Wicked and the Wallflower

Wicked and the Wallflower (The Bareknuckle Bastards #1)
By Sarah MacLean
Expected Publication: June 19, 2018

Why I chose this book:
I enjoy reading Regency romance novels on occasion and hadn't read one in a while. Perusing Goodreads led me to this upcoming release, and my request for a review copy was granted.

Review

Felicity Faircloth seeks an advantageous marriage, but falls in love with an unsuitable man.

One does not read romance novels, especially Regency romances, to find out what happens to the characters. No. In fact, if the author does not provide what readers expect, namely an unsuitable couple falling in love against all odds who must overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles to be rewarded with their happily ever after, that author may face mutiny from her (usually her) reader base. One reads historical romance novels to see how the characters do it,*cough* I mean how the characters face those challenges, and how those characters grapple with their growing affection and attraction, all against a backdrop of fancy dresses, glittering balls, and the aristocracy, as well as a darkly alluring criminal underworld. One also reads such novels to feel the thrill of the heroine falling in love, finding herself, and being appreciated for who she truly is.

In this case, a lady (Felicity) of the ton seeks to marry a wealthy duke. She is offered help by his criminal half-brother (Devil), who actually seeks to thwart the duke's search for a bride. Devil inadvertently falls in love with Felicity, is unable to go through with his original plan, but also sees no way for himself to be with Felicity. In meeting Devil, Felicity finds that she is not as enchanted with the ton as she thought, examines what would truly give her fulfillment, and does not accept Devil's hollow rejection of her.

Sarah MacLean's writing does not disappoint. Compared to other historical romances, Wicked and the Wallflower is among the best I've read. I've seen characters who I've thought outright stupid. MacLean's characters were decidedly the opposite. Felicity was a flawed woman who slowly realized her ambitions once she had the opportunity to examine her life. And she had an empowering and enviable skill of lock picking. The hero, Devil, was also imperfect, making a few thoughtless choices but later admitting his faults and learning from his mistakes. They made rash decisions, like normal people sometimes do, but (unlike some other characters I've come across) did not forgo obvious solutions to their problems. There were just enough plot twists to make for an exciting story without feeling contrived, and a satisfying ending that I almost thought wouldn't happen. But it did. So no mutiny from this reader. Only praise!