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From Wallflower to Countess
She Was Always Overlooked...
Most girls would dream of marriage to the dashing Earl of Stanton, darling of the ton. For plain Lady Felicity Weston, used to being ignored, it’s a terrifying prospect!
Richard has always thought love is for fools. Although after an explosive wedding night he’s intrigued by his shy new bride. Day by day the tentative trust between these newlyweds grows. But the stakes in this marriage of convenience are raised when Felicity falls pregnant...
Will giving the Earl an heir finally help this wallflower blossom into a confident Countess?
Most girls would dream of marriage to the dashing Earl of Stanton, darling of the ton. For plain Lady Felicity Weston, used to being ignored, it’s a terrifying prospect!
Richard has always thought love is for fools. Although after an explosive wedding night he’s intrigued by his shy new bride. Day by day the tentative trust between these newlyweds grows. But the stakes in this marriage of convenience are raised when Felicity falls pregnant...
Will giving the Earl an heir finally help this wallflower blossom into a confident Countess?
288 pages, Paperback
First published March 28, 2015
55 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
Janice Preston
83 books152 followersI grew up in Wembley, North London, with a love of reading, writing stories and animals. After leaving school at eighteen, I moved to Devon and any thoughts of writing became lost in the hectic rush of life as a farmer’s wife, with two children and many animals to care for. When my children left home for university, I discovered a love of history and of the Regency period in particular and began to write seriously for the first time since my teens.
Real life then got in the way and I didn't write again until 2009. I joined the Romantic Novelists' Association in 2012 and my first Regency romance was accepted for publication by Harlequin Mills & Boon in late 2013.
I now live in the West Midlands with my second husband and two cats and I continue to write Regency romances for Harlequin Mills & Boon.
Real life then got in the way and I didn't write again until 2009. I joined the Romantic Novelists' Association in 2012 and my first Regency romance was accepted for publication by Harlequin Mills & Boon in late 2013.
I now live in the West Midlands with my second husband and two cats and I continue to write Regency romances for Harlequin Mills & Boon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
August 7, 2015
Actual rating: 2.5 stars.
This is one of those cases where the rating is quite literal: 2 stars means it's okay, 3 stars means it's good, and this book was in the middle of these two.
From Wallflower to Countess is very readable. I read it all in one go!
It doesn't have any excessive drama, and it's entertaining.
We're skilfully shown (not told! so that's good!) what makes these characters who they are, from the main characters to the secondary ones.
You didn't get villains who did things just to be evil, they had their reasons and these reasons made sense.
Of the "good" characters there was none I didn't like.
While the crux of the story kept me reading and it made sense, it also kept me feeling as if these people needed to wake up and realise that it was irrelevant what they chose to do or not to do, because the situation was already happening and they were turning into a sort of self-fulfilling prophecy of sorts. Mind you, this is addressed in the book!
The thing is, I never felt strongly about any of it, save for Felicity's sister, her mother's fate, Charles, and little Millie.
And while Felicity's sister's story was concluded, the others were just left dangling.
What happened to her mother and her odious new husband?
What happened with the annoying Charles?
Who did that despicable thing to poor Millie?
It just felt unfinished, even if the main plot was resolved.
Still, it's an entertaining read, especially for a cosy afternoon :)
May 9, 2016
If you're a fan of Regency romance or romance in general, I highly recommend you read this book. It's extremely enjoyable, easy-to-read escapism with likeable characters. A fun read. It also features that most elusive of things: well-written sex scenes!
July 22, 2017
Both Felicity Weston and Richard, Earl of Stanton are ready to marry, but don't want to go through the marriage mart. Felicity is a plain girl, and has attempted to find a husband the usual way, but has failed. She still wants to marry though, both to have children and to get out of her mother's house and away from her new step-father, so she asks her mother to arrange a marriage for her. After the recent, and sudden, death of one of his friends, Richard has decided to wed. He wants to ensure that he has children to inherit after him and to make sure his cousin Charles doesn't. The two of them end up matched together, which horrifies Felicity as she has nursed a secret tendre for Richard for years, and she doesn't want to fall in love with her husband; however, she has no choice but to follow through. Although the start of their marriage is awkward, the two begin to get closer to one another. This frightens Felicity though, and she requests that Richard keep their interactions solely to the night, and while this frustrates them both, he keeps to it until they both begin to realize that they can't without one another.
I thought that both Felicity and Richard were well-characterized and likeable leads. They both had their past issues which made them reluctant to love but needed to marry. I really liked how Richard helped Felicity to improve her self-confidence, and that he taught her how to drive. It was also nice to have a story that took place over a couple of months instead of a few days or weeks, so we could really see their relationship grow and develop.
There were a few hanging threads that were never resolved. Richard gets mugged, and that's apparently part of a series of muggings, but it's never spoken of again, and his cousin Charles is in trouble, but that's also never resolved. There were also problems between Felicity's mother and her step-father that weren't really fixed, and I wish we had seen more of the relationship between Felicity and her step-father as that was one of the major reasons why she decided marry. These subplots felt like they were just there to fill page space for a bit, and once they were no longer useful, they were just dropped instead of concluded.
The main point between Felicity and Richard was very enjoyable, but the side characters don't get the attention they need in this story.
I thought that both Felicity and Richard were well-characterized and likeable leads. They both had their past issues which made them reluctant to love but needed to marry. I really liked how Richard helped Felicity to improve her self-confidence, and that he taught her how to drive. It was also nice to have a story that took place over a couple of months instead of a few days or weeks, so we could really see their relationship grow and develop.
There were a few hanging threads that were never resolved. Richard gets mugged, and that's apparently part of a series of muggings, but it's never spoken of again, and his cousin Charles is in trouble, but that's also never resolved. There were also problems between Felicity's mother and her step-father that weren't really fixed, and I wish we had seen more of the relationship between Felicity and her step-father as that was one of the major reasons why she decided marry. These subplots felt like they were just there to fill page space for a bit, and once they were no longer useful, they were just dropped instead of concluded.
The main point between Felicity and Richard was very enjoyable, but the side characters don't get the attention they need in this story.
September 3, 2018
Chatrný příběh, nudní hrdinové, nudný styl psaní.
Připomíná mi Cartlandovou. Hrdinka je telátko, které hrdinu miluje - bo je dobrý v posteli a je na něho hrdá, protože pěkně sedí na koni a V jeho klíně už byla jasně patrná erekce a Felicity napadlo, jak je na svého krásného muže hrdá. (s. 239).
Ale nechce ho milovat. A trpí, protože on ji nemiluje. Plus ukňučená hloupoučká matka se záletným manželem a velká tajemství, která hrdinka vykládá na potkání.
s. 90 „Third finger“ může být prostředníček i prsteníček, ale pokud na něm otáčí snubákem, tak to asi prostředníček nebude.
s. 245 Napadli mě tři muži.
s. 151 Byli to dva muži s klacky.
s. 62 přehlížená členka rodina
s. 103 W[h]ittaker
s. 111, 112 Brutusem
s. 125 ov-šem
s. 181 Lokajové už nosily
s. 209 jak odhází po cestě k domu
s. 212 o sloupek brány, u níž chtěla vyjet ?
ji/jí - s. 214 (2x)
Připomíná mi Cartlandovou. Hrdinka je telátko, které hrdinu miluje - bo je dobrý v posteli a je na něho hrdá, protože pěkně sedí na koni a V jeho klíně už byla jasně patrná erekce a Felicity napadlo, jak je na svého krásného muže hrdá. (s. 239).
Ale nechce ho milovat. A trpí, protože on ji nemiluje. Plus ukňučená hloupoučká matka se záletným manželem a velká tajemství, která hrdinka vykládá na potkání.
s. 90 „Third finger“ může být prostředníček i prsteníček, ale pokud na něm otáčí snubákem, tak to asi prostředníček nebude.
s. 245 Napadli mě tři muži.
s. 151 Byli to dva muži s klacky.
s. 62 přehlížená členka rodina
s. 103 W[h]ittaker
s. 111, 112 Brutusem
s. 125 ov-šem
s. 181 Lokajové už nosily
s. 209 jak odhází po cestě k domu
s. 212 o sloupek brány, u níž chtěla vyjet ?
ji/jí - s. 214 (2x)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2018
From Wallflower to Countess by Janice Preston is a very mesmerizing and well written story. I loved the characters and found them to all be very interesting. This book, had me hooked from the very beginning. The story and characters are all very well developed and you can feel every emotion as you read. The story flows nicely and there isn’t any holes in the story BUT I wish it didn’t end when it did. I had a few questions about Charles and Harriet that were left unanswered. It felt a little unfinished for me... Because I just have to know everything 😂. Anyways, it doesn’t detract from the story, it’s just my curiosity that gets the best of me. A very easy 5 stars.
May 16, 2015
OMG THE BATH SCENE
Such was to be my review, because, really... OMG THE BATH SCENE. But I think I should give some context to that random exclamation.
Whereas historical romances usually save the wedding - and therefore the bedding - to the end, Janice turns this on its head by writing about the emotional turmoil of an arranged marriage, so that fairly early on in the story, we find Felicity and Richard married. This can only mean one thing, of course.... OMG THE BATH SCENE.
Janice has a good feel for the language and tone of a Regency to make it sound convincing for the time period in which it's set. Unlike some historicals I've read, with Janice's novels, you're in the hands of someone who knows the historical milieu and has a deftness of touch - you're not constantly bludgeoned over the head with historical detail but there's enough to keep you within the world of the book.
She's very good at presenting her characters' inner conflicts, and poor Felicity, who could've been a stereotypical "plain Jane", convinces as a rounded character, who must overcome her trauma at losing her sister and the pressures of being burdened with a silly, selfish mother.
There are perhaps points at which a reader might think, "For goodness' sake, why doesn't he/she just TELL the other one what they're thinking" but 1. you could say that about "Figaro", for heaven's sake, and if they did *that* the whole opera would be over before the overture has finished, and 2. these are people living in the early 1800s. They're good at conversing in an artful way but despite the cult of sensibility, the kind of people who opt for an arranged marriage out of familial duty are going to be the sort of people who struggle to communicate their feelings (even if their feelings overwhelm them at times).
Part of what convinces with the development of the protagonists' relationship is how they connect and communicate on a physical level, and I think Janice handles this well, the sauce-pot. Which leads me back to where I began...
OMG THE BATH SCENE.
Such was to be my review, because, really... OMG THE BATH SCENE. But I think I should give some context to that random exclamation.
Whereas historical romances usually save the wedding - and therefore the bedding - to the end, Janice turns this on its head by writing about the emotional turmoil of an arranged marriage, so that fairly early on in the story, we find Felicity and Richard married. This can only mean one thing, of course.... OMG THE BATH SCENE.
Janice has a good feel for the language and tone of a Regency to make it sound convincing for the time period in which it's set. Unlike some historicals I've read, with Janice's novels, you're in the hands of someone who knows the historical milieu and has a deftness of touch - you're not constantly bludgeoned over the head with historical detail but there's enough to keep you within the world of the book.
She's very good at presenting her characters' inner conflicts, and poor Felicity, who could've been a stereotypical "plain Jane", convinces as a rounded character, who must overcome her trauma at losing her sister and the pressures of being burdened with a silly, selfish mother.
There are perhaps points at which a reader might think, "For goodness' sake, why doesn't he/she just TELL the other one what they're thinking" but 1. you could say that about "Figaro", for heaven's sake, and if they did *that* the whole opera would be over before the overture has finished, and 2. these are people living in the early 1800s. They're good at conversing in an artful way but despite the cult of sensibility, the kind of people who opt for an arranged marriage out of familial duty are going to be the sort of people who struggle to communicate their feelings (even if their feelings overwhelm them at times).
Part of what convinces with the development of the protagonists' relationship is how they connect and communicate on a physical level, and I think Janice handles this well, the sauce-pot. Which leads me back to where I began...
OMG THE BATH SCENE.
March 27, 2016
Both heroine and hero were a bit irritating, there was a Big Mis scenario, and
Spoilers
I am uneasy when a romance couple are brought together by their shared experiences of family traumas such as suicide. The emotional estrangement between the hero and his mother in particular seemed implausible and a bit glib.
That said, this was readable and the writing slipped down easily and without any jarring moments.
Spoilers
I am uneasy when a romance couple are brought together by their shared experiences of family traumas such as suicide. The emotional estrangement between the hero and his mother in particular seemed implausible and a bit glib.
That said, this was readable and the writing slipped down easily and without any jarring moments.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2020
Mills & Boon-O-Meter : 4 out of 5
(As a stand alone, I'd give it a 3, it was an enjoyable read tbh)
- I like this one because there is no girl hate/rivalry. Hell, I really liked Harriet, the old mistress, because she was a cool widow who looks after poor girls ♀️
- It was a pretty convincing relationship, declarations of love were hard earnt. I think this M&B was pretty mature so far in making the distinction between love and lust
- Still, don't worry romance lovers, the heat is there (that bath tub scene ...🔥)
- Regency England was pretty well-researched , and the author created and immersive world without overwhelming us
- Richard turned out to be quite a nice guy lmao, and very swoon worthy. He did a lot for Felicity's family
- It was refreshing to read about a plain heroine. I really hate that "she's beautiful, but doesn't know it 😢" trope. Felicity is attractive to Richard and others because of her sweetness and her smile
- The family secret in Richard's family was so interesting! Like, this M&B actually had a plot! Liked reading about the dynamic between Richard and his mum, surprisingly it was written with depth
- Scheming Charles was a horrible villain muahaha!
- The climax was well written, I was at the edge of my seat when I thought everything was over between Richard and Felicity
- Pleasantly surprised with soft end 💁
(As a stand alone, I'd give it a 3, it was an enjoyable read tbh)
- I like this one because there is no girl hate/rivalry. Hell, I really liked Harriet, the old mistress, because she was a cool widow who looks after poor girls ♀️
- It was a pretty convincing relationship, declarations of love were hard earnt. I think this M&B was pretty mature so far in making the distinction between love and lust
- Still, don't worry romance lovers, the heat is there (that bath tub scene ...🔥)
- Regency England was pretty well-researched , and the author created and immersive world without overwhelming us
- Richard turned out to be quite a nice guy lmao, and very swoon worthy. He did a lot for Felicity's family
- It was refreshing to read about a plain heroine. I really hate that "she's beautiful, but doesn't know it 😢" trope. Felicity is attractive to Richard and others because of her sweetness and her smile
- The family secret in Richard's family was so interesting! Like, this M&B actually had a plot! Liked reading about the dynamic between Richard and his mum, surprisingly it was written with depth
- Scheming Charles was a horrible villain muahaha!
- The climax was well written, I was at the edge of my seat when I thought everything was over between Richard and Felicity
- Pleasantly surprised with soft end 💁
August 1, 2018
This is the first book I have read from author Janice Preston and loved it! Will definitely be reading more of her books in the near future!
Richard the Earl of Stanton is considered one of the most eligible bachelors of the ton. Lady Felicity Weston who has been out for 6 years has always lived in the shadow of her mother and sister and does not feel she is good enough or pretty enough for a man like Stanton. Our hero and heroine end up in a marriage of convenience arranged by others as neither want to go through the marriage mart. Both wanted a marriage with no emotional ties and there are many doubts between the two on if they will suit or not...
I liked Felicity and Richard from the start. Both have insecurities and tragedies in their pasts that keep them from being open with each other in the beginning. There is definitely a spark of attraction between them and I liked that their relationship actually had time to grow as they both began to trust and love one another!
I really enjoyed Richard and Felicity’s story along with the great secondary characters and I would highly recommend it!
Richard the Earl of Stanton is considered one of the most eligible bachelors of the ton. Lady Felicity Weston who has been out for 6 years has always lived in the shadow of her mother and sister and does not feel she is good enough or pretty enough for a man like Stanton. Our hero and heroine end up in a marriage of convenience arranged by others as neither want to go through the marriage mart. Both wanted a marriage with no emotional ties and there are many doubts between the two on if they will suit or not...
I liked Felicity and Richard from the start. Both have insecurities and tragedies in their pasts that keep them from being open with each other in the beginning. There is definitely a spark of attraction between them and I liked that their relationship actually had time to grow as they both began to trust and love one another!
I really enjoyed Richard and Felicity’s story along with the great secondary characters and I would highly recommend it!
November 13, 2025
This was my first book by this author, and it has a premise I don’t normally pick up. The “plain Jane” wallflower trope isn’t usually something I’m drawn to, though I do enjoy shy FMCs.
The book itself was very easy to read, and I flew through it. The angst was well done, and the miscommunications felt believable. Some of the side plots were tossed in and never really resolved, but I didn’t mind since they didn’t appeal much anyway.
The one thing I genuinely disliked was the mistress aspect.
Overall, I had a good time with this story, and I’ll be picking up more from this author in the future.
The book itself was very easy to read, and I flew through it. The angst was well done, and the miscommunications felt believable. Some of the side plots were tossed in and never really resolved, but I didn’t mind since they didn’t appeal much anyway.
The one thing I genuinely disliked was the mistress aspect.
Overall, I had a good time with this story, and I’ll be picking up more from this author in the future.
February 23, 2019
The mother is really a piece of work - uncaring, always comparing her other daughter, proclaiming she made the match when it was the other guardian who arranged it, marrying a man who treats who daughter terrible and not giving any real advice about the marriage bed, no compassion when needed. Daughter cut her loose her mother and stepfather are deadwood.
Enjoyed reading about this couple, their marriage of convenience, trying to guard their hearts due to past family hurts, loved Yvettes personality n care for her mistress, also great ending, found harriet quite charming n charles annoying in his sucking up yet thinks that earns him brownie points to get money yet his careless tongue n use of money will eventually bite him
Enjoyed reading about this couple, their marriage of convenience, trying to guard their hearts due to past family hurts, loved Yvettes personality n care for her mistress, also great ending, found harriet quite charming n charles annoying in his sucking up yet thinks that earns him brownie points to get money yet his careless tongue n use of money will eventually bite him
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2024
Good story. It must have been exceedingly difficult to be a newly married young aristocratic woman
in Regency and Victorian England when it was commonly accepted that male aristos would take mistresses. It was also, accepted, however that the wives could also take lovers after giving birth to an heir and spare. This dealt with the mutual angst of both parties. However, I truly doubt there was the modern (since Freud) introspection displayed by our couple and, some sex scenes were too explicit. However, the book was well written.
in Regency and Victorian England when it was commonly accepted that male aristos would take mistresses. It was also, accepted, however that the wives could also take lovers after giving birth to an heir and spare. This dealt with the mutual angst of both parties. However, I truly doubt there was the modern (since Freud) introspection displayed by our couple and, some sex scenes were too explicit. However, the book was well written.
February 8, 2025
Disclaimer: reviews are really a means to track my own thoughts on a book for my own purposes.
This was a pretty forgettable story and I didn't care for the MCs. It felt like a bad soap opera to me. The dramatics weren't really fleshed out and felt superficial. I just couldn't get emotionally invested.
This was a pretty forgettable story and I didn't care for the MCs. It felt like a bad soap opera to me. The dramatics weren't really fleshed out and felt superficial. I just couldn't get emotionally invested.
November 14, 2020
There were a few inconsistencies (IMO) regarding the heroine’s beliefs and insecurities, and I do wish there had been a bit more groveling and drama around the Misunderstandings, but this was an excellent story hitting on some of my favorite tropes!
January 4, 2018
My favourite by this author!
May 16, 2018
I was annoyed with the ex mistress drama and how he bought her a gift and etc but I guess that is normal. Ex mistress befriending the new wife, talk about awkward.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2018
Great historical accuracy and tone in this book.
October 1, 2018
This book was extremely frustrating. The characters never said what they wanted.
June 24, 2019
A solid 2,5 book. It was a fun read, but some parts of the story weren't really resolved and the ending felt a little rushed.
Read
October 20, 2023charming MCs tho they needed heads knocking together several times!
November 2, 2025
I usually love marriage of convenience stories. While this one wasn’t bad, it was boring and predictable.
I also don’t enjoy the level of miscommunication that occurred for most of the book.
I also don’t enjoy the level of miscommunication that occurred for most of the book.
Read
January 12, 2016I really enjoyed this story. It had unique elements such as the bride being the one to request her mother to find her a husband and arrange a marriage for her. She really didn't care who she married, she just wanted a home, children and to continue with her good works. Basically, she wants a quiet life. By a quirk a fate, her mom manages to catch an uncatchable and highly desired gentleman. It was a pleasure getting to know the H and h while they fell in love. Their insecurities kept them from expressing their true thoughts and feelings. At times I wanted to jump into the book and talk to both of them, tell them to open their eyes and hearts but eventually, they discovered love and their HEA was very well brought together by Preston. ~ Kim
April 29, 2015
I absolutely loved this second novel from Janice Preston. In unprepossessing but determined heroine, Felicity Weston, she has created a masterpiece. After tragically losing her older sister, Felicity has always felt second best in her mother's eyes. This trait she shares with Richard, Earl of Stanton, who lost his older brother in a tragic accident. When a marriage of convenience is arranged between the pair, they circle warily round each other, determined not to fall in love. 'Love is for fools,' declares Richard, a remark unfortunately overheard by Felicity. The dialogue between this beautifully drawn couple is sparkling and I am totally envious of Janice's talent for dialogue.
August 22, 2021
I find it unusual how low the rating for this book is considering it's one of my all time favourite historical romances. I come back to it time and time again. It's very near to the most perfect book in my opinion, with my favourite trope, MOC, and very well written to boot. For a long time I waited for her next novel. So happy Ms Preston is still writing.
Please read this novel so you can love it too.
Please read this novel so you can love it too.
June 8, 2024
God, sometimes I just wanted to...ugh, jump into the story and shake these two stupid. You'll understand I loved it. Hooked from beginning to end through every frustration, second thought, circumstance and coincidence.
April 25, 2015
Felicity shunned marriage as did Richard...but events conspired against them. And it turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to them
May 31, 2015
a lovely story.
August 19, 2015
One of my favorites.Shows the slow development of tender affections between the characters.
May 19, 2016
Excellent book I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read another one by this Author.
Can't wait to read another one by this Author.
April 9, 2017
For a historical with a lot of sex scenes, this was completely lacking in sexual tension. For a romance to be sexy, it doesn't need to be overtly explicit but it does need to have heat between the H and h. I don't know how you write that as an author, but I do know when it's missing.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews