Her Lessons in Persuasion by Megan Frampton.

This was my first book by this author and I am happy to report, that I am a new fan. I really enjoyed this story of Lady Wilhelmina Bettesford and Bram Townsend, were perfect for each other. Bram was an orphan who was adopted and eventually became a lawyer and argued his way into Lady Wilhelmina's life. Lady Wilhelmina was set on her ways and never planned to get married because why would you give so much control of yourself to a man?! She was going to have money and live in a cottage with her aunt. #goals

This was the first book that I read where both the main characters were set on not getting married but somehow found themselves falling for each other. It was nice to see the hero falling in love first with the heroine. Love the way they communicated with each other and Bram was always honest with her and really wanted what was best for her even if that did not include him in her life.

I really enjoyed the book not only for the main characters but the side characters were really funny and entertaining too. From Mina's side you had the aunt, dad, and really young step mom (who was 5 years younger than her), from Bram side you had all these friends.

I rate this book a 4.5 out of 5
Steam level 2 out of 5

Available on Jan 24, 2023

All hail the virgin hero! This book had 2 things I love: hero falls first and a virgin hero. Both were on excellent evidence here. This was great, I loved the love story btn Bram and Mina and the friendship btn Bram and his friends. Mina was adorable and blunt and knew what she wanted and she was great. I did not love that stepmother. She was pushy and rude for no good reason and then just gives in and completely changes at the end. She was the one note that didn’t ring true in this story.

First read from this author for me. I barely made it to 60%, took me 3 days of forcing myself to push through, until really, I must call DNF. I will be rating since I feel like my main issue with this book can’t be salvaged beyond what I read. And that’s the fake dating set-up. I can suspend disbelief just to get us to that fun scenario, I really can. But too much didn’t make sense to me, so it ruined whatever could’ve gone well with the characterizations: ambitious argumentative self-made barrister and reckless, argumentative bluestocking astronomer lady, both with impressive eyebrows. The unfulfilled potential for great competence kink and banter foreplay alone is a damn shame. Her earl father and new stepmother want to marry her off, so they dangle a career step-up opportunity in front of a lowly barrister so his fake wooing will make other more suitable aristocrats want her? Masterminds, they are not. Even the virgin hero sole explanation was a bit of a mindboggler: apparently being a workaholic shot his libido, since he hasn’t a thought for carnal urges until she comes along. Also repetitive with the whole “I’ll never marry” thing” for both of them, and yet no one has figured out it’s an ideal sitch to get off, no strings. Hence, up to where I read, all we got was some rounding to second base, and I couldn’t be bothered to skim to the spice. We spent too much time meeting all the chums for the next books (it was cute they had a book club though) and some astronomer society debating just had me letting go of the ledge I was hanging on.
I can’t fault the writing, I just don’t think this was the trope for this premise, no stakes or tension in its foreseeable future, so it didn’t hold my interest.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

This was a good romance.
Contains spoilers.
This story was about a heroine who is 24 years old, about to turn 25 and the daughter of an earl. She has never been in love. Her mother passed away when she was 16 and her aunt was there to help her with her season. She doesn't like crowds and feels uncomfortable with the people. She is an intelligent woman, who studies astronomy and is confused as how society works, with it's veiled insults and lying people. She was lucky enough to meet a few like minded girls her age and she slowly removes herself from society and focuses on astronomy. One day, her father returns from his estates with a woman who is 5 years younger than his daughter and announced that they are married and this is her step mother. The heroine's step mother is determined to have her engaged before her 25th birthday when she will receive her mother's inheritance. Her aunt, who had a horrible marriage, has been telling her for so long that marriage is not a good place for a woman since she has to give up herself to her husband. No more.free thinking, no more astronomy and required to become a party girl.
One night the hero is walking home from work when he sees a young woman standing on the rail of a bridge, about to jump in the Thames. He quickly grabs her in an attempt to save her and they fall onto the road, with him on the bottom. She quickly gets up and begins to yell at him. She was looking at the stars and decided to see if she could see better if she climbed on the rail. She couldn't, but she is not going to admit it. The hero is an orphan that has been able to put himself through school and he is a barrister who is about to be moved up to a judge. When he drops her off at home, she gives him a quick kiss. She thinks he is the most handsome man she had ever seen, but since she will never marry, she just had to kiss him.
This story was a good story, but there were a couple of things that I didn't like. I did not like the heroine. I could not relate to her thought process all the time. She used most if her time to study astronomy, but when her step mother began directing her life to find a husband, the heroine used an orphanage as an excuse to get away from the house. She did some work at the orphanage, but she was not wholly invested. The orphanage was auctioning off an evening at the opera with an escort as a fund-raiser. Since this was the orphanage the hero was raised in, him and his 4 friends were auctioned off as escorts. The heroine's stepmother chose the hero for her, and won the bid with 100 pounds. They were surprised, but pleased to meet each other again.
This story spent some.time doing a debate at the "Star Above Society" about if women should be admitted. While this story brought up orphanages and women's rights and freedoms, it was such a small part of the story, not to make mention of it. If you are looking for a heroine or hero who is devoted to other causes, this is not the book for you. It was a decent romance and I liked the age gap of the main couple. I also liked that they were not from the same socio-economic level. I give this book 4 stars and recommend reading.

Really liked this book, even finished it in one sitting. The female lead was strong, witty and smart. The male lead was loyal, kind, and patient. The supporting characters were so varied and richly entertaining. Plot flowed smoothly and was a good, easy read.

Bram...Bram...Bram...
This man made this story. From his high jinx at trying to save a lady that did not want to be saved. To his honest attempts not to marry the self same lady who did want to be married. To him.
And right down to his brooding, argumentative, devilishly handsome, virgin toes.
Yes...
That's right!
He's a virgin!
This man keeps pages turning without a doubt.
And to top it all off he doesn't have to be a Duke or Earl to do it.

As for our leading lady. One Wilhelmina Bettesford.
Well!
She is the headstrong, take no prisoners, bookish type. Always trying to learn something that the boys say she shouldn't. (In this case, astronomy.)
And be somewhere which by virtue of her sex. The boys say that she is not allowed. (In this case, The Stars Above Society.)

This "boy from the wrong side of the blanket" makes good. Meets girl from "the right side of side blanket". But on the wrong side of society. Offers readers a far more "everyday" experience of a love story. Than the usual Lord and Laaaady! Let's take a stroll around the ballroom. Get caught kissing by her mother, and have to marry drivel.
This is a story to love. Right down to the interfering, but smart like a fox younger stepmother, Alathea. And the sweet little dog named Dipper.

And sweetening the pot even more for those of us chomping at the literary bit. This is but book one in this delightful series.
And because this read has proved to be heaven sent indeed.
Who knows what romantic lighting will strike in book two.

Reviewer's Note:
All opinions expressed in this critique are my own. And have in no way been influenced by any outside party.
Thank you to Netgalley and Avon Books for providing the review copy on which my review is based.

Reading this story of Wilhelmina and Bram was delightfully fun! Wihelminia is a woman feeling stifled by the constraints of society’s rules for women and enlists Bram’s help to have her father and stepmother back off from matching her with gentlemen if their acquaintances. The verbal sparring between Wilhemina and Bram was entertaining and I enjoyed their story.

Her Lessons in Persuasion was a great story, until near the end. The couple has sex and it is far too descriptive for my liking. I guess if you like a steamy romance, you would probably like this one, but I think the story was good without that.

“Can we move on to talking about books?”

A story of brotherhood and being true to yourself, with a little awkwardness dashed in.

Overall this book is a very fun read. It’s funny and witty and sweet in many places. However it also felt a little unfinished and there were moments that seemed unintentionally awkward.
The way our main couple, Wilhelmina and Bram, connect and understand each other feels really genuine and sweet. As individuals they were great characters; I especially enjoyed the sections from Bram’s POV. However there were a lot of moments between them that came off as super awkward, and not in a cute or funny way. His adopted brothers made the book for me though. His friends coming around to support him and help him build his future with no questions is adorable! It’s one of my favorite parts of the book. I especially can’t wait to get Fenton’s story.
Something I did not like was Wilhelmina’s father and stepmother. Slight spoiler ahead: they never really get their comeuppance, or at least an explanation of why they act the way they do. It felt really unfinished to me.
The writing is easy to read while being full of fun big words like defenestrate and picayune. It really feels like Miss Frampton loves the English language. The themes of the book are also really refreshing. The premise that doing something traditional- like marriage- can be a rebellion itself is beautiful. And there was a small twist I did not expect!
Overall, I absolutely recommend the author, but this couple never really had that extra sparkle for me.

CW: Death of a parent, toxic relationship
Tropes: Courtship of convenience, feisty bluestocking

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley. Opinions are all my own.

This series is off to an auspicious start! Wilhelmina and Bram’s love story was so fun and sweet. I loved his friends/secondary characters and can’t wait to read their stories as well. She set the scenes well for them.

Any fake relationship trope is going to keep me reading. I adore it and will always get excited about a new book with this trope. Their dialogue and chemistry was a delight on the page. I absolutely recommend and can’t wait to see what Megan Frampton has in store next!

Overall, I enjoyed reading this book. The conversations and banter between characters were funny and enjoyable. I found the characters to be likeable. Wilhelmina is not your typical simpering miss out in society. She has goals beyond marriage. I definitely loved Bram.

I would definitely like to read about the other orphan men's stories in future books. The pace of the book was relatively quick and kept moving along.
It did take me a while to finish this book, but that was more a time problem on my end than the book itself.

My only complaint is the book wrapped up too neatly. Without spoiling it, pretty much everyone got what they wanted even if it was much too quick to be realistic (not that romance novels need to be realistic).

I would rate this 4.5 stars (rounding up to 5 stars). I would recommend this book.

Thank you to NetGalley for the read.

I really enjoyed this new series from Megan Frampton and look forward to reading the rest!

In this book we're introduced to 5 gorgeous men who all grew up together in a home for orphans. Bram, the hero, is a barrister who tries to save Wilhelmina from jumping off a bridge (he thinks) but in reality she is an astronomer looking at the stars.

Neither want to marry, and end up being thrown together my Wilhelmina's new stepmother, who is 5 years younger than she, in the hopes of marrying Wilhelmina off to someone "worthy". Bram's friends are very involved in the story, which makes you more interested in reading their stories in the future. Ultimately of course Bram and Wilhelmina both fall in love, but they don't want to marry, do they?

There is a lot of discussion of women's rights, equality and female scientists in this book. While that seems like a very popular plot line these days, frankly the fact that a plot style is popular usually turns me off. Nevertheless I really enjoyed this book, the characters, the world, and can't wait to see who's next!

I'm giving this 4 stars due primarily to its uniqueness in this genre. There are so many tropes involving dukes and rakes that it's refreshing for both of the MC's to be virgins, and on top of that they're intellectual types who are rather offbeat and don't fit into society. Bram is especially likable. He's an orphan who is fiercely loyal to his group of friends and wishes to go into law to right society's wrongs. He's on the stuffy side, is stubborn, and isn't the world's snappiest dresser, but he is also idealistic and he romantic side emerges once he meets Wilhelmina. Although the pretend engagement trope is one I've seen one too many times recently, I loved the way Bram treated Wilhelmina with respect and patience.

For her part, Wilhelmina isn't exactly charming; in fact, she's quite pedantic and prickly, but she is different, and she's not willing to compromise on her future.

As far as secondary characters go, I enjoyed the interactions Bram had with his friend group and look forward to seeing them in upcoming books. It's nice to see MMC's who are working-class as opposed to upper crust.

I didn't really warm up much to Mina's stepmother and father, and felt their character arcs were rather abrupt. They end up providing much of the tension in the plot.

Overall, though, this is a charming, light-hearted book which is a good change of pace from the typical roguish hero and lust-addled heroine.

I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary review. Opinions are my own. Thanks to the publisher, author, and Net Galley for this opportunity. This book is set for publication January 24.

Review linked to Goodreads and will be posted to Bookbub and Amazon closer to publication.

ARC copy kindly sent to me through NetGalley but all my thoughts and vibes are my own. :)

If you are looking for just the most squeezable adorable hero and heroine, this is the book for you. The heroine just wants to see the stars and after the cutest meet cute the hero just wants to see her. This book has fake dating, a heroine who takes charge and always makes the first move, and the hero has a found family of orphans that also form a book club. OH OH OH! And there is bodice ripping in here! But SHE rips his shirt! It's great.

This was my first Megan Frampton and it won't be my last.

Fun, delightful read. I enjoyed the premise and was entertained. Liked the writing style and the story. Thank you netgalley and publisher for this arc in exchange of an honest review.

As far as regency era romances go, this one was a solid 3 star.

What I liked: "inexperienced" M & F characters. So many regencies have a male lead who has already been with other women prior to meeting the love interest in the story. It was nice to see both leads experience things for the first time together.

What felt clunky: the final debate. I know it's the grand gesture but for some reason this just came off as cringey and forced.

I received this ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

Her Lessons in Persuasion is the first book in Megan Frampton’s new A School for Scoundrels series. This book follows Lady Wilhelmina who is an astronomer and Bram Townsend, a barrister. I loved Wilhelmina’s list of men she does not wish to marry. It was such a fun addition to this story. I really liked the lack of the usual villain in this story. I also loved Bram’s interactions with his friend group and all of their unique personalities. I can’t wait to continue on with this series to see their love stories!

Bram and Wilhelmina meet when he saves her friend falling off a bridge when she is stargazing. Such a fun meet cute! I loved how they happened to see each other again and just couldn’t stay away from each other. The plot was a bit slow in the middle though and although Wilhemlina was pretty self-aware, she still wasn’t my favorite heroine. All in all, I did like this book but it isn’t all time fav.

DNF @ 50%

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon & Harper publishers for an ARC of this novel.

This book is about these two characters who pair up to be able to play the game of Society to try and get the Inheritance that Whilomina wants.

This book had a strong start. I loved the main character Whilomina and Ben seemed like a swoon worthy compliment to the main character and I really wanted to like this book. However, the by the middle of the novel, the pacing starts to slow down to a daunting halt. The author tries to place down little hints of their romance along the way, but it felt forced and manufactured.

If you would perchance like to read, the book comes out on January 24, 2023.

Megan Frampton new series is delightful. I truly enjoyed that Bram was a barrister and is working towards a goal of becoming a judge. Wilhelmina is an aspiring astronomer. They met in the most unusual circumstances. The connection they felt was appreciated but not truly welcomed by either of them. They grew a friendship and then became more. I thought that the way they fell in love was wonderful and lovely. I recommend this story.

Megan Frampton is such a dynamic writer. Her stories are layered, thoughtful and such a joy to read. I loved this book and would highly recommend to others for a top notch romance.