Wallflower Most Wanted is a historical romance novel written by Manda Collins. It is the third book in her Regency-era Studies in Scandal series. I was very excited about the opportunity to read this book because I have enjoyed the other two books in this series. There was a fleeting moment between Sophia and Benedick in the second book, and I knew that they would be perfect together. Needless to say, I was thrilled when I found out that they would really be paired to together.

Sophia is a talented painter, and has spent the last few months at Beauchamp House as one of the four heiresses who are to inherit the house after a year in residence. While painting, she inadvertently falls off a cliff and right into the path of Lord Benedick Lisle, the handsome young vicar. The pair overhear a tense and menacing exchange between two strangers, and while they are trying to puzzle out the meaning of that conversation, they learn that an art forgery ring that has been traced to their little seaside corner of the country.

Meanwhile, a local industrialist attempts to insert himself into the local art scene by declaring that Sophia’s paintings are indecent and should be barred from an upcoming competition. And then something happens that suggests that this is a much bigger problem than Sophia or Ben could have anticipated.

Sophia played a minor role in the first two books in this series, so it was such a pleasure to finally get to know her. The depth at which she sees everyday life is rather atypical for a young woman of her station, and it is perhaps this reflective nature that attracts Ben to her.

I’ve read a couple of books with vicar heroes recently, and I must say, there’s something appealing about the subgenre. Ben is a rather unique hero; he has chosen quite a different path than a life of dissolution, and uses his natural ability to help people. His daily life is quite different from his privileged background as the younger son of a duke, and he will only use his advantageous connections as a last resort.

I would absolutely recommend Wallflower Most Wanted. I think this book stands pretty well on its own, so you don’t have to read the other Studies in Scandal books before reading this one. You really ought to read them though because they are equally delightful, although I do think that this is my favorite of the bunch. As was the case with the other books, Collins does a wonderful job of setting up the pairing for the next book. I can’t wait to read about Gemma and her new chap- June seems entirely too long to wait!

I received a digital copy of this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The Duke of Nothing is a romance novel written by Jess Michaels. It is the fifth book in her Regency-era 1797 Club series. I was excited about the opportunity to read this book because I thoroughly enjoyed the fourth book in the series- The Silent Duke.

Baldwin Undercross is the Duke of Sheffield, and as the story begins, he finds himself in quite a predicament. He’s virtually insolvent, and if he doesn’t marry an heiress, he will certainly lose what little he has left.

Helena Monroe meets Baldwin at a party, and because she is an American, he assumes that she is the wealthy American heiress who is in town to align her family’s wealth with an ancient title. However, Helena is not the heiress- she is merely her wealthy cousin’s companion. There is an instant connection, which blooms into a mutual attraction. The duchesses in Baldwin’s circle of friends work tirelessly to contrive situations for Helena and him to meet, but of course, they have no idea how dire his financial situation is. And likewise, Helena faces ruination if their clandestine meetings are discovered. Read more

The Rogue is Back in Town is historical romance novel written by Anna Bennett. It is the third book in her Regency-era Wayward Wallflowers series featuring a trio of sisters. I read the second book in the series, so I was pleased with the opportunity to find out what was going to happen next in the series.

Juliette Lacey’s sisters have recently made advantageous matches with an earl and a duke respectively. She is the only one left in the house with her aging uncle, who is a widower and a scientist. Julie is quite devoted to her uncle, who adopted the three sisters when they were orphaned. So, needless to say, she is quite put-out when a handsome rogue shows up on her doorstep demanding that she vacate the premises.

Sam’s most recent drunken night has proven itself to be the proverbial straw that broke the camel’s back, and his stuffy marquess brother demands that he evict the tenants from a house that he owns. Needless to say, the job proves more difficult than Sam anticipated when the tenant proves to be so beautiful. Read more