A Wallflower's Midsummer Night's Caper

Revenge of the Wallflowers #15

by Alina K. Field

A Midsummer Night’s masquerade at her family’s country home presents the Honorable Nancy Lovelace with the perfect opportunity for revenge against the man who ruined her first London season—a man she’s known since childhood, a man she’d once thought she loved. Simon Crayding’s newly inherited properties are in disarray, and, thanks to his bad behavior, he’s no longer known to society as Captain Crayding but as the Swilling Duke. When an old school chum invites him for a Midsummer Night’s party, he jumps at the chance to lick his wounds among friends… as well as apologize to his friend’s sister, Nancy, because apparently, he’d done something to hurt her, he just didn’t remember what. It soon becomes clear that Nancy will not easily forgive. Never one to resist a challenge—or a beautiful woman—Simon vows to find out why. As the night unfolds and passions rise, will Simon be well and truly punished, or will Nancy be caught in her own game?

Genres: Historical Romance, Regency

200 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 11, 2024

About the author

Award winning and USA Today bestselling author Alina K. Field earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and German literature, but prefers the much happier world of romance fiction. Though her roots are in the Midwestern U.S., after six very, very, very cold years in Chicago, she moved to Southern California where she shares a midcentury home with her husband and her spunky blonde rescued terrier.


Visit her at:
https://alinakfield.com/
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Reviews

[Caroline]

Absolutely brilliant! This wallflower gets her revenge and it is well deserved. The book is a delight, especially when the sister's carefully planned Midsomer Night's Dream themed mascarade goes haywire with an army if imps recruited from the nursery dressed as fairies and not one but two Bottoms, costume switching, an ill planned escape, and pranks unleashed everywhere but on their intended target.

[Sven]

A little disjointed but entertaining read. Nancy has had a secret girl crush on Simon, her brothers friend, for some time. During her debut, she hopes that he will help her through her nervousness (he is now an unexpected Duke), except that he is very drunk and does not even recognize her. He literally crushes her by his drunken misdeeds. The events traumatized her so much that she withdraws from society.

Simon is invited for a house party where he interacts with Nancy, who is a beautiful spitfire bent on revenge. Except he does not remember what he did to her on that one fateful night.

She wants revenge he wants forgiveness. He loves her, but she is too hurt and does not. With a cast of supporting family members, there is a lot of mischief, mayhem, and maybe a hea??.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Chelsea]

This was my first book by Alina K. Field and I really enjoyed it. It was full of fun and interesting characters as well as an enjoyable story that drew me into it's world. I liked both Nancy and Simon and seeing her scheme against him with the help of some of her family while he was trying to figure out exactly what he did to anger her. I am also adding a few of this authors other books to my TBR list that are about some of the other members of the Lovelace family since I would like to read more about them.

Convincing the Countess: George & Sophie Halverton's Story
The Impetuous Heiress: Fitz & Mary's Story

The author also mentioned being in the early stages of a story about Lady Chilcombe as well as a possible story Lady Neda Loughton that I look forward to hearing more about in the future.

I received a free advanced reader copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jamie Bee]

Started Out the Perfect Summer Confection, But Then…

This story started out perfectly as a lovely, frothy summer romance until after a soiree during a Midsummer Night's Dream themed house party. I thought both the hero and heroine were well drawn, and I liked how they had a sweet history together. The hero acts outrageous toward the heroine when we first see them together; we later learn what led to that moment and why he mistook her identity. The heroine differs from most we see in Regency romance, and as a voracious Regency reader, I appreciated her more serious nature. But the author didn't paint her as black and white. She may have more depth than most Regency heroines, but she has a streak within her that makes her want to break out of the mold and consider a very different life than the one she was raised in. Usually when this happens in a historical romance, it doesn't come across as believable. Far too often, modern writers give Regency heroines modern sensibilities. But the author managed to pull it off. Brava!

But immediately after that delightful soiree, everything happened much too quickly. The timing was completely off. I found it hard to believe after all the hero and heroine had gone through that she would not only forgive him way too fast after learning everything but also become intimate nearly right on the heels of that. It just didn't seem to be within her character, as the author had previously painted her. I'm all for character growth and evolution in a story, but it still needs to make sense, which it just didn't to me. I'm also not wild, in general, about authors having unwed Regency misses have such a voracious “intimacy” appetite when I believe gently bred young ladies of the day would have been mostly clueless, by both society’s and their parents' design.

I received a free digital copy of this story, but that did not affect my review.

[N.N. Heaven]

Simon made Nancy a laughingstock amongst the gentry during her first season, but now it’s her opportunity for revenge. When the tables are turned, will Nancy see the love in Simon’s eyes? A Wallflower’s Midsummer Night’s Caper is a Regency romance even Shakespeare would applaud. The romance may be a mixture of tropes (brother’s best friend, age gap, friends to enemies to lovers, etc.) but it flows flawlessly. The dialogue is quick witted with comedic timing. The descriptive narration is immersive. It’s the characters, though, that make A Wallflower’s Midsummer Night’s Caper impossible to put down.

Let’s start with the characters. Nancy is our brave heroine. She’s got immense strength to deal with such a horrid experience. I admire her as a woman. If I was her, I would’ve told my brothers and there would’ve been a duel at daybreak. She’s written in a compassionate way that readers will love.

Simon is our fallible hero. He doesn’t remember what he did to poor Nancy, but he tries to make amends. It doesn’t work so he takes up the challenge. When confronted with the truth, his reaction redeems him. Alina K. Field writes a fallen hero who works hard to show the woman he’s come to love how much she means to him.

The rest of the characters are historically accurate, colorful, and fun. I especially enjoyed Nancy’s family, particularly her mother.

The scenes for the Midsummer party are the high point of the whole book. It has a Shakespearean feel but set in Regency times. Emotions are high and revenge is the star.

If you’re looking for a delightful Regency romance featuring a wallflower heroine exacting revenge on the one man she’s loved/hated with a fiery passion, pick up A Wallflower’s Midsummer Night’s Caper. It’s the finest written book of Alina K. Field’s prolific catalog.

My Rating: 5++ stars

Reviewed by: Nancy

This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...

[Jayne Butcher]

A debutante’s first Season, an inebriated Duke, a mistaken identity, a scandalous kiss, and an emptying of the stomach, all conspire to create scandal and humiliation for Nancy. Simon was Nancy’s brother George’s best friend from childhood. He was a soldier who unexpectedly became a duke…an impoverished duke. Advised to marry an heiress, Simon decided to attend a ball. Having never done so before, he reached for liquid courage and accidentally overindulged. Fast forward and George insists that Simon attend their house party which will end with a masquerade ball, in order to apologize to Nancy, since he was responsible for the scandal that ruined her first Season. Nancy was beyond furious and decided to get her pound of flesh. She enlisted the aid of one of her younger brothers and proceded to wreak havoc on Simon’s evening. However, things did not go completely as planned. This story is filled with exciting and creative antics, emotional extremes and steamy kisses. The Midsummer’s Night Dream themed ball is a perfect setting for mischief cloaked revenge, and Percy and Miss Hazelton find themselves inadvertantly caught in the crossfire. This is quick, entertaining and quite clever!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gwynne Wallace]

A Wallflower's Midsummer jaunt that went horribly wrong. In spite of carefully plotting revenge on the man who caused her embarrassment in front of her first ball on her first season, Nancy couldn't hide her own attraction to Simon. There wasn't much of an emphasis on her tragedies of being a wallflower after that first incident with Simon, the Duke of Swillingstone. I also thought that the pranks she played upon the Duke were too childish. I couldn't think of her as a woman who is mature enough to marry. She exhibited instead a wilful, petulant child behaviour all throughout. I just cannot connect with her character. As this is a novella, there wasn't much scope to develop the characters further. To me, there wasn't much connection between the protagonists to create a relationship much less marriage. However, there was good banter and comical antics during the house party.
I recommend you try this book out for yourself, you might find you like it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tiffany P]

This was a sweet love story once the revenge plot was done. Nancy had been in love with Simon, her brother's best friend, since she was a young girl following him around when he would visit the family until he ruined her first ball of her debut season. Simon had no memory of what he did, but he was sorry. She wouldn't hear his apology or explanation because she wanted revenge. Although she was the wronged party, I found her character to be spoiled with regard to Simon and her family. Eventually, Simon wore her down and they got the HEA. Simon was lovable the whole book because you could see the hurt from his past, and the depth of his character was well developed and showed his growth. Once they woke things out the book was much better because it focused on the sweet love story and friendship that showed a partnership. If you like a sweet novella with hints of steam and a heroine that antagonizes others and fights against her feelings, this is a good book for you.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rose Seals]

Well written, full of love, romance, anger, fun, laughs, steam, mystery, drama, pranks, revenge, society and twists. Simon has been thrust into the role of Duke and not so happy at times to be it. Nancy is the daughter of a Baron who wants to marry for love. Nancy is excited to be at her first ball but then everything goes wrong. Simon shows up and causes a lot of drama as he is totally drunk. Not able to remember what he did but the papers remind him of it, what an embarrassment for them both. Both have known each other for years but he left to fight in a war and she has to grow up into a Lady of society. Simon is invited to his friend's home and realizes that he did a wrong to Nancy. He tries to apologize but she refuses to hear it. So starts the pranks and the fun. Lots of laughs and good feelings with this story. Thank you to the author for another amazing story. Would recommend to everyone.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Peggy]

Her first ball. A man she has known and loved since childhood fails to recognize her and thinks she is a lady of the demimonde. A kiss, a stumble, and a pat on the backside in front of others. He has ruined her comeout, and possibly her reputation. Well, the Duke of Swillingstone was drunk. When Nancy learns he will be in attendance at her family’s Midsummer Night’s house party, she has her perfect opportunity and the more than perfect accomplices to get her revenge on her brother’s best friend. Simon knows he needs to apologize to Nancy, for something, but what? Nancy and Simon really are a good match. The chemistry is there; they just need a little delay in the romance. Nancy’s brothers, all of them big and small, are rapscallion works of art. The house party and the Midsummer Nights theatrics are perfect for taking the story from revenge to romance. An enjoyable romp filled with humor, friendship, family, and love.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Ellie (On a break, mostly rereading)]

A Wallflower's Midsummer Night's Caper is a standalone historical romance by Alina K Field, set in regency era England. It is also the fifteenth book of multiauthor series, Revenge of the Wallflowers, this book had definitely piqued my interest for the other books in the series.

This is very much an enemies to lovers type of romance, with a touch of the always classic brother's best friend/best friend's sister trope. The main guts of the story shows just how horrible gossip can be, as it damages the reputation of a young lady and a newly minted duke. Both characters have their own demons and Society's whispers are naturally worse than the occasion really calls for. However, when they are thrown together and the Swilling Duke finds out why his best friend's sister absolutely loathes him, it opens up the story for the pair to get to know each other and discover a sparkle of romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Leslie]

This was a sweet historical romance featuring flawed but likeable characters. There are times you want them to know what you know about other characters, and times when you chuckle at their antics. The book was very fast paced with a lot of action to move the story along. The heroine has an about face pretty quickly if you take in the fact that the bulk of the book happens in just two days. I found that a little quick but the book makes you believe it. I liked the idea of the midsummer nights party. I have never read about something similar in any other novel. I thought that was very creative and worked well with the story line. If you are fan of fun historical romance with a touch of heat then this is for you. Just have plenty of time to read because you will not want to put it down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carmel Zumbo]

A lovely story that takes up Shakespeare’s classic and playfully runs with it. A Midsummer Night’s masquerade provides Nancy Lovelace with an opportunity to exact revenge on Simon Crayding who is now known to society as the Swilling Duke. She seeks atonement for humiliating her and ruining her first season. Though Simon knows he’s done something to hurt her, he just doesn’t remember what. When he finds out he is beyond remorseful. Just like the famous bard’s stories there are twists and identity swaps to bamboozle the hero but along the way Nancy’s plan comes undone. The characters and events are engaging and fun and the journey to their HEA and amusing one. Don’t miss this gem!
A heroine with hellfire anger meets a hero so decadently unaware of the embarrassment he has caused. I love them both and so will you.

[Donise]

I adored this story! She has loved her brother's friend since she was little and worried for him when he went to war. He noticed her when she was ten and she played a song that he carried with him to war and reminded him of home. Unfortunately, their next encounter as adults does not go well and now she seeks revenge. This story was so much fun as the main lady comes from a large family and has the help of pranking brothers and impish nieces and nephews to help and hinder in her revenge. It will take a strong man to love this spitfire. Read to see if the new duke has what it takes to make her his duchess and see if she forgives him for his faux pas.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lori]

Humorous and Heartwarming

A Wallflower’s Midsummer Night’s Caper by Alina K. Field and part of the Revenge of the Wallflowers series, was a wonderful read. Heartwarming and humorous, was the Lovelace family with their many siblings, spouse and children. Nancy loves her family, and uses them to help her get her revenge against a longtime family friend Simon Crayding, who ruined her first season in London. Simon, known as the Swilling Duke, doesn’t remember seeing Nancy in London and has no idea why she dislikes him so much. Can he make it up to her, because the little girl Simon remembers has grown up into a woman he can love forever. This book was full of humor and hijinx, and heartwarming moments that leave you feeling good!

[2Winters]

I've liked several of this author's books but not this one. I did not like the h, thought there were to many characters for the short story and there were a few things I thought confusing. This book is listed as part of a 52 book series by different authors, BUT h's brothers George & Fitz are in books 1-3 of The Upstart Christmas Brides series so I don't understand why this book isn't also listed under that series?

During Nancy first season she's embarrassed by Simon, her brother's friend. After the season is over Simon shows up at their house party. She's unfriendly to him and plots revenge. There is no romance, just hard feelings even though H tries to apologies, until almost 75% into story.

[Kristina Horley]

I'd recommend this book if you were looking for a quick sweet "brothers best friend" romance.

It did take me a bit to get into, the beginning was a tad confusing, but eventually it all made sense. Some parts did seem rushed and a bit skipped over, but all up it was a cute story. Thank you for letting me read and review it.

I especially enjoyed the Midsummer Nights event. It was pretty funny and not like a regular ball you read about.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sheila]

Lady Nancy has been in love with her older brothers friend Lord Simon but he has never given her a second look and even caused a big ruckus at a ball by kissing her and swatting her behind before vomiting on her and falling down drunk on top of her so she clearly wants nothing to do with him now. Her family invites him to their house party where they will al take part in the play Midsummers Night. This is where all the trickery starts and the fun begins and ends with Nancy taking a second look at Simon.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pat Robinson]

Nancy is spitting mad and Simon can’t remember why! The hyjinx that occurs is funny, scandalous and a bit naughty! This is a clean story of revenge at its best, that may or may not come back to bite Nancy. James is a hoot and the pranks get funnier as the story goes on. I really adored all the characters , especially Mary-such a doll! A quick, easy , one sitting read and well worth it!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lynn]

Nancy fell in love with Simon when she was but a girl. Now, nine years after seeing him last, he has unexpectedly inherited a dukedom.

A misidentification, a kiss, and a disastrous first ball leads to anger. Will Simon get back in Nancy's good graces, and win her heart again.

A sweet mostly clean romance. Touches, kisses, and a little eluding. Great read.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charmaine Fernando]

Nancy and Simon met some years ago and following a misidentification, a stolen kiss and a disastrous first, they meet once again when Simon is now the Duke of Swillingstone. Unfortunately, Simon does not remember the incident and cannot understand why Nancy is so angry at him and seeking revenge.

Sweet, clean romance that can be completed quickly. I received an ARC from BookSprout and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Marichus Real]

Nancy’s first ball was ruined by a drunk duke who happened to be one of her brother’s best friends.
Simon was so drunk at the ball that he couldn’t remember his awful behaviour towards Nancy.
This was a hilarious story about an act of revenge. I couldn’t stop laughing at all Nancy and her siblings’ shenanigans.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Terry G.]

Lovely story!

I loved Nancy and Simon. There was a fair amount of character development for a short book. I always love a hero who know who he wants and goes after her. Simon made a complete jerk of himself and broke Nancy's heart, but they were both able to move past it. I did find the scene in the folly a bit much (too risque) and certainly not typical of the era, but it is fiction after all!

[NelleRenn]

She wants revenge. He doesn’t remember why. The heroine was insulted by the hero when he was drunk. She feels she needs revenge and enlists some of her younger relatives to help. Will he win her over? Maybe with the help of her two older brothers. It was a cute quick read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jill]

What a romp! Nancy is nervous about attending her first ball and her brothers' friend mistakes her for a trollop and manhandled her in the hall. And the adventure continues! Nancy's heart has always belonged to Simon. I laughed, I cheered and I hoped for a happy ending. The characters are well rounded and the story is well developed. It was a joy to read!

[Melanie Purcell]

There were a few gigglesnorts reading this! It was serious but not heavy or dark especially in realizing how stupid the hero was in the early stages. The heroine definitely has to see past the hero's faux pas but the way they get there is so delightful. Wonderful characters and magical dialogue! And, oh to see the masquerade scene performed live would be a dream.

[Jessica]

Should a woman forgive the insult and embarrassment she suffered from an apologetic man who had unwittingly committed the sins? Apparently, only after vengeance has been extracted! Entertaining read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gloria Catharine]

If you love Regency Romance Stories this book is definitely for you. Full of family drama, laughs, family expectations, finding love and a HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elaine]

Wished I could have read this in 1 or 2 days, but something came up. Anyway, it was very enjoyable to read. I very much liked it from start to finish. I love reading about the Wallflowers. More to come I suspect. 4☆

[Maria]

Loved Nancy and Simon's wonderful story of attraction and love during a heady Midsummer Night Masquerade.