This book is the third instalment of Merriwell series but it can be enjoyed as a standalone. I liked but did not love the female character in this one, a little too quick to judge for my tast- and a male protagonist Gal who has worked hard for his success and is pretty cute.

Overall a nice enemies to friends book

Overall, I really enjoyed this book!

What I tend to connect with the most while reading is the characters and their growth; there could be an amazing plot, but that means nothing with flat characters- which, thankfully, was not an issue here! I loved both Vee and Gal. I really appreciated seeing her journal entrys throughout the book. This showed how she’s changed and grown to become who she is now, which adds a lot more depth to her character growth throughout the book’s timeline.

I’m also a sucker for slow burn. Their connection was able deepen and they connected emotionally, which always makes romance better- as does witty banter, of which there is plenty.

If you are a lover of romcom historical romances, then this book is definitely one to check out!

I truly enjoyed this final installment of the Merriwell Sisters! Venus and Gal were both spitfires, and even though there was an undercurrent of misunderstandings being the primary conflict, I still enjoyed all the highs and lows. Was it a wee bit predictable? Yes, nothing good ever comes from going ice skating when you're 80% through the book and the couple hasn't gotten together yet. However, this slow burn had plenty of yearning, and that sweet sweet he-falls-first magic. If you enjoyed the other two books in this series, I am certain this will be a solid conclusion for you.

While the first 2 books in this cute little historical romance series centered around a trio of sisters that were going through rough times weren’t my favorites, this book was able to pleasantly surprise me since both of the characters were more fleshed out and also had more charming personalities. It was such a big improvement that I had to wonder if the author was initially planning this book out but her publishers wanted a series. The plot and turns that this story took had me hooked right after a couple of pages. The romance had that slow burn of waiting over the span of the books which made more excited for their love story. The epilogue almost made cry because it was a perfect wrap to this series and the corresponding characters. Would recommend if you want a banter filled English historical romance and a bookworm main character.

This book is the third instalment of a series but it can be enjoyed as a standalone. This was a quick read that left a smile on my face. I loved the strong female character in this one - and a male protagonist who has worked hard for his success. This was my first read of this author's work and I now need to read her backlist!

This was a wonderful send off for the Merriwell Sisters. The story was sweet and well written. I absolutely loved Vee and Gal and thought the characters were well developed. I was sad to for the series to end but I will be ready to scoop the next VH novel up as soon as it’s out.

This can be read easily as a stand alone but the series is fabulous, I recommend it!

It’s been a while since I read it and kept forgetting to write and publish my review, so this one is short.

Venus and Galahad can’t stand each other. All because of a misunderstanding and Vee’s stubbornness.

This last book in the Merriwell Sisters series didn’t entertain me as much as the other two. I liked Gal, but Vee kept rubbing me the wrong way.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher St. Martins for this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

4.25/5

Virginia Heath and the Merriwell sisters will never fail to entertain me.

From the moment that Vee tackled Galahad in Never Rescue a Rogue, they had me. It was a surprise, I did not see it coming (and neither did Gal), somethings just are. Then we add card games, Much Ado About Nothing, rivalry to see who gets the building...and well, two people who are idiots in love. I had a lot of fun reading Vee and Gal.

The one thing that does hold me back from 5 star rating is Olivia. She is the matriarch, and I can respect that. But she keeps crossing boundaries with Vee, and talking about Vee behind her back. I know she probably means well, but it doesn't come off that way. The ball in chapter three was hard to read because of it. I wish Gal hadn't gone along as much with what Olivia wanted, and what he didn't ask of Vee. They just picked up Vee's dance card and decided what dance he would take without even asking her to dance properly. Especially when it gets established that Gal has never asked Vee to dance before, so it can't be written off as a passing thing due to familiarity.

Nevertheless, I really enjoy the Merriwell sisters and their romances. I enjoyed the excerpts from Vee's diary at the beginning of each chapter. It added some depth to Vee that I think was missing in the earlier books. Diana is still my favorite but I can no longer say that I have a preference of Minerva over Vee.

Reread the first 2 books in anticipation of getting this ARC. Mostly because I couldn’t remember all the nuances of Galahad Sinclair and if I liked Venus Merriwell or not.

I think a lot of reviews for Vee are pretty harsh saying she is spoiled and petulant but I like to remember that she was only 17 when we met her and by all accounts was being mollycoddled by her oldest sister (as much as a young girl in inured in poverty can be mollycoddled!) and of course she wanted her father to not be horrible! I think her growth/changes in book 2 was expanded on in this book and I can see how she ends up being the somewhat self-righteous but ultimately well-meaning young woman who wants to help orphans but gets distracted by her own ego at times.

I had a little whiplash with Galahad’s character in book 2 because his 180 came out of nowhere and had to be explained in hindsight (like how he kept dropping hints to the plan his father had against Giles). So I appreciated getting more of his backstory this time around.

I enjoyed their dynamic of enemies to friends to lovers. The misunderstanding/drama happened early enough that I thought the characters got to really demonstrate their love over the course of the book which is nice.

I do think sometimes this author has a tendency to rush her endings and then have the same deus ex machina followed by proposal in every book so I was glad the plot was more internal and the MCs had to resolve their differences between each other vs the “I’m not illegitimate” or “my dad’s not a philanderer” last minute revelations of books 1 and 2. The public proposals can be a little contrived but it was cute.

I appreciated the epilogue because these characters really did go through it and it was nice to see them gain closure!

This was cute! I remember reading one of the other in this companion series, Never Rescue a Rogue. I think I preferred that one, but this was still delightful. Both mains are hiding from their attraction and pull to one another for various reasons, but playing cards against each other brings up feelings! Thanks to @netgalley for the ARC!

Marvellous and quite an exciting read!! I loved how the the prose is simple enough yet amusing and light. The characters are loyal, charming, relatable, and endearing. Plus, the plot is a delightfully enchanting tale too!

This is my first book by the author and it reads fine as a stand alone. Lots of romantic tension and fun back and forth. I enjoyed this story.

This was a fun little historical romance!

Personally, I haven’t read the other books in this series about the other sisters, but I can definitely say that you can read this as a stand-alone! Though, after enjoying this one, I might go back for the others!

Venus is a headstrong teacher who spends her time working at an orphanage that is barely scraping by. As the orphanage is desperately needing to expand, nothing can be more vexing to Venus that when a man she absolutely despises buys the building next door.

Galahad has made his living in the world of gambling and all things that rock the night. But he has never dealt with a challenge quite like having Venus as a neighbour.

I loved their dynamic and the character development between these two. Unlike many rom coms, it felt like we actually got a deeper dive into who the characters are and why they are the way they are.

Overall, a great read!

as someone who loves virginia heath so much that i am a member of her facebook group, it pains me to say this is the least favorite of the series! while i did adore venus' story, i just felt that the plot seemed to take too long to get to the point and then when there finally was resolution it happened almost too quickly! it felt a bit anti climactic after being pulled along the whole time! however, all that being said this book is still incredible and i will absolutely be buying a physical copy, which is a testament to heaths writing.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for this ARC —

Never Wager on a Wallflower is a perfect conclusion to the series. Heath continued to beautifully straddle the line between contemporary perspective and the fantastical appeal of Regency. She managed to weave in contemporary themes while maintaining the essence of the historical genre. The leads in Venus and Galahad themselves are a highlight, each meticulously fleshed out make their struggles and background stories genuinely compelling and had me on the edge of my seat to find out more. The world building in the series is another positive aspect. On her third and final book the series, Heath has only continued to introduce new characters seamlessly to enrich the Merriwell Sisters' world. Notably in this specific book, Billy, Tommy and Sydney enhance the story's emotional core. Their presence doesn't come off as unnecessary but contribute meaningfully to the narrative.

Some downsides is that there are moments where certain exchanges might feel somewhat drawn out and too cliched. Particularly a few interactions between Vee and Gal occasionally veered into predictable territory, and some instances of overdoing in their banter detracted from the pacing.

Overall, the book perfectly tied up loose ends and provided a great closure to overarching storylines with all the other family members.

"Never Wager with a Wallflower" is the third book in Virginia Heath's "The Merriwell Sisters" series. This book is centered around Venus Merriwell, whose sole focus is to help the struggling orphanage in town. Venus is delighted to discover the neighboring property is available to expand the orphanage, only to find out that noted rake and scoundrel Galahad Sinclair has claimed the property. However, upon getting to know him, she quickly realizes there is more than meets the eye. Can they actually work together, rather than being enemies?

This was a cute conclusion to Heath's series, and had her trademark romantic chemistry and humor. I look forward to the next series by Heath. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

This was a great ending for the lovely Merriwell sisters.. Vee at times drove me crazy but just in the way that she was stubborn for good reason and you knew would come around. Galahad was super sweet and loved his background story of how he came to England. There are a few funny moments and of course with those naughty Claypole twins. The ending as well with the reverend showing the family the key… … oh goodness lol. Loved the ending and how it wrapped up the sister’s story to their past. If you are a fan of the first two, this will definitely it disappoint. Thank you to Net Galley, Virginia Heath and St. Martins Griffith for the eARC in exchange for my honest review

I have really been looking forward to this book after reading the first 2 in the series. Although I was apprehensive because Venus was not my favorite and although I struggled with her a bit in this book I was fully engaged. The author was able to take all of the traits I disliked and give them meaning and purpose. She blossomed in this book in an unexpected way, her vulnerabilities gave her more strength in the end. I really liked Galahad, he seemed so kind, compassionate, and honorable. I feel he was the perfect match for Venus, who was brilliant but strong-willed. It was so fun to re-visit all of the previous fun characters as well. This was such a good end to the series, that I know I will come back and re-read the whole thing again.

This series honestly was a suprise favorite of mine and this book was both a satisfying story for Venus and end to the series as a whole. The characters have depth and make you want to root for them. Gal and Vee just like the other couples work well together and it is easy for the audience to see their chemistry.

Finally, Vee’s day has come! I’ve really enjoyed this series, and I think this third book perfectly finished our time with the Merriwell sisters.

Vee, short for Venus, is stubborn, hard-headed, a bit of a blue stocking, and a bit of a snob. Gal, short for Galahad (these names, eek, not for me), is an American gentleman, whose goal is to open a huge Gentleman’s club in London. Our MC’s have know each other for years, and love to hate each other. Why? Well misunderstanding, of course, on the part of Vee, mostly. She has made up her mind about the type of man Gal is, and barely gives him the time of day. In true historical romance fashion, a simply honest conversation or two would have completely changed their relationship immediately. But where is the fun in that?!

I really enjoyed the banter between our MCs. As with the first two books, Virginia Heath just knows how to write great regency. Vee learns she is wrong about Gal through other characters’ accounts of the man, and actions along the way. He in turn finds himself watching her open up more and more and he’s intrigued. It’s this little spark that fuels the best romances, slow burn, of course!

I also loved the side characters, especially the orphans of course. You know right out the gate where this story is going and it doesn’t disappoint! 3.75 ⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC, in exchange for my honest review!