I liked this one a lot. Sort of a reverse Cinderella story. I loved the found family aspect the men share and that it's they who are so looked down upon simply because they don't know their histories. It is a side of this society that is rarely seen. The banter between the main characters was so much fun to read. I was laughing out loud during most of this book. I can't wait to read the rest of the books in this series!

Wilhelmina's an astronomer, and we first meet her standing on a bridge parapet gazing at the stars. Unfortunately, barrister Bram Townsend spots her and fears she intends to jump. In an act of attempted heroism, he tackles her to the ground, an action not appreciated by the lady scientist. At this inauspicious first meeting, the two discover a mutual love for argument, and even moreso, winning. This similarity is not the sort to endear one to the other, however. It feels like the meeting of two very differently styled neurodivergents. One needs rules, order, and a minimum of fuss. The other needs to muck about and act on her impulses with minimal outside interference. The two part with a kiss and no expectation of seeing one another again. After all, Wilhelmina's a member of the aristocracy, and Bram's a mere illegitimate son who ~works~ for a living *gasp.*

Wilhelmina's new stepmother is a surprise that foils such expectations. Five years her junior, Alethea slides easily into the role of lady of the house with Wilhelmina's father wrapped around her little finger. Wilhelmina intended to wait a few more months until her inheritance arrived on the scene, then move out with her aunt. However, Alethea wants a speedier removal of her practically ~elderly~ stepdaughter. It doesn't come from maliciousness so much as a desire to spend time with her husband in her own household. To that end, she bids on Bram at a bachelor charity auction on her stepdaughter's behalf. Bram and Wilhelmina find themselves not only spending an unwilling evening at the opera together but also further subject to Alethea's schemes. She wants them to continue to be seen in public together to entice a more eligible gentleman into wedlock with her unenthusiastic stepdaughter.

Bram and Wilhelmina end up spending more time together than they ever counted on, united in their desire not to marry despite their mutual enjoyment of arguing and absconding from tiring social functions (making out on a terrace is more appealing, after all). For Wilhelmina, she knows whatever independence she's scrounged up for herself will be lost in marriage-- a fact her aunt won't let her forget. For Bram, he insists on a perfectly staid image befitting an up-and-comer in the legal profession. An unorthodox, outspoken wife would shatter his perfect future.

There were a few things I enjoyed about this romance. There's an undercurrent of humor which most struck me in the form of an absurd running list of men Wilhelmina refuses to marry. It's a dose of silliness to introduce each chapter that also captures Wilhelmina's personality. Some listed dignitaries include would-be assassins, not discounted because of their chosen method of political action but instead overanalyzed to see how it might reflect on them as potential husbands. Another thing I appreciated was the unusual dynamic of a woman in historical romance requesting physical intimacy while wishing to avoid commitment, seeking a sort of friends-with-benefits agreement that suits both parties... for a time, anyway. And finally, Bram's four chosen brothers step in to convince Wilhelmina to give him a try once they learn he's in love with her. Bram refuses to pressure her, so they get creative, using their impressive and disparate collection of skills, trying to guide her to the light. It's a cute found family moment and a bit goofy to boot.

A couple other things weren't my favorite. The facts of sexism at the time are a bit overtold for my tastes. I can understand it, especially if the author hoped to reach readers who aren't used to such frank discussion in their historical romance novels, but I prefer a bit more subtlety or nuance. I've seen that handled really well by some in the genre, and this example didn't quite live up to that ideal. Finally, Wilhelmina herself notes that the final major scene (declarations, etc.) has a farcical feel, and I agree wholeheartedly with that assessment. I was frankly agog at the whole affair, not so much enjoying the light-heartedness as I was scrutinizing all the plot holes and magical, slapdash fixes that scrambled to tie up all loose ends in a sort of frantic flurry.

Readers who want a comical, frothy historical romance will find their specifications met here in this tale that doesn't take itself too seriously. Thanks to Avon for my copy to read and review!

MacLean and anyone who loves BRIDGERTON!

To Lady Wilhelmina Bettesford, the “game” of finding a husband is a competitive sport she wants no part of…until her much-younger step mama forces her to play it. So when her stepmother asks sexy barrister Bram Townsend to pretend to woo the amateur astronomer to boost Wilhelmina’s popularity, it’s up to Wilhelmina to navigate a fake courtship that will keep the family from forcing her into a marriage—any marriage—before she finally receives the inheritance that will allow her to live as she wants.

The trouble is every time Bram takes her in his arms she has a most difficult time remembering theirs is an act…the make-believe passion feels very real indeed.

Bram Townsend is a man on the way up: living for his books and his beliefs. Squiring Lady Wilhelmina through London’s dusk-to-dawn social whirl is hardly an ordeal—she’s beautiful, bright, and bold, everything he finds tempting in a woman. Their deal means he can meet the “best” people while she keeps her family at bay. The challenge is he quickly finds himself wanting her to say “yes” when she’s so determined to say “no.” She persuaded him to make this impetuous bargain, but how can he convince her to make it real?

Her Lessons in Persuasion
A School for Scoundrels Novel
by Megan Frampton

I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I also listened to it as an audiobook from my local library. Loved the narrator - Zara Hampton-Brown.

Dual POV historical British romance during the time of Queen Victoria. The heroine is a blue stocking astronomer earls daughter with no intention to marry. The hero is a feminist barrister of uncertain parentage with a love for Justice and debate.

There is a fun meet cute that exemplifies their unique qualities. Then a catalyst to action in the form of a bachelor auction for charity and a stepmother younger than the heroine who is determined to marry her off.

This is the first book in a series featuring a found family of boys now men. So there is some set up back story with that for future books.

The heroine goes for what she wants - to sneak out and look at the stars, to kiss this annoying stranger she just met, etc. The hero is considerate, supportive and respects her for who she is and what she wants. Virgin hero. Plenty of kissing and one open door scene not overly graphic.

Sweet, funny romantic, hopeful. 5/5

This was an interesting book. I enjoy STEM historical romances so that was nice.

Things I liked:
1. The running list of men I would not marry-- this was really funny and a nice addition in my opinion
2. The scoundrels-- I love a found family and this was one-- an eclectic one for sure too

Things I did not like:
1. Why was the child bride a thing??? Like why was that necessary? And why was it just accepted by everyone? Why did she constantly diss FMC while also trying to mother her, but also constantly reminding everyone that she couldn't possibly be her mother because she was younger? I was just so confused. It was also hinted at a couple of times that she was a gold digger but then its also framed as if they actually fell in love? (in the three days dad was out of town for mind you)
2. The constant refrains of "I'm not like other girls" and "She's not like other girls" in the first third of the book. And her not wanting to admit she was pretty or looked good??
3. The fact that FMC didn't have friends. This is kind of a pet peeve of mine in books when a main character/love interest has no friends or the friends are just not developed/used properly.

I did finish the book though, and I am considering reading the rest of the series so it wasn't too terrible.

I loved the setup of this book, but thought the title was not as fitting as it could have been. Lady Wilhelmina's character was very well-developed. While Bram's character was not as fleshed out, he was believable and not static. I've enjoyed everything by this author.

Frampton is indeed great for historical readers who look for pretty straightforward regencies. Fans of Maclean, Lorrett, Leigh, Kleypas, and Dare should pick this one up!

3.5\5 Stars

I thought this was cute ! I really enjoyed reading this book I liked that the heroine is into astronomy, it felt very fresh and new. I enjoyed reading about Wilhelmina and Bram. They were ambitious and smart and man did they bicker. I adored the fake dating trope which of course makes them get to know each other. There were so many little details that had me laughing including the do not marry list. Overall this was a great time and I absolutely recommend it.

A fake relationship is the impetus for the love story in Her Lessons in Persuasion by Megan Frampton. But the protagonists' ambitions serve to keep them apart in a surprisingly relatable – if somewhat slow – historical romance.
When Wilhelmina "Mina" Bettesford's father comes home from a long journey with a new wife, the young woman is pressured more frequently to find a suitor and finally marry. It's a plan she has no intention of following through on, thinking it will only inhibit her freedom and ability to accomplish her more scientific-oriented goals of joining the Astronomy Society.
But meeting with the broody gentlemen while star gazing offers Mina a chance to put this wedding business off long enough to come into her inheritance. Bram and Mina's first meeting is funny. It gives readers a quick glimpse of the kind of characters they are, steadfast in their determination and beliefs and unwillingness to proceed without thinking it through and contemplating all contingencies.
The interstitials are random, but I guess they provide some historical context. Some lean on the comical side of things as we hear Mina's reasonings for refusing the bachelor she names. My favorite, though, is the one where she says there is no need to elaborate on why.
There are some seemingly modern sensibilities in how forward Wilhelmina is with Bram from the beginning of the book. These two are very pragmatic people dedicated to their respective professions and determined to overcome their perceived obstacles [his birth and her gender], which adds a layer to their arrangement throughout the story.
Despite what her introduction might have made me think otherwise, I also appreciate the trope subversion done with Alethea. She can become another wicked stepmother but seems to genuinely care for Mina's father and care for her even if it feels like she's not being helpful in the manner Mina needs her to be.
Halfway into the story, we see Frampton lean into some comedy while adding more interaction between Wilhelmina and Bram's inner circle. Benton plays off the pair well in the run-up to the vote on the debate topic for the Stars in the Sky Society, while the other men in the group, presumably as a setup for the leading men in the rest of the series, sometimes feel a little shoehorned in.
Overall, Her Lessons in Persuasion is a fun read with two introspective protagonists determined to reach their goals only to have it within reach and discover that what they want is changed thanks to the other person.

I just love an historical romance. This was just what you’d expect. A stud. A headstrong girl. An unexpected romance that is just hot.

This book is a great start to a new series! A school for scoundrels? Yes, please!
Wilhelmina is 24 and she is determined not to marry. She does not want to participate in the marriage mart, but rather focus on her career as an astronomer. While she is hanging off a bridge, looking at the stars, she meets Bram. Bram tries to rescue her because he sees a damsel in distress hanging off the bridge. He “rescues” her and insists on escorting her home. She boldly kisses him thinking that they will never see each other again. Unfortunately, fate has other plans for them.

Wilhelmina’s father and step-mother start to meddle in her love life and set up a fake dating scenario with Bram so that other men will take notice and also want to court her. That does not go as planned and feelings start to develop between them. They really did have a lot in common, they liked spending time with each other. They still both had healthy relationships with friends outside of their circle. They both are supportive of each other’s careers. Bram is a barrister that wants to be a judge and Wilhemina is an astronomer who wants to be recognized for her contributions to the field. As a librarian, I LOVE that the men had a book club. What a delightful detail in the story.

This book has a lot of focus on friendship. I love that the couple really gets to know each other. It is a slow burn romance with a couple that really complements each other. I love the title and I love the cover. That alone should suck you in. It was a fun read and I am looking forward to the rest of the series.

I love reading the first book in a new series, partially because I know there is a strong likelihood that I'll get to know the characters better and they will pop in future books. This one is no exception. I very much enjoyed the building of the relationship between Wilhemina and Bram. Megan Frampton's books definitely ones that I keep on the lookout for.

This is only my second book I’ve read by this author, & I’ve enjoyed both of them. Wilhelmina & Bram are the perfect combination. They both are smart, bookish, argumentative, & neither wants to get married. Lady Wilhelmina wants to be an astronomer & can’t wait till she gets her inheritance so she can pursue her dreams. Bram is an orphan & a barrister that doesn’t want trouble. Then they meet……

Really cute way they meet too. Loved the characters—main & side—, some good banter, some sweet moments, only one chapter for the requisite sex scene, & just a fun time.

Loved this book and both leads, and am excited for all the next installments in the series to see Bram and Wilehmina in the future books too.

A cute romp with a delightfully science-minded heroine and a bastard barrister. Her Lessons in Persuasion had everything a romance lover could want: fake dating trope, somewhat enemies to lovers, and a spunky heroine. This is a low steam novel that focuses mostly on kissing and has one (far too fast) bedroom scene. While I enjoyed this story, the ending felt rushed and far too...silly for my taste. All in all, though, a delightful read.

I want to start off by saying that this was the first from Megan Frampton I've read so I won't be painting the rest of her books with the same brush. That said this was an incredibly unfortunate introduction to her work as I found this book dreadful.

I'll start out with the pros which was the Found Family of the Hero. They're love and support of him was incredibly heartwarming. That's about where it ends.

I couldn't find myself liking either of the main characters in the beginning. The first act was a slog to get through and there was virtually no tension until halfway through the book. That's not even touching on her terrible father and stepmother. How she saw anything good in them still boggles my mind!

And I'm not sure what it was about the writing but so much of it felt clunky and disjoined. If I had to take a shot for every time the heroine said, "Because I'm not going to marry," I'd be in ICU getting my stomach pumped and praying to survive.

I love fluff pieces but there were just so many things that didn't work for me here that I'm still confused about how any of this was written.

I love the start of a new series to settle into and this one is fantastic.

I love love loved Wilhelmina and Bram. They're both smart, ambitious people who love to argue. There was loads of chemistry from the start and I truly enjoyed reading their fake relationship turn into something more. And hello, Bram's friends. I can't wait to see more of all of you.

Plot wise, it was good. It was sort of weird that we didn't get any sort of information about why Althea was doing what she was, but she did (eventually) grow on me a bit. The friend group was delightful and I relished the scenes with all of them together. The last few chapters were so good (Aunt Flora, I'm looking at you) and the epilogue was perfect.

Overall, this was a great start to a new series and I can't wait to read more.

**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**

Five gentleman grew up together in an orphan's home and are the best of friends.
Bram Townsend meets Lady Wilhelmina gazing at the stars. They meet again under surprising circumstances at a charity event. An unexpected proposition gives them more time to be together. An independent lady and barrister tell each other they don't want to get married, but close proximity, heated kisses and help from friends and family may change their minds. Some open door sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Heroine is spoiled and out of touch. Her “Men I Don’t Wish to Marry” list felt petty and annoying, and her reasons reflected more on her than them.

If I had to put a page flag in for every eyebrow wiggle or little dance I did during this book, I'd have been able to make a technicolor dream coat.

Megan Frampton never disappoints, though. So I don't know why I'm surprised.

I have a checklist of what I want when I crack open a historical romance, and Megan Frampton is one of the authors that never leaves a box unchecked.