kind of romantic adventures the battle-scared military man will get up to in America! Parish's writing seems so effortless, her dialogue so dreamy and her plots so natural. Her books are a must-read. They never disappoint this rabid historical romance reader.

How to Win a Wallflower by Samara Parish is a historical romance. The novel is a best friend’s sister romance with several twists.

John Barnesworth never expected to be the one in charge, but when his brother dies suddenly in an accident, he is left in charge. His brother left the estate in shambles, no money, and nothing. John needed a lot of money to keep everything going. Then to top it off, he is supposed to be marrying an angry debutante that his brother set up.

Lady Charlotte Stirling is the best friend’s sister. She has had a thing for John all her life. To have him back and needing money, just makes the helping of him even better!

There are many twists and turns in the book, maybe even a few too many. I liked Charlotte, but I didn’t think the title was correct for her as she was fun and gregarious with everyone. I was not really impressed with the oldest brother - talk about a curmudgeon. I think I will try another one of Samara Parish’s novels before I make any decisions about the books in general. How to Win a Wallflower by Samara Parish was an okay read.

How to Win a Wallflower by Samara Parish is the 3rd book of her Rebels with a Cause Series.
It's my very first Samara Parish book as well! 😁
Ha! And now that I finished this great book I know it won't be my last! 😉

John Barnesworth has to deal with a lot of things because of his brother's death.
He's the new Lord Harrow, there are still his brother's outstanding debts and a really unpleasant fiancée...
And... there's Lady Charlotte Stirling who could help him with all the problems... but should she really do this? And should he accept her help? Can they deal with their feelings and problems together? 🤔

Oooooh reading How to Win a Wallflower made me sooooo happy!
I love a good historical romance with great characters!!
Charlotte and John are soooo different!
She knows how to behave on balls and also loves to help others. A really charming young woman with a heart of gold.
Well and John. Awwww. Quiet and handsome John. He's kinda special in a different way. More interested into science than social interactions.
Although John is her brother's best friend, she can't resist to support him - any way possible... which leads to a lot of swoon-worthy and also exciting moments!

There's drama and emotions and so much more! I really enjoyed How to Win a Wallflower and really wanna read the first 2 books of the series too! 📚☺️

Thanks to Forever Grand Central Publishing and Samara Parish for this ARC via NetGalley.
This is my honest review in my own words.

This is a story of two opposites and a long-time crush the heroine has had for the hero. Charlotte wants to save John from having to marry her sworn enemy and he needs to marry an heiress to get himself out of debt, thanks to his late brother.

Charlotte is a passionate and vivacious heroine who takes risks and has a strong activist streak which is great, but I just didn’t feel the romance between her and John. On some level, I didn’t find him worthy of her.

I found this book hard to read, as the story is all over the place.

Thank you to Netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

There is A LOT happening in this book. It is filled with multiple tropes, and plenty of conflict between both the main characters and secondary characters. Charlotte and John do their best to do right by the people around them and each other, which makes their path to each other a bit more complicated.

Overall I really did enjoy this book. But I wish it had perhaps not squeezed in as many twists and turns. It is a solid romance with all of the splendor that I have to come to expect is a historical. It kept me entertained and turning the pages.

Fans of historical romance will love the strong-willed heroine and the duke who loves her in How to Win a Wallflower: Rebels with a Cause #3. They'll look forward to the next story in the series.

How to Win a Wallflower is book three in a series. I did not read book two, and I felt that I should have in order to understand the dynamic between our leading lady's brothers, Will and Edward. While the cause of the rift is vaguely mentioned, I didn't feel enough information was given for me to understand the severity of it.

I really liked the two main characters, John and Charlotte. John is self-conscious of a stutter and has always been in his brother's shadow. He feels inferior and doesn't like to be around people. While he is a handsome man that people like, that insecurity makes him relatable. It is also a problem since Charlotte is the complete opposite. She needs people - to be around them, for them to like her - to the point that it dominates her time and energy. It's almost an obsession that her arch nemesis gets no end of pleasure in harping on. Again, this flaw makes the character - a beautiful, rich woman of breeding and cousin to the king - relatable. The author has a gift in characterization. Even the villains (most of them) are complex.

Not family friendly due to graphic sex scenes.

I had a disappointing experience with a historical romance immediately prior to reading this, after not picking one up for awhile, and I was afraid I had lost my taste for the genre. I picked this one up hesitantly but flew through it in a day. I am happy to report that I have not, in fact, lost my taste for the genre -- it was just that one book.

I had greatly enjoyed Samara Parish's previous installation in this series, and I'm happy to say that I greatly enjoyed this one as well.

This time we have an unconventional Viscount, ill at ease with his newly acquired title, who would rather spend his time holed up in a solitary cabin with nothing but his myriad inventions to keep him company. He is scornful of and greatly dislikes society, and it is him the 'wallflower' in the title refers to -- not Lady Charlotte. He is gentle and kind and good and it was wonderful to get a softer, more intellectual hero.

Lady Charlotte is a social butterfly who spends her time helping others. Making clothing for orphans, chairing comittees, drawing wallflowers into the social scene, helping her brother forge political connections... She has her work cut out for her in convincing John that he should make a bit of an effort with society, but as they embark on a wild scheme to acquire enough money to save John's crumbling estates and her brother's neck, they learn that though seemingly too different they fit together perfectly.

There are obstacles, of course, not least of which is Charlotte's older brother -- one of John's few closest friends -- who seems determined to keep them apart as he doesn't think they will suit.

Some of the events strain credulity but I was completely engrossed in the twists and turns of the story and loved every minute. It reminded me of some of Georgette Heyer's whirlwind, ridiculous plots. I greatly appreciated that the spice didn't overwhelm the story or plot.

I would definitely recommend this if you are a historical romance fan, especially if you like unconventional heros and heroines - it ticked all the boxes for me.

*Thanks to NetGalley and Forever for providing an early copy for review.

This story is delightful! I loved the constant motion of the story. Much like Charlotte, the story had boundless energy and was constantly in motion. John was the quintessential wallflower, content to remain separate from society while Charlotte was destined to rule it. Despite their seemingly polar opposites, these two find they are the missing piece of each other. The growth shown by both characters was joy to watch. Despite their circumstances, they each realize that parts of their lives are them not being true to themselves. The other helping to bolster their confidence to learn what parts of society life is true to them and changing to become their better selves. The obstacle they faced made them stronger and helped them to face heir family and provide a better future. The ending had so many twists and turns that it literally kept me on the edge of my seat. Despite not having read the first two books in this series, I found all the characters to add a nice blend to the story. This was a nice shift from the typical lady wallflower, to have the detached gentlemen having to find his place was a charming twist.

The hero unexpectedly inherits his title and finds out that there are a lot of problems that he acquired with it. This includes an unpleasant fiancée with a dowry that could save him from ruin, but he really doesn't like her. The hero turns to the heroine for help, and as he spends time with this charming lady, his feelings becoming romantic along the way...which is the same for the heroine, who is telling herself that becoming closer to the hero will not be good for her life. But the heroine has her own issues to contend with, and will a romantic relationship be the best for both of them when they have many obstacles in their lives.

This is the third book in the Rebels with a Cause series. This historical romance also has previous characters appearing in the story, so it would be nice to read the series in order as there is not enough information provided to make this a standalone book. Both main characters in the book are strong in their own way, yet they also have flaws that appear in the story. It depends on the reader if such personality traits can be accepted without annoyance or let such traits get the best of their appreciation of those characters. It would have helped if the story gave better transition in certain areas since the story really needed them. Also, some secondary characters were not as likable as others, even if they were necessary in the story. Overall, it's a solid addition to the series, but it also needed a bit more to make it better reading.

**Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy. All opinions and thoughts in the review are my own.**

A gender swap wallflower romance? Yes, please!

Samara Parish’s third book in The Rebels with a Cause series, How to Win a Wallflower releases today and has more surprises than just the wallflower switcheroo mentioned above! This book has a lot going on and at it’s heart focuses on a society darling in love with her brothers reclusive best friend… oh the pining!

Lady Charlotte Stirling has been out in society for years and is still unwed. Yet, it is not for lack of suitors, as a dukes daughter/ sister and one of the kindest and personable ladies out she is a much desired match.

When her brothers best friend, John Barnesworth returns to London to restore the dissolute title his brother left him, she realizes she has been waiting for him the whole time! Too bad they are exact opposites! While she thrives in society, he prefers solitude and avoids all public gatherings. Add in her brother warning each of them away from each other… you know sparks are going to fly!

If that wasn’t enough, I was kept on my toes throughout this book from the family drama on both sides and Charlotte and John’s money-making schemes! By the end of the book I was literally white knuckling my kindle as I frantically read on, needing the romantic conclusion to this story… and I was not disappointed!

I am a sucker for a wallflower and this role reversal was a fun and well done addition to the cannon! This book surprised me with action and drama presented in the second half. It gave me an old school HR vibe that I really enjoyed!

As for being the third book in the series, though we meet the main characters in the past books, I feel this one can easily be picked up and read on its own.

Thanks to Forever Publishing for my gifted copy and my NetGalley review copy.

#HowToWinAWallflower #SamaraParish

This is the perfect read for those that love a slow burn historical romance! John is the perfect awkward inventor that I just want to hug and is the perfect polar opposite for Charlotte. She's the social butterfly that needs the introverted inventor to balance her out. She helps him build his confidence and open up and he helps her become who she's truly meant to be. This book just kept a smile on my face the whole time and I enjoyed the small twists!

I enjoyed Parish's last book, but this one didn't really hook me like it did. Unfortunately, with the holidays and general business, I just don't have the patience or discipline to stick with a book that doesn't thrill me. I would try something from this author again, though.

Thank you to Neutrally, Forever, and the author for the eARC in exchange for my review.

I have read the entire series of Samara Parish's books, and this is the third and probably my favourite. I absolutely loved John Barnesworth, the wallflower of the title and the quiet hero of the story. It's something rare to find a historical romance with a beta hero/sweetheart, but John is it. He's an engineer who is shy and retiring, trying to create something good for society. Being the Viscount was never part of his plans.

Lady Charlotte, the heroine, is a perfect foil for John's reticence in society. The hostess for her brother, she has put her own dreams aside and concentrated on charity work. But John was her brother's best friend and childhood crush…and when he reappears in her life she is determined to win him.

There's gambling, disguises, kissing in the rain, a secret gate in the garden wall and more. Samara Parish has a gorgeous writing style too, making for a wonderful read.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley.

I enjoyed the first two books in the Rebels with a Cause series by Samara Parish, so I knew I needed to read How to Win a Wallflower, Book 3. I didn’t read the blurb, just picked up the book based on the series and cover.

I want to start with the fact that I felt the title was a little misleading. I suppose the wallflower in the title is referring to John, but that’s not generally a term used for men. And there’s really no way Charlotte would be considered a wallflower. But I realized this after the fact and found the book interesting, but I want people going into the book to realize that the male main character is the “shy” one.

John and Charlotte don’t make a lot of sense in the beginning. They’re pretty much complete opposites. But they have known each other most of their lives, and at least in Charlotte’s case, there’s been a crush for as long as she can remember.

There were sparks between the two, and I did like how their relationship developed. I even enjoyed the twist thrown in at the end, threatening to tear the two apart. The romance worked for me.

The rest of the story wasn’t quite as solid. I felt the author spent a lot of time just throwing John and Charlotte into as many situations as possible it got a little overwhelming. It could have been streamlined and perhaps more focused on any one of the situations rather than tossing everything but the kitchen sink at the couple.

But that said, I really enjoyed How to Win a Wallflower, and it kept me turning the pages. The character and romance development really made the story for me, and with a bit of tweaking of the plot, this would have been a 5-Star read.

John inherits a viscountcy to find it deeply in debt. Marriage to a viperous heiress would set his estates in order. But he can't get his best friend's sister, Lady Charlotte, out of his mind. Will he have to choose between love and money?

I loved this delightful, swoony romance. The main characters are smart and honorable, perfectly matched. The plot is fast-paced and full of twists.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Ladies Charlotte Wildafurd had been in love with her brothers Best friend since she was a little girl and she thought she would never see him again. He had moved Thor away to the wild west of America and as far as she knew he was happy there but since the death of his brother Lord Harro he’s back in England but a soon as he fixes the estates financial woes he is off to America again. That is unless she can convince her brother to allow her and her dowry to fix the problems for him. John has a slight stutter and because of this he is happy to be on his own and plants to keep it that way but it seems the more he spends time with Charlotte the lease being alone looks like a great proposition John isn’t the only one Charlotte needs to convince she belongs with him her brother doesn’t want her marrying the new Lord Harro because he loves his sister knows her Love will be unrequited or at least that’s what he initially thought. To make problems even worse Charlotte in while‘s little brother William has returned from the war in Africa and he is injured and he is refusing to see the brother that sent him there. Can Charlotte make everything all right with her brothers and convince John and her oldest brother that they belong together. How much can a lady take… Well latest Charlotte can take a lot and she can dish it out. I love this book and I know they have a lot of books like this were you know how it will end but I always say it’s the journey that counts and what a great journey this author provides it will make you cry laugh swoon in cheer and when it’s over you want to do it again. I highly recommend How To Win a Wall Flower Buy Samara parish you will love Lady Charlotte as she is a great example of independent at a time when patriarchy rule the day. I totally absolutely loved this book and can’t wait for the next one in the series. I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

The story of John and Charlotte sounds pretty basic at its core of the best friend's strong-headed little sister showing the lead that she's all grown up and capable of helping him when he most needs it. His eyes are opened to the wonderful woman she's become and they're off on their slightly illicit adventures. What makes this special is that it is so much more thanks to the brilliant plotting Parish takes them through. It's not just one or two things that should make them keep their distance, it's a whole slew of them. But John and Charlotte are perfect for each other even if they themselves sometimes doubt it and everything they go through in order to help others makes that obvious to everyone.
It's not often that a romance will surprise me, so I was happy to come upon a classic twist that I was not expecting this one to make. It added the prerequisite dramatic turn in a way that forced every character to show their hand and make the hard decisions. Plus, it made the inevitability of John getting his proper dues that much sweeter.
I do feel like one family storyline wasn't really resolved and just tied up rather hastily in order to get the character in place for the big finish, but that's a minor detail that I'm hoping means we'll be getting his story in a future volume.
Don't let the fact that this is the third in a series keep you from jumping right in. It's perfectly enjoyable with no knowledge about what happened in previous volumes as the connection is there but only in comments to how characters first met.
Overall, it was fun, romantic, and exciting, which makes it a winner in my book.

Happy thanks to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the exciting romance read!