Series: Wallflowers of West Lane, #3
Traits & Tropes: class difference; house party; titled hero
Genre/Setting: Historical; Regency
Publication Date: 01.26.21
Heat Level: 2.5/5
Rating: 4/5
Since her friend, Lady Aurora Radcliff, suffered a disastrous first marriage, Mercedes Heath is determined not to let her be coerced into another bad match. At the least, she’ll make sure this suitor’s character is well-evaluated by their friend group. Unfortunately, Mercy is plagued by distracting thoughts of the man herself. Reminding herself of his interest in her best friend, Mercy tries her best to tamp down her feelings and avoid temptation.
Wesley Renshaw, the Earl of Castlewick, is annoyed by Mercy’s attempts to come between himself and her friend, and yet he’s simultaneously charmed and left wanting to know her more. He reminds himself that it is Aurora he must marry in order to restore his family’s ancestral home, which she now owns, to his title and repair the family honor his grandfather destroyed. He tries to keep himself from becoming distracted by Mercy, but he cannot help himself and soon both his heart and Mercy’s are at risk.
I was a bit nervous about this book at first just given the premise of the hero being interested in another woman, especially the heroine’s friend. But since neither of them actually had any feelings for each other and Wesley was merely trying to restore his family’s reputation and do his duty by them, that wasn’t really an issue here. I really loved the sense of inevitability that developed with this couple’s continued acquaintance, especially when Wesley recognized it too. It was a bit frustrating how long it took Mercy to believe in her own self-worth, but she also knew what she wanted and refused to settle for less, which I loved. Wesley’s steadfastness in convincing Mercy of his ardor was also very endearing and made me like them more as a couple. I only wish Wesley’s cousin had been dealt with a bit more thoroughly, along with Aurora’s mother. Both were vaguely villainous and menacing but then just faded away a bit anticlimactically. Nonetheless, I enjoyed this book and the rock-solid bond shared between the wallflowers and now their spouses as well. Now I’m curious as to whether Aurora will get her own story and HEA and I’m hoping the answer is yes.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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