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Ladies' Revenge Club #2
The Wallflower Manifesto
Millie Yardley has never fit the mold.
Older than her newly married sister, curvier than society deems fashionable, and perfectly aware that no one expects her to do much beyond fade quietly into spinsterhood, Millie decides to try something new.
When she accepts the position of lady’s companion to the formidable Dowager Countess Bentley, Millie returns to a London that looks very different than the one she remembers. Suddenly, there seem to be many ways to be a woman. Bold ways. Complicated ways. Ways no one ever told her were allowed. Her pen can hardly keep up with every stunning new thing she sees, all of it a revelation for girls like the wildflowers in a sea of English roses.
Abe Murphy isn’t stalking anyone! He’s investigating.
Former Bow Street Runner turned private agent, Abe is looking into a case on behalf of his irritating housemate, London’s most notorious reformed scoundrel. The last thing he expects is to get caught by a sharp-eyed wallflower with a devastating mind and no patience for nonsense.
To distract her, he ropes her into an old jewel theft investigation he long ago gave up on. But Millie doesn’t give up. Not on a mystery, and not on a challenge like Abe Murphy. As their reluctant partnership turns into something far more intimate, Millie’s private writing takes on a life of its own. When her manifesto is published without her consent, it sets off a chain of events that could destroy reputations—or save lives. And Abe may be the only man willing to stand beside her when it matters most.
The Wallflower Manifesto is a Regency romance full of cat-and-mouse banter, slow-burn attraction, class tension, and a heroine learning she’s far more dangerous than she looks. It’s the second book in the Ladies’ Revenge Club series, but can be read as a stand-alone.
Enemies to lovers, clever heroines, witty banter, and the kind of romance that builds in stolen moments and sharp dialogue
Older than her newly married sister, curvier than society deems fashionable, and perfectly aware that no one expects her to do much beyond fade quietly into spinsterhood, Millie decides to try something new.
When she accepts the position of lady’s companion to the formidable Dowager Countess Bentley, Millie returns to a London that looks very different than the one she remembers. Suddenly, there seem to be many ways to be a woman. Bold ways. Complicated ways. Ways no one ever told her were allowed. Her pen can hardly keep up with every stunning new thing she sees, all of it a revelation for girls like the wildflowers in a sea of English roses.
Abe Murphy isn’t stalking anyone! He’s investigating.
Former Bow Street Runner turned private agent, Abe is looking into a case on behalf of his irritating housemate, London’s most notorious reformed scoundrel. The last thing he expects is to get caught by a sharp-eyed wallflower with a devastating mind and no patience for nonsense.
To distract her, he ropes her into an old jewel theft investigation he long ago gave up on. But Millie doesn’t give up. Not on a mystery, and not on a challenge like Abe Murphy. As their reluctant partnership turns into something far more intimate, Millie’s private writing takes on a life of its own. When her manifesto is published without her consent, it sets off a chain of events that could destroy reputations—or save lives. And Abe may be the only man willing to stand beside her when it matters most.
The Wallflower Manifesto is a Regency romance full of cat-and-mouse banter, slow-burn attraction, class tension, and a heroine learning she’s far more dangerous than she looks. It’s the second book in the Ladies’ Revenge Club series, but can be read as a stand-alone.
Enemies to lovers, clever heroines, witty banter, and the kind of romance that builds in stolen moments and sharp dialogue
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2025
About the author
Ava Devlin
30 books90 followersAva Devlin writes sweet and steamy Regency romances. She lives in New York City and believes that diving into fantasies of 19th century England provides an excellent reprieve from hectic metropolitan life.
Ava has been writing love stories for as long as she can remember, and spent her teen years swooning over classic romance novels. In her 20s, she moved to Britain and spent a year exploring the sights, experiences, and history that have made the Regency era such an enduring time of fascination and romance. Afterward, she spent several months living the life of a governess as an au pair in the French Alps, which only heightened the romance of her time abroad.
Today, she splits her time between her writing, her day job, and an excessive amount of dog cuddles. She loves nothing more than hearing from her readers, so feel free to drop her a line at ava@avadevlin.com.
Ava has been writing love stories for as long as she can remember, and spent her teen years swooning over classic romance novels. In her 20s, she moved to Britain and spent a year exploring the sights, experiences, and history that have made the Regency era such an enduring time of fascination and romance. Afterward, she spent several months living the life of a governess as an au pair in the French Alps, which only heightened the romance of her time abroad.
Today, she splits her time between her writing, her day job, and an excessive amount of dog cuddles. She loves nothing more than hearing from her readers, so feel free to drop her a line at ava@avadevlin.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
July 12, 2025
Millie Yardley is officially known as a spinster. She's hired to go to London as a companion to the Dowager Countess Bentley, her sister's mother-in law. A paid companion earning money gives her more freedom. Abe Murphy, a former Bow Street Runner, is an investigator. Add a two year unsolved case of a jewel thief, an irresponsible earl who finds his niche, a manifesto that frees "wildflowers" and it's never a dull moment. The connection between the characters in this book makes for an unusual plot. For all spinsters who gave up hope, this one's for you.
Mild descriptive sex and humor.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from Booksprout.
Mild descriptive sex and humor.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from Booksprout.
June 30, 2025
The Wallflower Manifesto is one of the most enjoyable books I've read recently! It had everything I needed at the moment - lighthearted fun, main characters that I'd love to meet in person, a bit of intrigue and a well deserved happily ever after.
Millie is exactly the kind of person you'd want as a best friend. She's brilliant, witty and has a heart of gold. Her sincerity and resilience allowed her to confront her challenges head on and I loved watching her thrive once she was out from under her mother's control.
Abe is a true gentleman in every sense of the word. He oozes integrity, thoughtfulness and kindness. These are all great qualities but, at times, were a hindrance to his investigations which added some truly laughable moments.
Pairing these two together in love and in sleuthing felt like the perfect match. Although there is an immediate attraction, I appreciated how they were friends before they were lovers. The amount of respect Abe showed Millie in both business and pleasure is one of my most favorite things about their story.
This was my first book by the author so I didn't know what to expect. What I experienced was a charming, witty story written with a deft pen in a refreshing style. I cared about both characters and became invested in their love story as well as the mystery. It was a tad too light on the romance for my own personal taste but, overall, I was thoroughly entertained. I'm really excited to read more by Ava Devlin!
I was honored to receive an early copy (Thank you!) All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Millie is exactly the kind of person you'd want as a best friend. She's brilliant, witty and has a heart of gold. Her sincerity and resilience allowed her to confront her challenges head on and I loved watching her thrive once she was out from under her mother's control.
Abe is a true gentleman in every sense of the word. He oozes integrity, thoughtfulness and kindness. These are all great qualities but, at times, were a hindrance to his investigations which added some truly laughable moments.
Pairing these two together in love and in sleuthing felt like the perfect match. Although there is an immediate attraction, I appreciated how they were friends before they were lovers. The amount of respect Abe showed Millie in both business and pleasure is one of my most favorite things about their story.
This was my first book by the author so I didn't know what to expect. What I experienced was a charming, witty story written with a deft pen in a refreshing style. I cared about both characters and became invested in their love story as well as the mystery. It was a tad too light on the romance for my own personal taste but, overall, I was thoroughly entertained. I'm really excited to read more by Ava Devlin!
I was honored to receive an early copy (Thank you!) All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 8, 2026
An investigator and a young lady meet again after first meeting each other at another earlier time under stressful circumstances. After they get to know each other, while dealing with issues that arise, they eventually find their hea
July 4, 2025
I loved the beginning interactions between Millie and Abe. I started to lose interest shortly after. I was ready to settle in for a sweet story getting to watch these two get to know each other and fall in love. Sadly there were very few interactions. At one point Millie tells her friends she knows Abe very well, and i was like "Huh? How??? You've barely spoken more than 30 minutes if you add up all your conversations." A large portion of the book is filled with current and past sub-plots from other characters. I grew bored and started skimming by the end. I finished feeling like these characters were strangers. I didn't even know Millie's father was alive till near the end of the book. I didn't know she had brothers either till the end. Abe's family is a bit of a mystery too.
And then there's Millie's manifesto. A lot of hoopla about it, and I honestly don't even know what it was about. There's no excerpts or parts read out loud, so I could only get a very general idea. Very odd choice for the author, considering it's the title of the book.
And then there's Millie's manifesto. A lot of hoopla about it, and I honestly don't even know what it was about. There's no excerpts or parts read out loud, so I could only get a very general idea. Very odd choice for the author, considering it's the title of the book.
June 18, 2025
I rec'd a copy of this book as an ARC member. Absolutely loved this book! This is the 2nd book in a series and I read this one before the other. Because of that it took a minute to figure out who everyone was and their history. It's so nice to read books where the women are intelligent and everyone respects each other. It had a great story! Can't wait to read the first one!
March 28, 2026
This was another case of a romance being so slow-burn that it almost forgot to actually be a romance. Which is a shame, because the banter between Abe and Millie was genuinely top tier. Watching them simultaneously amuse and irritate each other was easily the highlight of the book. But when Millie confidently defends Abe near the end by insisting she knows him, I found myself wondering… does she though? She didn’t know who he was living with, didn’t know basic details about his family, and overall it felt like the emotional leap happened without enough groundwork for it to be believable.
As for Abe, I have questions about his investigative skills. Considering he’s a former Bow Street Runner, it surprised me that Millie was the one to figure out an obvious lead in his ongoing jewelry thief investigation. The idea that he overlooked something so straightforward felt a little puzzling to put it mildly. And his methods at times bordered on unintentionally funny, especially when he seemed to think spying involved lurking dramatically outside ballrooms and trailing people through the streets like he expected the answers to fall from the sky.
One pleasant surprise, however, was the Dowager Countess of Bentley. Given what we knew of Freddy, I expected someone entirely different, but instead she was delightful to read about; an older widow fully embracing freedoms long denied to her both as a debutante and as a married woman. Honestly, I would happily read more of her adventures in London society.
Freddy himself was another unexpected highlight. He’s still flawed, still battling his demons, but he is also a far cry from the man introduced in the first book, and it was satisfying to see him face consequences and show real growth (though I know my sister is still cursing his name over the infamous iron skillet incident).
And of course, Queen Mab remains the true star of the series. Her ongoing mission to antagonize Abe, particularly her perfectly timed interruption during his first kiss with Millie, never failed to make me smile, especially when you consider that she is after all, a cat.
The secondary plot involving the manifesto, however, didn’t quite land for me. We’re told it’s important and controversial, but without actually seeing excerpts of Millie’s writing and what exactly it entailed, it was hard to fully grasp why it caused such a stir. We're told a debutante ran away because of what was written, we're told a group of servants went all in and bought a boarding house together, but we are never given something to make us understand why they did those things. From the way it sounded, the manifesto told them that life could be different; could be more than they thought, but it didn't give explicit instructions on anything life-altering. Or maybe it did, again we don't get to read any of it, just hear about it secondhand.
However, all things considered, I did enjoy this installment more than the first and plan to continue the series for at least the next two books (after a short break). Slow burn aside, the characters and humor are enough to keep me invested, for now at least.
As for Abe, I have questions about his investigative skills. Considering he’s a former Bow Street Runner, it surprised me that Millie was the one to figure out an obvious lead in his ongoing jewelry thief investigation. The idea that he overlooked something so straightforward felt a little puzzling to put it mildly. And his methods at times bordered on unintentionally funny, especially when he seemed to think spying involved lurking dramatically outside ballrooms and trailing people through the streets like he expected the answers to fall from the sky.
One pleasant surprise, however, was the Dowager Countess of Bentley. Given what we knew of Freddy, I expected someone entirely different, but instead she was delightful to read about; an older widow fully embracing freedoms long denied to her both as a debutante and as a married woman. Honestly, I would happily read more of her adventures in London society.
Freddy himself was another unexpected highlight. He’s still flawed, still battling his demons, but he is also a far cry from the man introduced in the first book, and it was satisfying to see him face consequences and show real growth (though I know my sister is still cursing his name over the infamous iron skillet incident).
And of course, Queen Mab remains the true star of the series. Her ongoing mission to antagonize Abe, particularly her perfectly timed interruption during his first kiss with Millie, never failed to make me smile, especially when you consider that she is after all, a cat.
The secondary plot involving the manifesto, however, didn’t quite land for me. We’re told it’s important and controversial, but without actually seeing excerpts of Millie’s writing and what exactly it entailed, it was hard to fully grasp why it caused such a stir. We're told a debutante ran away because of what was written, we're told a group of servants went all in and bought a boarding house together, but we are never given something to make us understand why they did those things. From the way it sounded, the manifesto told them that life could be different; could be more than they thought, but it didn't give explicit instructions on anything life-altering. Or maybe it did, again we don't get to read any of it, just hear about it secondhand.
However, all things considered, I did enjoy this installment more than the first and plan to continue the series for at least the next two books (after a short break). Slow burn aside, the characters and humor are enough to keep me invested, for now at least.
March 3, 2026
TAGS: Dual POV, sex scene, theft, mystery, spinster, widow, second act, feminism
I listened to the audiobook version of this book. The narrator was good at the interpretation, but there was a lot of recording mistakes. You can hear when she drinks water between two sentences, when she pull back from the microphone (her voice becomes muffled) or when she scratch her face it muffles the sound too.
For the story, I liked the FMC and how she was discovering her worth for herself. The countess was also a delight with how she was taking back her power by taking on a bucket list. For the part of the story to come together, the book uses some very thin plot devices and it was hard to take it seriously.
I listened to the audiobook version of this book. The narrator was good at the interpretation, but there was a lot of recording mistakes. You can hear when she drinks water between two sentences, when she pull back from the microphone (her voice becomes muffled) or when she scratch her face it muffles the sound too.
For the story, I liked the FMC and how she was discovering her worth for herself. The countess was also a delight with how she was taking back her power by taking on a bucket list. For the part of the story to come together, the book uses some very thin plot devices and it was hard to take it seriously.
March 7, 2026
Millie thought her days spent in London were long behind her, what with her unsuccessful launch into the marriage mart. Yet, when she's presented with the opportunity to be a Lady's Companion, she finds herself back in London for another Season. Turns out it isn't quite so bad, especially when you get to wear dresses that suit your ample figure and you're no longer constrained to watching from the sidelines as couples dance. As Millie's confidence grows, so does her feelings for a lanky, jovial, private investigator named Abe with whom she shares many mutual friends. As it turns out, he needs help solving a mystery and Millie is perfect for the role.
I think I have a crush on Abe, to be honest. He had so many funny and entertaining lines in the book, it's impossible not to like him. And Millie was wonderful: she's competent, witty, loyal, observant, hella smart, an amateur smeuth and aspiring writer.
Things to expect:
- slow-burn
- low-spice
- mystery
- humour
- wallflower
- unconventional heroine
- class difference
I think I have a crush on Abe, to be honest. He had so many funny and entertaining lines in the book, it's impossible not to like him. And Millie was wonderful: she's competent, witty, loyal, observant, hella smart, an amateur smeuth and aspiring writer.
Things to expect:
- slow-burn
- low-spice
- mystery
- humour
- wallflower
- unconventional heroine
- class difference
July 5, 2025
I want to be a “wildflower”!
I loved this book! The writing is great, the story is fabulous and I loved the main couple. Millie and Abe have so much respect and admiration for each other, it was lovely to watch their friendship grow to love. Abe, our former Bow street runner turned PI, is so smitten with Millie and isn’t afraid to show it! And Millie is smart, savvy and capable. I also love that central to the story is Millie finding her voice and empowering herself and other women with her writing. But the best part of this book, which extends from book one, is the community that Ava Devlin has created. I want to be part of this amazing friend group!!! And I’m crossing my fingers that Freddy, the villain of book one with the beginnings of redemption in this book, gets a book all his own. He is fascinating, to say the least! I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
I loved this book! The writing is great, the story is fabulous and I loved the main couple. Millie and Abe have so much respect and admiration for each other, it was lovely to watch their friendship grow to love. Abe, our former Bow street runner turned PI, is so smitten with Millie and isn’t afraid to show it! And Millie is smart, savvy and capable. I also love that central to the story is Millie finding her voice and empowering herself and other women with her writing. But the best part of this book, which extends from book one, is the community that Ava Devlin has created. I want to be part of this amazing friend group!!! And I’m crossing my fingers that Freddy, the villain of book one with the beginnings of redemption in this book, gets a book all his own. He is fascinating, to say the least! I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
June 22, 2025
I think you need to read book one of the series to truly appreciate the secondary characters. The FMC is a wallflower who likes to journal. Her sister’s mother-in-law finds her journal and invites her to be her companion in London. There she sees that being unmarried can have its advantages and disadvantages which she writes down. This letter is accidentally published. In the meantime she is reacquainted with the MMC who is a budding investigator. Together they help solve a jewelry thief. During this he flirts and she banters back. It was a very entertaining read.
September 5, 2025
Millie and Abe’s story is pure delight. Millie is a curvy spinster who takes a job as a ladies companion to her sister’s mother-in-law, which brings her back to London. Here she encounters Abe Murphy, former Bow Street Runner, turned PI, when she catches him in the middle of an investigation. This smart, clever, lady joins him in his investigating and writes down everything she sees. Trouble ensues when her journal gets published without her permission. Wonderful slow burn romance with great dialogue and lots of witty banter.
July 29, 2025
She's back!
I have been waiting for Ava Devlin to write a new book and she did not disappoint! I love how she weaves her characters through each of her series. We get to know everyone and feel like we are part of that community. This book was fun and I would always recommend Ava's books. Although I received a copy as an ARC reader, I immediately ordered the book for my collection.
I have been waiting for Ava Devlin to write a new book and she did not disappoint! I love how she weaves her characters through each of her series. We get to know everyone and feel like we are part of that community. This book was fun and I would always recommend Ava's books. Although I received a copy as an ARC reader, I immediately ordered the book for my collection.
April 8, 2026
This book has a barely developed romance bewteen the FMC and the MC. It is completely overshadowed by the more appealing side-characters and the contents of the Wallflower manifesto.
Honestly there was more chemistry, affection and passion betweeen the MC, Abe and his housemate and bane of his existence Freddy. They have what Abe and Millie's "romance" lacks: humor; funny banter; the intimacy that devolps from relying on one another AND....SOME UNEXPRESSED SEXUAL TENSION
Honestly there was more chemistry, affection and passion betweeen the MC, Abe and his housemate and bane of his existence Freddy. They have what Abe and Millie's "romance" lacks: humor; funny banter; the intimacy that devolps from relying on one another AND....SOME UNEXPRESSED SEXUAL TENSION
June 30, 2025
3 1/2 STARS! Book two in the Ladies Revenge Club series. Can be read and enjoyed as standalone. Full length told in dual POV with HEA. Secondary characters are the same throughout the series. A very slow burn between Millie and Abe. I felt like the romance was secondary to everything else going on in the story. I did enjoy it, and I will continue reading the series.
February 10, 2026
For anyone who has felt “not enough” to a parent this hits home and just as her writing and finding the right person to appreciate her helps her grow into a stronger self, the story helps others as well. I wish it would have been easier for women of the time to have found strength to be more independent as the story suggests. This was a fun and inspiring read.
February 18, 2026
Loved it
I'm enjoying this series hugely! These ladies are not your average Regency misses, and life is far from boring, with an intricately interwoven plot and a lovely dose of humour. And a well deserved happy ending. I finished reading this at 3am, and will start on the next in the series in the morning (gotta have some sleep, lol).
I'm enjoying this series hugely! These ladies are not your average Regency misses, and life is far from boring, with an intricately interwoven plot and a lovely dose of humour. And a well deserved happy ending. I finished reading this at 3am, and will start on the next in the series in the morning (gotta have some sleep, lol).
February 19, 2026
A private investigator and a “wallflower”. They solve the case and fall in love she is a young writer and her Wallflower Manifesto is published without her knowledge. It is a scandalous text, a wisely written text foe young women about what society really expects of women. Should she or shouldn’t she admit to writing it?
November 1, 2025
The Wallflower Manifesto
This is a nicely written story this author has brought to life.Like theater for my imagination. Quirky and colorful characters with trials and errors. And what the written word can evoke to many different audiences.💃🏻❣️🙀
This is a nicely written story this author has brought to life.Like theater for my imagination. Quirky and colorful characters with trials and errors. And what the written word can evoke to many different audiences.💃🏻❣️🙀
March 13, 2026
Spellbound
This book is the best medicine for a beautiful escape into a world that is realistic and funny and thrilling at the same time. I couldn't put it down and look forward to reading the next Saga
This book is the best medicine for a beautiful escape into a world that is realistic and funny and thrilling at the same time. I couldn't put it down and look forward to reading the next Saga
August 16, 2026
Random thoughts: Slow burn? Not really at all. Also, the connection between Millie and Abe didn’t feel like it grew or anything; there wasn’t much of a pull between the characters, even. The feelings were just there — and not particularly naturally.
September 23, 2026
Female characters abound
Character driven story with females leading the way . Refreshing to see women being friends and helping each other instead of competing against one another.
Character driven story with females leading the way . Refreshing to see women being friends and helping each other instead of competing against one another.
October 23, 2025
I really enjoyed Abe and Millie's story. Watching them work together was as much fun as watching them fall in love.
December 29, 2025
Well defined characters
I really enjoyed this book! The characters are complex and interesting, leaving you wanting more. It is also well written and fast moving.
I really enjoyed this book! The characters are complex and interesting, leaving you wanting more. It is also well written and fast moving.
February 24, 2026
fun read
I liked their personalities and the way the two characters interacted. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fun adventure.
I liked their personalities and the way the two characters interacted. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fun adventure.
February 25, 2026
……..
This book starts out very well, I was enjoying it.
Then it’s like another authour took over resulting in blasphemy, an explicit sexual scene etc.
This book starts out very well, I was enjoying it.
Then it’s like another authour took over resulting in blasphemy, an explicit sexual scene etc.
February 26, 2026
Great read
One lonely woman's adventure with a madcap list of misadventures. Fun read. Can a miserable time be redeemed by writing a letter that gets published by accident?
One lonely woman's adventure with a madcap list of misadventures. Fun read. Can a miserable time be redeemed by writing a letter that gets published by accident?
February 27, 2026
really fun, read
it’s a great book to get yourself lost in. It has lots of twists and turns you will love getting to know all the characters.
it’s a great book to get yourself lost in. It has lots of twists and turns you will love getting to know all the characters.
March 2, 2026
Wallflower Manifesto
It's about time us chubby girls get our day in sun. Gives us hope!
I really enjoyed this book for that reason.
It's about time us chubby girls get our day in sun. Gives us hope!
I really enjoyed this book for that reason.
June 25, 2025
Thanks to Booksprout for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.
This is book 2 of the Ladies' Revenge Club series and you absolutely need to read the first book to get a bit of context to past scenarios and relationships amongst the various characters. But this was a lovely read with some charming main characters, as well as some wonderful development of secondary characters and relationships that has me eager to see where their stories will go.
Millicent Yardley is the eldest daughter of the Yardleys, introduced in the first book as the best friend of the FMC in the Spinster Strikes back, and the eldest sister of Claire, now the estranged Countess of Bentley, seen as the overlooked, disappointing, spinster to be daughter. She likens herself more to the vibrant wildflowers that persist on the other side of the gates of the garden, rather than to the beloved, pampered roses her mother grows and is so proud of.
This story starts shortly after the circumstances of the first book, when the female Yardleys accompany Claire and her son to take over the estate that the Cains have won for Claire from her estranged scoundrel of a husband, Freddie, the Earl of Bentley. There, Millie meets the Dowager Countess who happens upon Millie's journal, and upon reading some of her amusing insights, decides to engage Millie as her companion when the Dowager decides to return to London and re-enter Society. As a widow with greater freedom, she decides she wants to enjoy London in the ways she was never allowed to a sheltered young woman under the control of her parents and then her husband, and the Dowager decides that Millie is the right person to aid her in her adventures. Millie, also chaffing under the thumb of her mother, decides to take role and earn some independence of her own.
This is a charming, quirky story that has Millie meeting again one of the other acquaintances of the Cains, ex-Runner, and private investigator Abe Murphy. He finds Millie amusing, and attractive, and enjoys her intelligence and insight, and their paths frequently cross in the course of his investigations. One of which is to follow the Dowager Countess and report on her actions, because his services are engaged by her erstwhile son, who also happens to be his housemate. The story gets a bit silly at times because of secrets such as this and cross-purposes, as the Dowager also hires Abe to investigate on her son, but in a charmingly chaotic manner. Freddie, the scoundrel from book 1, features quite a bit in this story, and shows himself to be gaining some growth and self awareness as a human being. From being the hated selfish villain of book 1, he becomes a man who is realizing his fallacies and losses and regrets them, but is at a loss of what to do to redeem himself. I hope to see that redemption in the future.
Millie, free from being stifled by her family and their expectations, grows into herself and becomes more bold and confident in her interactions with others, including Abe. They frequently spar and trade witticisms, and Abe engages her insight in his investigations, and even though sometimes it is as a distraction from his work, she does provide valuable information into a case that he has been following - namely a series of high profile jewel heists. Society is rocked by another scandal though, when a new publication becomes available, the Wallflower Manifesto. Nobody knows who the author is and there is much speculation - Millie is aghast however because it is the publication of a set of writings she had penned as a personal essay meant to be shared amongst her friends only. But they bring to light many open secrets about women in Society, and are quite a revelation for many who read it.
It was enjoyable reading about how Millie blooms and comes into herself, becoming more comfortable in her own skin and her interactions with others. I really enjoyed how Freddie grew as a character as well, very flawed, but there is a charm to him as well, and now I want to see how he matures and hopefully redeems himself.
4 stars out of 5
This is book 2 of the Ladies' Revenge Club series and you absolutely need to read the first book to get a bit of context to past scenarios and relationships amongst the various characters. But this was a lovely read with some charming main characters, as well as some wonderful development of secondary characters and relationships that has me eager to see where their stories will go.
Millicent Yardley is the eldest daughter of the Yardleys, introduced in the first book as the best friend of the FMC in the Spinster Strikes back, and the eldest sister of Claire, now the estranged Countess of Bentley, seen as the overlooked, disappointing, spinster to be daughter. She likens herself more to the vibrant wildflowers that persist on the other side of the gates of the garden, rather than to the beloved, pampered roses her mother grows and is so proud of.
This story starts shortly after the circumstances of the first book, when the female Yardleys accompany Claire and her son to take over the estate that the Cains have won for Claire from her estranged scoundrel of a husband, Freddie, the Earl of Bentley. There, Millie meets the Dowager Countess who happens upon Millie's journal, and upon reading some of her amusing insights, decides to engage Millie as her companion when the Dowager decides to return to London and re-enter Society. As a widow with greater freedom, she decides she wants to enjoy London in the ways she was never allowed to a sheltered young woman under the control of her parents and then her husband, and the Dowager decides that Millie is the right person to aid her in her adventures. Millie, also chaffing under the thumb of her mother, decides to take role and earn some independence of her own.
This is a charming, quirky story that has Millie meeting again one of the other acquaintances of the Cains, ex-Runner, and private investigator Abe Murphy. He finds Millie amusing, and attractive, and enjoys her intelligence and insight, and their paths frequently cross in the course of his investigations. One of which is to follow the Dowager Countess and report on her actions, because his services are engaged by her erstwhile son, who also happens to be his housemate. The story gets a bit silly at times because of secrets such as this and cross-purposes, as the Dowager also hires Abe to investigate on her son, but in a charmingly chaotic manner. Freddie, the scoundrel from book 1, features quite a bit in this story, and shows himself to be gaining some growth and self awareness as a human being. From being the hated selfish villain of book 1, he becomes a man who is realizing his fallacies and losses and regrets them, but is at a loss of what to do to redeem himself. I hope to see that redemption in the future.
Millie, free from being stifled by her family and their expectations, grows into herself and becomes more bold and confident in her interactions with others, including Abe. They frequently spar and trade witticisms, and Abe engages her insight in his investigations, and even though sometimes it is as a distraction from his work, she does provide valuable information into a case that he has been following - namely a series of high profile jewel heists. Society is rocked by another scandal though, when a new publication becomes available, the Wallflower Manifesto. Nobody knows who the author is and there is much speculation - Millie is aghast however because it is the publication of a set of writings she had penned as a personal essay meant to be shared amongst her friends only. But they bring to light many open secrets about women in Society, and are quite a revelation for many who read it.
It was enjoyable reading about how Millie blooms and comes into herself, becoming more comfortable in her own skin and her interactions with others. I really enjoyed how Freddie grew as a character as well, very flawed, but there is a charm to him as well, and now I want to see how he matures and hopefully redeems himself.
4 stars out of 5
June 29, 2025
I was honoured to receive this advance copy of this book & this is my honest review. This is the 2nd incredible book in the Ladies Revenge Club series.
I loved this book so much, there is twists, turns, mysteries, romance and it will get you hooked straight away. More than a 5 star read
Millie Yardley - hates roses including the smell of them, but she loves journalling & occasionally doodling next to her writing.
Millie becomes a Lady's Companion to Lady Bentley as she wanted to attend social events during the Season as she never had the chance to enjoy London during a Season
In this story we learn that there are different rules for Debutantes, Spinsters & Lady Companions, and what these ladies can get away with.
Lady Bentley is Freddie's mum. Freddie has wronged Dot, Ember and got Claire pregnant. These ladies became good friends from what they all went through.
Abe - Abraham Murphy is a Private Investigator. He is also a true gentleman and always there for those in his circle.
All the times that he has to go and visit his friend
Silas he encounters his cat who he thought was just pure evil.
Hannah Lazarus was Dot's charge that Season, this overwhelmed her and thought she'd end up as a wallflower so Millie spoke to her and explained that she was the very same as her.
Millie then got the idea about writing Hannah a letter to give her the advice that she had learnt which makes women more independent, in all areas of life which normally wouldn't be known.
Millie got Abe to read her manifesto he couldn't believe that she knew all this information, Mille's response was that you learn a lot when you are a Spinster on the outside looking in.
The manifesto went missing and got leaked to the press. This then creates havoc as no one knows who wrote it.
Through out the story both Millie & Abe are trying to solve the ongoing Jewellery theft mystery, which started during the last Season.
The moment Millie starts to have feelings for Abe she starts to fall hard but by this point Abe is already there and keeps trying to tempt Millie in joining him. Abe is the King of Double Entendres - so it gets HOT
Millie makes first move despite Abe 'trying' to be a gentleman. With everything going on does Millie stay a wall flower or does she join the roses reaching for the sun.
I loved this book so much, there is twists, turns, mysteries, romance and it will get you hooked straight away. More than a 5 star read
Millie Yardley - hates roses including the smell of them, but she loves journalling & occasionally doodling next to her writing.
Millie becomes a Lady's Companion to Lady Bentley as she wanted to attend social events during the Season as she never had the chance to enjoy London during a Season
In this story we learn that there are different rules for Debutantes, Spinsters & Lady Companions, and what these ladies can get away with.
Lady Bentley is Freddie's mum. Freddie has wronged Dot, Ember and got Claire pregnant. These ladies became good friends from what they all went through.
Abe - Abraham Murphy is a Private Investigator. He is also a true gentleman and always there for those in his circle.
All the times that he has to go and visit his friend
Silas he encounters his cat who he thought was just pure evil.
Hannah Lazarus was Dot's charge that Season, this overwhelmed her and thought she'd end up as a wallflower so Millie spoke to her and explained that she was the very same as her.
Millie then got the idea about writing Hannah a letter to give her the advice that she had learnt which makes women more independent, in all areas of life which normally wouldn't be known.
Millie got Abe to read her manifesto he couldn't believe that she knew all this information, Mille's response was that you learn a lot when you are a Spinster on the outside looking in.
The manifesto went missing and got leaked to the press. This then creates havoc as no one knows who wrote it.
Through out the story both Millie & Abe are trying to solve the ongoing Jewellery theft mystery, which started during the last Season.
The moment Millie starts to have feelings for Abe she starts to fall hard but by this point Abe is already there and keeps trying to tempt Millie in joining him. Abe is the King of Double Entendres - so it gets HOT
Millie makes first move despite Abe 'trying' to be a gentleman. With everything going on does Millie stay a wall flower or does she join the roses reaching for the sun.
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