The Duke’s Unexpected Wallflower: A Historical Regency Romance Novel

by Elizabeth Everly

491 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 20, 2026

About the author

Elizabeth Everly is a Regency romance author who crafts heartwarming tales of love, wit, and adventure. Inspired by history and classic literature, she creates unforgettable characters and sweeping stories. She adores period dramas, afternoon tea, and exploring historic homes.

Reviews

[Theld · Rating 4 out of 5]

After losing bother her parents by age 19 and being left destitute, Miss Beatrice Holloway is left in the care of her cousins who make no mind in letting her know she is a charity case that is not to be seen or heard from. Forever sitting in the shadows and being unseen except to be disparaged, Beatrice is resigned to life as it is until one fateful gathering when he SEES her. One dance changes everything for better or for worse.

Beatrice is absolutely relatable - from being of a size not readily acceptable by society, to not being conveniently attractive, to being stuck in her head about whether to take people at their word or if the anxiety is talking right. She's humble and fierce, and you can't help but want to wrap her in bubble wrap and give her a hot chocolate. Lawrence was the perfect match to help her and I wish we all had a him on our shoulders encouraging and loving us so we all could heal from the mean girls in our lives *sigh*.

If you're looking for a slower paced Regency romance that will soothe your middle school battle wounds, this book will do it for you.

*ARC review

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another good book by the author. In this book, the main character, Beatrice, is a slightly overweight relative staying with family who really doesn’t want her. Beatrice has learned to be a wallflower and be invisible. Her life has been this way for several years until at an event the Duke of Whitcombe, Lawrence, comes over and speaks to her. He is determined to make her realize she is not a wallflower, and she is someone who is special and worthwhile. I loved that this story is about something that is so common today. So many women think they are worthless due to their weight or looks and that’s so wrong. The story stressed that everyone is someone special. I just wish everyone knew this.

[Doreen Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love and Affection

I enjoyed this clean story. It described how the deep love and affection of Duke Lawrence saw Miss Beatrice as a person and not as an invisible wallflower. When many members of society looked down on Beatrice because she was the poor relation, without family or fortune, Lawrence saw the real person and cherished her. Beatrice found it hard to believe that she had attracted the interest of a Duke but Lawrence was patient with her until she believed him.
I liked the way Lawrence supported Beatrice when her insecurities made her feel she was not worthy of his affection. It took patience to help Beatrice realise that Lawrence was serious. She deserved her happy ending.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was a journey through the lived experience of Beatrice and Lawrence. Expectations of the women and men in the eyes of “society” really come under scrutiny. I liked how the sensitive topic of body image and self worth were explored as a central theme. Watching this couple navigate so much negativity but also receive supportive words and actions from true caring friends made the journey worthwhile. The power of believing in yourself and standing up for yourself despite opinions of others was powerful. Loved it.

I received an ARC and voluntarily am sharing my honest review.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worthiness comes from doing
your best and accepting yourself.
EPILOGUE
I believe that I am enough.
Chapter 14 "That is how courage works, my dear. We do not wait until we feel brave. We act as if we are brave and the feeling follows."
Chapter 15 "Courage is not the absence of fear. It is a decision to move forward despite it. And you have been moving forward.
Chapter 15 "He gave me permission to believe in myself. But the belief had to come within."

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story brought back harsh memories of being ignored and overlooked by all. When you don't fit into societies expectations your youth is shaped with conflicting emotions and trials. It takes courage and strength to move past what others judge as important. This is a story of that courage. Well developed plot and richly realistic.

[Karen Huebert · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Genuine Story Of Love

As doubts continue to make life unbearable the lady of this book is full of doubts and is in disbelief her life will ever be wonderful. Lawrence changes her over many months to make her believe in herself and love!

[Anita J. Swartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

I loved this story of unwavering commitment and strength of devotion. It is well written! Elizabeth Everly has become my new favorite with this one story.

[Cathy · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was a big bore. It was twice as long as it should have been. I had to keep flipping pages because it was so full of repetitions. A cute premise and a horrible execution.

[NelleRenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the storyline made me a little angry toward the bullies of the world. The FMC has done nothing wrong. She is an orphan who must live on the generosity of relative who treat her horribly. The MMC actually see the woman underneath the withdrawn shell she has erected for protection. How he manages to bring her self confidence leads to an enjoyable read.