The previous novel in Eva Leigh’s Last Chance Scoundrels series was a delightfully spicy romp, and the spice is most definitely evident in book two How the Wallflower Was Won. But the use of a disappointing and unnecessary third act break-up pulls the final grade down a bit. 

Now that Kieran has found true love with Celeste (The Good Girl’s Guide to Rakes), it’s time for his brother Finn Ransome to settle down for the good of his inheritance.   

As covered in the previous story, Kieran and Finn caused a huge scandal at their sister Willa’s wedding, and their father has given them an ultimatum; get married or be disinherited. Even though their intentions were good – they believed the bride and groom – their good friend Dom – were making each other miserable (even though theirs was a love match) and in the end the wedding didn’t take place because Dom didn’t show – their father doesn’t care.  It’s put up or shut up time.  Even worse, both brothers are now estranged from Willa. 

Finn knows plenty about putting up and shutting up – he’s a gambler by trade and good at what he does.  But he knows he’s not brainy, nor is he good at romance, so he plans on a marriage of convenience. And thus he sets his sights on Miss Tabitha Seaton… the hope of getting her to marry Dom. 

Tabitha is a bluestocking whose first season was a disaster.  She’s set her sights on joining the Sterling Society, an influential intellectual think tank.  But unmarried women are not allowed, so Tabitha needs a husband. 

Though Finn tries mightily to get Tabitha to accept Dom, it’s him she’s interested in – and vice-versa.  So Tabitha and Finn agree to a marriage of convenience which will satisfy both of their needs.  With Tabitha’s attachment to the Sterling Society promising to make the world a better place just as Dom sets about opening his own gaming hell – will she and Finn manage to make a true marriage of it? 

How the Wallflower was Won starts out incredibly strongly, making you care for Finn – who puts little value on his intellect thanks to his abusive father – and Tabitha, who values hers but has neglected the simpler joys of life due to a hurt in her past.  They’re an unusual combination, and the chemistry is strong. Finn in particular is a great, sympathetic hero who makes you enjoy his growth. 

And then, the third-act break-up happens, with a fight that occurs for ridiculous reasons, and which results in Tabitha insulting Finn in a way that feels nigh-on unforgivable.  Her insult is malicious compared to his heat-of-the-moment jibes – her grovel and apology feel too brief and unsatisfying compared to his for her.  This is unfair considering what she insulted him about, and what she knows about his past. 

It’s a shame because the relationship feels very real and has a lot of kick and spice.  As always, Leigh’s Scotsmen are fun to track – Finn is no exception to the rule – and I liked prickly, reluctant, scholarly Tabitha.  But that third-act breakup really is a mess that didn’t need to happen, and ultimately makes How the Wallflower was Won something of a disappointment. 

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