Lady Pippa Darlington, the sister of Roan, the Duke of Leighton, has no desire to marry into the ton, and after an unfortunate incident involving an earl and a glass of ratafia, she had “lessons” from the Duchess Society. But rather than look for a husband, she has been laying low and playing the wallflower to glean information the Duchess Society - unbeknownst to them. And when her snooping lands her in trouble, her rescuer is the only man she has ever wanted and the man who is determined to keep her at an arm’s length – Xander Macauley. A Self-made man from the slums of London, who also happens to be a good friend and business partner of her brother. But Pippa is nothing if not fearless and just as determined to attain her heart’s desire. Bit by bit, she worms her way into Xander’s life and his heart, and if love is a battlefield, then Pippa is a major general and she is going to win this war!

Xander Macauley has wanted Pippa for years, but as his friend’s little sister he has deemed her off limits, too bad she never got the memo. Try as he might to ignore her, he can’t and has stopped trying. They embark on a passionate affair and emotions become involved, but his self-doubt and feelings of inadequacy keep him from imagining a HEA for them. Will he realize his mistake before it is too late and his headstrong lady closes her heart for good?

This was a great addition to the series, Pippa and Xander are a great couple and very easy to root for. The story was a little slow to start, but once it kicks into gear, it is a roller coaster ride to the end. This book has a slow burn romance, age-gap, forbidden passion, great secondary characters, “help” from previous characters, steamy love scenes, a hero with a soft-heart under a hard exterior, a heroine who isn’t afraid to go after what she wants, a soulmate type of love and finally after some negotiating, a very sweet HEA that includes a heart-melting epilogue. This is the third book in the series, but it could easily be read as a standalone title. I am happy to recommend this title to fans of slow-burn to smoking-hot historical romances that lead to HEA.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own. *

The Wicked Wallflower
The Duchess Society Series, Book Three
by Tracy Sumner

Lady Philippa Darlington is fiercely independent and the last thing she is interested in is getting married because she has to many other interests. She also has a crush on rogue entrepreneur Xander Macauley business partner/best friend of her brother the Duke of Leighton and an unsuitable match for Lady Philippa. Following their romance is full of mystery humour , characters and a few steamy moments in will they won’t they relationship and the secrets they both keep.

Another well written entertaining book in this series. That Keeps you entertained from beginning to end . 4.5/5

I enjoyed this historical romance story with all of the characters. The two main characters were Lady Philippa Darlington and Xander Macauley.

Lady Philippa Darlington is a wallflower. Philippa vows to never marry she happy having a independent life. But when a adventure the she plan go off course and puts her into the only man that could change her way of think.

Xander Macauley is call the Prince of the street. He been ask by a friend to look after his sister. So when the one of the guard that he had following the sister tells him were she is now he not happy about it. He must rescue her.

This was a fun story to read. It has action, drama, adventure and secrets within. It also had a few funny parts that had me giggling to.

I received a complimentary copy via Booksprout. This is my honest unbiased opinions.

Was a bit of a rocky start due to the language issue. It was a very deep, medieval English (or something like that) that was a little confusing at first. Thank goodness I was reading it on my Kindle so I was able to look up the words easily. But aside from that, I love Pippa and Max's love affair. Their personalities complement each other and although this is a stand-alone, made me want to dive deep into the Duchess Society world. I'm looking forward to reading more of this series.

Tracy Sumner is reliable when it comes to regency romance novels and the wicked wallflower is no exception, I thoroughly recommend the whole series.

Ahhh this was an excellent Regency romp! Contained all the bits we love. I've read a few of Sumner's now, and enjoyed each one!

3.75/5 ⭐️

This book was such an fun read, I’ve been enjoying this author a lot. Her books always have me hooked.

I fell in love with our lovely mains, Xander and Pippa. Their chemistry was definitely there, and watching them slowly falling for one another and opening up to each other was a delight.

Xander is your typical historical romance hero: brooding, tortured and well… hella stubborn Did I occasionally feel the urge to slap him because of it? Absolutely, but I still enjoyed the book.

The only reason this book doesn’t get a higher rating from me is the because the second part of it felt dragged out, which is an issue I’ve already encountered while reading other works from this author. It starts off great but, the second part of the book always falls short.

Don’t get me wrong, the book was entertaining but I honestly felt like it could’ve ended a few chapters earlier. I understand that conflict is what makes a book entertaining, but sometimes, all I wanted was less twists and turns. Sometimes less is better.

Overall, I do recommend this book for anyone that is starting out with historical romance or looking for a fun, easy and quick read.

I wasn't originally going to give feedback on this, mostly because the first installation of the series was soo poor. But, after a bit of a reading slump, that guilt of leaving it behind sort of... crept in.

I have to say, this was an improvement, but only nominally so. The characters were a bit more believable and had a bit less just... unusual straight behavior. However, the biggest grip on this story wasn't the characters at all, but a timeline that didn't seem to fully accommodate the story the author wanted to write. Some of the issues, that created the faux slow burn, were just walls and barricades to the characters, not slow pining. I found what the author was selling hard to swallow, and it distracted (if not bored) me.

That being said, I think there was a ton of potential here for a different kind of story, one more forbidden and less slow burn. We've seen Sumner excel with quick fate, head over heals, lip tugging kind of romances. By no means she should stay in her lane, but pull from things she's comfortable in as that's what she always seems to resort to anyways. In whole, this was an improvement from book one, and I might be missing something from skipping book two, but I've accepted Sumner's writing just isn't for me. This is good for a more traditional regency romance, and has all the boxes checked.

This is the 3rd book in The Duchess Society Series by Tracy Sumner. This is Pippa and Macaulay's story and I loved it! Their attraction and chemistry is great. He's your typical brooding man who has risen in the ranks of society, but doesn't feel he deserves her. Pippa will make him see through friendship that he is worth being with.

Lady Phillipa Darlington has decided to do everything within her power to be the most wallflowerest of wallflowers. She doesn’t want to settle and get married just because it’s expected of her. And the one man she truly wants is an impossibility – a commoner AND her older brother’s friend and business partner.

This book, from what I can tell, is the reader favorite of this series and I just want to say that I definitely get it.

Tracy Sumner’s heroes are all amazing and I love Tobias and Roan so very much. However, Xander Macauley is something else. He was giving a little Derek Craven mixed with a little Sebastian St. Vincent and I don’t say that lightly. Reading books like this one reminds me how much I love an age gap (and a rake being brought to his knees by a little lady?! Yes, please.)

Also, I freaking loved Pippa. She is definitely one of my new favorite heroines. She has set her sights on Macauley and goes after him, despite his attempts at warning her off. The banter and chemistry between these two were excellent. Chef’s kiss. And there was so much mutual pining! I was livingggg. I loved all the moments Macauley and Pippa had together, and I was swooning every time he called her “luv” or “Pip” or even “blondie”.

The steamy scenes were hot and, blessedly, in abundance. This felt like more of a slow burn than the other two books I’ve read in this series and I was dying for something to happen! The author does such a good job with building tension and keeping us on the edge of our seat, salivating for a kiss or even a touch.

Alas, the grovel at the end of this was phenomenal. Macauley went all out and then some. I couldn’t stop smiling. They’re so freaking cute.

I liked the story very much. The writer did a wonderful job with the characters accents in the book. This made the dialogue more enjoyable to read. The writer kept the pace of the book moving with ease. The plot is logical to the characters motivations back then. I understood the story as well as where the writer was leading the characters. Philippa and Xander made the story fun and exciting with their mission of protecting Philippa. I have to say that The romance was very charming. I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

This book captured my attention right away. Xander Macauley is a masculine man in a rugged world. Philippa Darlington is the sister of the duke of Leighton. Both Pippa and Xander have feelings for each other but both think they can never ever be together. Pippa because Macauley was Roan’s business partner. And
_she couldn’t wreck their partnership by exposing a preoccupation that had as much chance of surviving as a banana tree in London._
Xander feels like he cannot act on his feelings because he is just a simple man from the rookery and not good enough for a lady. I liked that Xander was fearless, and that Pippa was equally fearless. She won’t back down from a challenge and likes to take action. I love their developing relationship, their feelings for each other growing each time but both of them not wanting to acknowledge it.

_They stood for what could have been hours but were mere minutes, enveloped in a forbidden attraction fostered by a dawning twilight and the sound of rain striking windowpanes. The two loneliest people in London she imagined for some mad reason. Why, Pippa asked for the thousandth time this month, why him?_

I totally loved the bookish Theodosia and Xander’s righthand man Dash, and how their relationship evolved:
_if his lilting voice wasn’t enough to entice, there was the matter of his face. Not that Theo cared about such things—if she ever fell in love, the man would be a noteworthy academic with a predictably unappealing countenance—but Dash Campbell was blindingly good-looking._
I hope one of the next books is about them!

Oliver Aspinwall, Earl of Stanford is introduced as a secondary character and you immediately know there is more to this handsome but tormented man. He’s very interesting as another secondary character and a potential subject for another book.

The story moved very well, the dialogue was snappy and I liked that both of them pushed back. The author has succeeded in writing a beautiful story about two people with true feelings and deep emotions. But the many talks of masturbation, numerous references to his c*ck and even bondage was a big let-down for me. It is demeaning and cheapens not only the story but also the heroes’ honest feelings for each other. Without it the story would have been worth five stars because their love story is truly beautifully written and wonderful. As the writer herself said in this book:
_True intimacy lies down the path of shared confidences._
I received and reviewed an advanced copy of this book and I am grateful for this opportunity. All thoughts and opinions are my own.



I uncovered a mistake in Ch 3, Page 45 of 260:
_As in, she didn’t know any, except for her brother Tobias Streeter or possibly Dexter Munro, the Duke of Markham._
Pippa’s brother is not Tobias Streeter but Roan, the Duke of Leighton. Either change the name or add a comma.

Prologue, page 11 of 260, Pippa is thinking in herself:
_She had a sister, two of them now, and the eldest, Helena, the powerful Duchess of Leighton, said she didn’t have to marry if she didn’t want to._
This is a bit confusing since she only has a brother. She has a her sister-in-law, Helena, who married her brother Roan, and Helena has a half-sister, Theodosia Astley, who lives with them. I understand that Pippa feels like she has two sisters but reading about ‘two sisters’ in the prologue is confusing since you have to read on to chapter 2 to understand who belongs to the family.

Another wonderful read from Tracy Sumner.

I've been reading this out of order so I don't know who is related to whom, which made me a bit lost but it's been enjoyable so far. I love Xander and Pippa, such interesting lovable characters. And love the brothers best friend trope.

Will probably go back and read these in order now so I can have the whole experience :D

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC, all opinions are my own :D

The Wicked WallFlower by Tracy Sumner. She always has a way in her writing that just flows so well. If you're a fan of Bridgerton and you have seen the show, its customs, and scenery, Tracy Summer describes all her scene in a way that you're transported to the place and watching it come in real life in real-time. I love the book and was sad that it ended, honestly wish they were real people.

Definitely one of my favorite books, and a wonderful book for your travels, summer beach days, and just rainy book to grab and enjoy!


I just reviewed The Wicked Wallflower by Tracy Sumner. #TheWickedWallflower #NetGalley
[https://www.netgalley.com/member/book/287441/review]

Another fantastic book in the Dutchess Series! This is Pippa and Xander's story - it's been a long time coming and I'm glad it was as good as I expected it to be!

I love this series - the characters are all so entertaining and just fun. It's been a super fun series to read!

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

Sensual novel

I loved the two main characters, Pippa and Xander. She is curious and spontaneous. He is a rogue with a tender heart. They have a ten-year age gap, and they come from different social standings. That doesn’t bother her; she wants him, and she will have him. They’ve been attracted to each other for some time. With patience and determination, Pippa will win Xander’s love. Throughout the book, we feel they are soulmates. Their story is full of passion and love, with a touch of humour. Once you grab this book, you won’t let it go until you finish it.

The author introduces interesting secondary characters. She gives a little taste of each, and you will want to read the other books in the series.

I received a free copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I loved Phippa from the very beginning of the story and the fact that she knew what she wanted and had no hesitation to go after Macauley. These adventures did not always turn out the way she intended but they made for excellent reading. I admired how Macauley tried to save her from herself with little to no success at times. It’s a story that can tug at your heart strings one minute and have you laughing out loud a few minutes later. This is a story that is definitely worth reading and one that I highly recommend along with the other books in The Duchess Society series.
I received a free copy of this book via Netgalley and are voluntarily leaving a review.

"The Wicked Wallflower" is the third book in Tracy Sumner's series entitled "The Duchess Society." This book centers around Philippa (Pippa), who's expected to marry well and settle down as a proper lady. However, Pippa longs to have excitement, adventure, and a purpose to her life. When she meets well-known rake Xander Macauley, sparks fly and the two try to avoid each other at all costs, to little success. However, Macauley's friendship with Pippa's brother means they see each other often, and their initial attraction can't be denied. Not only that, but they begin to realize that they're more similar than they ever realized.

I really enjoyed the sweetness that Macauley displayed, even during their steamiest moments. This was a fun, easy read and I'll look for more of Sumner's books to read! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

This is the first book of the series that I have read. Fortunately this does impact on the read at all. From the outset
I thoroughly enjoyed it. I really enjoyed the descriptive atmosphere that this was set in and also really got into the main characters of the story. The interplay of the characters and their arguments and humour were a delight. The steamier scenes were really steamy, but well written as well. This did not feel sleazy in any way.
I thought the description and build up in their own minds and how that finally happened was really well described and explained.
Overall I think this is a well written, modern interpretation of an historical romance.
Well done indeed!

The Wicked Wallflower is probably my favorite entry in one of my all-time romance series. Here, Phillippa "Pippa" Darlington, younger sister of the Duke of Leighton (he of the "Leighton Cluster"), has long been in lust and maybe a little bit of love with Xander MacCauley, one of her brother's business partners. Xander is (secretly) the bastard son of an earl who grew up in the rookeries and continues to be on the somewhat seamy side of life. Xander also secretly returns Pippa's feelings, at least the lust part to start with. With Leighton out of town on his honeymoon, he has tasked Xander with keeping Pippa out of trouble - a task easier said than done.

Put into each other's company more and more, Pippa and Xander deepen their connection. The connections between the ton and Limehouse strengthen accordingly.

LOVE LOVE LOVE Pippa and Xander. Pippa is so strong and unwilling to compromise on her own happiness. When Xander tries to run scared, she simply doesn't let him. She taxes him with facing his true feelings and desires and is strong enough to overcome other disapprovals of their burgeoning relationship. Fabulously steamy and bringing in just the right touch of the characters from past and future series entries, this could be a standalone, but I urge people to read the whole series because it is just so good.

5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions herein are entirely my own.