I had the best time reading this book! It just put a smile on my face that was never ending. I think this was the perfect regency romance book.
I just reviewed Never Wager with a Wallflower by Virginia Heath. #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]

I enjoyed this book, but not as much as the first two in the series. At times (lots of times actually) I got really annoyed with Vee and wished she'd stop being such an idiot.

A great conclusion to a lovely trilogy. The banter was great and the plot was extremely well balanced. The addition of the orphans really made the story even better.

I hadn't read the first two books when I jumped into this one. And let me tell you, I was in a bit of a book slump going into it, so I was a bit apprehensive. But, oh my goodness, was I pleasantly surprised! I loved every second of this book, thank you so much to NetGalley for the ARC! Despite not having read the first two books, I didn't feel like I was missing anything important. The story is told from two different points of view - Venus Marriwell and Galahad Sinclair. Venus has been waiting for her prince to come and save her from her life of disappointment, while Galahad has been building his gambling empire in London. After five years of partying it up, Galahad is finally ready to settle down and buy his dream pleasure palace. But wouldn't you know it, the perfect building he just bought is the same one that Venus needs to expand the orphanage next door. These two have never gotten along and always avoided each other like the plague. But now that they're neighbors, things are gonna have to change.

Let's talk about the time period. For the most part, it felt pretty realistic. And the writing style? Spot on. It felt like it fit the time period perfectly. Sure, there were some moments that didn't feel entirely accurate to the 1800s (like that kiss in public on the streets of Brighton), but it wasn't so outlandish that I couldn't keep reading. I mean come on, this is fiction, right?

Moving on to the characters. Gal and Vee are the absolute standouts of this book, as they should be. They felt like real people with real fears that were keeping them from achieving their goals. I found myself rooting for them the entire time and wanting to smack some sense into them. And the orphans? Oh my goodness, I fell in love with those little rascals. Tommy and Sydney and Billy were pleasant additions to the character list and I found myself hoping for their success as the book ended.

One of the things that really surprised me was how invested I became in the characters' stories. I didn't really have much of an emotional attachment to the other sisters because I hadn't read their stories yet. But after reading this book, I will definitely be going back and reading their stories, even if I know how it all ends. That's how much I loved this book.

Now, let's talk about the spicy scenes. They weren't super explicit, but they were still pretty good. And let me tell you, I am a sucker for tension. If you are too, then this book is definitely for you. It's filled with tension. Since this story is told from a dual POV, you get the inner workings of both characters. Because of this, you know pretty early on that both characters have feelings for one another. However both fail to acknowledge said feelings and when they do, decide that it's for the best to ignore them completely.

I felt like the dynamic between the two main characters was similar to that of Pride and Prejudice. Vee, the protagonist, learned about Gal's character from those around him, much like how Elizabeth learned about Darcy's character from his acquaintances. She also held a lot of prejudice against him because of biases she had based on her past. And Gal? He's very reserved and guarded, much like Darcy. In order to go through life and achieve his goals he must keep everyone at arm's length because what people don’t know they can’t use against you. As the story progresses, we witness the growth and evolution of both characters and their relationship with each other. Once both characters broke down each other’s walls and really took a look at what was in front of them, it was end game. This was definitely a long slow-burn enemies-to-lovers period piece that left me giddy with excitement.

I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is a fun regency read with characters from the two previous books in the series.

*****5 stars!

“I suppose we are all shaped by our history, aren’t we?”


First I would like to thank St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for allowing me to read an arc of this wonderful book! I am honored to have been given the chance to read it and give it an honest review.

Miss Venus Merriwell has been waiting for her prince to come since the tender age of fourteen. She wants a man who is a selfless academic like her, and free from all the wretched vices her gambler father enjoyed far too much before he left the Merriwell sisters practically destitute. Unfortunately, after a slew of romantic disappointments, there is still no sign of that prince at twenty-three and the only one true love of her life is the bursting-at-the-seams orphanage in Covent Garden that she works tirelessly for. An orphanage that desperately needs to expand into the empty building next door.

For Galahad Sinclair, gambling isn’t just his life, it’s in his blood. He grew up and learned the trade at his grandfather’s knee in a tavern on the far away banks of the Hudson in New York. But when fate took all that away and dragged him across the sea to London, it made sense to set up shop here. He’s spent five years making a success out of his gaming hall in the sleazy docks of the East End. Enough that he can finally afford to buy the pleasure palace of his dreams—and where better than in the capital’s sinful heart, Covent Garden? The only fly in his ointment is the perfect building he’s just bought to put it in also happens to be right next door to the orphanage run by his cousin’s wife’s youngest sister. A pious, disapproving and unsettling siren he has avoided like the plague since she flattened him five years ago.

While Venus and Galahad lock horns over practically everything, and while her malevolent orphans do their darndest to sabotage his lifelong dream, can either of them take the ultimate gamble—and learn to love thy neighbor?

Never Wager With a Wallflower was everything I wanted and more! It was such a delight to be able to read this book. It was the perfect ending to the Merriwell sister’s story, from the first moment I started this book I could hardly put it down! Just like the first and second books, I was sucked into the story and became consumed with the romance of Venus and Galahad! The tension between the two characters was absolutely perfect and the banter only added to that tension! Once again I was on the very edge of my seat as I devoured each chapter, eager to see where our main characters would find themselves next.

I felt both Venus and Galahad were very well rounded and relatable characters; I enjoyed being able to see into their minds and understanding them better as characters. Both of them were so different and yet so similar to the other thus making them the perfect fit. I really liked being able to get to know Venus more as a character, she is so very much like her sisters but with a very charming flair that is all her own. She is headstrong and stubborn as well as playful and compassionate. Where Galahad has many sides to himself that are all one in the same, but more importantly he is compassionate and down to earth. Their ability to get under one another’s skin and poke fun at the other made this book very fun and charming to read! Their stubbornness only added to the story and their romance! I also enjoyed being able to see old beloved characters from the precious books, Olivia especially! Her matchmaking skills never get old! Not to mention Giles' many snarky remarks added into various situations.

This book is about finding and following your dreams, which is such a beautiful message. I am so sad to see this series come to an end, these books quickly became a favorite of mine and I look forward to rereading them and losing myself in the stories all over again!

It was such a joy to read this series and it is definitely one I would recommend, especially if you’re looking for a swoony worthy historical romance with a lot of witty banter and romantic tension! I can’t wait to read more of Virginia Heath’s books! She has definitely become one of my favorite authors!

Read this 3rd book in the series as an e-ARC from NetGalley. I’ve enjoyed this trio of books about the Merriwell sisters, and this one isn’t an exception. It’s a slow burn, enemies-to-lovers where both have a lot of pst trauma they need to process in order to be able to trust one another. I really liked a lot of aspects of the writing, The author does a great job of reminding you of Vee’s antics from the prior books and the background she and Gal already have. The two scenes of them playing Whist with members of Vee’s family are excellent and I found the antics at the orphanage charming as a way to reveal Gal’s character. Overall, a sweet story that I’d recommend (though probably best read in order after with the others in the series)

i hasn’t read the series previous to this one so i had no expectations, but this was a fairly enjoyable regency romance story and miss venus was positively precious. it delivered a sweet romance and was super entertaining!

A fun Regency romance that I enjoyed from the very first page to the last! I hadn't read the first two books so I went to this one blind and I had great fun! This book hits the spot if you are in the mood for a good-written Regency romance! The main leads were fantastic and the story was a hoot. To sum up, pick up this book to finish up a good series. X

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

After her sisters found love with their husbands, Miss Venus Merriwell knows that people are waiting to see her wed. But she's now 23, and though she's waiting nearly a decade for her prince, she's seen disappointment and disappointment, and knows she wants someone nothing like her gambler father. So when the only man to ever catch her eye, American Galahad Sinclair, spends most of his time at his gaming hell, she knows they can't be together. But as he's a cousin to her brother-in-law, they're in company too much for her liking, and she can't convince her heart that he's worth the risk.

I knew when we met Vee and Gal in the previous books that the chemistry between them was going to be special, and by god it was! Both of them thought the other was too stuck up or a risk taker for them to like, but that was just the outside persona that many saw. Because they were so often together, especially when the issue of ownership of the property next door to the orphanage came up, they were able to see what was under the walls they had put up, and be true with each other. I loved the heartfelt moments between them, where they really opened up about their past, and how it had affected them. They may have had bad first impressions of each other, but Vee and Gal were able to start over again, and working together proved they were worth fighting for. Both grew so much, and the inclusion of the orphan boys in particular, showed the hidden sides that they needed to see. A wonderful conclusion to the series, and I'm so happy we got to see all of the Merriwell sisters get the happy ending they deserved!

Spice and sauciness abound in Virginia Heath’s NEVER WAGER WITH A WALLFLOWER. A regency romance that pits two remarkably opposite people together,

Full disclosure: I did not read the other installments of Heath’s Merriwell Sisters series, and I doubt I will, as the final edition tells you all you need to know. Venus’ sisters are happily married, while she’s resorted to trying to win over an incredibly dull older man simply because he also likes to read. (And cue the ensuing tension at the heart of the story.)

Enter Galahad Sinclair — dashingly debonair and charming to boot, no one gets Venus quite up in arms like Galahad does. And yet, he has a fatal flaw, one that Venus can’t overlook: Galahad doesn’t just love to gamble, he runs several gambling dens, which is associated with heavy memories for Venus, thanks to her no-good dad.

Fate throws the two together, and quite suddenly — I bet you already guessed it — they go from playful bantering and longing, heated gazes to full-on making out in the middle of a street. From there, there are scenes peppered in where the two of them play cards, do nice things for orphans, eventually just dropping all pretenses and introducing full nudity. (Needless to say, this book is a lot.)

NEVER WAGER WITH A WALLFLOWER wasn’t the worst thing in the world, but it also wasn’t consistently good. It’s a book of contradictions, made complex, thanks to a storyline that doesn’t just toe the line of cliché — it leaps past it:

And yet. if your guilty pleasure is an ol’ fashioned regency storyline — no, I’m definitely not talking about Bridgerton — this one’s for you.

*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.*

This entire series has been delightful and super entertaining! I do not know what it was about this book, I didn't find it boring or lacking, but I just kept being distracted from finishing it. This book me took me a lot longer than normal to finish, and I can't exactly out my finger on why. Nonetheless, Venus and Gal stole my heart! It was so great to watch Venus go through the metamorphosis, where she found her own strength and calling in life. And Gal made space to share his heart after being let down time and time again. And once they both put their differences aside and took a gamble on love, it paid out in dividends for them! So sweet, perfect slow burn!

First of all I must say that I skip over the spice in this series in order to fully enjoy it. That being said 'Never Wager with a Wallflower' is a delightful end to the Merriwell Sister's trilogy. I especially appreciated the filling out of the back stories of all the characters, but particularly with Gal and Venus. When one digs into their backgrounds and motivations it is completely fulfilling to jump into the story and anticipates the conclusions of a truly fun and enjoyable storyline. If one can overlook the sexual content it is a highly fun and enjoyable series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I have not read the other two books in this series but wasn’t lost in the story. I feel it can definitely stand alone. After reading Venus and Gals story I will be picking up the other two. I love the authors style of writing. It’s historical but flows easily. The banter between the characters is witty and keeps you engrossed in the story. It’s a slow burn with a few spicy scenes but nothing you can’t skim over if spicy isn’t your thing. Vee and Gal have great chemistry but both have to get over insecurities and past hurts. If you like a historical rom com I highly recommend. Now excuse me while I go download the other two books in the series!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for this ARC!

A fun conclusion to the Merriwell Sisters' Series. This enemies-to-lovers regency romcom has a great mix of witty banter and slow burn angsty vibes.

First book by this author for me. I it was a light, fun read. There were some steamy bits near the end, but easy to skip. I loved the beginning, it grabbed my attention right away but seemed to lag a little in the middle. But still, overall a fun read :)

“What I’ve never let you see before now . . . never even dared admit properly to myself before now because it scares the hell out of me . . .” His index finger found hers and reverently grazed it as he swallowed. “. . . is that I’ve honestly always wanted you in the forever sort of way, Venus.” His reluctant smile was one of resignation. Of fear and uncertainty. Of surrender. “And it turns out I’m just not strong enough to fight that anymore.”

-book three of the Merriwell Sisters series, historical romance, neighbours and mutual pining
-Galahad is such a softy! I loved his character. Venus and Gal made a really great couple and I was rooting for them through each and every turn 🩷
-this was such a cute and easy read and a nice end to the series
-thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this ARC!

4.2⭐️

This is the third book in the "The Merriwell Sisters" series BUT it can be read as a standalone. This is the first book that I have read in the series and I didn't feel like I couldn't follow along because I hadn't read the previous ones. This book focuses on the youngest sister and her romance trip. The characters were likable and definitely pulled me in.

4/5 stars

Thanks NetGalley for the ARC!

Never Wager with a Wallflower is the third and final book in The Merriwell Sisters trilogy, and it focuses on the youngest sister, Venus. Vee teaches at a local orphanage and does what she can to avoid Galahad, her brother-in-law’s brother. Gal has spent years working toward his dream of opening a pleasure palace, and his dreams are finally realized. However, when he learns he bought property next door to Vee’s orphanage unbeknownst to Vee, and their paths repeatedly cross, both characters must face their changing feelings for each other.

Vee and Gal have a wonderful, slow-building, enemies-to-lovers romance, and their love story was a fabulous conclusion to the series. Each chapter begins with a passage from Vee’s journal, which she’s kept for many years. It was so interesting to see how her thoughts, feelings, and desires changed from her younger teen years to adulthood. I also liked that each journal passage set the tone and offered a bit of foreshadowing for the chapter ahead.

Though they believe they are very different, Vee and Gal have a lot in common, which they learn the more they’re together. Both had difficult and tragic pasts, both have erected pretty strong walls, and they both have feelings for each other that they’re hesitant to reveal. This all makes for some great chemistry and terrific and sometimes antagonistic banter. They have some amazing conversations about books and Shakespeare that are fantastic! Vee and Gal learn that their first impressions of each other are not as accurate as they believed, and it was wonderful seeing their preconceptions change as they learn more about each other.

Vee and Gal have a slow-building love story. Both struggle with their insecurities and fears, as well as deep hurts from the past, and the story delves into these feelings and conflicts. It definitely deepens their connection, and it adds so much to their character development. I found myself so invested in their stories, and I really wanted them both to see how perfect they were for each other. However, between their misgivings, the walls they put up, and their fear (especially Gal) of opening up to others, there are a lot of obstacles in their way. Plus, Gal bought the property Vee thought was for the orphanage, and he isn’t transparent with Vee about it.

I also liked the secondary characters in the novel. The couples from the first two books are also in this one, but the stars of the secondary characters have to be the orphanage boys. I just adored them and how both Vee and Gal connected with them in different ways.

This was a delightful conclusion to the trilogy, and the epilogue was the icing on top of the cake. I loved it! Thanks so much to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

Never Wager With A Wallflower is one of those books you pick up and your hooked from the start. After reading it I realized it was part of series and I am so excited to read the other two book. This is a cute book and it will grab the attention of all romance lovers.