Audiobook review: Wicked and the Wallflower by Sarah MacLean
#TBRChallenge
- February’s Theme is “Fairy Tale.”
- This book has been on my TBR since May 19, 2020 when I purchased the audiobook.
- Why I selected it: It’s a retelling of the Rumpelstiltskin fairytale.
I’ve long wanted to read a Sarah MacLean story and am so glad Wicked and the Wallflower fit the bill for this month’s TBR theme. Based loosely on the Rumpelstiltskin tale, the book features a tarnished lady who makes a deal with the devil to save her family’s reputation. In the process, Felicity Faircloth falls in love with Devil and life away from the ton.
I will admit that I nearly didn’t finish this one. The first half of the book dragged on and on, with much repetition of thoughts and phrases. Felicity often recalls how she’s ruined everything, using the same words over and over as she realizes the direness of the situation. Devil is much the same, reminding Felicity of her goals while putting down his own lifestyle. This repetition is unnecessary filler, and I longed for the pair to get to the point.
Each is attracted to the other right from the start. They play a dangerous game as Devil attempts to teach Felicity how to win the hand of the duke. Each moment spent together strengthens their attraction and bond. I love each stolen moment and forbidden kiss. I didn’t love Devil’s hot and cold treatment of Felicity, but it’s understandable and part of the game as conflicting feelings war with him.
Narration: The story is shared via the alternating POVs of Felicity and Devil. The narrator uses the same feminine, British-accent voice for both POVs, slightly altering dialogue for gender, class, and age to distinguish it from the narrator of the story. Ms. Eyre has a distinct voice that is soft and feminine for females, yet gruff around the edges for her males. However, it was hard to distinguish who was speaking if the characters were the same gender.
In the end, I’m glad I stuck with the book. I enjoyed the second half way more than the first half. The second half was faster paced; the dialogue not as repetitious. The romance moved forward, and I loved witnessing how smart Felicity is.
My Ratings
Story: B/B-
Narration: B
Jen
About the Book:
When Wicked Comes Calling…
When a mysterious stranger finds his way into her bedchamber and offers his help in landing a duke, Lady Felicity Faircloth agrees—on one condition. She’s seen enough of the world to believe in passion, and won’t accept a marriage without it.
The Wallflower Makes a Dangerous Bargain…
Bastard son of a duke and king of London’s dark streets, Devil has spent a lifetime wielding power and seizing opportunity, and the spinster wallflower is everything he needs to exact a revenge years in the making. All he must do is turn the plain little mouse into an irresistible temptress, set his trap, and destroy his enemy.
For the Promise of Passion…
But there’s nothing plain about Felicity Faircloth, who quickly decides she’d rather have Devil than another. Soon, Devil’s carefully laid plans are in chaos, and he must choose between everything he’s ever wanted…and the only thing he’s ever desired.
Author: Sarah MacLean
Narrator: Justine Eyre
Series: The Bareknuckle Bastards #1
Genre: Historical Romance
Audiobook Release Date: June 19, 2018
Publisher: HarperAudio
Length: 12 hrs and 40 mins
Source: purchased
Audio Speed: 1.2-1.4x
Purchase info:
Audible/Amazon (affilate link)