What an entertaining love story this was. I certainly loved the dialogue among the characters. The dialogue with the subplot offered the book some interesting interactions with the characters. The storyline was a fun read. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on! I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

3.5, rounded up. The relationship between Venus and Galahad feels more one-note than that of Diana and Giles, so I liked this one slightly less (and about the same as the first book in the series)—some of the communication issues/Pride and Prejudice tropes felt tiresome in the beginning; however, it was sweet to watch them both realize the extent of their feelings. As in the previous books, I also enjoyed the side characters (particularly the cheeky brothers at the orphanage).

This was a very enjoyable read for me, and having met the author, I found that I could hear her voice in the written words of the story. Considering she has a great sense of humor in person, hearing her voice while reading made the book that much more fun for me. This is the first book in the series that I have read, and I would comment that it can be read as a standalone. While it builds on the events of the prior two novels in The Merriwell Sisters series, I found that I could easily fill in some of the other plot points, and really this story is about Venus Merriwell and Galahad Sinclair falling in love after what has alway been a bit of a prickly path forward for them.

Both Vee and Gal are likable characters; Gal is endearing and honorable, with a very good heart - truly a knight in shining armor who comes to Vee's emotional rescue. But I also loved that Gal was able to serve up a dose of humility to the undefeated Vee in their first whist match, then struggle in the rematch. I was charmed by Galahad's interactions with the Claypole twins and Billy Tubbs from the orphanage in Covent Garden as well as touched by his regard for children living on the streets and his protectiveness of them. In contrast, at times, Vee's cynicism and distrust of Gal's motives - given her past heartbreaks - felt a little overplayed, but I was rooting for these two to sort things out and get past their own walls of defense to allow love into their hearts. Their supporting cast, both in terms of their family members and the children of the orphanage, are hilarious, and there are so many laugh-out-loud moments in this story that I spent much of my time smiling and having a giggle while I read. The writing was snappy, with witty banter between Gal and Vee and clever turns in the plot to showcase their strengths as well as draw them closer . As a romcom, the focus was more on the comedic aspects of their romance, but there was a little bit of steam (that came in the last 10% of the novel) to seal up their happy ending.

It was such a fun read for me. Now I want to go back and read the other books in the series as well!

4.5 stars, rounded up to 5

I received an ARC of this story from NetGalley for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Venus and Gallahad seem like polar opposites as is witnessed by their constant clashes. Venus is a romantic and has always dreamed of finding her Prince Charming but he's yet to show up. So, at this point in her life, she busies herself with the orphanage and the children it houses that she dearly loves.

Gallahad makes his living on gambling and gambling halls. So, when his business ends up right next to Venus' orphanage, things get a bit complicated. But yet, their banter and sparring couldn't be more fun.

I will be honest and confess this wasn't my favorite of the three books in this series, however, It's still quite good. There were places that felt as if they could have been sped along a bit. But that's my own personal opinion. I held out big hopes for Venus' story and with a name like Gallahad, I expected big things from him as well. Even though it was a good story, I did feel as if it could have been better.

Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own

"Never Wager with a Wallflower" by Virginia Heath is a delightful historical romance that enchants readers with its blend of humor, charm, and a dash of intrigue. Set against the backdrop of the Regency era, Heath introduces us to a spirited wallflower and a dashing rogue whose chemistry sparks from their first encounter. The novel unfolds with wit and warmth, exploring themes of love, trust, and societal expectations. Heath's writing is both engaging and evocative, immersing readers in a world where passion and propriety collide. The characters are well-drawn, and their journey is a captivating dance through misunderstandings and growing affections.

Though I’ve enjoyed a Heath romance before, I tend not to read a lot of histrom, though it was my romance genre gateway. Given how fresh, funny, and touching Never Wager With a Wallflower was, I ought to read…well, more histrom if they match Heath’s. She is an adept hand at balancing banter, serious revelations, touches of physical humour, a delicious stretching-out of sexual tension leading to one lovely love scene, much healthy ogling on both her hero’s and heroine’s part, great command of her chosen trope with well-established, believable stakes and, subsequently, obstacles, internal and external, to her Galahad and Venus’s HEA. (Their names, frankly, make for many a chuckle.) To orient us, the publisher’s blurb:

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?

The blurb tends to the comic aspect of Heath’s romance. Its strength, however, lies in how the comic is tempered with pathos. The success of any romance lies in the author’s ability to write well by playing with trope with language and wit, yet still express the genre’s great strength, the primacy of the heart. Heath is a smooth, elegant, witty writer and she endows primary and secondary characters with similar qualities. Simply put, Galahad and Venus are lovable, soft-hearted, smart, and hilarious; their antagonistic banter is a hoot. Heath builds them with humour and wordplay, deepens them with sad, difficult backstories, and creates viable stakes blocking them from being together by making their aspirations, Venus’s for her orphans and Galahad’s for financial security, clash. Their cross-purposes make for a solid plot and, more importantly, a romance journey fraught with desire, the push-pull of liking and repelling, emerging compatibility, delightful banter, and heart-felt confession.

While the obstacles keeping Galahad and Venus apart is her orphanage and his club, this conflict goes deeper than the present. Heath connects it to their backstories and creates deeper, more compelling characterization. Venus and her sisters were, as we learn from the blurb, left destitute by their father thanks to his gambling. And so Galahad’s plans and aspirations play on Venus’s fears, even while Galahad’s entrepreneurial endeavours are bound up with his identity and vulnerabilities. As we learn, Galahad lost the two people in his life he most loved and the only two to care for him, his mother and grand-father, owner to a gambling club. Galahad has worked tirelessly, saved to make his dream come true and follow in her grand-father’s footsteps.

Early in the romance, as Galahad and Venus thaw towards each other and share a kiss, Venus learns of Galahad’s purchase. To her, it’s evidence of perfidy rather than Galahad’s need for something of his own, a roof and security. Venus too is vulnerable in her own way: having several seasons with a series of men more interested in her ample bosoms than, as Galahad amusingly says, her “big ole brain”. She has lost her confidence as woman. To make a reader laugh and yet, to endow characters with soft, vulnerable cores that truly move one, that’s one talented romance writer. My only regret in reading Never Wager With a Wallflower is that I missed reading the first two in the series. Miss Austen agrees, Heath’s third Merriwell Sisters romance is proof there is “no charm equal to tenderness of heart,” Emma.

Virginia Heath’s Never Wager With a Wallflower is published by St. Martin’s Press/St. Martin’s Griffin. I received an e-galley from St. Martin’s Press via Netgalley in exchange for this review. This does not impede the free expression of my opinion.

This is the third and final story in the Merriwell series, who have a rags to riches arc. I enjoyed this one about as much as the first two, all with good banter and tension building. This one pairs the Merriwell sister, Venus, with the cousin of the second book’s hero, Galahad. Both are rather embarrassed by their names, and it is funny to have a hero go by Gal 😂.

While this book might be dubbed an enemies to lovers book, I think enemies is too strong a word for it. More like intentional avoidance? Anyways, this one shows that once awareness is unleashed, there’s no putting it back in the box. I enjoy the push and pull between these two and found it an easy read. I also enjoyed that this one featured no titled MC. Venus volunteers much of her time at orphanage and Gal is building up his hospitality business. Different walks of life and levels of society were featured.

For me, it was quick and entertaining read. I would recommend this book if you like witty banter and non-titled heros.

<i> Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a chance to read and review this book. Views are my own.

This was a lot more fun than I went into it thinking. He owns a gambling club (den of iniquity, if you will) and she runs the orphanage next door. They have such tension and sparks from the very beginning. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. The feelings of supposed unrequited love, discovering each other and how they aren’t just as bad as originally thought.

CW: swears, talk of sexual relations and one open door chapter.

4.5 stars for this extremely enjoyable conclusion to The Merriwell Sisters series!

I adored Vee and Gal so much! This had a slight enemies to lovers vibe with the slow and sweet progression to lovers being full of banter, tension, and tender moments!

It’s always a very bittersweet moment when a series you’re enjoying so much is ending. This book, like the rest of the series, is the perfect blend of comedy and tenderness! Gal’s deep loneliness had my heart breaking and mending with the found family aspects of this story! I’m such a sucker for that trope!

Something I LOVED in this book is each chapeter stars with little excerpts from teenage Vees diary! This gave us the perfect glimpse into her mind and was fantastic foreshadowing for what was to come in the story!

All in all, I really enjoyed this! The Merriwell Sisters series will be one I recommend again and again!

Such a cute conclusion to the Merriwell Sisters' series! Adored Venus and Gal's witty banter and fun flirting - there was mutual pining, loved how the orphan's played a big part in the story, and just overall enjoyed this easy read!

I love a good conclusion to a series where you’ve had a glimpse of the characters before their book

"Never Wager with a Wallflower" wraps up The Merriwell Sisters trilogy by focusing on the youngest sister, Venus, aka Vee. She's a teacher at a local orphanage, doing her best to avoid Galahad, her brother-in-law's brother. Gal's been busy realizing his dream of opening a 'pleasure palace,' only to find out he's accidentally bought property right next to Vee's orphanage. Talk about awkward, right? This sets the stage for their paths to cross more often, stirring up feelings they both weren't expecting.

Their romance is a classic enemies-to-lovers story, slow and sweet, making it a great finale to the series. What's cool is how each chapter starts with an entry from Vee's journal, giving us a peek into her mind from her teen years to adulthood. It's a neat way to foreshadow what's coming up next in the story.

Vee and Gal might seem like total opposites, but the more they bump into each other, the more they realize they're not so different. They've both had tough pasts and built up walls around themselves, and they're both scared to admit they've got feelings for each other. Their banter is top-notch, especially when they geek out over books and Shakespeare. Watching them break down their misconceptions about each other is pretty heartwarming.

The love story unfolds with Vee and Gal grappling with their fears and past hurts. Their journey is full of ups and downs, making their character development really stand out. I was totally rooting for them to figure out they're perfect for each other. But with all the obstacles, including Gal's less-than-transparent dealings regarding the orphanage property, it's not smooth sailing.

The secondary characters add a lot to the story too. You'll see some familiar faces from the first two books, but the real scene-stealers are the boys from the orphanage. They're just so lovable and add a unique dynamic to Vee and Gal's relationship.

Thanks to St Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC!

A slow burn historical Rom-Com. Vee and Gal have been verbally sparring for years as a way of fooling themselves that they don't find the other attractive. Both characters are very endearing and likeable. Both have past hurts that have shaped their lives and they find it difficult to steer away from the course in life that they've set for themselves. What they hadn't planned for was meeting each other in the middle and finally seeing that they were perfect for one another.
Some characters from previous books make an appearance to coax the pair together when they are being particularly difficult. I enjoyed the scenes with the boys from the orphanage too as they were funny and cute.

I read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this final in the trilogy, and was lucky enough to have read the previous books as well.
The chemistry between Galahad and Venus was evident in the prior instalments, so was happy to see that they finally got together.
I really liked Galahad's character. Even though he had to hide 'who' he was, I felt his character remained steady throughout. Venus, on the other hand, became a bit too much when she was demanding the building that wasn't even hers to begin with.
Really enjoyed the ending with the two of them though.

Such a cute conclusion to the Merriwell Sisters' series! Adored Venus and Gal's witty banter and fun flirting - there was mutual pining, loved how the orphan's played a big part in the story, and just overall enjoyed this easy read!Such a cute conclusion to the Merriwell Sisters' series! Adored Venus and Gal's witty banter and fun flirting - there was mutual pining, loved how the orphan's played a big part in the story, and just overall enjoyed this easy read!

This is book four of the Merriwell Sisters series, and this time, Venus falls in love. Never Wager with a Wallflower is filled with wit and charm.

I loved Venus and Galahad together. Their interactions are delightful, and their back and forth banter is wonderful! One of my favorite parts was Gal's involvement with the orphans. I loved how he showed so much patience and understanding with them.

I enjoyed this book very much and look forward to what's next for Virginia Heath now that this series is completed.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Virginia Heath's NEVER WAGER WITH A WALLFLOWER is a pleasant enough read. I had to get a little more than a third into the story before I felt any sort of attachment to the characters, but after that point it was relatively smooth sailing. The banter between Venus and Galahad is amusing enough, but the arc for the tension between them sometimes felt a little off, along with the pacing. That being said, there are plenty of cute moments between them to make up for it. The ending is a satisfying conclusion, and I enjoyed the parts with all the wagers. The mischief the twins caused was hilarious. A good read if you're looking to be entertained.

I enjoyed this book. Venus and Galahad had great chemistry and I loved witnessing the sparks they generated fly. The story has more than enough emotion, drama, tension, humor, heart and poignancy to pull you in and keep you invested.

"Much to my chagrin, and against all my better judgment, it appears that I am finally starting to like you."

Venus Merriwell spent her younger years journaling about her future husband but in her adult years the reality doesn’t live up to childhood dreams. Men love her look and not her heart. She’s too smart and wants too much, the men severely lacking. Instead she throws her energy and love into taking care of orphans and being an all around big hearted saint.

Galahad Sinclair, is a very private person who does a good job of only showing people what he wants them to see, and also has dreams. He started out penniless and has been working hard his whole life and now he wants to build the ultimate gambling hall. The prime location where he wants to build is right next to a rundown building— the orphanage that Venus is dedicated to.

Let the wagers begin.

This is the 3rd and final book in the Merriwell Sister series. It can be read as a stand alone, but characters and couples from the other books do make a showing in the story. This is a historical romance with plenty of comedy and tomfoolery.

Thank you Net Galley book copy for an honest review.

I've thoroughly enjoyed this entire series. Venus and Gal's story is a great enemies to lovers. They are more of irritated with each other enemies than anything, but it's about the chemistry brewing beneath the surface. Each character has to learn to grow to overcome a difficult childhood, and part of that growth is learning to trust. I really liked seeing the introspection in each. Their chemistry is off the charts. Sexy times are on the page, but it's not spot for spot choreography, if you know what I mean. However the scene with the card game is FIRE. The additional characters from the whole series are present, which I appreciate. I love seeing how the sisters continue to interact and their stories are intertwined. There is also great humor throughout the story. I would put this series on my keeper shelf and could easily consider these a favorite comfort reread.

CW: parental abandonment, death of parent in backstory of adult main character

Important things you need to know about the book:

Pace: The pacing for Never Wager with a Wallflower is medium. It could have been done with a faster storyline, especially towards the end. But overall, it worked. There was some slight lag towards the end, but it didn’t affect how I liked the book.

Series: Never Wager with a Wallflower is the 3rd (and last) book in the Merriwell Sisters trilogy. While you could technically read this book as a standalone, I recommend not doing so. I did, and I got turned around references to the other books. I also couldn’t keep the characters straight (other than Vee and Gal) in my head. I plan on reading the other two books as soon as I can.

Trigger/Content Warning: Never Wager with a Wallflower has trigger and content warnings. If any of these trigger you, I suggest not reading the book. They are:

Classism (moderate)
Poverty (moderate)
Abandonment (moderate)
Child Abuse (moderate)
Gambling Addiction (moderate)
Alcohol Consumption (minor)
Pregnancy (moderate)
Childbirth (minor)
Chronic Illness (minor)
Death of grandparent (moderate)
Death of parent(s) (minor)
Murder (moderate)
Sexual Content: There is sexual content in Never Wager with a Wallflower. Some are implied, but most were on page. It was not graphic.

Language: There is no swearing in Never Wager with a Wallflower. There is era-appropriate offensive language.

Setting: Never Wager with a Wallflower is set in London, England.

Tropes: Happy Ending, Forced Proximity, Enemies to Lovers, The Misunderstanding, Opposites Attract, Rivals, Emotional Scars, Everyone Can See It

Age Range: I recommend Never Wager with a Wallflower to anyone over 21.

Plot Synopsis (as spoiler-free as I can get):

Miss Venus Merriwell knows what she wants in a husband. She wants someone intellectual, selfless, and who doesn’t have any gambling vices. She also wants a husband who will be passionate about the exact causes as she is like the rundown, overcrowded orphanage she has taught at for the past four years. It badly needs repairs and to be expanded to the building next door. But, if she has to settle, she will. That is why she is trying to catch the eye of London’s dryest, self-involved Lord. Forget a love match; she knows that marrying him will be safe.

Galahad Sinclair is Vee’s enemy. He represents everything that she despises. He runs a gambling hell on the docks of the East End and enjoys needling her every chance he gets. With their clashes fueling family gossip, Vee and Gal are thrown together at every opportunity. When Vee starts to get close to Gal, she sees someone different from the facade he shows everyone. But, when a secret that Gal has comes to the surface, will it kill their blossoming romance?

Main Characters

Venus Merriwell: I liked her, but man, did she have tunnel vision. Her world consisted of her sisters and their families, balls where she would look for prospective suitors, and the orphanage where she tirelessly worked. Her disdain for Gal caught me off because she was sweet with everyone else. There was a point in the book where I wanted to shake her (it was right after she found out Gal had bought the building next door). She was nasty to him, and I couldn’t believe what she said to the boy she had with her. That was almost enough to change my mind about her. But she more than made up for her attitude a few chapters later. I also liked that she loved to read, and Shakespeare was her favorite author. Of course, reading his plays gave her somewhat of an unrealistic view of romance (her journal entries showed that).

Galahad Sinclair: I loved him. Yes, he did some shady things at the beginning of the book. But, I stress this: he had no way of knowing that Vee wanted that building for herself. I liked that the author slowly (and sometimes at a turtle’s pace) had Gal reveal things about himself that saddened and horrified me. Some items, I guessed at, but others shook me. There were points in the book where I did think he made his bed (the whole building fiasco), but he did try to apologize.

My Review:

I enjoyed reading Never Wager with a Wallflower. But I felt a little out of sorts while reading it. This book is the third and last book in the trilogy. I missed a lot of background by not reading the first two books. But I did enjoy Vee and Gal’s very bumpy relationship. That had me on my toes for the entire book.

I loved that the author had journal entries by Vee from 14 to the present day. I liked seeing her thoughts on different situations (from boobs that won’t stop growing to her feelings about Gal). It also gave me good insight into her life growing up, what her father did to her and her sisters, and other storylines that kept popping up in the book.

The main storyline, the love story between Vee and Gal, was well written. As stated above, it was a bumpy enemy to lovers/forced proximity romance. Sometimes, I wondered when the romance would start and Vee’s animosity would end. But that made for a fun read. I also liked that Gal was very much in tune with his feelings for Vee and realized what they were early in the book. On the other hand, Vee fought her feelings until the end of the book.

The orphanage storyline was a little meh to me. While it allowed Gal to explain his formative years to Vee, it didn’t do anything but cause issues between those two. I thought Vee went overboard with her reaction to Gal buying the building next door. The meltdown that she had and the things she said to him was awful.

The end of Never Wager with a Wallflower was okay. It was a little drawn out. I was also weirded out that everyone was okay with what they walked into. I liked the epilogue, but I got confused by it. I had to reread it to understand what was going on.

Many thanks to St. Martin’s Press, St. Martin’s Griffin, NetGalley, and Virginia Heath for allowing me to read and review this ARC of Never Wager with a Wallflower. All opinions stated in this review are mine.