What do you think?
Rate this book
Whitehall #3
Such Vexing Creatures
SWEET VICTORIAN ROMANCE ~ Her silly little joke just might break both of their hearts!
Nell has admired Elliott since they were practically children, and is more than delighted to dance with him at her coming-out ball. But later that evening, when one of her foolish little jokes goes awry, she worries he may never want to speak to her again. Longing to recapture Elliott’s affection, Nell is willing to defy society and cast decorum aside.
After years of hoping to win Nell’s heart, Elliott is grieved when it seems his attentions have not been received favorably. Determined to become more worthy of her consideration, he upends his entire world and embarks on a journey to prove himself.
Such Vexing Creatures is a sweet historical romance, the third novel in The Whitehall Romances, but it can be read as a standalone book.
Nell has admired Elliott since they were practically children, and is more than delighted to dance with him at her coming-out ball. But later that evening, when one of her foolish little jokes goes awry, she worries he may never want to speak to her again. Longing to recapture Elliott’s affection, Nell is willing to defy society and cast decorum aside.
After years of hoping to win Nell’s heart, Elliott is grieved when it seems his attentions have not been received favorably. Determined to become more worthy of her consideration, he upends his entire world and embarks on a journey to prove himself.
Such Vexing Creatures is a sweet historical romance, the third novel in The Whitehall Romances, but it can be read as a standalone book.
372 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 18, 2023
131 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 9, 2023
This was a lovely well written historical romance that felt old school. I mean that as a compliment because I fell into the story and traveled along side these characters. Taking in the scenery. Watching the children be children and smiling as the main characters figure out how to profess their feelings for each other. I love the way this author writes and I recommend this book.
Thanks Booksirens. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Thanks Booksirens. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 13, 2023
Although it can be read as a stand-alone, this is a worthy sequel to the previous two books in this series. It expands on what had been the germination of interest between Miss Nell Caspar and Mister Elliott Clyde.
The story picks up a few years later with everyone at the Whitehall estate busily preparing for Nell's coming out ball. She is giddy with delight when she anticipates dancing with Elliott, as the two have become quite close - a result of the ongoing friendship between her parents and his brother and wife. The Clydes previously owned Whitehall and visit frequently.
Unfortunately, Nell's brother, Thad, has brought two school friends home with him, one of whom Nell despises: Richard Borley. He was rudely dismissive of her when she was thirteen, and now that she's blossomed into a lovely young woman (with a hefty dowry), his behavior is uncomfortably forward. Borley behaves in a more mannerly fashion when Nell's parents are around, so they don't realize that he's a poor companion for their easily-influenced son.
Elliott hates school but continues at the insistence of his older brother, Sir Jonathan Clyde. (Their parents are deceased). His fascination with the development of the new railway system leads him to believe that is where his future lies, and no schoolroom lessons will prepare him for it. While Elliot is impatient to propose marriage to Nell, he is still financially dependent upon his brother, so he knows it's too soon.
Thad and his two friends react to Elliott's presence at the ball with antagonism, and Borley and Bilgemore (the aforementioned second friend) monopolize Nell's early dances. Although she is sorely disappointed at that, when Elliott finds the opportunity to request a dance, Nell has just drunk some spiked punch and is enjoying being the center of everyone's attention. Her teasing response at an inopportune moment ruins the night for them both.
That's just the first of various miscues that separate the couple over the course of the story. Nell embarks on her obligatory Season in London, which doesn't go as well as she'd hoped, especially as she must fend off Borley's unwelcome advances. Elliott's silence is also troubling, and Nell worries that she's driven him away. She is relieved when an emergency necessitates the family's hasty exit to assist her cousin and her mother's sister.
Meanwhile, Elliott is tormented, envisioning Nell with any number of suitors and hoping he doesn't lose her. He sets his sights on the long game; he has no chance against wealthy rivals without the means to support a wife. Consequently, he leaves school earlier than planned to investigate the railway's path and what potential opportunities it might offer. However, when his money starts to run out, he must find a short-term source to replenish it.
Ms. Walnofer's writing, as always, is lovely, and draws the reader into the lives and concerns of all the various characters. She fills Elliott and Nell's story with the expected yearning, obstacles, and final resolution, but her overall plot goes well beyond a simple romance. Things moves in unexpected directions, including an old house overfilled with taxidermy, a bright but lonely ten-year-old girl, and an energetic, recalcitrant young boy. Also, details about the fledgling railways become integral to the storyline.
This author's books have become must-reads for me, and I can highly recommend this one!
Content is clean.
The story picks up a few years later with everyone at the Whitehall estate busily preparing for Nell's coming out ball. She is giddy with delight when she anticipates dancing with Elliott, as the two have become quite close - a result of the ongoing friendship between her parents and his brother and wife. The Clydes previously owned Whitehall and visit frequently.
Unfortunately, Nell's brother, Thad, has brought two school friends home with him, one of whom Nell despises: Richard Borley. He was rudely dismissive of her when she was thirteen, and now that she's blossomed into a lovely young woman (with a hefty dowry), his behavior is uncomfortably forward. Borley behaves in a more mannerly fashion when Nell's parents are around, so they don't realize that he's a poor companion for their easily-influenced son.
Elliott hates school but continues at the insistence of his older brother, Sir Jonathan Clyde. (Their parents are deceased). His fascination with the development of the new railway system leads him to believe that is where his future lies, and no schoolroom lessons will prepare him for it. While Elliot is impatient to propose marriage to Nell, he is still financially dependent upon his brother, so he knows it's too soon.
Thad and his two friends react to Elliott's presence at the ball with antagonism, and Borley and Bilgemore (the aforementioned second friend) monopolize Nell's early dances. Although she is sorely disappointed at that, when Elliott finds the opportunity to request a dance, Nell has just drunk some spiked punch and is enjoying being the center of everyone's attention. Her teasing response at an inopportune moment ruins the night for them both.
That's just the first of various miscues that separate the couple over the course of the story. Nell embarks on her obligatory Season in London, which doesn't go as well as she'd hoped, especially as she must fend off Borley's unwelcome advances. Elliott's silence is also troubling, and Nell worries that she's driven him away. She is relieved when an emergency necessitates the family's hasty exit to assist her cousin and her mother's sister.
Meanwhile, Elliott is tormented, envisioning Nell with any number of suitors and hoping he doesn't lose her. He sets his sights on the long game; he has no chance against wealthy rivals without the means to support a wife. Consequently, he leaves school earlier than planned to investigate the railway's path and what potential opportunities it might offer. However, when his money starts to run out, he must find a short-term source to replenish it.
Ms. Walnofer's writing, as always, is lovely, and draws the reader into the lives and concerns of all the various characters. She fills Elliott and Nell's story with the expected yearning, obstacles, and final resolution, but her overall plot goes well beyond a simple romance. Things moves in unexpected directions, including an old house overfilled with taxidermy, a bright but lonely ten-year-old girl, and an energetic, recalcitrant young boy. Also, details about the fledgling railways become integral to the storyline.
This author's books have become must-reads for me, and I can highly recommend this one!
Content is clean.
November 10, 2023
A Complicated Courtship . . .
Elliott Clyde and Nell Caspar have known each other for many years. Now at her coming out ball, he hopes for several dances with her. Unfortunately, her brother’s friends interfere with them and make things awkward. Then Nell herself makes a mistake when she tries to be “cute” and instead shakes his confidence and offends him. He doesn’t attempt a second dance with her and she knows she should apologize and clear up the misunderstanding. Perhaps she can do so when her parents take her to London for her first Season. Will Nell and Elliott have a chance to make things right? Will they repair their relationship and find their HEA? Or will it be more difficult than they had imagined?
Elliott Clyde and Nell Caspar have known each other for many years. Now at her coming out ball, he hopes for several dances with her. Unfortunately, her brother’s friends interfere with them and make things awkward. Then Nell herself makes a mistake when she tries to be “cute” and instead shakes his confidence and offends him. He doesn’t attempt a second dance with her and she knows she should apologize and clear up the misunderstanding. Perhaps she can do so when her parents take her to London for her first Season. Will Nell and Elliott have a chance to make things right? Will they repair their relationship and find their HEA? Or will it be more difficult than they had imagined?
November 14, 2023
old fashioned
I loved this story. I wish there were more like it available today. I’m going to look for books 1 and 2 and I hope they are of the same quality.
I loved this story. I wish there were more like it available today. I’m going to look for books 1 and 2 and I hope they are of the same quality.
October 29, 2023
I totally enjoyed Ethan's story now that he's grown up. He's set his romantic aspirations and affections on Nell, his childhood friend, and comes to Whitehall to make his intentions known. Unfortunately, Nell's brother's arrogant friends get in the way, and Ethan leaves discouraged--yet determined to prove himself an asset to Nell and their future together. In order to prove himself a success, Ethan makes plans for his future; unfortunately, one plan after another fails, creating a desperate situation for him, and "The many rapid changes in his circumstances were fatiguing." Looking in the face of defeat, will Ethan give up his plans to make a successful life for himself and Nell? How can he possibly win the woman he'd set his heart on since his childhood?
Meanwhile, Nell finds herself in London for her season amongst the ton. She's disappointed that Ethan hasn't arrived and made himself known. Has he given up on her? The last time she saw Ethan was her coming-out ball, which ended dismally. When she determines to take control of her situation, can she convince her parents to return to Whitehall? How will she ever connect with Ethan? I loved the twisting and turn of events that made "Such Vexing Creatures" such a delightful story with a HEA! Ms. Walnofer's storytelling fashion makes this story flow and draws the reader in. I was impressed, as always, with the author's in-depth research and wholeheartedly recommend this clean Victorian Romance. I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.
Meanwhile, Nell finds herself in London for her season amongst the ton. She's disappointed that Ethan hasn't arrived and made himself known. Has he given up on her? The last time she saw Ethan was her coming-out ball, which ended dismally. When she determines to take control of her situation, can she convince her parents to return to Whitehall? How will she ever connect with Ethan? I loved the twisting and turn of events that made "Such Vexing Creatures" such a delightful story with a HEA! Ms. Walnofer's storytelling fashion makes this story flow and draws the reader in. I was impressed, as always, with the author's in-depth research and wholeheartedly recommend this clean Victorian Romance. I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.
February 12, 2024
This is the third book of the series and my second by this author. I really enjoyed her writing style in the first book I read, and this one also did not disappoint. I have not read the first two books in the series, but was still able to read this as a standalone just fine. Elliot and Nell have known each other for a long time. Nell has always fancied Elliot and is looking forward to dancing with him at her come-out ball and Elliot is also just as anxious to do so. But when the time of the ball comes, one misstep from Nell ruins the night for both and misunderstandings stand in the way of their union.
Filled with sweet moments and some twists and turns and wonderful characters, I was completely immersed in the story from start to finish and am glad to have had an opportunity to read this.
I received a complimentary copy from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Filled with sweet moments and some twists and turns and wonderful characters, I was completely immersed in the story from start to finish and am glad to have had an opportunity to read this.
I received a complimentary copy from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving my review.
November 13, 2023
A clean read romance. I have read the previous books in the series but I don’t think it is necessary to appreciate this book. I did get a little frustrated that our main characters misunderstood each other but I suppose that made the story. Well written catches your attention and want to keep reading. Great characters.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 24, 2023
I’ve read dozens and dozens of historical fiction in my life and Walnofer, with her gift for writing stories that are both of-their-time and timeless, is one of my special favorites. Utterly charming and authentic, this comedy of errors put a smile on my face with every page. For the benefit of those reading the reviews and for whom it would matter, this is NOT a Regency, by the way. It’s set in early Victorian times, as is the rest of the series. It’s one of the interesting things about the books, seeing the rise of a respectable wealthy professional class. Anyway, these are highly recommended (as are all of Walnofer’s books), especially for historical novel fans who care as much about the history as the romance.
November 17, 2023
Genuine connection :
If you enjoy sweet meandering historical fiction with playful and romantic undertones, this is a good one to curl up with for an afternoon. The story presents with revolving points of you highlighting the experiences of several different characters. While each has their own challenges to face, all of the stories are interconnected a somewhat common theme. I had to smile at the simple every day actions as well as mishaps and perceptions that individuals go through which become part of their own story. I think what I like the most is a very common and relatable issues presented and addressed by the characters. How will I know that someone likes me? Are my feelings returned? Am I the cause of unrest in my family? What will others and society think of me based on my occupation, holdings or even how I behave? Within the timeframe of the story these are all seemingly important questions. It was a delight to see that genuine common sense as well as truth and honesty for acknowledging the worth of an individual for them self as emphasized. Loved it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
If you enjoy sweet meandering historical fiction with playful and romantic undertones, this is a good one to curl up with for an afternoon. The story presents with revolving points of you highlighting the experiences of several different characters. While each has their own challenges to face, all of the stories are interconnected a somewhat common theme. I had to smile at the simple every day actions as well as mishaps and perceptions that individuals go through which become part of their own story. I think what I like the most is a very common and relatable issues presented and addressed by the characters. How will I know that someone likes me? Are my feelings returned? Am I the cause of unrest in my family? What will others and society think of me based on my occupation, holdings or even how I behave? Within the timeframe of the story these are all seemingly important questions. It was a delight to see that genuine common sense as well as truth and honesty for acknowledging the worth of an individual for them self as emphasized. Loved it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 4, 2023
Such Vexing Creatures is the perfect book to close out the Whitehall romance series. We first met Elliot as a young boy in A Girl Called Foote and Nell in A Governess of Sorts. Books 1 and 2 had fantastic heroines who were able to break out of the confining roles that society had cast them into. Now young adults who are finding their childhood friendship evolving, Nell and Elliot are encouraged "take their rightful places in society." Will the best intentions of others ruin their chances of happily ever after together? Even when they find themselves living practically as neighbors, they cannot seem to connect. Add in one lonely little girl, a mysterious home full of carefully preserved creatures, and a precocious little boy, and the story takes unexpected twists and turns. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend any of the series a clean sweet reads that pay great attention to historical detail. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and I am willingly offering this review.
October 22, 2023
This long awaited book in the Whitehall Romances series was well worth the wait. I stayed up late unable to put it down and loved every minute of it.
I waited for Elliott to grow up and have his own story and what a story it was. He turned out to be a man worthy of the attention of Nell the girl he set his heart upon as a youth.
Though they had some bumps along the road both he and Nell held onto the hope that their friendship might ripen into something else. In the meantime they both had their adventures, coming back together at the opportune moment.
Aside from the romance what I love about these books are the stories within a story concerning the side characters. They are always intriguing, well thought out, and lend depth to the story that you may not find in your typical regency romance.
I recommend this book.
I waited for Elliott to grow up and have his own story and what a story it was. He turned out to be a man worthy of the attention of Nell the girl he set his heart upon as a youth.
Though they had some bumps along the road both he and Nell held onto the hope that their friendship might ripen into something else. In the meantime they both had their adventures, coming back together at the opportune moment.
Aside from the romance what I love about these books are the stories within a story concerning the side characters. They are always intriguing, well thought out, and lend depth to the story that you may not find in your typical regency romance.
I recommend this book.
October 24, 2023
“Such Vexing Creatures” is a collection of ordinary people leading sometimes extraordinary lives and others leading lives of quiet desperation. They occupy several tiers of the Regency period social spectrum. The central characters are Elliott Clive and Nell Caspar. However, we meet a host of their friends, relatives, acquaintances and provoking opponents, especially several entitled dandies with boundless deceit and avarice. Though a romance, two precocious children sometimes steal the show. The best aspect of this book has to be the intriguing characters. I found the flow sluggish in places but well worth sticking with it. I thank the author for an advance review copy and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
September 5, 2025
It's always with greatest delight and anticipation that I sit and read A.E. Walnofer's stories. Such Vexing Creatures was no disappointment and I was left in tears upon finding my name in the acknowledgements. Though I missed the opportunity to help in the launch I am so grateful that I chose to revisit this story as I quickly finished it in a few days. The characters in this story were particularly wholesome and endearing, with the exception of Borely who was obviously intended to be vile and disagreeable for the plot! I fully enjoyed this period piece. It was heart warming, romantic, and the definition of a feel good read. I am also incredibly touched to know there is another Rebeca with one C now, even if just in fiction.
October 3, 2024
Such Vexing Creatures
A slow moving tale of Elliott and Nell as they slowly got to know one another over the years to having strong feelings for each other but letting some social rules create some hesitations. Being able to voice your thoughts freely is such a gift.
A slow moving tale of Elliott and Nell as they slowly got to know one another over the years to having strong feelings for each other but letting some social rules create some hesitations. Being able to voice your thoughts freely is such a gift.
October 6, 2024
Historical romance. Cute. Litt lang. Og egne tanker fra begge parter som utsetter når de blir sammen. Men fremdeles bra.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2024
Sweet and clean read that ends with a hea
June 4, 2025
the hero and heroine of this tale are so suitable for each other that the author must knock herself out creating obstacles for them.
June 16, 2025
Must read author - so very good.
And much is forgiven in historical fiction (book one and the rr ;) )
And much is forgiven in historical fiction (book one and the rr ;) )
September 9, 2025
Learning to speak up
This was a fairly good read although I think it took long to get into the real story. Many funny parts with the young man in the story. It's an enjoyable read.
This was a fairly good read although I think it took long to get into the real story. Many funny parts with the young man in the story. It's an enjoyable read.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews