Tag: #MayfairLiteraryLeague

A Secret Seduction by Lana Williams

On By TracyIn Part of a Series, Tracy's Reviews, Victorian Era (1837-1901)Leave a comment

A Secret Seduction (The Mayfair Literary League, #8)A Secret Seduction by Lana Williams

Tracy’s Rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: Mayfair Literary League, #8

Release Date: January 23, 2025

After seven years on the marriage mart, Millicent “Millie” Davies parents have decided that since she hasn’t found a husband on her own, they will step in and arrange a marriage for her. Millicent isn’t opposed to marriage, but after seeing all her friends in the Mayfair Literary League find love after taking part in the “for better or worse” agenda, she wonders if she could be bold enough to pursue her secret crush – Winston Chadwick, the Marquess of Linford. Millie and Winston met in the previous season and it was clear there was a chemistry between them, but due to his participation in a wager, she isn’t sure his interest in her was sincere. And as much as she wishes that he could be her HEA, she is aware that he has made no secret of the fact that he has no plans to marry anytime soon, and with her parents pushing another man in her path, is she brave enough to take a chance and hope she can capture the marquess’s heart or should she just accept an arranged marriage that will save her from spinsterhood, but never touch her heart?

After watching his parents’ epic battles and being reminded at every turn that he is just like his father, Winston has decided that he will not marry until he is at least 40 and then only to sire an heir. He is sure he is not worthy of love and thanks to the constant comparisons to his father, he doesn’t trust his own judgement, instead he lets others make decisions for him as he leads an empty life. He meets Millie when he participated in a thoughtless wager with friends to dance with wallflowers and despite his resolve to remain a bachelor, he is intrigued by her. She is pretty in an understated way and makes him think that he could be a better man, but that isn’t enough to change his mind about marriage. When she flirts with him, he is more than willing to share kisses with her, as long as she knows it will never lead to the altar. Even when his friends comment on his interest in Millie, he denies his feelings, but when another suitor starts showing interest, and can’t seem to be dissuaded, Winston will have to come to terms with his feelings and finally make a decision about his future. Will he risk his heart for what could be the love of a lifetime, or will he let his insecurities cost him the only woman he has ever loved?

This is the final installment of the Mayfair Literary League and what an ending it is! It takes some doing, but Millie and Winston finally overcome their own insecurities, and travel outside their comfort zones, but with good friends and a true connection, they will find their happily ever after. This is the eighth and final book in the series, and while it could be read as a standalone title, I would recommend reading the books in order for the best reader experience.

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

The Wallflower Wager by Lana Williams

On By TracyIn Author Collaboration Series, Book Publicity, Novella, Part of a Series, Tracy's Reviews, Victorian Era (1837-1901)Leave a comment

The Wallflower Wager (Revenge of the Wallflowers, #20)The Wallflower Wager by Lana Williams

Tracy’s Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Revenge of the Wallflowers, #20  & The Mayfair Literary League

Release Date: July 16, 2024

Wallflower Lady Prudence “Prue” Davies is no stranger to rogues, so when one literally falls at her feet, she knows better than to be charmed by a handsome face. But Silas Hayward, Viscount Windstead, seems different and he clearly loves his grandmother, so maybe she is wrong about him! But that illusion is shattered when she learns he is taking part in the “Wallflower Wager”, a bet made between rogues, the winner will be the first man to dance with 12 different wallflowers at 12 different balls. With her mind set, Prue sets out to unite the wallflowers and teach the rogues a lesson, but that was before she fell for Silas and realizes their only chance of being together would be if he wins. Can she have it all? Or will she have to choose between love and honor?

Silas Hayward, Viscount Windstead, needs money to save his family from financial ruin and his options for gaining that money are limited. He has an idea for a windmill design that he is sure could be successful, but he needs money to make a prototype – thus his participation in the wager. If that fails, he will have to marry an heiress and put his dreams and his heart on the back burner in order to help his family. He had all but resigned himself to a loveless marriage when he meets Prue and is smitten. But when his best chance at an investor is shot down, he realizes how much he cares about Prue and decides it is better to cut ties with her and do his duty. Even if it breaks his heart, but as any romance reader knows, love will find a way and Silas just has to trust his heart but is that a risk he is willing to take?

This was a very sweet novella with ties to the Mayfair Literary League. I really like Prue and Silas; they are both extremely likable and I love how they encouraged and boosted each other. Their road to HEA isn’t easy, but they are clearly “meant to be” and you can’t help but root for them. This book is the twentieth (yes, 20th) book in the Revenge of the Wallflowers series and can easily be read as a standalone title. I really liked this book and would happily recommend it to historical romance readers.

*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. *