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A Wallflower’s Guide #1
A Wallflower’s Guide to Viscounts and Vice
A sunshine spinster and a grumpy viscount use their fake engagement to solve a murder mystery in the first book of a new series from Manda Collins.
A wallflower by choice, wealthy Lucy Penhallow would rather sit out the dancing all season than listen to false flattery from the fortune hunters who pursue her. But when she and her best friend’s brother witness a crime in progress, they’ll need to put every skill Lucy’s learned from reading detective stories to the test in their hunt for a missing woman. And if Viscount Gilford happens to be handsome as sin and clever to boot? Well, that's no hardship for her.
Viscount Gilford needs a wife to save him from financial ruin, and there’s only one heiress who’s off limits. So when he and Lucy find themselves inextricably linked in the tabloids, it’s a disaster. As their investigation progresses, their once unwelcome alliance becomes something more—a love match neither will give up. But there’s a killer watching their romance from the wings who’s only too happy to keep these meddlesome sleuths together . . . in the afterlife.
A wallflower by choice, wealthy Lucy Penhallow would rather sit out the dancing all season than listen to false flattery from the fortune hunters who pursue her. But when she and her best friend’s brother witness a crime in progress, they’ll need to put every skill Lucy’s learned from reading detective stories to the test in their hunt for a missing woman. And if Viscount Gilford happens to be handsome as sin and clever to boot? Well, that's no hardship for her.
Viscount Gilford needs a wife to save him from financial ruin, and there’s only one heiress who’s off limits. So when he and Lucy find themselves inextricably linked in the tabloids, it’s a disaster. As their investigation progresses, their once unwelcome alliance becomes something more—a love match neither will give up. But there’s a killer watching their romance from the wings who’s only too happy to keep these meddlesome sleuths together . . . in the afterlife.
320 pages, Paperback
First published April 22, 2025
61 people are currently reading
1184 people want to read
About the author
Manda Collins
37 books1,573 followersManda Collins grew up on a combination of Nancy Drew books and Jane Austen novels, and her own brand of Regency romantic suspense is the result. A former academic librarian, she holds advanced degrees in English Lit and Librarianship. Her books have been favorably reviewed in Entertainment Weekly, Library Journal, Booklist, Publisher's Weekly, Bookpage, and USA Today. A native of Alabama, she lives on the Gulf Coast with a very stubborn cat and more books than are strictly necessary.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 210 reviews
April 24, 2025
3.2 Stars
One Liner: Fast-paced and light
Wealthy Lucy Penhollow is a wallflower by choice. She would rather spend time with her friends and read about grisly murders than make small talk with the gentlemen. However, when Lucy and her best friend’s brother witness a criminal act, she is determined to use her amateur sleuthing skills. After all, the kidnapped woman is also a friend!
Viscount William Gilford finally realizes that his decision to escape the grief of his father’s murder left his family estate in losses. He has to rectify the issue fast. Marrying an heiress sounds like a good plan. However, his sister’s friend is strictly off-limits, no matter how quickly he seems to fall for her.
With a killer on the hunt, the couple has to fight for their lives before they can fight for their love!
The story comes in Lucy and William’s third-person POVs.
My Thoughts:
While this is the first book in a new series, it has characters from the previous series, Ladies Most Scandalous. I haven’t read those books, but something about the way the characters were introduced hints at their prior existence in the fictional world. A quick search confirmed the same. Though this is a standalone, I wondered if I missed any details.
The book tries to balance romance and mystery. It’s predominantly a light-hearted book (you can guess from the cover), so everything is pretty surface-level. Not a bad thing, IMO, since it works as a great palate cleanser or a breather between heavy reads.
For a 320-page book, it has a terrific page. The narration just keeps going. While I saved a day thanks to this, I also couldn’t linger on any cute moments. The connection between the main characters or their chemistry, the new developments in the case, and the drama; everything happens quickly, maybe too quickly.
There’s some spice and an open-door scene, but like the rest, this, too, has a fast pace. In a way, it works since lingering on details here would have been odd. But this is also a lost opportunity to deepen the connection between the leads.
The mystery is decent and has a few twists and red herrings. I could guess what it possibly could be and was right to an extent. There’s some death and danger, but nothing too bad.
There’s a short epilogue as well. We have a couple of potential couples, so likely that the next book will have one of them as the lead pair.
To summarize, A Wallflower’s Guide to Viscounts and Vice is a lighthearted and quick read with some dangers and romance. Though nothing stands out, it does entertain to an extent.
Thank you, NetGalley, and Forever (Grand Central Publishing), for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #AWallflowersGuideToViscountsAndVice
One Liner: Fast-paced and light
Wealthy Lucy Penhollow is a wallflower by choice. She would rather spend time with her friends and read about grisly murders than make small talk with the gentlemen. However, when Lucy and her best friend’s brother witness a criminal act, she is determined to use her amateur sleuthing skills. After all, the kidnapped woman is also a friend!
Viscount William Gilford finally realizes that his decision to escape the grief of his father’s murder left his family estate in losses. He has to rectify the issue fast. Marrying an heiress sounds like a good plan. However, his sister’s friend is strictly off-limits, no matter how quickly he seems to fall for her.
With a killer on the hunt, the couple has to fight for their lives before they can fight for their love!
The story comes in Lucy and William’s third-person POVs.
My Thoughts:
While this is the first book in a new series, it has characters from the previous series, Ladies Most Scandalous. I haven’t read those books, but something about the way the characters were introduced hints at their prior existence in the fictional world. A quick search confirmed the same. Though this is a standalone, I wondered if I missed any details.
The book tries to balance romance and mystery. It’s predominantly a light-hearted book (you can guess from the cover), so everything is pretty surface-level. Not a bad thing, IMO, since it works as a great palate cleanser or a breather between heavy reads.
For a 320-page book, it has a terrific page. The narration just keeps going. While I saved a day thanks to this, I also couldn’t linger on any cute moments. The connection between the main characters or their chemistry, the new developments in the case, and the drama; everything happens quickly, maybe too quickly.
There’s some spice and an open-door scene, but like the rest, this, too, has a fast pace. In a way, it works since lingering on details here would have been odd. But this is also a lost opportunity to deepen the connection between the leads.
The mystery is decent and has a few twists and red herrings. I could guess what it possibly could be and was right to an extent. There’s some death and danger, but nothing too bad.
There’s a short epilogue as well. We have a couple of potential couples, so likely that the next book will have one of them as the lead pair.
To summarize, A Wallflower’s Guide to Viscounts and Vice is a lighthearted and quick read with some dangers and romance. Though nothing stands out, it does entertain to an extent.
Thank you, NetGalley, and Forever (Grand Central Publishing), for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #AWallflowersGuideToViscountsAndVice
May 1, 2025
A Wallflower’s Guide to Viscounts and Vice by Manda Collins
A Wallflower’s Guide series #1. Historical cozy mystery. Spin off from the Ladies Most Scandalous series.
Lady Lucy Penhallow isn’t in any hurry to find a husband. She refuses most dance requests and enjoys working on filing at her cousin’s Scotland Yard office hoping to hear some interesting cases. She loves a good mystery story but certainly doesn’t expect to witness a kidnapping! Viscount Gilford is the brother of her best friend and they feel they need to help investigate and are soon asking questions and getting threats advising them to stay out of it. Spending time together leads to a closeness neither expected but both want.
I didn’t expect and adventurous historical but this was fun as they tried to figure things out. Things get steamy too. Very interesting!
I enjoyed this historical mystery romp and can’t wait for the next in the series.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
A Wallflower’s Guide series #1. Historical cozy mystery. Spin off from the Ladies Most Scandalous series.
Lady Lucy Penhallow isn’t in any hurry to find a husband. She refuses most dance requests and enjoys working on filing at her cousin’s Scotland Yard office hoping to hear some interesting cases. She loves a good mystery story but certainly doesn’t expect to witness a kidnapping! Viscount Gilford is the brother of her best friend and they feel they need to help investigate and are soon asking questions and getting threats advising them to stay out of it. Spending time together leads to a closeness neither expected but both want.
I didn’t expect and adventurous historical but this was fun as they tried to figure things out. Things get steamy too. Very interesting!
I enjoyed this historical mystery romp and can’t wait for the next in the series.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
March 28, 2025
Witty, adorable, and twisty in all the best ways! This cozy historical mystery is packed with charm, romance, and plenty of unexpected turns. The banter? Perfection. The plot twists? So good! If you love a mix of intrigue and swoon-worthy moments, this one’s for you. Can’t wait for book two!
February 23, 2025
What a delight this was! Not only is this a charming start to a new series, it lets us see characters from Amanda Collins‘s last series. I counted five of the eight characters making an appearance in this story and I I loved it!
The main character, Lucy, is a cousin of the detective in book one of the last series. Well, you don’t have to know Adrian or Kate or any of the other characters, the story takes on an extra dimension when you do. Lucy is an error and she has a small group of friends who she met in a book club. At a ball, Lucy witnesses another member getting abducted. Her friend Meg’s older brother, Will, was with her at the time and the two of them decide to investigate. The secondary plot deals with the romance between Lucy and Will.
I enjoyed the adventurous part of the mystery. This is not a procedural where people are constantly getting interviewed, but the sleuth thing is very entertaining. The romantic storyline is lovely though there’s a little bit of Insta love in here. I only wish that we had gotten a few more scenes to allow the relationship to develop a little more naturally. But hey, this is a romcom and it was a lot of fun.
I will absolutely continue with this series!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy. This review is my opinion.
The main character, Lucy, is a cousin of the detective in book one of the last series. Well, you don’t have to know Adrian or Kate or any of the other characters, the story takes on an extra dimension when you do. Lucy is an error and she has a small group of friends who she met in a book club. At a ball, Lucy witnesses another member getting abducted. Her friend Meg’s older brother, Will, was with her at the time and the two of them decide to investigate. The secondary plot deals with the romance between Lucy and Will.
I enjoyed the adventurous part of the mystery. This is not a procedural where people are constantly getting interviewed, but the sleuth thing is very entertaining. The romantic storyline is lovely though there’s a little bit of Insta love in here. I only wish that we had gotten a few more scenes to allow the relationship to develop a little more naturally. But hey, this is a romcom and it was a lot of fun.
I will absolutely continue with this series!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy. This review is my opinion.
July 22, 2025
I went into this knowing it was going to be mostly a mystery, an investigation into who abducted the heroine’s friend. I enjoyed it very much and was pleasantly surprised by the romance. There was lots of forced proximity as the hero and heroine investigated. In the epilogue, she mentions to her two friends that she has nightmares, which I thought was realistic. The poor heroine went through so much (witnessed an abduction, a murder, witnessed the result of 2 attempted murders, almost kidnapped).
We got a glimpse of two future romances in the series. One couple appears to be an enemies-to-lovers romance and the second one is brother’s best friend romance, and they kissed in this book.
We got a glimpse of two future romances in the series. One couple appears to be an enemies-to-lovers romance and the second one is brother’s best friend romance, and they kissed in this book.
August 26, 2025
It's a sad day when I give a book 2 stars and I think I'm being generous... This book was just... not the best.
First of all, the summary of this book is just plain false advertising - this is not grumpy x sunshine, nor does it have a fake dating element. Honestly, the romance progressed way to fast for my liking, and the mystery was quite boring. I also don't think that any part of this was particularly memorable.
I probably won't be reading from this author again in the future.
First of all, the summary of this book is just plain false advertising - this is not grumpy x sunshine, nor does it have a fake dating element. Honestly, the romance progressed way to fast for my liking, and the mystery was quite boring. I also don't think that any part of this was particularly memorable.
I probably won't be reading from this author again in the future.
March 2, 2025
This feels more like another Most Scandalous book. It’s billed as a new series, but new readers might struggle to get engaged. It’s definitely a spinoff with spoilers from book 4. I read 2 of the other series and still found myself feeling left out. So many old characters appeared it got hard to know who was important to this book and who was a reference to the other series.
A good mystery and no third act breakup go a long way for me. I just wish the romance was better developed and this stood alone or was advertised as book 5 of the other series.
I received an arc from NetGalley
A good mystery and no third act breakup go a long way for me. I just wish the romance was better developed and this stood alone or was advertised as book 5 of the other series.
I received an arc from NetGalley
April 22, 2025
A Wallflower’s Guide to Viscounts and Vice was a delight to read! Charming and surprising, this historical mystery romance takes the reader back to 1874 with no shortage of twists and laughs.
I decided to sit back from the mystery in this one, enjoying the twists and turns from my seat instead of trying to solve who the culprit was, and it was still so much fun reading it this way. The buildup was fantastic and had everything thrilling in a whodunit plot, from stolen identities to hidden betrothals to treachery. Lucy, determined to find her friend, was an easy protagonist to root for. I love how insistent she was in her participation in their search and rescue, exemplifying the capabilities and strength of women. Lucy is a shoulder for her friends to lean on, showing endless compassion and understanding.
The romance sprinkled throughout the story was lovely. I prefer slow burn, so I kept in mind that this was nearly an insta-love between characters. In an 1874 setting, although the romance was prompt, the physical romance was more teasing. The longing glances and grazing of hand placements were swoony and scream-worthy. The couple had so many adorable moments.
This series will be a great palate cleanser for readers because of its short chapters and easy-to-follow plots. However, I wouldn’t recommend it strictly for romance, especially for those who prefer slow-burn. But if you want a mystery that surprises you with a dash of historical romance, it's worth the read!
Thank you to Forever for an early finished copy.
I decided to sit back from the mystery in this one, enjoying the twists and turns from my seat instead of trying to solve who the culprit was, and it was still so much fun reading it this way. The buildup was fantastic and had everything thrilling in a whodunit plot, from stolen identities to hidden betrothals to treachery. Lucy, determined to find her friend, was an easy protagonist to root for. I love how insistent she was in her participation in their search and rescue, exemplifying the capabilities and strength of women. Lucy is a shoulder for her friends to lean on, showing endless compassion and understanding.
The romance sprinkled throughout the story was lovely. I prefer slow burn, so I kept in mind that this was nearly an insta-love between characters. In an 1874 setting, although the romance was prompt, the physical romance was more teasing. The longing glances and grazing of hand placements were swoony and scream-worthy. The couple had so many adorable moments.
This series will be a great palate cleanser for readers because of its short chapters and easy-to-follow plots. However, I wouldn’t recommend it strictly for romance, especially for those who prefer slow-burn. But if you want a mystery that surprises you with a dash of historical romance, it's worth the read!
Thank you to Forever for an early finished copy.
June 6, 2025
Cute little romance with a light mystery. Liked both our H and h, both were good communicators and I liked that we didn't fall into that "all they need to have is a conversation" trap.
April 15, 2025
I love a good Victorian mystery with a solid romance and an intriguing storyline. In that regard this book did not disappoint. There was intrigue, ballrooms and dashing witty characters that didn’t insult the ready by lacking intelligence or depth.
Lucy our heroine belongs to a book club of other like minded independent heiresses who resist the notion that they should be satisfied with only the domestic ideal of running a house, raising a family and serving their husbands. When one of their own is kidnapped, she teams up with her best friends brother to solve the abduction.
Lucy is smart and capable without sacrificing her femininity or being jaded. She’s aware of society’s expectations and while she disagrees with most of them she adheres to them which is refreshing in this book. Oftentimes an author will write a period book with a modern character and it just becomes too unbelievable.
The MMC is sensible and honest if not a bit of a bore at times. He acts of a sense of right and wrong throughout the book making he character very straightforward. There’s no misunderstandings, no dubious thoughts and he remains respectful to everyone. Which as previously gets a bit predictable but he was a sturdy presence.
My only gripes with this book were
1. The mildly spicy scene between Lucy and Will. It felt forced. Like the only way to prove their insta love for each other was to have them consummate the relationship. It was out of character for them both and wholly unnecessary. There was no spice before and none after so to insert it mid story felt off and didn’t vibe with what we came to know of the characters.
2. To further the story people were dropping like flies. Ok fine. But did Will and Lucy have to be present for all of them, which occurred over the span of like a week? It felt like it was a plot device to force the attention to remain on them instead of the actual crimes committed.
3. The whole Christopher/Jedidiah thing became needlessly overly complicated. Which one was dead? Who was impersonating whom? It just too convoluted.
4. Not everything tied up by the end of the book. Which is understandable to a degree since this is a series and you need to leave some for the next book. But what happened to Vera’s father? Did his lover face consequences? Did Will’s cough up the jewelry she’d hoarded? How was she still spending after they’d lost everything? It would have been nice to have some resolution on the smaller plots happening.
All and all I enjoyed it and was pleasantly surprised by a Victorian heroine that was intelligent and wasn’t frivolous but was still time period appropriate. This was the first book I’ve read by this author but it won’t be the last.
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Lucy our heroine belongs to a book club of other like minded independent heiresses who resist the notion that they should be satisfied with only the domestic ideal of running a house, raising a family and serving their husbands. When one of their own is kidnapped, she teams up with her best friends brother to solve the abduction.
Lucy is smart and capable without sacrificing her femininity or being jaded. She’s aware of society’s expectations and while she disagrees with most of them she adheres to them which is refreshing in this book. Oftentimes an author will write a period book with a modern character and it just becomes too unbelievable.
The MMC is sensible and honest if not a bit of a bore at times. He acts of a sense of right and wrong throughout the book making he character very straightforward. There’s no misunderstandings, no dubious thoughts and he remains respectful to everyone. Which as previously gets a bit predictable but he was a sturdy presence.
My only gripes with this book were
1. The mildly spicy scene between Lucy and Will. It felt forced. Like the only way to prove their insta love for each other was to have them consummate the relationship. It was out of character for them both and wholly unnecessary. There was no spice before and none after so to insert it mid story felt off and didn’t vibe with what we came to know of the characters.
2. To further the story people were dropping like flies. Ok fine. But did Will and Lucy have to be present for all of them, which occurred over the span of like a week? It felt like it was a plot device to force the attention to remain on them instead of the actual crimes committed.
3. The whole Christopher/Jedidiah thing became needlessly overly complicated. Which one was dead? Who was impersonating whom? It just too convoluted.
4. Not everything tied up by the end of the book. Which is understandable to a degree since this is a series and you need to leave some for the next book. But what happened to Vera’s father? Did his lover face consequences? Did Will’s cough up the jewelry she’d hoarded? How was she still spending after they’d lost everything? It would have been nice to have some resolution on the smaller plots happening.
All and all I enjoyed it and was pleasantly surprised by a Victorian heroine that was intelligent and wasn’t frivolous but was still time period appropriate. This was the first book I’ve read by this author but it won’t be the last.
I was fortunate enough to receive an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 5, 2025
2.5 stars rounded up
Mid romance, mid mystery, mid story, and lots of characters that at times were difficult to keep track of. Several characters from the previous series appeared, so if I’d read it that might have helped. I'll likely continue with the series, though I wouldn’t say the anticipation is high. If you like Enola Holmes or your romance with a dash of mystery, this one’s for you!
Mid romance, mid mystery, mid story, and lots of characters that at times were difficult to keep track of. Several characters from the previous series appeared, so if I’d read it that might have helped. I'll likely continue with the series, though I wouldn’t say the anticipation is high. If you like Enola Holmes or your romance with a dash of mystery, this one’s for you!
May 3, 2025
4.5 stars
Some regency romance mixed with murders? Oh we are so back!
This new series from Manda Collins follows a new group of crime loving friends that solve murders and find love along the way. I was bummed that the previous series ended but this one is just as fun - including cameos from some of my favorite characters from Ladies Most Scandalous 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 (I feel like we are with Eversham for the long haul and I couldn’t be happier!
The mystery was super engaging and I had no idea where some of the twists were going! This book definitely kept me on my toes! The romance between Lucy and Will was sweet but I felt like we didn’t get enough of them and their getting together happened too quickly for my liking. However I’m excited for the next book in the series! I have a feeling it’s going to be delicious 🙂↕️
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review
Some regency romance mixed with murders? Oh we are so back!
This new series from Manda Collins follows a new group of crime loving friends that solve murders and find love along the way. I was bummed that the previous series ended but this one is just as fun - including cameos from some of my favorite characters from Ladies Most Scandalous 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 (I feel like we are with Eversham for the long haul and I couldn’t be happier!
The mystery was super engaging and I had no idea where some of the twists were going! This book definitely kept me on my toes! The romance between Lucy and Will was sweet but I felt like we didn’t get enough of them and their getting together happened too quickly for my liking. However I’m excited for the next book in the series! I have a feeling it’s going to be delicious 🙂↕️
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in exchange for my honest review
June 17, 2025
This was... Boring. And I tried to give it a benefit of the doubt but a lot of the stuff felt very zany. I also thought the hot scenes felt very mechanic lol. The chemistry was hard to find. And the mystery and killing was dark but people forgot about it and moved on from it very quickly.
June 21, 2025
In all honesty, this was probably 1.5 stars, but I was so irritated by the end that I will pettily begrudge that last half star and round down.
The cover blurb is a farce. If you’re expecting grumpy x sunshine, look elsewhere. Will is not a grumpy viscount; he has plenty of friends and is never rude or mean to anyone. Lucy is nice enough, but she doesn’t ever have to draw Will out or see past his grumpy side (which doesn’t exist, by the way). The fake engagement is never a fake engagement, and their engagement (not fake) happens about two-thirds of the way through the book when they’ve already kissed and thought about how much they like each other. Lucy apparently reads detective novels, but she never links the “steps” she takes to “find” clues to any of the books she’s read, so I’ve no idea how reading the detective novels influences her investigating.
The writing was also farcical. I have seldom read a book that leans so heavily into telling things that were just shown. As an example (of hundreds):
Her own eyes burning in sympathetic sadness, Lucy used her handkerchief to dab at Miss Fleetwood’s eyes. “Did you recognize him? The man who attacked you both, I mean.”
Christina shook her head a little, which Lucy took to mean she hadn’t known the man.
WHAT THE HELL ELSE DOES SHAKING YOUR HEAD MEAN IN THIS CONTEXT?? Why do you need to explain it? You’ve wasted ten additional words when six would be perfectly adequate. For God’s sake. People know what head shaking means!
Information is given that contradicts that shared not a page earlier. Like when Will is first introduced to Lucy, he states that Lucy was “so forgettable, in fact, that though he was certain they’d been introduced before he left for Paris, he could not for the life of him recall the chit’s name.” And on the next page: “his thoughts strayed back to Miss Penhallow. She was prettier than he’d remembered.”
So which is it? Is she forgettable enough that he can’t remember her exactly? Or memorable enough that she’s prettier than what he thought? Like no one caught this?
It’s things like this over and over and over again. The mystery begins when Lucy’s friend is kidnapped, and it is described with all of the excitement of a grocery list. There was no tension. Lucy has the presence of mind shortly after witnessing the kidnapping to consider her own jealousy with offering up information about Vera’s status as a heiress. Who thinks that?? Who cares at this point?
Epithets are added as nauseum. Woodward is described so often as “the American” that he should just take that as his name. Filtering phrases like “she/he noticed/felt/realized” are sprinkled about like candy. And not good candy. Like tootsie rolls: all of the sugar and none of the deliciousness. An editor should have caught these and excised them.
Lucy and Will like each other after about ten pages. They make out after one day. Will sneaks into Lucy’s bedroom after they’ve known each other less than a week in the most flabbergastingly laughable attempt to get them to share a bed. Like, I actually laughed at the utter ridiculousness of it.
The mystery is meh. Investigating consists of Lucy stumbling into clues and murders and then grilling people as they’re almost dying. Interesting details are overlooked so Lucy can play the role of interrogator in the least interesting ways imaginable. By the time the mystery is resolved and everyone has monologued their asses off, I had not one care to give. Chapters end on cliffhangers that are never addressed and the next chapters start with someone waking up or dressing or doing something equally boring that has nothing to do with the cliffhanger than we just read about.
There is so much wrong with this book. But I think the worst part may be that at page 269 of 297, in a book that has previously been dual POV, we suddenly get Meg’s POV. For one single chapter. For what I’m presuming to be the sole purpose of info dumping (that is later also shared in the next chapter with Will, so not that) and of showing Meg making out with her heretofore unknown but certainly guessed at love interest. It was terrible. It was bad writing. It was inexcusable.
If you had told me this was a self-published debut, I probably would’ve said, “That tracks.” But this is by a fairly prolific author and published traditionally. There is no way this kind of amateurish writing should’ve gotten by a good editor.
Read this only if you want to laugh a lot—and not for the reasons the author wants you to—or if your eyes need some practice rolling. Would not recommend it.
The cover blurb is a farce. If you’re expecting grumpy x sunshine, look elsewhere. Will is not a grumpy viscount; he has plenty of friends and is never rude or mean to anyone. Lucy is nice enough, but she doesn’t ever have to draw Will out or see past his grumpy side (which doesn’t exist, by the way). The fake engagement is never a fake engagement, and their engagement (not fake) happens about two-thirds of the way through the book when they’ve already kissed and thought about how much they like each other. Lucy apparently reads detective novels, but she never links the “steps” she takes to “find” clues to any of the books she’s read, so I’ve no idea how reading the detective novels influences her investigating.
The writing was also farcical. I have seldom read a book that leans so heavily into telling things that were just shown. As an example (of hundreds):
Her own eyes burning in sympathetic sadness, Lucy used her handkerchief to dab at Miss Fleetwood’s eyes. “Did you recognize him? The man who attacked you both, I mean.”
Christina shook her head a little, which Lucy took to mean she hadn’t known the man.
WHAT THE HELL ELSE DOES SHAKING YOUR HEAD MEAN IN THIS CONTEXT?? Why do you need to explain it? You’ve wasted ten additional words when six would be perfectly adequate. For God’s sake. People know what head shaking means!
Information is given that contradicts that shared not a page earlier. Like when Will is first introduced to Lucy, he states that Lucy was “so forgettable, in fact, that though he was certain they’d been introduced before he left for Paris, he could not for the life of him recall the chit’s name.” And on the next page: “his thoughts strayed back to Miss Penhallow. She was prettier than he’d remembered.”
So which is it? Is she forgettable enough that he can’t remember her exactly? Or memorable enough that she’s prettier than what he thought? Like no one caught this?
It’s things like this over and over and over again. The mystery begins when Lucy’s friend is kidnapped, and it is described with all of the excitement of a grocery list. There was no tension. Lucy has the presence of mind shortly after witnessing the kidnapping to consider her own jealousy with offering up information about Vera’s status as a heiress. Who thinks that?? Who cares at this point?
Epithets are added as nauseum. Woodward is described so often as “the American” that he should just take that as his name. Filtering phrases like “she/he noticed/felt/realized” are sprinkled about like candy. And not good candy. Like tootsie rolls: all of the sugar and none of the deliciousness. An editor should have caught these and excised them.
Lucy and Will like each other after about ten pages. They make out after one day. Will sneaks into Lucy’s bedroom after they’ve known each other less than a week in the most flabbergastingly laughable attempt to get them to share a bed. Like, I actually laughed at the utter ridiculousness of it.
The mystery is meh. Investigating consists of Lucy stumbling into clues and murders and then grilling people as they’re almost dying. Interesting details are overlooked so Lucy can play the role of interrogator in the least interesting ways imaginable. By the time the mystery is resolved and everyone has monologued their asses off, I had not one care to give. Chapters end on cliffhangers that are never addressed and the next chapters start with someone waking up or dressing or doing something equally boring that has nothing to do with the cliffhanger than we just read about.
There is so much wrong with this book. But I think the worst part may be that at page 269 of 297, in a book that has previously been dual POV, we suddenly get Meg’s POV. For one single chapter. For what I’m presuming to be the sole purpose of info dumping (that is later also shared in the next chapter with Will, so not that) and of showing Meg making out with her heretofore unknown but certainly guessed at love interest. It was terrible. It was bad writing. It was inexcusable.
If you had told me this was a self-published debut, I probably would’ve said, “That tracks.” But this is by a fairly prolific author and published traditionally. There is no way this kind of amateurish writing should’ve gotten by a good editor.
Read this only if you want to laugh a lot—and not for the reasons the author wants you to—or if your eyes need some practice rolling. Would not recommend it.
May 16, 2025
It’s always fantastic when I gasp in surprise over a mystery reveal! This was a spectacular introduction to a new series and I’ll be waiting in the queue for the next. I loved it.
rating: ★★★★
released: 22 April 2025
genre: historical romance
pov: dual third person
MC: Lucy + Will ♡
audio narrated by Mary Jane Wells
rating: ★★★★
released: 22 April 2025
genre: historical romance
pov: dual third person
MC: Lucy + Will ♡
audio narrated by Mary Jane Wells
February 28, 2025
As the leader of the Mischief & Mayhem Book Club (known as the Ems), Lucy Penhallow loves nothing more than a good mystery. So when her friend and fellow member, Vera Blackwood, disappears, she enlists the help of Lord Gilford, her best friend's brother, in investigating the case. Sparks will fly and clues will be investigated!
I hadn't read any of Manda Collin's earlier work, and so wasn't familiar with the character who dot her England. Lucy is fascinated with solving crimes, and frustrated that the police often ignore the crimes that happen to working women or people they judge as below notice. She has taken a clerical job with the police department, and I really enjoyed that we got to see how Lucy's passion made the police department a better place - although I wish we had gotten to see her on the job a bit more. The relationship she has with the other members of the Ems, past and present, is a lovely example of support and solidarity between women. I'm excited that future books in the series will likely allow us to get to know the other Ems better - especially quiet widow Helen. The romance between the main characters is also lovably cozy, with a gobsmacked Lord Gilford falling in love at first sight.
I won't spoil the ending, but I was surprised to find out the identity of the criminal mastermind - but ultimately, it felt very fitting for the world that the Ems are working to make. This book is fun for anyone who loves Bridgerton, follows true crime, or wants to try their own hand at solving a bit of mischief & mayhem.
I hadn't read any of Manda Collin's earlier work, and so wasn't familiar with the character who dot her England. Lucy is fascinated with solving crimes, and frustrated that the police often ignore the crimes that happen to working women or people they judge as below notice. She has taken a clerical job with the police department, and I really enjoyed that we got to see how Lucy's passion made the police department a better place - although I wish we had gotten to see her on the job a bit more. The relationship she has with the other members of the Ems, past and present, is a lovely example of support and solidarity between women. I'm excited that future books in the series will likely allow us to get to know the other Ems better - especially quiet widow Helen. The romance between the main characters is also lovably cozy, with a gobsmacked Lord Gilford falling in love at first sight.
I won't spoil the ending, but I was surprised to find out the identity of the criminal mastermind - but ultimately, it felt very fitting for the world that the Ems are working to make. This book is fun for anyone who loves Bridgerton, follows true crime, or wants to try their own hand at solving a bit of mischief & mayhem.
April 17, 2025
Title: A Wallflower's Guide to Viscounts and Vice- A Wallflower's Guide #1
Author: Manda Collins-new to me author
Publication date: 4/22/25 | Read 4/16/25
Format: eBook 320 pgs.
Genre:
*Historical Romance
*Mystery
*Women's Fic
Tropes:
*amateur sleuths
*opposites attract
*grumpy/sunshine
*fake engagement
*women's suffrage
*same bed
POV: 3rd person
TW: prostitution mentioned, murder of parent-H, shooting, h is a virgin
Setting: Paris to London 1874
Summary: Lucy works as a filing clerk at her cousin's police station. Lord Gilford needs to marry for financial security for his mother and sister. When Lucy's BFF Vera is kidnapped at a ball they work together to investigate and find Vera.
Heroine: Lucy Penhallow-21, has her inheritance but works as a filing clerk at Scotland Yard. Has a book club reading The Mischief and Mayhem Book Club (The Ems) started by Lucy's cousin-in-law-Katherine (Andrew's wife)
Hero: Viscount William Gilford- his father was killed by a friend, has financial issues, must marry an heiress
Other Characters:
*Mrs. Winifred Penhallow-Lucy's mother
*Mr. Richard Blackwood-Vera's father
*Mr. Benjamin Woodward-Will's BFF, works for the American Embassy
*Andrew Eversham-Lucy's cousin and Detective Superintendent
*Ms. Margaret "Meg" Gilford -Will's sister, Lucy's BFF
*Ms. Vera Blackwood-Lucy's BFF
*Earl Theodore Cheswick-wanted to help Hamilton reunite w/ his fiancée Vera
*Mr. Christopher Hamilton- from Philadelphia, claims he was secretly engaged to Vera
*Sir Charles Fleetwood-thought he was in love w/ Vera
My Thoughts: Vera's kidnapping was the main plot with Lucy and Gilford's romance secondary. The mystery went into all directions of betrayal, secret betrothals, stolen identity, and deadly shootings. I rooted for Lucy as a wallflower myself. She had her inheritance and had the freedom not to marry and support herself.
Rating: 4/5
Spice level 3/5
Thanks to NetGalley, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and Manda Collins for this ARC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.
Author: Manda Collins-new to me author
Publication date: 4/22/25 | Read 4/16/25
Format: eBook 320 pgs.
Genre:
*Historical Romance
*Mystery
*Women's Fic
Tropes:
*amateur sleuths
*opposites attract
*grumpy/sunshine
*fake engagement
*women's suffrage
*same bed
POV: 3rd person
TW: prostitution mentioned, murder of parent-H, shooting, h is a virgin
Setting: Paris to London 1874
Summary: Lucy works as a filing clerk at her cousin's police station. Lord Gilford needs to marry for financial security for his mother and sister. When Lucy's BFF Vera is kidnapped at a ball they work together to investigate and find Vera.
Heroine: Lucy Penhallow-21, has her inheritance but works as a filing clerk at Scotland Yard. Has a book club reading The Mischief and Mayhem Book Club (The Ems) started by Lucy's cousin-in-law-Katherine (Andrew's wife)
Hero: Viscount William Gilford- his father was killed by a friend, has financial issues, must marry an heiress
Other Characters:
*Mrs. Winifred Penhallow-Lucy's mother
*Mr. Richard Blackwood-Vera's father
*Mr. Benjamin Woodward-Will's BFF, works for the American Embassy
*Andrew Eversham-Lucy's cousin and Detective Superintendent
*Ms. Margaret "Meg" Gilford -Will's sister, Lucy's BFF
*Ms. Vera Blackwood-Lucy's BFF
*Earl Theodore Cheswick-wanted to help Hamilton reunite w/ his fiancée Vera
*Mr. Christopher Hamilton- from Philadelphia, claims he was secretly engaged to Vera
*Sir Charles Fleetwood-thought he was in love w/ Vera
My Thoughts: Vera's kidnapping was the main plot with Lucy and Gilford's romance secondary. The mystery went into all directions of betrayal, secret betrothals, stolen identity, and deadly shootings. I rooted for Lucy as a wallflower myself. She had her inheritance and had the freedom not to marry and support herself.
Rating: 4/5
Spice level 3/5
Thanks to NetGalley, Forever (Grand Central Publishing), and Manda Collins for this ARC! I voluntarily give my honest review, and all opinions are my own.
April 23, 2025
Thank you so much to NetGalley and Manda Collins for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for A Wallflower’s Guide to Viscounts and Vice coming out April 22, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.
A wallflower by choice, wealthy Lucy Penhallow would rather sit out the dancing all season than listen to false flattery from the fortune hunters who pursue her. But when she and her best friend’s brother witness a crime in progress, they’ll need to put every skill Lucy’s learned from reading detective stories to the test in their hunt for a missing woman. And if Viscount Gilford happens to be handsome as sin and clever to boot? Well, that's no hardship for her.
Viscount Gilford needs a wife to save him from financial ruin, and there’s only one heiress who’s off limits. So when he and Lucy find themselves inextricably linked in the tabloids, it’s a disaster. As their investigation progresses, their once unwelcome alliance becomes something more—a love match neither will give up. But there’s a killer watching their romance from the wings who’s only too happy to keep these meddlesome sleuths together . . . in the afterlife.
I really enjoy this author! I love historical romance. I really love historical mysteries. So I was thinking that it would be a really fun combo. The characters didn’t really work for me, unfortunately. I think things moved a little too fast paced when it came to the romance. I was slightly confused by the different characters. It was a little difficult to keep them separated. I think they felt very similar in personalities. I just wasn’t really into the plot. I would read other books by this author!
A wallflower by choice, wealthy Lucy Penhallow would rather sit out the dancing all season than listen to false flattery from the fortune hunters who pursue her. But when she and her best friend’s brother witness a crime in progress, they’ll need to put every skill Lucy’s learned from reading detective stories to the test in their hunt for a missing woman. And if Viscount Gilford happens to be handsome as sin and clever to boot? Well, that's no hardship for her.
Viscount Gilford needs a wife to save him from financial ruin, and there’s only one heiress who’s off limits. So when he and Lucy find themselves inextricably linked in the tabloids, it’s a disaster. As their investigation progresses, their once unwelcome alliance becomes something more—a love match neither will give up. But there’s a killer watching their romance from the wings who’s only too happy to keep these meddlesome sleuths together . . . in the afterlife.
I really enjoy this author! I love historical romance. I really love historical mysteries. So I was thinking that it would be a really fun combo. The characters didn’t really work for me, unfortunately. I think things moved a little too fast paced when it came to the romance. I was slightly confused by the different characters. It was a little difficult to keep them separated. I think they felt very similar in personalities. I just wasn’t really into the plot. I would read other books by this author!
April 18, 2025
I was a little confused when I began this book because, though it is the beginning of a new series, the characters were very familiar.
so I went back to my Goodreads reviews of the previous series, and indeed, this takes place about 3 years after the last book in the previous series.
Viscount Gilford, whose father was murdered in the previous series, has run away to France for 3 years. Alas, he learns his steward has run off with all his money, and he must return home to marry an heiress.
He returns home to find his mother as disagreeable as ever, and his sister Meg and her friend Lucy all grown up.
Lucy, an heiress should be off limits, but when they see a crime happen in front of them,they become partners to help solve the crime.
What I love about these books is that women are smart and strong, and the men support them in every way. There is even a joke that the men have formed their own club of men with smart wives.
The original 3 women formed a book club, to which the younger women now belong.
When we meet Lucy, she has a job (amazing) working for her cousin Detective Eversham, filing at the police station. This helps her be immune to the many injured men who seem to come her way.
There is a very convoluted mystery and a surprise ending, which I really enjoyed. There is excellent banter among all the characters.
This is a very satisfying and fun addition.to the series and I hope the next book is about Meg and Woodward.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the EARC. The opinions in this review are my honest thoughts.
so I went back to my Goodreads reviews of the previous series, and indeed, this takes place about 3 years after the last book in the previous series.
Viscount Gilford, whose father was murdered in the previous series, has run away to France for 3 years. Alas, he learns his steward has run off with all his money, and he must return home to marry an heiress.
He returns home to find his mother as disagreeable as ever, and his sister Meg and her friend Lucy all grown up.
Lucy, an heiress should be off limits, but when they see a crime happen in front of them,they become partners to help solve the crime.
What I love about these books is that women are smart and strong, and the men support them in every way. There is even a joke that the men have formed their own club of men with smart wives.
The original 3 women formed a book club, to which the younger women now belong.
When we meet Lucy, she has a job (amazing) working for her cousin Detective Eversham, filing at the police station. This helps her be immune to the many injured men who seem to come her way.
There is a very convoluted mystery and a surprise ending, which I really enjoyed. There is excellent banter among all the characters.
This is a very satisfying and fun addition.to the series and I hope the next book is about Meg and Woodward.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the EARC. The opinions in this review are my honest thoughts.
April 25, 2025
I'm gonna read whatever Manda Collins writes. Her historical romance/mysteries are always so entertaining and fun, with great leading ladies and men that can't help but pine.
Lucy is a wallflower who is perfectly fine not dancing with the fortune hunters that seek her out. Viscount Gilford lowkey is trying to be a fortune hunter (and is forthcoming about that, which I appreciated) but when asking Lucy if she knows of any good matches for him, they both end up witnessing one of Lucy's friends getting kidnapped. So, of course, the two begin to work on solving the crime and just keep getting thrust deeper and deeper into more intense situations!
I enjoyed that this is a new series, but set in the same world as the Ladies Most Scandalous series, so we got to see old characters around. This will be a fun series as it continues, of course. I honestly could have used 50 or so more pages to build up some more rapport and chemistry between the two leads. It was there, but not as much as I would have liked to see!
In conclusion, really liked!
Thank you to Netgalley and Forever Publishing for the e-ARC!
Lucy is a wallflower who is perfectly fine not dancing with the fortune hunters that seek her out. Viscount Gilford lowkey is trying to be a fortune hunter (and is forthcoming about that, which I appreciated) but when asking Lucy if she knows of any good matches for him, they both end up witnessing one of Lucy's friends getting kidnapped. So, of course, the two begin to work on solving the crime and just keep getting thrust deeper and deeper into more intense situations!
I enjoyed that this is a new series, but set in the same world as the Ladies Most Scandalous series, so we got to see old characters around. This will be a fun series as it continues, of course. I honestly could have used 50 or so more pages to build up some more rapport and chemistry between the two leads. It was there, but not as much as I would have liked to see!
In conclusion, really liked!
Thank you to Netgalley and Forever Publishing for the e-ARC!
Read
April 23, 2025A Wallflower’s Guide to Viscounts and Vice by Manda Collins is a fun and exciting historical romance with a twist of mystery. Lucy Penhallow is a smart, independent heiress who would rather solve crimes than deal with suitors. Viscount Gilford (Will) has returned home from Paris, only to find himself broke and needing to marry. But when the two witness a kidnapping, they team up to investigate—and sparks start to fly.
I really enjoyed Lucy’s strong personality and her cleverness. Will was charming in a grumpy sort of way, and their chemistry was so much fun to watch grow. The mystery kept me guessing, and I loved the surprise ending! The book also had great banter, strong friendships, and a fake engagement trope that worked perfectly.
This was a great start to a new series, especially if you enjoy historical romance with smart heroines, swoony heroes, and a good dash of suspense.
NetGalley arc
I really enjoyed Lucy’s strong personality and her cleverness. Will was charming in a grumpy sort of way, and their chemistry was so much fun to watch grow. The mystery kept me guessing, and I loved the surprise ending! The book also had great banter, strong friendships, and a fake engagement trope that worked perfectly.
This was a great start to a new series, especially if you enjoy historical romance with smart heroines, swoony heroes, and a good dash of suspense.
NetGalley arc
September 3, 2025
If Manda Collins writes it, I'm going to read it! Her books are the perfect combination of historical romance and a great mystery, which totally satisfies my love for both romance and murder. This one's got a strong female lead, a charming hero, and an intriguing mystery. It's a combo I can't resist.
Lucy Penhallow's happy just reading about crimes, but when she and Viscount Gilford see her friend get kidnapped, she has to get involved. "A Wallflower's Guide to Viscounts and Vice" is entertaining and fun with a mad dash through London while they try to solve the mystery!
Like always, Manda Collins creates an immensely enjoyable read with a dashing mix of adventure, murder, and romance. All told with her signature humor and wit. I'm super excited for more books in this series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Lucy Penhallow's happy just reading about crimes, but when she and Viscount Gilford see her friend get kidnapped, she has to get involved. "A Wallflower's Guide to Viscounts and Vice" is entertaining and fun with a mad dash through London while they try to solve the mystery!
Like always, Manda Collins creates an immensely enjoyable read with a dashing mix of adventure, murder, and romance. All told with her signature humor and wit. I'm super excited for more books in this series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
April 25, 2025
A cozy historical romance with a twist of mystery and a heap of charm.
Lucy is the kind of heroine I adore: clever, independent, and just a little bit stuck in the societal rules she wishes she could outrun. And Will? Oh, Will. Will might not have set out to fall in love, but he grows into it beautifully. He listens, adjusts, and (bless him) tries very hard to do right by Lucy.
Bonus points for the Partners of the Clever Ladies League — the secret “book” (read: drinking) club for the heroes. A group of dude friends brought together because they are fully supportive of their leading ladies is among my favorite tropes.
The mystery that threads through the love story has enough red herrings and twists to keep you flipping pages. I had some suspicions but loved letting it unfold without trying to solve it too fast. Sometimes it’s about the journey, not the gotcha.
This one leans low-spice, but don’t let that fool you — the romance is sweet, sincere, and packed with swoony kisses (and yes, I am absolutely here for great kissing scenes). There's one open-door moment that's more "go girl" than graphic, and it fits the tone perfectly.
There’s nothing like falling in love while solving a mystery. Lucy and Will are out there sleuthing and swooning in equal measure.
Tip: You will probably want to have read the Ladies Most Scandalous series first — there’s overlap in characters and backstory that will give you useful context. (If you haven’t, consider this your formal invitation.)
I received an ARC from NetGalley & Forever Publishing.
Lucy is the kind of heroine I adore: clever, independent, and just a little bit stuck in the societal rules she wishes she could outrun. And Will? Oh, Will. Will might not have set out to fall in love, but he grows into it beautifully. He listens, adjusts, and (bless him) tries very hard to do right by Lucy.
Bonus points for the Partners of the Clever Ladies League — the secret “book” (read: drinking) club for the heroes. A group of dude friends brought together because they are fully supportive of their leading ladies is among my favorite tropes.
The mystery that threads through the love story has enough red herrings and twists to keep you flipping pages. I had some suspicions but loved letting it unfold without trying to solve it too fast. Sometimes it’s about the journey, not the gotcha.
This one leans low-spice, but don’t let that fool you — the romance is sweet, sincere, and packed with swoony kisses (and yes, I am absolutely here for great kissing scenes). There's one open-door moment that's more "go girl" than graphic, and it fits the tone perfectly.
There’s nothing like falling in love while solving a mystery. Lucy and Will are out there sleuthing and swooning in equal measure.
Tip: You will probably want to have read the Ladies Most Scandalous series first — there’s overlap in characters and backstory that will give you useful context. (If you haven’t, consider this your formal invitation.)
I received an ARC from NetGalley & Forever Publishing.
June 1, 2025
This is a fun historical romance mystery. A perfect combination for me. This is a new series for Manda Collins but a continuation of the previous series- Ladies Most Scandalous. So there are a lot of familiar characters in the background. It’s a fast paced romp through London investigating the disappearance of Lucy’s American friend Vera Blackwood. She teams up with her friend Meg’s brother, Will who has just returned from Paris. He’s come back to make an advantageous match with an heiress & save his family from ruin. Any heiress will do. Except Lucy who is a good friend of his sister’s & has no plans to marry. A chance encounter & Lucy’s love of criminal investigations has them partnering to solve the case.
April 17, 2025
A wallflower by choice, wealthy Lucy Penhallow would rather sit out the dancing all season than listen to false flattery from the fortune hunters who pursue her. But when she and her best friend’s brother Will, Viscount Gilford witness a crime in progress, they’ll need to put every skill Lucy’s learned from reading detective stories to the test in their hunt for a missing woman. Will needs a wife to save him from financial ruin, and there’s only one heiress who’s off limits. So when he and Lucy find themselves inextricably linked in the tabloids, it’s a disaster.
The start of a new series but characters from the previous series do make appearances, which I do love. I really liked both Will & Lucy & loved how they worked together & complemented each other. There’s also mystery & romance, with the mystery taking the lead. A well written fun, entertaining book & I look forward to the rest of the series
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The start of a new series but characters from the previous series do make appearances, which I do love. I really liked both Will & Lucy & loved how they worked together & complemented each other. There’s also mystery & romance, with the mystery taking the lead. A well written fun, entertaining book & I look forward to the rest of the series
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
April 30, 2025
**Thank you Forever publishing for the gifted copy**
This book was a pleasant surprise. I love a good mystery and the addition of it being set in 1874 London with a romantic backdrop was an unexpectedly satisfying setting. Viscount Gilford (Will) and Lucy must team up to find her friend, Vera, who was kidnapped. These two had a sweet connection and I enjoyed their growing romance as well as all the twists and turns this book had. A lot of the side characters were enjoyable but my main enjoyment came from the conclusion to the mystery. This is a well-written quick read.
This book was a pleasant surprise. I love a good mystery and the addition of it being set in 1874 London with a romantic backdrop was an unexpectedly satisfying setting. Viscount Gilford (Will) and Lucy must team up to find her friend, Vera, who was kidnapped. These two had a sweet connection and I enjoyed their growing romance as well as all the twists and turns this book had. A lot of the side characters were enjoyable but my main enjoyment came from the conclusion to the mystery. This is a well-written quick read.
April 23, 2025
Bridgerton meets Nancy Drew in this mystery and romance set among the upper crust society of the ton.
✨ Book Review: A WALLFLOWER’S GUIDE TO VISCOUNTS AND VICE by Manda Collins ✨
Viscount William Gilford must return home to settle his mismanaged estates and keep his family from ruin. He determines the best and most expedient way to keep the creditors at bay is to marry an heiress. His sister’s best friend Lucy Penhallow is a wealthy member of London society but prefers her wallflower old maid status to giving up her independence. When Will and Lucy witness a crime together they form an alliance to solve the mystery of their abducted friend. Through their alliance they become more acquainted, feelings emerge, and chemistry sizzles. Now, if they can just get to the bottom of the crime.
🫖 My Take: What a fun adventure! There are twists and turns through Lucy and Will’s investigation that’ll definitely keep you guessing. I thought I had something figured out, then everything twisted again! Their romance is a similar delight as Lucy often defies societal convention, even while operating somewhat within its confines, and Will finds he’s smitten beyond society’s expectations.
Read A WALLFLOWER’S GUIDE TO VISCOUNTS AND VICE for
🧐 Cozy mystery
🌪️ Twists and turns
💕 Sibling’s best friend
💅🏼 Female independence
📚 Book club besties
🤫 Secrets
🐎 Adventure
Thanks to @readforeverpub for the gifted @netgalley eARC. All opinions my own.
✨ Book Review: A WALLFLOWER’S GUIDE TO VISCOUNTS AND VICE by Manda Collins ✨
Viscount William Gilford must return home to settle his mismanaged estates and keep his family from ruin. He determines the best and most expedient way to keep the creditors at bay is to marry an heiress. His sister’s best friend Lucy Penhallow is a wealthy member of London society but prefers her wallflower old maid status to giving up her independence. When Will and Lucy witness a crime together they form an alliance to solve the mystery of their abducted friend. Through their alliance they become more acquainted, feelings emerge, and chemistry sizzles. Now, if they can just get to the bottom of the crime.
🫖 My Take: What a fun adventure! There are twists and turns through Lucy and Will’s investigation that’ll definitely keep you guessing. I thought I had something figured out, then everything twisted again! Their romance is a similar delight as Lucy often defies societal convention, even while operating somewhat within its confines, and Will finds he’s smitten beyond society’s expectations.
Read A WALLFLOWER’S GUIDE TO VISCOUNTS AND VICE for
🧐 Cozy mystery
🌪️ Twists and turns
💕 Sibling’s best friend
💅🏼 Female independence
📚 Book club besties
🤫 Secrets
🐎 Adventure
Thanks to @readforeverpub for the gifted @netgalley eARC. All opinions my own.
September 8, 2025
I finished this almost a week ago, and I definitely had some notes on the mystery plot not holding my interest and some plot holes but I've forgotten them by this point. This was perfectly fine and I liked enough of it that I'm sure I'll continue reading the series.
This is not specific to this series/author, but I am begging the universe to let us be done with "The [Blank's] Guide to [Blank] and [Blank]" titles. There are too many and I simply refuse to remember them.
This is not specific to this series/author, but I am begging the universe to let us be done with "The [Blank's] Guide to [Blank] and [Blank]" titles. There are too many and I simply refuse to remember them.
May 1, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of the book.
Will is back from traveling in Europe and suddenly learns he has to marry an heiress if he wants to escape bankruptcy. Lucy is an heiress and the best friend of Will’s sister. When both suddenly witness Lucy’s friend, Vera, get kidnapped, they cannot help but get dragged into the mystery. As they investigate, it is clear that not only is Vera’s kidnapper stalking their every move but that feelings are developing between the pair.
I really liked the pacing of the book, there was no moment where I thought the plot slowed down and the mystery always felt intriguing. I felt that the romantic development was a bit quick, at least in the beginning. I could not help but think that it felt like insta love. I did grow to love Will and Lucy’s interactions and their romantic development. I also adored the side characters and I am ready to not only continue the series but read the original. If you liked Enola Holmes, you will enjoy this book.
Will is back from traveling in Europe and suddenly learns he has to marry an heiress if he wants to escape bankruptcy. Lucy is an heiress and the best friend of Will’s sister. When both suddenly witness Lucy’s friend, Vera, get kidnapped, they cannot help but get dragged into the mystery. As they investigate, it is clear that not only is Vera’s kidnapper stalking their every move but that feelings are developing between the pair.
I really liked the pacing of the book, there was no moment where I thought the plot slowed down and the mystery always felt intriguing. I felt that the romantic development was a bit quick, at least in the beginning. I could not help but think that it felt like insta love. I did grow to love Will and Lucy’s interactions and their romantic development. I also adored the side characters and I am ready to not only continue the series but read the original. If you liked Enola Holmes, you will enjoy this book.
April 24, 2025
This book was interesting and I enjoyed reading it. It was nice to have a mystery aspect in addition to the typical historical romance tropes. I must admit that I was surprised by the plot twist! The book has also nicely set up a new couple and I am interested to see how their relationship will develop.
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