Venus Merriwell has finally given up her notions of princes and love after another fickle, lying man broke her heart. She wants someone who looks beyond her unfortunate name and bosom to see her mind and devotion to teaching orphans.

Galahad Sinclair is looking to built the pleasure palace of his dream after toiling away on his other businesses since arriving in London four years earlier. He will ensure his plans run smoothly even if that means ending the feud with Venus, as he insists on calling her.

Since their auspicious meeting (in book 2 when she attacked him thinking to bring a thief to justice), the energy between them has led to arguments, taunts and teasing. But as her orphanage's new neighbor, Gal knows her brilliant mind is best not turned toward ending his business before it even opens. Though as he tries to play nice, they're suddenly waltzing, engaging in card battles, and letting down walls.

But Venus wants to be a man's priority for once in her life. To be chosen and wanted over all else and Gal finally has his dreams in hand...even if they were supposed to be in hers.

I enjoyed how the story was a historical early 19th century romance, but wasn't a "lord and lady falls in love," but instead were people on the outskirts of the aristocracy with backgrounds much lower than that. We didn't spend much time in the ton world, and that felt refreshing and kept me interested in the story.

I did get frustrated with Venus because she and others believe her to be so smart, but she kept making poor decisions. I felt her to be more book smart than emotionally intelligent and she was stubborn, holding onto ideas of others when evidence pointed elsewhere.

While Gal was so perceptive and good with the children, even when hilarity and hijinks ensued, he was foolish to think his charm would always work. Gal certainly needed to open up, and considering his penchance for facades, could understand Venus's frustration. Being vulnerable is never easy, so you're proud when they finally are.

Gal was also so into Venus! Such that she could completely control him...lol! It must be a Sinclair trait as his cousin, Giles, was the same for Venus's sister, Diana, in the second book. I read the previous book in the series and enjoy Heath's writing style. The quirky and spirited characters are enjoyable so I look forward to finally reading the first, and others of Heath.

Lastly, I enjoyed the ending. As it also concluded the series, even though I haven't read the first, it felt like a full-circle moment for the sisters. A lovely conclusion celebrating their agency and joy.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review!

Read for: small age difference (22/25), humble beginnings, misunderstandings, enemies to lovers, non-virgin heroine, dual POV, spicy time card games

4 stars
1.5 stars

I’m a little late to reviewing but I just finished this book and really loved it! Virginia does my favorite regency rom coms to date and they’re perfect for fans of Bridgerton, who like the regency setting but with more modern themes and banter!

This book was a fun regency romance. I loved the characters in this book and how they developed and grew both as individuals and romantically through the book. Both of the main characters showed a lot of growth as the story progressed. I loved the romance plot between them, I felt it was believable and they both had great chemistry! I am not usually a fan of multiple POVs but this books dual POVs was the perfect addition to this story. I loved getting to see the stories and characters progress through the eyes of both of the main characters. Definitely recommend giving this one a read if you enjoy regency romances and lovable main characters.

This was a great wrap up to the three sisters story and while you could read it as a standalone, it's better as apart of the trilogy. The story is richer that way. I also really liked seeing Venus's character growth from the first two books through now because we are already familiar with her, the diary entries were a nice touch. I liked their story and while I got a little frustrated with Venus in the second half of the book, not so much that I didn't still really like it. If you like historical RomComs, definitely give this one a try.

I have been a big fan of Regency era romances for over 20 years, and Virginia Heath has always been on my radar, but I haven’t read very many of her books. I did read the first book in this series, but missed the second one.

Heroine Venus has been saddled with a name that leads (unsavory) men to assume that she is amorous as her namesake, the goddess of love. This could not be further from the truth, and after a devastating disappointment several years before the book begins, Venus has decided that she is not going to look for love, and will settle for an academic aristocrat who seems to tolerate her presence, although he shows no signs of affection.

Naturally, Venus clashes with happy-go-lucky Galahad, who has made a fortune on gambling. Their already tenuous relationship is thrust into outright animosity when they both believe that they have a rightful claim to the same building: Venus needs to expand her beloved orphanage and Galahad has found the perfect spot for his newest gambling venture.

This is a delightful take on the enemies to lovers trope. Their banter never fails to amuse, especially in the beginning when they are not very fond of each other… although it’s clear that Galahad has always been intrigued by Venus. The romantic pair is supported by a strong cast of secondary characters, many of whom appear in earlier books. Of course, the real stars of the proverbial show are a pair of scrappy orphans.

I enjoyed the diary entries at the beginning of each chapter. They are dated years before the events of the chapter, but they are chronological in nature, and give a great deal of insight into Venus’ character and her growing disillusionment with men.

There was a bit too much of an emphasis on Venus’ body. While waifish heroines were the norm for far too long, times have changed, and being voluptuous is no longer the novelty it once was. While we certainly want to see heroes appreciating their heroines, Galahad was prone to ogling far too often. However, this is forgivable because he is much more of a gentleman than many of the peers around him, and he accepts and supports Venus.

I would recommend Never Wager with a Wallflower. This was a sweet and tender story featuring memorable characters. This is the third book in a series, but it functions well enough as a standalone.


I received a digital ARC of this book from St. Martin’s/NetGalley.

I dove into Never Wager with a Wallflower by Virginia Heath, the final installment in the Merriwell Sisters series. I was immediately captivated by Venus Merriwell, the heroine. At twenty-three, she's not your typical Regency romance protagonist. Sure, she dreams of love, but her ideal partner is an intellectual, a far cry from the gambling wastrel her father was.

Venus's dedication to her work at the orphanage quickly won me over. She's fiercely independent and takes charge, which is refreshing. However, her constant disapproval of the roguish Galahad, the hero, grew a little tiresome at times. Their banter, though witty, could veer into repetitive "enemies-to-lovers" territory.

The book shines when it focuses on the slow burn of their relationship. I enjoyed their intellectual sparring and the way they challenged each other's viewpoints. The inclusion of the other Merriwell sisters was a delight for fans of the series, adding warmth and humor to the story.

Overall, Never Wager with a Wallflower is a charming Regency romance with a strong, independent heroine. While the plot might not be the most original, the witty dialogue and the characters' growth make for a delightful read. Venus's dedication to the orphanage adds a layer of social commentary, showcasing her compassion and strength. If you're looking for a lighthearted escape with a relatable heroine on a journey of self-discovery, this book is a perfect choice.

This was a surprisingly cute historical romance that I really enjoyed! The premise was cute, and I loved the quirky characters and the fun premise with the orphanage.

I will say Venus's overwhelming stubbornness was a bit repetitive, and it was frustrating to see her retread the same situations over and over again without learning from them. I also wish I would have known this was a third book in a series, because there were a lot of references to things that had happened in prior books that were a bit confusing without context.

This final installment in Virginia Heath's Merriwell Sisters series is every bit as delightful as the first two books. This time, it's the story of the youngest sister, Venus, a rather prim young woman who can't stand being named after the goddess of love. Four years ago, she first met Galahad Sinclair when she punched him. Since then, their relationship hasn't improved much, although they're often thrown together, as her sister is married to his cousin.

The pair end up locking horns when he buys some buildings to turn into his vision of a new gambling hell. The buildings are next door to the orphanage Venus helps run. I love a good enemies to lovers story, and watching two people who can't stand each other stumble into love is always a hit with me. This whole series is very fun and has more of a rom com vibe than most historical romances. You don't need to read the first two books to read this one, but I think it adds to the story.

Miss Venus Merriwell has been dreaming of a price charming for as long as she can remember. Her hopes are starting to dwindle as she is reaching the "spinster" age of 23 (lol), but she puts all her efforts into her orphanage. An orphanage that is in major needed of expansion. In comes Galahad Sinclair. He has just bought a the place next door for his new gambling hall. Venus and Galahad dynamic was so fun to read on paper. This story is perfect for any readers of the modern day wallflower stories. The story is fresh and charming, and I was absolutely obsessed with the side characters as well. The orphan boys made for a hilarious side piece.

I loved the Merriwell Sistsers series and I think this was a perfect conclusion to the series. I can't wait for Virgina's next book!

A delightful conclusion to a charming series! Seeing Venus get her happy ending after watching her grow through her sisters' books was as satisfying as I hoped for.

Overall, I found Never Wager with a Wallflower to be an interesting read. The plot had its moments of intrigue, and the characters were well-developed. However, I felt that certain aspects of the story could have been fleshed out more, leaving me wanting a bit more depth. Despite this, it was an enjoyable experience, and I would recommend it to those looking for a light read.

This was the book out of the series that I was most worried about because out of the three sisters, Venus was my least favorite. But I’m glad I gave this book a shot because Venus’s enemy to lover romance was the perfect way to end the series, and you’ll be glad to know I actually kind of like her now.

Thank you St. Martin's Griffin and NetGalley for the eARC of Never Wager With a Wallflower! All opinions in this review are my own.

It is always hard to read the last book in a series that you love, but Heath's Never Wager With a Wallflower is a fantastic end to the series. Venus and Galahad's hate to love story is such a good blend of humor and seriousness. While it can be read as a standalone novel, readers of the previous two books will be rewarded with many appearances of familiar characters. It is difficult to choose, but I think this was my favorite book in the series.

Thank you to Netgally, the publishers, and Virginia Heath

When I requested this book I was unaware that it was apart of a series, one that requires you to read the previous books for this one to make sense. I am unable to read all the previous books along with this one before the publish date. Therefore, I will rate this a fair 3/5 stars and will adjust the rating and review when I am able to read all the books in the series along with this one.

And so ends another love saga. I've really enjoyed this trilogy as a whole, though this one wasn't my favorite (Diana and Giles will always hold that space). Venus has grown a great deal from who she was in the first book and it's wonderful to see her come into her own as an adult with her own interests and love story. It was also interesting to see how she's still stubborn and a bit self-important. Less than she was in book one, but still enough to make her a bit annoying. It was certainly true to the character Heath developed initially, but I did want to shake her a few times.

Galahad is charming. I loved his side of the story and that he was, at his core, a good man with big dreams. I'm very interested to see what Heath does next and if she spins off anything else from this universe.

This was a delightful story about two misfits who discover they fit together. Venus Merriwell is having a difficult time on the marriage mart because of her well endowed curves and one sister marrying a Duke and her other sister marrying an Earl. She's a catch but all the men seem to see is her endowments and her dowry. She can't find one who looks into her eyes instead of lower. She is at odds with Galahad Sinclair instantly as he's owner of several gambling establishments. Her father abandoned them with his addiction to drink and gambling. They keep finding themselves at family events together and she works to avoid him as much as possible.

Galahad Sinclair is cousin to Giles Sinclair who married Vee's sister Diana Merriwell. Galahad has had a hard life growing up in America with a father who abandoned his mother. His grandfather raised him while caring for Gal's mother. Grandpa had a club-inn in New York and Galahad worked there by his grandfather's side until he was shot in a gun fight. The next eight years Gal was on the streets until he reached his majority and could get his grandfather's inheritance. He used it to book passage to England and looked up his cousin Giles. I really liked Galahad. He helped those who he could, was loyal to those he cared about and was determined to succeed. He takes advantage of the death of Mrs Leyton-Brown by offering to purchase three buildings in Covent Garden as her heir, Lord Mallory is about to be eaten alive by his creditors. Unfortunately they are next door to the Covent Garden Asylum for Orphans that Venus runs with Reverend Smyth. She was promised one of the building next door by Mrs Leyton-Brown, their biggest benefactor. Galahad decides he needs to sweeten up to Venus as they're going to be neighbors. Of course hearts get involved and secrets come out that cause all sorts of conflict.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The final story of the Merriwell sisters - this one centers around Venus. Venus has been burned by men in the past so she puts her time and effort into the orphanage where she volunteers. When her nemesis, Galahad, buys the building next door he hatches a plan to charm her into becoming friends. Only to find that their feelings for each other are more than friendship and very real. Such a fun read! I loved Venus and Galahad’s banter. Thank you Netgalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for the egalley in exchange for my honest review.

4 stars

An engaging and satisfying conclusion to the Merriwell Sisters stories. I was a little nervous going into this one, because Venus was not my favorite character in the previous books, but I really enjoyed reading her as a protagonist a few years into the future, when she’s matured from the girl she was in the previous titles into a more temperate adult. Her flaws are still present; she’s a self-righteous little hypocrite. But the narrative (for the most part—with one exception) forces her to reevaluate her holier-than-thou judgment of others and admit her own faults.

It's nice seeing an American as our hero in Galahad, and he’s quite fun to root for. A hardworking entrepreneur, he has a very different perspective to the aristocratic Brits who played the hero in the previous two titles, and I really enjoyed seeing him in his element running his entertainment houses. I was worried, briefly, that he was going to throw away his character traits of good sense and square dealing and sacrifice his business goals for Venus when she really didn’t deserve it, just to get in her good graces—but he pleasantly surprised me and stood up for himself, what he’d earned, and what was fair. He didn’t let Venus guilt him, and I like that. He also has great interactions with the orphans Venus works with, which are great fun.

It's typically a pet peeve of mine when the MMC calls the FMC by a name she doesn’t like to be called, but I didn’t mind it in this case, perhaps because Galahad calls Venus by her real name in a way that isn’t the sleazy way others have used it, and partly because he also has a silly name plucked from myth and so he’s laughing with her, not at her.

The one part I wish the novel had addressed has to do with Venus’s hypocritical streak. For a good bit in the middle of the novel she is furious with Galahad because she believes he has seduced her/played with her emotions in order to get something from her. To get her revenge, she… seduces and plays with the feelings of another man in order to make Galahad jealous. This is played as “okay” because the other man is old, ugly, and condescending; but I really wish that the narrative had at some point acknowledged that Venus playing with his emotions with no intention of actually having a romantic relationship with him was unkind and unworthy of her.

These two characters have great chemistry, and I love the scenes where they’re together. When they’re apart, they still both have full characterizations—they exist as people outside of one another, and I enjoy spending time with them. I’d definitely recommend this book to any historical romance reader.

The final book in this series - and a great ending to the trilogy. This could be read as a standalone. Venus finally gets her romance in this enemies-to-lovers regency romance, and in typical fashion it's filled with great banter.

A fun jaunt through an enemies to lovers arc in the final Merriwell sister’s story. While Venus and Galahad’s dynamic didn’t grab me quite as much as the other relationships in the series, it was still a cute, fun read—pretty much exactly what you expect and hope for from a historical rom-com!