From netgalley in exchange for a review

This is in the same series as The Viscount’s Christmas Temptation and is really where things started. Oliver and 3 of his friends have just returned from war, all suffering side effects - Xavier is shellshocked, another has lost a leg, one died. Oliver has come back to find his father has died (having eaten shellfish whilst in the bed of his latest mistress) and has left Oliver penniless and the new Earl. He is need of a rich heiress to marry in order to get things back on track, and so has to contend with the meat market that is the season.

There he becomes aware of a beautiful wallflower (Grace) at one of the parties, trying to disappear into the wallpaper. However he soon finds out it's not through choice - she is American, without a penny to her name, and in need of a rich husband, and is being shunned accordingly. Her grandmother is a fright - she never forgave her daughter for moving to America and be married to an American, and doesnt believe the excuse that she is dreadfully ill as the reason for not returning.

There is an instant attraction between Oliver and Grace , but as they get to know each other, they are honest with each other that a marriage between themselves would not help either of them. His attentions naturally bring on the attentions of others in the room, who decide that perhaps it is time to pay her attention. However, none of the men are what she needs and Oliver is no closer to finding someone.

Finally, the two of them are found in a rather compromising position in the library, so are rather railroaded into getting married. The ending is a little fast, with a resolution to the money issues coming from an unexpected source. It is rather a short book, so things arent necessarily explored as in depth as liked, but in the end it was an enjoyable story and a nice set up for other books in the series

From netgalley in exchange for a review

This is in the same series as The Viscount’s Christmas Temptation and is really where things started. Oliver and 3 of his friends have just returned from war, all suffering side effects - Xavier is shellshocked, another has lost a leg, one died. Oliver has come back to find his father has died (having eaten shellfish whilst in the bed of his latest mistress) and has left Oliver penniless and the new Earl. He is need of a rich heiress to marry in order to get things back on track, and so has to contend with the meat market that is the season.

There he becomes aware of a beautiful wallflower (Grace) at one of the parties, trying to disappear into the wallpaper. However he soon finds out it's not through choice - she is American, without a penny to her name, and in need of a rich husband, and is being shunned accordingly. Her grandmother is a fright - she never forgave her daughter for moving to America and be married to an American, and doesnt believe the excuse that she is dreadfully ill as the reason for not returning.

There is an instant attraction between Oliver and Grace , but as they get to know each other, they are honest with each other that a marriage between themselves would not help either of them. His attentions naturally bring on the attentions of others in the room, who decide that perhaps it is time to pay her attention. However, none of the men are what she needs and Oliver is no closer to finding someone.

Finally, the two of them are found in a rather compromising position in the library, so are rather railroaded into getting married. The ending is a little fast, with a resolution to the money issues coming from an unexpected source. It is rather a short book, so things arent necessarily explored as in depth as liked, but in the end it was an enjoyable story and a nice set up for other books in the series

Oliver, the new Earl of Carlisle needs a *very* rich bride to pull the estate his profligate father left him out of debt. Grace Halton needs a rich husband to get medical attention for her mother, attention her grandparents doubt. Grace's mother ran away from home and moved to the Americas, leaving grandmother bitter and angry. But when Grace and Oliver meet, a gauche American woman infiltrating the ton, they each decide they have nothing to lose in sharing confidences with the other - which leads to two impoverished and desperate marriage seekers falling in love with each other, the two least acceptable matches to accomplish their goals.

The characterizations were sharp and witty, and Ms. Ridley's ability to spin a good story remains strong and true. I've read her gothic novels and enjoyed them as well - this one is more light-hearted and does not disappoint. I do have to say the sex probably wasn't warranted in this book. That they had the tension going all through the book was enough for me that I didn't need to sit in the marriage suite to watch the resolution to that. This might have been better done "door closed." ( )

I enjoyed reading this book. Oliver and Grace were grat characters who had to decide whether love was more important than family heirlooms. I look forward to reading about the other "Dukes of War" by the author ( )

The Earl's Defiant Wallflower, by Erica Ridley, was originally released in 2014. Wallflower is book 2 in the Dukes Of War series. The premise is 4 friends went off to war but only 3 came home. The series revolves around their, and their family members, lives.

Oliver York, Earl of Carlisle, was gone for 3 years. Upon arriving home, he discovers his father died and the estate is bankrupt. He needs cash, people are depending on him. He sells everything of value in order to take care of those he loves, his "family". Oliver is a fixer, he sees a problem & is on the job before he realizes what he's about. A lovely man and a good friend to have. He's drawn to Grace from the moment he sees her & doesn't care that she broke and American. Lovely man.

Miss Grace Halton has English grandparents & needs their help, & her dowry. He mother, back in America, is very sick. Grace wants to get her well & bring her to live in England. She's a good, devoted girl. She's every bit as intrigued with Oliver as he is with her. They don't think they can be together & still solve their overwhelming problems. This is where a good HEA is welcome. I liked these 2 characters. Now it's on to book 3. Happy reading.

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