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The Wallflowers of West Lane #3
Capturing the Earl
The friendship of four young ladies has created an indestructible bond to protect one another from the perils of love and marriage...
After the demise of her friend's disastrous marriage, Mercedes Parsons isn't about to let the widowed Wallflower of West Lane, Lady Aurora Radcliff, undertake another perilous trip to the altar. At least, not before the bridegroom-to-be is thoroughly investigated. If only Mercy could stop her uncharacteristic daydreaming about Wesley Renshaw's charm, his intellect, his dashing good looks. After all, the earl has already set his sights on her best friend! She must keep her wits about her and avoid giving into temptation.
Wesley is both irritated and intrigued by the machinations of Mercy—He cannot let her cleverness and beauty distract him. He needs to marry her friend, Aurora, so he can reclaim his family's ancestral home. A wrong he has hoped to right his entire life. Besides, who is penniless spinster Mercedes Parsons to decide whom he can and cannot marry? Yet while he admires her unwavering loyalty to her friends, he decides it's high time the misguided woman had a dose of her own medicine. Two can play at this spying game. But they are both embarked on a dangerous charade. And it won’t be merely Mercy's reputation at risk—or her heart on the line—as Wesley comes to the inescapable conclusion that he has found the right woman at exactly the wrong time.
After the demise of her friend's disastrous marriage, Mercedes Parsons isn't about to let the widowed Wallflower of West Lane, Lady Aurora Radcliff, undertake another perilous trip to the altar. At least, not before the bridegroom-to-be is thoroughly investigated. If only Mercy could stop her uncharacteristic daydreaming about Wesley Renshaw's charm, his intellect, his dashing good looks. After all, the earl has already set his sights on her best friend! She must keep her wits about her and avoid giving into temptation.
Wesley is both irritated and intrigued by the machinations of Mercy—He cannot let her cleverness and beauty distract him. He needs to marry her friend, Aurora, so he can reclaim his family's ancestral home. A wrong he has hoped to right his entire life. Besides, who is penniless spinster Mercedes Parsons to decide whom he can and cannot marry? Yet while he admires her unwavering loyalty to her friends, he decides it's high time the misguided woman had a dose of her own medicine. Two can play at this spying game. But they are both embarked on a dangerous charade. And it won’t be merely Mercy's reputation at risk—or her heart on the line—as Wesley comes to the inescapable conclusion that he has found the right woman at exactly the wrong time.
243 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 26, 2021
64 people are currently reading
306 people want to read
About the author
A.S. Fenichel
43 books782 followersA.S. Fenichel (Andie Fenichel) gave up a successful IT career in New York City to pursue her lifelong dream of being a professional writer. She's never looked back.
Andrea adores writing stories filled with love, passion, desire, magic and maybe a little mayhem tossed in for good measure. Books have always been her perfect escape and she still relishes diving into one and staying up all night to finish a good story.
She is currently writing Regency romance for Kensington Publishing and you can learn more about Andrea's books at http://asfenichel.com or visit her on her Facebook page, where she spends entirely too much time. https://www.facebook.com/A.S.Fenichel.
Originally from New York, she grew up in New Jersey, and now lives in Missouri with her real life hero, her wonderful husband and a fussy cat . When not reading or writing she enjoys cooking, travel, history, and puttering in her garden.
Andrea adores writing stories filled with love, passion, desire, magic and maybe a little mayhem tossed in for good measure. Books have always been her perfect escape and she still relishes diving into one and staying up all night to finish a good story.
She is currently writing Regency romance for Kensington Publishing and you can learn more about Andrea's books at http://asfenichel.com or visit her on her Facebook page, where she spends entirely too much time. https://www.facebook.com/A.S.Fenichel.
Originally from New York, she grew up in New Jersey, and now lives in Missouri with her real life hero, her wonderful husband and a fussy cat . When not reading or writing she enjoys cooking, travel, history, and puttering in her garden.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
November 16, 2020
All right! I've somehow made it to the third book!
The Wallflowers of West Lane series has been a bit of a mixed bag for me. A.S. Fenichel takes some interesting risks in all of her books, which I really appreciate, but sometimes they can come across a bit unpolished and incomplete. I don't want to spoil it, but this particular novel had a random sexual violence-related storyline thrown in at the end that I truly detested, and it felt was both unnecessary and poorly executed.
Mercy was one of my favorite characters in the series leading up to Capturing the Earl, and I loved both her chemistry with Wesley and her personality; her connection to music was especially well-done. That said, some of their conflicts became redundant in the second half of the book, and it felt like any time they reached a roadblock, they sorted through it in a matter of pages.
This book was trending as just fine for me until the storyline at the end; it's 2-2.5 stars.
Content warning: Sexual assault, mentions of prior abuse
The Wallflowers of West Lane series has been a bit of a mixed bag for me. A.S. Fenichel takes some interesting risks in all of her books, which I really appreciate, but sometimes they can come across a bit unpolished and incomplete. I don't want to spoil it, but this particular novel had a random sexual violence-related storyline thrown in at the end that I truly detested, and it felt was both unnecessary and poorly executed.
Mercy was one of my favorite characters in the series leading up to Capturing the Earl, and I loved both her chemistry with Wesley and her personality; her connection to music was especially well-done. That said, some of their conflicts became redundant in the second half of the book, and it felt like any time they reached a roadblock, they sorted through it in a matter of pages.
This book was trending as just fine for me until the storyline at the end; it's 2-2.5 stars.
Content warning: Sexual assault, mentions of prior abuse
October 10, 2020
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
After two of her very close friends married recently, Miss Mercedes Hawke is anxious that everything is changing. She still has best friend, Lady Aurora Radcliff, who is adamant she will not remarry after her horrific first marriage, but when the one gentlemen to ever make Mercy think again starts to woo Aurora, she needs to put a stop to it. Wesley Renshaw, the Earl of Castlewick, has been more than intrigued by the beautiful Miss Hawke after their dance a few months ago, but needs to woo, and marry, the widowed Lady Radcliff to recover part of his ancestral estate that was sold off by his penniless and debt-ridden grandfather. Mercy is the only thing standing in his way, but the more they are together, the more their feelings and chemistry grow, and it soon becomes apparent that no one is wanting the marriage to go ahead, except for the Dowager Countess of Marsden. Will Mercy and Wesley find a solution to their problems, or was their relationship doomed from the start?
After finishing the previous book in the series, Misleading a Duke, I was fascinated by the Wallflower group, and definitely wanted to continue the series. Mercy and Wesley were wonderful characters, and voices for the story. Because of her upbringing, and losing her parents when she was 14, Mercy isn't exactly what you would call a catch in the ton, so is often overlooked, especially when her three best friends are either a duchess or a countess. She's used to this, but the attention and real chemistry between herself and Wesley was undeniable, and seeing him come and call, but to court Aurora, was heartbreaking. I really understood Wesley's motivation for it, but definitely appreciated the way he struggled with his own feelings too. He was drawn away from Aurora again and again to Mercy, and it was inevitable that the two of them would find themselves in more and more compromising situations. Unlike the previous book, there wasn't a lot of danger and angst, but the heartbreak was real, and pulling on my heartstrings on a wet, autumnal morning when I read Capturing the Earl. I'm not sure if there's another book planned, but I'd love to see Aurora be happy, and see more of the three main couples as they move on in their own relationships! I really need to get a copy of book 1 now, to see how Poppy and Rhys fell for each other.
After two of her very close friends married recently, Miss Mercedes Hawke is anxious that everything is changing. She still has best friend, Lady Aurora Radcliff, who is adamant she will not remarry after her horrific first marriage, but when the one gentlemen to ever make Mercy think again starts to woo Aurora, she needs to put a stop to it. Wesley Renshaw, the Earl of Castlewick, has been more than intrigued by the beautiful Miss Hawke after their dance a few months ago, but needs to woo, and marry, the widowed Lady Radcliff to recover part of his ancestral estate that was sold off by his penniless and debt-ridden grandfather. Mercy is the only thing standing in his way, but the more they are together, the more their feelings and chemistry grow, and it soon becomes apparent that no one is wanting the marriage to go ahead, except for the Dowager Countess of Marsden. Will Mercy and Wesley find a solution to their problems, or was their relationship doomed from the start?
After finishing the previous book in the series, Misleading a Duke, I was fascinated by the Wallflower group, and definitely wanted to continue the series. Mercy and Wesley were wonderful characters, and voices for the story. Because of her upbringing, and losing her parents when she was 14, Mercy isn't exactly what you would call a catch in the ton, so is often overlooked, especially when her three best friends are either a duchess or a countess. She's used to this, but the attention and real chemistry between herself and Wesley was undeniable, and seeing him come and call, but to court Aurora, was heartbreaking. I really understood Wesley's motivation for it, but definitely appreciated the way he struggled with his own feelings too. He was drawn away from Aurora again and again to Mercy, and it was inevitable that the two of them would find themselves in more and more compromising situations. Unlike the previous book, there wasn't a lot of danger and angst, but the heartbreak was real, and pulling on my heartstrings on a wet, autumnal morning when I read Capturing the Earl. I'm not sure if there's another book planned, but I'd love to see Aurora be happy, and see more of the three main couples as they move on in their own relationships! I really need to get a copy of book 1 now, to see how Poppy and Rhys fell for each other.
January 13, 2021
Since her friend, Lady Aurora Radcliff, suffered a disastrous first marriage, Mercedes Heath is determined not to let her be coerced into another bad match. At the least, she’ll make sure this suitor’s character is well-evaluated by their friend group. Unfortunately, Mercy is plagued by distracting thoughts of the man herself. Reminding herself of his interest in her best friend, Mercy tries her best to tamp down her feelings and avoid temptation.
Wesley Renshaw, the Earl of Castlewick, is annoyed by Mercy’s attempts to come between himself and her friend, and yet he’s simultaneously charmed and left wanting to know her more. He reminds himself that it is Aurora he must marry in order to restore his family’s ancestral home, which she now owns, to his title and repair the family honor his grandfather destroyed. He tries to keep himself from becoming distracted by Mercy, but he cannot help himself and soon both his heart and Mercy’s are at risk.
I was a bit nervous about this book at first just given the premise of the hero being interested in another woman, especially the heroine’s friend. But since neither of them actually had any feelings for each other and Wesley was merely trying to restore his family’s reputation and do his duty by them, that wasn’t really an issue here. I really loved the sense of inevitability that developed with this couple’s continued acquaintance, especially when Wesley recognized it too. It was a bit frustrating how long it took Mercy to believe in her own self-worth, but she also knew what she wanted and refused to settle for less, which I loved. Wesley’s steadfastness in convincing Mercy of his ardor was also very endearing and made me like them more as a couple. I only wish Wesley’s cousin had been dealt with a bit more thoroughly, along with Aurora’s mother. Both were vaguely villainous and menacing but then just faded away a bit anticlimactically. Nonetheless, I enjoyed this book and the rock-solid bond shared between the wallflowers and now their spouses as well. Now I’m curious as to whether Aurora will get her own story and HEA and I’m hoping the answer is yes.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Wesley Renshaw, the Earl of Castlewick, is annoyed by Mercy’s attempts to come between himself and her friend, and yet he’s simultaneously charmed and left wanting to know her more. He reminds himself that it is Aurora he must marry in order to restore his family’s ancestral home, which she now owns, to his title and repair the family honor his grandfather destroyed. He tries to keep himself from becoming distracted by Mercy, but he cannot help himself and soon both his heart and Mercy’s are at risk.
I was a bit nervous about this book at first just given the premise of the hero being interested in another woman, especially the heroine’s friend. But since neither of them actually had any feelings for each other and Wesley was merely trying to restore his family’s reputation and do his duty by them, that wasn’t really an issue here. I really loved the sense of inevitability that developed with this couple’s continued acquaintance, especially when Wesley recognized it too. It was a bit frustrating how long it took Mercy to believe in her own self-worth, but she also knew what she wanted and refused to settle for less, which I loved. Wesley’s steadfastness in convincing Mercy of his ardor was also very endearing and made me like them more as a couple. I only wish Wesley’s cousin had been dealt with a bit more thoroughly, along with Aurora’s mother. Both were vaguely villainous and menacing but then just faded away a bit anticlimactically. Nonetheless, I enjoyed this book and the rock-solid bond shared between the wallflowers and now their spouses as well. Now I’m curious as to whether Aurora will get her own story and HEA and I’m hoping the answer is yes.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
January 13, 2021
Series: The Wallflowers of West Lane #3
Publication: 1/26/21
Number of Pages: 304
*** 3.5 Stars rounded up to 4 ***
This series features four friends who first met at Miss Agatha Wormbattle’s School for Young Ladies in Lucerne, Switzerland. The young ladies, Aurora, Faith (Misleading A Duke), Poppy (The Earl Not Taken), and Mercy had trouble following the rules of society, so their parents sent them away to school to learn to behave properly. While the parents all viewed it as a punishment, the young ladies viewed it as the best thing to ever happen to them. After school, Aurora’s parents forced her to marry a vile, abusive, nasty man who mistreated her – almost killed her. After his early death (YAY!), the Wallflowers all came to live with Aurora and they all vowed that no man would ever, ever, ever be allowed to hurt one of them again. Any man wishing to court and/or marry one of them would be fully investigated by all of the others. They would investigate and they would thwart whatever plans he had if it was necessary.
After the ultra-exciting, action-packed story in the last book, I was really looking forward to this book being another rip-roaring tale. I didn’t get it. This book was much slower paced – almost dragging – and I had a real love-hate relationship with the male lead. I liked him when he was kind and considerate of Mercy – but detested him when he’d kiss her one minute and then pursue marriage with her best friend the next minute. I liked the female lead, but, she often annoyed me as well. She was SUCH a doormat. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the read, it just wasn’t stellar.
Wesley Renshaw, the Earl of Castlewick, has dedicated his adulthood to rebuilding his family estate and legacy after his profligate grandfather lost or sold most of it off to stay out of debtor’s prison. Wesley’s father did the best he could with the estate, but with no resources at hand, he only managed to keep what was left in-tact. On his death bed, Wesley’s father made him promise to continue rebuilding the estate until it was whole again. Wesley’s talent and skills as an investor and businessman have allowed him to rebuild all of the family’s fortune and lands except for one piece, Cheshire. That piece is owned by Lady Aurora Sherbourn, a widow who Wesley intends to court and marry in order to gain the land. I like that Wesley is upfront about why he wants to marry Aurora – but his arrogance is beyond the pale. Although Aurora and everyone who knows Aurora tells him she will not marry him or anyone else, he considers the marriage a done-deal – it will happen. Does he really think he is so irresistible? Apparently. He likes Aurora very well, but he doesn’t love her – he just wants the land.
Mercy Heath is the only Wallflower left living with Aurora. Mercy is sure she’ll never marry – she is a woman of no means, no title, and no influence. The only men who have pursued her are of absolutely no interest to her. She is a bit concerned about her future once her beloved aunt, Lady Phyllis Mattock, passes away – but she hopes that won’t be for a very long time. Mercy understands that not everyone can marry for love, but she’s not met one man who even remotely interests her. Mercy is a gifted musician who most hostesses’ request to play at every function she attends. Basically – she performs for her supper. When she dances with Wesley Renshaw at a ball, she is smitten. Nobody ever dances with her and she doesn’t understand why he does. He actually treats her as if he likes her and likes dancing with her. When, two months later, Aurora’s toad of a mother announces that the Earl of Castlewick will be paying calls on Aurora with the intention of courting and marrying her, Mercy is shocked – but mostly she’s outraged for her friend.
I liked seeing the arrogant Wesley come to terms with the promise he made to his father. Sometimes, you just have to let go and change your plans to something even better. I didn’t like cousin Malcolm in the least and couldn’t understand his role in the book. I know he was to cause conflict, but he was so ill-defined. I couldn’t decide if he was truly a friend and trying to do something for Wesley, albeit stupidly, or if he was, at heart, a villain. I also couldn’t understand the quick tolerance for him. I don’t know – that whole thread was just uncalled for and weird.
I enjoyed the story and am looking forward to Aurora’s book. I hope that one is as exciting as the second book in the series. I’d love to see the author and publisher add books for Mr. Geb Arafa (I love him), and for Mercy’s aunt Phyllis. That probably won’t happen, but I’d love it. I hope you will read this book and enjoy it too.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication: 1/26/21
Number of Pages: 304
*** 3.5 Stars rounded up to 4 ***
This series features four friends who first met at Miss Agatha Wormbattle’s School for Young Ladies in Lucerne, Switzerland. The young ladies, Aurora, Faith (Misleading A Duke), Poppy (The Earl Not Taken), and Mercy had trouble following the rules of society, so their parents sent them away to school to learn to behave properly. While the parents all viewed it as a punishment, the young ladies viewed it as the best thing to ever happen to them. After school, Aurora’s parents forced her to marry a vile, abusive, nasty man who mistreated her – almost killed her. After his early death (YAY!), the Wallflowers all came to live with Aurora and they all vowed that no man would ever, ever, ever be allowed to hurt one of them again. Any man wishing to court and/or marry one of them would be fully investigated by all of the others. They would investigate and they would thwart whatever plans he had if it was necessary.
After the ultra-exciting, action-packed story in the last book, I was really looking forward to this book being another rip-roaring tale. I didn’t get it. This book was much slower paced – almost dragging – and I had a real love-hate relationship with the male lead. I liked him when he was kind and considerate of Mercy – but detested him when he’d kiss her one minute and then pursue marriage with her best friend the next minute. I liked the female lead, but, she often annoyed me as well. She was SUCH a doormat. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the read, it just wasn’t stellar.
Wesley Renshaw, the Earl of Castlewick, has dedicated his adulthood to rebuilding his family estate and legacy after his profligate grandfather lost or sold most of it off to stay out of debtor’s prison. Wesley’s father did the best he could with the estate, but with no resources at hand, he only managed to keep what was left in-tact. On his death bed, Wesley’s father made him promise to continue rebuilding the estate until it was whole again. Wesley’s talent and skills as an investor and businessman have allowed him to rebuild all of the family’s fortune and lands except for one piece, Cheshire. That piece is owned by Lady Aurora Sherbourn, a widow who Wesley intends to court and marry in order to gain the land. I like that Wesley is upfront about why he wants to marry Aurora – but his arrogance is beyond the pale. Although Aurora and everyone who knows Aurora tells him she will not marry him or anyone else, he considers the marriage a done-deal – it will happen. Does he really think he is so irresistible? Apparently. He likes Aurora very well, but he doesn’t love her – he just wants the land.
Mercy Heath is the only Wallflower left living with Aurora. Mercy is sure she’ll never marry – she is a woman of no means, no title, and no influence. The only men who have pursued her are of absolutely no interest to her. She is a bit concerned about her future once her beloved aunt, Lady Phyllis Mattock, passes away – but she hopes that won’t be for a very long time. Mercy understands that not everyone can marry for love, but she’s not met one man who even remotely interests her. Mercy is a gifted musician who most hostesses’ request to play at every function she attends. Basically – she performs for her supper. When she dances with Wesley Renshaw at a ball, she is smitten. Nobody ever dances with her and she doesn’t understand why he does. He actually treats her as if he likes her and likes dancing with her. When, two months later, Aurora’s toad of a mother announces that the Earl of Castlewick will be paying calls on Aurora with the intention of courting and marrying her, Mercy is shocked – but mostly she’s outraged for her friend.
I liked seeing the arrogant Wesley come to terms with the promise he made to his father. Sometimes, you just have to let go and change your plans to something even better. I didn’t like cousin Malcolm in the least and couldn’t understand his role in the book. I know he was to cause conflict, but he was so ill-defined. I couldn’t decide if he was truly a friend and trying to do something for Wesley, albeit stupidly, or if he was, at heart, a villain. I also couldn’t understand the quick tolerance for him. I don’t know – that whole thread was just uncalled for and weird.
I enjoyed the story and am looking forward to Aurora’s book. I hope that one is as exciting as the second book in the series. I’d love to see the author and publisher add books for Mr. Geb Arafa (I love him), and for Mercy’s aunt Phyllis. That probably won’t happen, but I’d love it. I hope you will read this book and enjoy it too.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 24, 2021
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Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
My review of Capturing the Earl will be up on my blog Honey Roselea Reads on January 26, 2021 10 AM CST for you guys to check out! For now, here is a preview of what the review will look like:
❀❀❀❀
Lady Mercedes "Mercy" Heath has since put the notion that she would either die a spinster or marry a man she would never love. But, when she meets Wesley Renshaw, a man who is interested in marrying one of her friends, why is that she can't stop thinking about him, or that he can't stop thinking about her?
The premise of Capturing the Earl leaves one absolutely in love, especially when you find that the romance between Mercy and Wesley are simply made for each other, you just can't help but love their romance. Each time they are near each other, you can feel their chemistry written between the words and you truly fall in love with the both of them.
I gave Capturing the Earl five stars, absolutely loving the way Mercy stood strong when it came to her love for Wesley. She knew he was interested in marrying her dearest friend, therefore forcing down her emotions in order for her friend...
January 26, 2021
4.5 stars
This story moved along at a good pace. I just loved the way that the Wallflowers were always there for one another, they had such a strong bond. Mercedes( Mercy) was a gifted musician but because she didn’t have a dowry or land, she was looked down on by certain member and society. Wesley Renshaw, Earl of Castlewick, wanted to marry Aurora, (Mercy’s friend) to gain a portion of land that had once been in his family. Aurora had the most dreadful mother. Unfortunately, he had feelings for Mercy. I really wanted Mercy to be aware of her own worth. Her aunt Phyllis is quite a character and well aware of all going on. I did like Wesley, he was torn between duty and love. This was a most entertaining read and I’m wondering if Aurora will get a happy ending in the next book. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This story moved along at a good pace. I just loved the way that the Wallflowers were always there for one another, they had such a strong bond. Mercedes( Mercy) was a gifted musician but because she didn’t have a dowry or land, she was looked down on by certain member and society. Wesley Renshaw, Earl of Castlewick, wanted to marry Aurora, (Mercy’s friend) to gain a portion of land that had once been in his family. Aurora had the most dreadful mother. Unfortunately, he had feelings for Mercy. I really wanted Mercy to be aware of her own worth. Her aunt Phyllis is quite a character and well aware of all going on. I did like Wesley, he was torn between duty and love. This was a most entertaining read and I’m wondering if Aurora will get a happy ending in the next book. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 6, 2021
This books is the third in the Wallflowers of Westland series. Mercy has resigned herself to being a spinster, but she thought she would grow old with fellow Wallflower Aurora. Mercy was not prepared, however, for Wesley, a man she may have begun to like, to begin courting her friend. Aurora, a widow, holds lands that used to belong to Wesley’s family and he sees marrying her as the solution, but he can’t help but he drawn to Mercy instead
Unfortunately, this book was not a hit for me. I did not read the first two books in the series and I believe that negatively impacted my impression of this book—if you read the first two books and enjoyed them then this book may be a win for you, but I don’t think it succeeds as a stand-alone.
We jump right in with Mercy being very awkward and rude to Wesley and it’s unclear WHY. I wish there’d been more build up instead of jumping into this scene. The story continues to feel unpolished and I had a hard time getting into the writing. The dialogue doesn’t flow naturally and some of the character interactions are simply unbelievable, even with accounting for historical vs contemporary differences.
I ended up not finishing this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Unfortunately, this book was not a hit for me. I did not read the first two books in the series and I believe that negatively impacted my impression of this book—if you read the first two books and enjoyed them then this book may be a win for you, but I don’t think it succeeds as a stand-alone.
We jump right in with Mercy being very awkward and rude to Wesley and it’s unclear WHY. I wish there’d been more build up instead of jumping into this scene. The story continues to feel unpolished and I had a hard time getting into the writing. The dialogue doesn’t flow naturally and some of the character interactions are simply unbelievable, even with accounting for historical vs contemporary differences.
I ended up not finishing this book. I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
January 21, 2021
This was a wonderful third entry into the Wallflowers of West Lane series. The Wallflowers are four friends who met at boarding school in Switzerland, where they had been sent because of their "troublesome" natures. Finding each other, and becoming fast friends helped them get through their school years, and now stands them in good stead when dealing with gentlemen and other members of the ton. After one of them had been forced into a horrible marriage,, the women havev owed never to allow anything like that to happen to any of them again. In this book, Mercedes (Mercy) Heath, a very talented musician, finds herself trying to keep her good friend Aurora from being forced into marriage by Aurora's spoiled and ambitious mama. While desperately working to keep the Earl of Castlewick away from Aurora, Mercy finds herself more and more drawn to the man, who seems to like her. Unfortunately, he has made it clear that he must marry Aurora, as she owns the land his grandfather lost many years ago. The encounters between these two are the basis of the main story. Watching the twists and turns of this romance play out was very satisfying, and I closed the books with a sigh.
Although this is a stand alone novel, readers may want to take the time to read the first two books in the series (which are SO good!) before this one, as the cast of characters have been developed along the way. Either way, this is a book I would encourage any romance fan to pick up and enjoy!
Although this is a stand alone novel, readers may want to take the time to read the first two books in the series (which are SO good!) before this one, as the cast of characters have been developed along the way. Either way, this is a book I would encourage any romance fan to pick up and enjoy!
October 24, 2020
Capturing The Earl
The Wallflowers of West Lane #3
A.S. Fenichel
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mercedes Parsons and Lady Aurora Radcliff are the last two wallflowers of westlane that are not married. Mercedes has seen her friend Aurora go through a horribly abusive marriage and knows her friend doesn't want to do it again. Especially since the potential bride groom has not been investigated and since the friends throughly investigate every prospect they will do it again. There's only one problem as she is looking into Wesley Renshaw's character, she finds herself daydreaming about him more and more. Mercy doesn't have anything so she doesn't even understand what Wesley could even want with her. After all isn't the Earl supposed to be courting her best friend Aurora? Now if she can only keep her wits about herself and avoid giving into temptation. That is easier said then done though.
Wesley Renshaw is incredibly taken with Mercy. Her beauty and her personality are totally distracting him from what he is supposed to be doing and that is courting Lady Aurora, so he can reclaim his family's ancestral home. A wrong that he has been trying to right for his entire life. As he watches Mercy he becomes more enamored with her by the day. When he realizes her game of spying he decides that two can play the same game, but things don't always go as planned. As time goes on Wesley comes to the conclusion that he really has found the woman of his dreams and that is the penniless Mercy and not Aurora.
What happens next will test the boundaries of money and love and there is no turning back from it.
A.S. Fenichel brings us another book from the Wallflowers of Westlane that will steal your heart, leaving you breathless, and craving more. Mercy is such a special woman. She is very smart and can play practically any instrument that you put in her hand. She is loyal to her friends and doesn't want to see any harm befall them. Wesley is very protective and just wants to do the right thing. These characters are really sweet together and make a cute couple. I found this story utterly captivating and a real page turner. If you haven’t read these books you don't know what you have been missing. I can't wait for Aurora's story.
The Wallflowers of West Lane #3
A.S. Fenichel
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Mercedes Parsons and Lady Aurora Radcliff are the last two wallflowers of westlane that are not married. Mercedes has seen her friend Aurora go through a horribly abusive marriage and knows her friend doesn't want to do it again. Especially since the potential bride groom has not been investigated and since the friends throughly investigate every prospect they will do it again. There's only one problem as she is looking into Wesley Renshaw's character, she finds herself daydreaming about him more and more. Mercy doesn't have anything so she doesn't even understand what Wesley could even want with her. After all isn't the Earl supposed to be courting her best friend Aurora? Now if she can only keep her wits about herself and avoid giving into temptation. That is easier said then done though.
Wesley Renshaw is incredibly taken with Mercy. Her beauty and her personality are totally distracting him from what he is supposed to be doing and that is courting Lady Aurora, so he can reclaim his family's ancestral home. A wrong that he has been trying to right for his entire life. As he watches Mercy he becomes more enamored with her by the day. When he realizes her game of spying he decides that two can play the same game, but things don't always go as planned. As time goes on Wesley comes to the conclusion that he really has found the woman of his dreams and that is the penniless Mercy and not Aurora.
What happens next will test the boundaries of money and love and there is no turning back from it.
A.S. Fenichel brings us another book from the Wallflowers of Westlane that will steal your heart, leaving you breathless, and craving more. Mercy is such a special woman. She is very smart and can play practically any instrument that you put in her hand. She is loyal to her friends and doesn't want to see any harm befall them. Wesley is very protective and just wants to do the right thing. These characters are really sweet together and make a cute couple. I found this story utterly captivating and a real page turner. If you haven’t read these books you don't know what you have been missing. I can't wait for Aurora's story.
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January 17, 2021I have a great deal for you. You can read the prologue and first chapter of Capturing the Earl right now for free. Follow the link here https://BookHip.com/VLALGP
March 11, 2021
This was a nice read. Did put it down 2 or 3 times when there was not much going on, but still enjoyed most of it. Not my favourite of the series. 3.5☆
January 7, 2021
Capturing the Earl (The Wallflowers of West Lane, #3 by A.S. Fenichel
Each book in this series is better than the last one. This book can be read as a stand alone, but I strongly suggest you read them all. This story is about Mercedes Parsons (Mercy) and Wesley Renshaw (The Earl of Castlewick "Wes"). Mercy Wants to save the widowed Wallflower of West Lane, Lady Aurora Radcliff, undertake another perilous trip to the altar. There is lots of laughter, tears, angst, mean people, adventure, music, good friends and steam all to get us to a very HEA. I do hope the remaining Wallflower will get her own story.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read Entertaining Funny Great world building Happily Ever After Informative Page-turner Romantic Steamy Tear-jerker Wonderful characters
Each book in this series is better than the last one. This book can be read as a stand alone, but I strongly suggest you read them all. This story is about Mercedes Parsons (Mercy) and Wesley Renshaw (The Earl of Castlewick "Wes"). Mercy Wants to save the widowed Wallflower of West Lane, Lady Aurora Radcliff, undertake another perilous trip to the altar. There is lots of laughter, tears, angst, mean people, adventure, music, good friends and steam all to get us to a very HEA. I do hope the remaining Wallflower will get her own story.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Easy-to-read Entertaining Funny Great world building Happily Ever After Informative Page-turner Romantic Steamy Tear-jerker Wonderful characters
January 26, 2021
Another gorgeous story in this series. Mercy is the wallflower with the least connections. She is a musical genius and a wonderful friend. Wesley needs to marry to gain some property. Once he meets Mercy he loses his heart. The wallflowers are delightful and do not disappoint in their quest to protect each other. The men they bring into their circle become a perfect part of their group. Enjoy the wit and candor as these ladies have fun with their friendship.
December 17, 2020
This intertwined series of stories is featuring Mercedes Heath and Wesley Renshaw, Earl.of Castlewick. The heroine is a member of a group of girls who went to finishing school, but found themselves unpopular and the butt of many jokes and rumors amongst the popular girls. The girls always found themselves against the wall and embraced the name wallflowers as a badge of honor. They liked to solve mysteries and each story has featured one, but each story is definitely a stand alone story. Mercy, as she is known, feels that she is the true wallflower of the group. She is tall, wears glasses, likes to create and play music and has various mishaps. Her most recent is that she receives the attention of the Earl.of Castlewick and dances with him. During the dance, she stumbles and destroys her glasses. Her aunt, who has raised her since her parents passed, is happy and encourages her to increase the acquaintance. But Mercy feels that he is giving her sympathy and resists. One of her fellow wallflowers, Aurora, is a widow who has opened her home to the wallflowers. Due to her first marriage, she refuses to get married again, but her mother insists that she try to get the attention of, duh-duh-duh, the Earl if Castlewick. Mercy has told no one of her infatuation and feels that she will not interfere. But Aurora makes it quite clear she has no interest and if she knew Mercy was interested would probably do anything to facilitate a relationship for Mercy and Wesley. But miscommunications causes missed opportunities. And poor Wesley. If he would just have been honest with Aurora and Mercy, a lot of confusion would have been avoided. Wesley is under the command of his predecessor who stated in the will that Wesley had to get a certain property from Aurora and return it to the family. So in order to fulfill the order from the will, Wesley forces himself to try and court Aurora when it is Mercy he wants. And there are also some very bad mannered people who need to be vanquished.
I am enjoying this series because even though some characters bounce around the background, they seem just as alive and realistic as the main characters. I feel that I am an un-named wallflower as the story weaves around.
This was a well written story with no spelling or grammatical errors. The story in continuous with a well.defined beginning and end. I recommend this book with 5 stars.
I am enjoying this series because even though some characters bounce around the background, they seem just as alive and realistic as the main characters. I feel that I am an un-named wallflower as the story weaves around.
This was a well written story with no spelling or grammatical errors. The story in continuous with a well.defined beginning and end. I recommend this book with 5 stars.
October 14, 2020
I feel like this series keeps getting better - now that we know the ladies of the Wallflowers of West Lane better, I am enjoying the series more and more. This entry is focused on Mercy. Mercy is an incredibly talented musician - her parents died when she was quite young and she was raised by her Aunt throughout her teenage years. She was left in a very vulnerable position of having no one to protect her other than her aunt. Her friendship with the other wallflowers has sustained her and given her a family. When she meets Wesley Renshaw, an Earl who is interested in courting one of the other wallflowers, they are very much drawn to each other, but neither can see a relationship beyond acquaintances.
Wesley is a good man, who is focused on recovering his family's property after his grandfather lost almost all of it to settle his debts. The last piece is the ancestral home of their family - an enormous house in Cheshire. The house is owned by Mercy's friend Aurora. Wesley has focused on marrying Aurora to regain the property - despite the fact that Aurora has no interest in marrying him or marrying anyone. At the same time, it is clear to everyone that he and Mercy are meant for each other.
I loved Mercy's spirit and passion for music - and I loved Wesley's kindness and care for his family. Wesley is torn between what he wants and what he feels is his duty - but I wished he would have seen more clearly faster that getting back his family home really isn't really a fulfilling goal. There were also a couple of points that I didn't fully understand - Wesley's cousin is very passionate about getting the family home back, but it was never really clearly explained why. Perhaps its a subject for another book.
I am looking forward to seeing a book for Aurora and possibly for Wesley's younger sisters.
Overall - I really enjoyed it!
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.
Wesley is a good man, who is focused on recovering his family's property after his grandfather lost almost all of it to settle his debts. The last piece is the ancestral home of their family - an enormous house in Cheshire. The house is owned by Mercy's friend Aurora. Wesley has focused on marrying Aurora to regain the property - despite the fact that Aurora has no interest in marrying him or marrying anyone. At the same time, it is clear to everyone that he and Mercy are meant for each other.
I loved Mercy's spirit and passion for music - and I loved Wesley's kindness and care for his family. Wesley is torn between what he wants and what he feels is his duty - but I wished he would have seen more clearly faster that getting back his family home really isn't really a fulfilling goal. There were also a couple of points that I didn't fully understand - Wesley's cousin is very passionate about getting the family home back, but it was never really clearly explained why. Perhaps its a subject for another book.
I am looking forward to seeing a book for Aurora and possibly for Wesley's younger sisters.
Overall - I really enjoyed it!
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.
March 9, 2021
The Wallflowers of West Lane is a series of books about a group of close friends who met at Wormbattle school (I imagine it must look a bit like Hogwarts). A couple of friends in the group got their happily ever after and her friend Lady Aurora is a widow. Miss Mercy Heath is the only unmarried girl left in the group. None of the men who seem attracted to her raise her interest, except Wesley Renshaw, the Earl of Castlewick. There is definitely some passion there, and he appreciates her musical talent and encouraged her to wear her spectacles in public. But he's made it clear he wants to marry Lady Aurora who owns property that he wants returned to his family, and Mercy has no money to speak of. Everyone gathers at a houseparty hosted by Mr. Geb Arafa, an Egyptian friend of the Wallflowers.
This book is quite nicely written and I liked the discussions various people were having about social privileges and prejudices, questioning society expectations and feelings of entitlement. Mercy gets treated like a paid entertainer by some of the characters and then there are some who don't see why the servants deserve any respect.
But I had a hard time warming up to the hero who kisses one woman while he attempts to court another, and thinks things like, "Aurora was the woman he would marry. She was titled, the daughter of an earl, and she held the title to his ancestral home. Nothign would get in the way of his goals, not even his own ridiculous desires." Aurora has indicated that she has no wish to remarry but he considers their marriage a done deal as if she had no say in the matter. The next thing he's trying to make love with Mercy.
I like a hero who knows what he wants but this man is a terrible waffler.
There are some minor homophone and grammar issues in it but I read an ARC I got from Netgalley and it's possible the actual book is different.
This book is quite nicely written and I liked the discussions various people were having about social privileges and prejudices, questioning society expectations and feelings of entitlement. Mercy gets treated like a paid entertainer by some of the characters and then there are some who don't see why the servants deserve any respect.
But I had a hard time warming up to the hero who kisses one woman while he attempts to court another, and thinks things like, "Aurora was the woman he would marry. She was titled, the daughter of an earl, and she held the title to his ancestral home. Nothign would get in the way of his goals, not even his own ridiculous desires." Aurora has indicated that she has no wish to remarry but he considers their marriage a done deal as if she had no say in the matter. The next thing he's trying to make love with Mercy.
I like a hero who knows what he wants but this man is a terrible waffler.
There are some minor homophone and grammar issues in it but I read an ARC I got from Netgalley and it's possible the actual book is different.
November 28, 2020
I recieved a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
For the most part I enjoyed this book.
Mercy is one of the Wallflpwers of West Lane. She is an orphan and is a musical savant. After a dance with Wesley she is enchanted however, he needs to marry Aurora another wallflower in order to regain the lands his grandfather sold off. I like the relationship between the earl and mercy for the most part. He is sweet and really does care about not just mercy but all of the wallflowers. There is not real conflict other the desire to regain what his grandfather lost however so the only thing stopping them getting together is Wesley. Aurora makes it clear that she won't marry again no matter how much her mother pushes. The only thing I didn't like is how long Wesley took to realize that some land won't make him happy and how long it took mercy to stand up for herself.
While I do think reading the other books in the series is helpful to understand the relationships and the appearance of the characters from previous books I do think this can still be read as a stand-alone.
Can't wait Aurora's story next.
For the most part I enjoyed this book.
Mercy is one of the Wallflpwers of West Lane. She is an orphan and is a musical savant. After a dance with Wesley she is enchanted however, he needs to marry Aurora another wallflower in order to regain the lands his grandfather sold off. I like the relationship between the earl and mercy for the most part. He is sweet and really does care about not just mercy but all of the wallflowers. There is not real conflict other the desire to regain what his grandfather lost however so the only thing stopping them getting together is Wesley. Aurora makes it clear that she won't marry again no matter how much her mother pushes. The only thing I didn't like is how long Wesley took to realize that some land won't make him happy and how long it took mercy to stand up for herself.
While I do think reading the other books in the series is helpful to understand the relationships and the appearance of the characters from previous books I do think this can still be read as a stand-alone.
Can't wait Aurora's story next.
October 23, 2020
If you haven't checked out any of the Wallflowers of West Lane you are missing out on the regency romance your heart longs for. Fenichel writes compelling women who don't fit the mold and a friendship to inspire everyone. The friendship of these four ladies has created a family and home and a promise to protect one another from the perils of marriage.
Mercy is now possibly my favorite wallflower. She's an musical prodigy and kindhearted as well as fierce in protecting Aurora after her disastrous marriage ended. When an earl starts to court Aurora Mercy knows she needs to confirm his intentions even if she wants him for herself. Wesley Renshaw hasn't been able to stop thinking of Mercy since they danced a few months ago. She needs to marry her friend to get his family lands back, but he wants Mercy.
I found this story completely captivating and enjoyable. It had good obstacles for the characters to get over and the couples and relationships are swoon-worthy!
Mercy is now possibly my favorite wallflower. She's an musical prodigy and kindhearted as well as fierce in protecting Aurora after her disastrous marriage ended. When an earl starts to court Aurora Mercy knows she needs to confirm his intentions even if she wants him for herself. Wesley Renshaw hasn't been able to stop thinking of Mercy since they danced a few months ago. She needs to marry her friend to get his family lands back, but he wants Mercy.
I found this story completely captivating and enjoyable. It had good obstacles for the characters to get over and the couples and relationships are swoon-worthy!
January 6, 2021
I liked the first book, loved the second book and enjoyed this third book too. :) It's not as dramatic as the other books. This is more mellow compared to the other two. I did enjoy the romance that started since book 2. :) You don't need to read the other 2 books to understand it and it can be read as standalone. It is just more fun if you have read the other books. I also love the friendship among the female characters and how loyal they are to each other. A great fun overall. Looking forward to reading more in the series...
November 2, 2020
Wesley needs to recover his family estates which are now owned by the beautiful widow Aurora. He decides to court her for her land. Her good friend, Mercy, objects and instead decides to spend time with him to see if he is worthy of her friend who was abused in her last marriage. As they become closer, Wesley and Mercy realize that the attraction between them is too much to overcome. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Kensington Books for my honest review.
November 17, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC to read and review.
Here we have an insufferable Earl who knows what he feels and insists because of a piece of lost property to not court and marry the woman he loves but court her friend, with whom she lives, right in front of her.
I connected with the Heroine, as she is a musician and overlooked in most social environments. But this guy treats her terribly. I understand historical realities, etc. But, ugh.
Here we have an insufferable Earl who knows what he feels and insists because of a piece of lost property to not court and marry the woman he loves but court her friend, with whom she lives, right in front of her.
I connected with the Heroine, as she is a musician and overlooked in most social environments. But this guy treats her terribly. I understand historical realities, etc. But, ugh.
January 16, 2021
I haven't read the first two, but got a copy in exchange for my honest review and was excited. Ha!
This book lacked any sort of finesse, in addition to some very annoying period inaccuracies (do NOT get me started about Mercy being a 'commoner'). I don't like any story where the love interest likes someone against their better judgement. The writing was very clunky as well. DNF.
This book lacked any sort of finesse, in addition to some very annoying period inaccuracies (do NOT get me started about Mercy being a 'commoner'). I don't like any story where the love interest likes someone against their better judgement. The writing was very clunky as well. DNF.
February 3, 2021
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to Kensington Books for providing me this arc via Netgalley!
I had high hopes for this, especially since the cover was so pretty, but this didn't deliver. I was bored the whole time and couldn't care less about the characters. Overall 1.5 stars.
Thank you to Kensington Books for providing me this arc via Netgalley!
I had high hopes for this, especially since the cover was so pretty, but this didn't deliver. I was bored the whole time and couldn't care less about the characters. Overall 1.5 stars.
January 19, 2021
Capturing the Earl
The Wallflowers of West Lane Series #3
A.S. Fenichel
https://www.facebook.com/A.S.Fenichel/
Release Date 01/21/2021
Publisher Kensington Books/Lyrical Press
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
The friendship of four young ladies has created an indestructible bond to protect one another from the perils of love and marriage . . .
After the demise of her friend’s disastrous marriage, Mercedes Parsons isn’t about to let the widowed Wallflower of West Lane, Lady Aurora Radcliff, undertake another perilous trip to the altar. At least, not before the bridegroom-to-be is thoroughly investigated. If only Mercy could stop her uncharacteristic daydreaming about Wesley Renshaw’s charm, his intellect, his dashing good looks. After all, the earl has already set his sights on her best friend! She must keep her wits about her and avoid giving into temptation.
Wesley is both irritated and intrigued by the machinations of Mercy—He cannot let her cleverness and beauty distract him. He needs to marry her friend, Aurora, so he can reclaim his family’s ancestral home. A wrong he has hoped to right his entire life. Besides, who is penniless spinster Mercedes Parsons to decide whom he can and cannot marry? Yet while he admires her unwavering loyalty to her friends, he decides it’s high time the misguided woman had a dose of her own medicine. Two can play at this spying game. But they are both embarked on a dangerous charade. And it won’t be merely Mercy’s reputation at risk—or her heart on the line—as Wesley comes to the inescapable conclusion that he has found the right woman at exactly the wrong time.
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will she accept she has as much right as her friends to want and ask more from life ...
While I did not like the idea of the hero pursuing a woman whom does not want to be courted. He struggles to reach his goal probably because he too does not want to follow this path even if it is he believes for a greater cause. Yet it is the mercenary mechanism of the marriage mart, and while he could have asked first if she was interested or else proposed a deal as it is after something Aurora owns he is after, he knows his limits.
Wesley did a great job at restoring his family’s wealth, and now that only pieces of it are missing, he thinks he has the right answer to recover one of the last one. Marry the woman holding its deed. He just never expected to be drawn to the companion of said woman. Why he is thorn between his attraction and his duty to his name.
From the beginning it was clear he is a good man, only seeking what he sees as a wrong done by a careless forefather. Why he is so torn by the pull he feels for Mercy, he twists his gut to follow one path when his heart and soul long for another road. He knows he hurts her and himself but does not see a solution to his predicament.
Until he realizes what really has value in life.
Mercedes until now, has lived a quite contented life, she knows where she belongs and what to expect. With her friends she is her true self, not need to put a mask. There is no lie even by omission between them.
But outside this close circle, she is seen as nothing less than a companion, a cheap mean to entertain and by men an easy prey. All this combined leads her to believe she deserves less than others, she is not of their ilk, that they are her better when she is only a penniless orphan, a charity case. And despite her incredible talent, she does not see her worth.
Even Wesley carelessly reminds her she is no bride material for his like. And while she made her mission either to discourage him to pursue her friend or to assess his fortitude, she is enticed by him but tries to stay out of his way. Always reminded by others she is not deserving of his attentions.
So when things take a different turn I understand she has her doubts and reservations.
In all I loved this tale of a courting that strayed for its initial course, with a hero who needs to have his eyes opened and his love interest looking for the right hands to hold and shoulders to rest her head on.
It is too a wondrous tale of friendship as the four girls they were are still as close and forthright now they are women navigating the world.
5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen detailed lovemaking scene.
I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher Kensington Books, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
The Wallflowers of West Lane Series #3
A.S. Fenichel
https://www.facebook.com/A.S.Fenichel/
Release Date 01/21/2021
Publisher Kensington Books/Lyrical Press
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
The friendship of four young ladies has created an indestructible bond to protect one another from the perils of love and marriage . . .
After the demise of her friend’s disastrous marriage, Mercedes Parsons isn’t about to let the widowed Wallflower of West Lane, Lady Aurora Radcliff, undertake another perilous trip to the altar. At least, not before the bridegroom-to-be is thoroughly investigated. If only Mercy could stop her uncharacteristic daydreaming about Wesley Renshaw’s charm, his intellect, his dashing good looks. After all, the earl has already set his sights on her best friend! She must keep her wits about her and avoid giving into temptation.
Wesley is both irritated and intrigued by the machinations of Mercy—He cannot let her cleverness and beauty distract him. He needs to marry her friend, Aurora, so he can reclaim his family’s ancestral home. A wrong he has hoped to right his entire life. Besides, who is penniless spinster Mercedes Parsons to decide whom he can and cannot marry? Yet while he admires her unwavering loyalty to her friends, he decides it’s high time the misguided woman had a dose of her own medicine. Two can play at this spying game. But they are both embarked on a dangerous charade. And it won’t be merely Mercy’s reputation at risk—or her heart on the line—as Wesley comes to the inescapable conclusion that he has found the right woman at exactly the wrong time.
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will she accept she has as much right as her friends to want and ask more from life ...
While I did not like the idea of the hero pursuing a woman whom does not want to be courted. He struggles to reach his goal probably because he too does not want to follow this path even if it is he believes for a greater cause. Yet it is the mercenary mechanism of the marriage mart, and while he could have asked first if she was interested or else proposed a deal as it is after something Aurora owns he is after, he knows his limits.
Wesley did a great job at restoring his family’s wealth, and now that only pieces of it are missing, he thinks he has the right answer to recover one of the last one. Marry the woman holding its deed. He just never expected to be drawn to the companion of said woman. Why he is thorn between his attraction and his duty to his name.
From the beginning it was clear he is a good man, only seeking what he sees as a wrong done by a careless forefather. Why he is so torn by the pull he feels for Mercy, he twists his gut to follow one path when his heart and soul long for another road. He knows he hurts her and himself but does not see a solution to his predicament.
Until he realizes what really has value in life.
Mercedes until now, has lived a quite contented life, she knows where she belongs and what to expect. With her friends she is her true self, not need to put a mask. There is no lie even by omission between them.
But outside this close circle, she is seen as nothing less than a companion, a cheap mean to entertain and by men an easy prey. All this combined leads her to believe she deserves less than others, she is not of their ilk, that they are her better when she is only a penniless orphan, a charity case. And despite her incredible talent, she does not see her worth.
Even Wesley carelessly reminds her she is no bride material for his like. And while she made her mission either to discourage him to pursue her friend or to assess his fortitude, she is enticed by him but tries to stay out of his way. Always reminded by others she is not deserving of his attentions.
So when things take a different turn I understand she has her doubts and reservations.
In all I loved this tale of a courting that strayed for its initial course, with a hero who needs to have his eyes opened and his love interest looking for the right hands to hold and shoulders to rest her head on.
It is too a wondrous tale of friendship as the four girls they were are still as close and forthright now they are women navigating the world.
5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen detailed lovemaking scene.
I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher Kensington Books, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
January 17, 2021
Capturing the Earl by AS Fenichel is the third book in the Wallflowers of West Lane. I have enjoyed this series although all books I believe can be read independently. The series focuses on four women who have been friends since finishing school. All four have been forced into the ton, but have made a pact not to marry unless it is for love.
This particular novel focuses on Mercedes Parsons. She is determined to protect her friend Aurora from being forced to marry a man she doesn’t want to marry. Aurora’s mother is also a pill determined to make Aurora marry him no matter what. However, the more time Mercy spends with Wesley Renshaw, the more she realizes that she is falling for him. Mercy knows she is not at the same level of station as the Earl, so she knows he will not marry her no matter what, so keeping a distance is important.
AS Fenichel has written a novel with strong women, capable of making their own decisions during a time when women were supposed to be ornamental and not capable. The novel has some interesting red herrings thrown in and has the required balls, dancing, opera and other activities for the idle rich. Capturing the Earl by AS Fenichel is a good read.
This particular novel focuses on Mercedes Parsons. She is determined to protect her friend Aurora from being forced to marry a man she doesn’t want to marry. Aurora’s mother is also a pill determined to make Aurora marry him no matter what. However, the more time Mercy spends with Wesley Renshaw, the more she realizes that she is falling for him. Mercy knows she is not at the same level of station as the Earl, so she knows he will not marry her no matter what, so keeping a distance is important.
AS Fenichel has written a novel with strong women, capable of making their own decisions during a time when women were supposed to be ornamental and not capable. The novel has some interesting red herrings thrown in and has the required balls, dancing, opera and other activities for the idle rich. Capturing the Earl by AS Fenichel is a good read.
January 21, 2021
After the high tension of the last book in the series, this was a fun romp!
The Wallflowers of West Lane are still thick as thieves and no man will pull them asunder… even when he courts one, the lovely Aurora while he is secretly in love with her friend and housemate Mercy! I love the idea of falling for the man trying to court your best friend!
Lord Wesley Renshaw needs to marry the perfect Lady Aurora in order to attain her dower property and finally restore his ancestral lands that his great-grandfather lost… the match is perfect on paper, but his heart keeps looking at the lady’s best friend who does not have any assets and is socially below him.
This was a fun read. I enjoyed the push and pull of duty and honour both Wesley and Mercy feels as they fight their feelings. This could have been awkward, since the hero is supposed to be courting the heroines friend, but our Lady Aurora has not intention of marrying and is allowing this courtship to push these forlorn lovebirds together!
This is probably my favorite of the series so far! I feel that this book can be read as a standalone, any references to the past were explained well for new series readers .
Misleading a Duke by A. S. Fenichel is scheduled to release January 26th, 2021.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Blog link: https://pinkcowlandreads.blogspot.com...
#CapturingtheEarl #ASFenichel #NetGalley #pinkcowlandreads
The Wallflowers of West Lane are still thick as thieves and no man will pull them asunder… even when he courts one, the lovely Aurora while he is secretly in love with her friend and housemate Mercy! I love the idea of falling for the man trying to court your best friend!
Lord Wesley Renshaw needs to marry the perfect Lady Aurora in order to attain her dower property and finally restore his ancestral lands that his great-grandfather lost… the match is perfect on paper, but his heart keeps looking at the lady’s best friend who does not have any assets and is socially below him.
This was a fun read. I enjoyed the push and pull of duty and honour both Wesley and Mercy feels as they fight their feelings. This could have been awkward, since the hero is supposed to be courting the heroines friend, but our Lady Aurora has not intention of marrying and is allowing this courtship to push these forlorn lovebirds together!
This is probably my favorite of the series so far! I feel that this book can be read as a standalone, any references to the past were explained well for new series readers .
Misleading a Duke by A. S. Fenichel is scheduled to release January 26th, 2021.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Blog link: https://pinkcowlandreads.blogspot.com...
#CapturingtheEarl #ASFenichel #NetGalley #pinkcowlandreads
January 27, 2021
The love story between an Earl and the poorest of the Wallflowers of West Lane is sap and romance central and it was just what I needed. The book practically emanates flowers and rainbows and good feelings from how positive and lovely the story is. Even the obstacles they have to face are more annoyances and misunderstandings than actual danger. And honestly, that's exactly what I needed in my romance today.
I have much respect for the fact that Fenichel managed to write a series book that is wholly original while remaining deeply a part of the series. Mercedes has her own distinct voice, and the situations she and Wesley find themselves in are separate from anything in the other books. Yet it's more than just the characters that mark it as part of a series, it really is the world that the author has built.
The one thing I can complain about is that Fenichel still takes for granted that you know what happens in previous volumes and just hints at things in a way that I would have found frustrating if it weren't for the fact that I knew what the characters were talking about. A minor detail, but enough that I remembered it from the last volume and wish it had been addressed in this one.
Many happy thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the early read!
I have much respect for the fact that Fenichel managed to write a series book that is wholly original while remaining deeply a part of the series. Mercedes has her own distinct voice, and the situations she and Wesley find themselves in are separate from anything in the other books. Yet it's more than just the characters that mark it as part of a series, it really is the world that the author has built.
The one thing I can complain about is that Fenichel still takes for granted that you know what happens in previous volumes and just hints at things in a way that I would have found frustrating if it weren't for the fact that I knew what the characters were talking about. A minor detail, but enough that I remembered it from the last volume and wish it had been addressed in this one.
Many happy thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the early read!
January 31, 2021
*Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book for review, all opinions are my own*
3.5 stars
First I would like to say that I loved the fact that our protagonist wears glasses.
But about the story itself I liked it but I found it a bit repetitive because the story revolves around the fact that both protagonists put an obstacle to the fact that they cannot be together, obstacles that in my opinion are not so great that in the end were resolved quickly and easily.
But this book was so quick and enjoyable to read that I didn't even care so much that the story itself wasn't so interesting.
The characters were amazing, I loved watching them realize they were falling in love.
In the end I really enjoyed the reading experience and I highly recommend this book.
3.5 stars
First I would like to say that I loved the fact that our protagonist wears glasses.
But about the story itself I liked it but I found it a bit repetitive because the story revolves around the fact that both protagonists put an obstacle to the fact that they cannot be together, obstacles that in my opinion are not so great that in the end were resolved quickly and easily.
But this book was so quick and enjoyable to read that I didn't even care so much that the story itself wasn't so interesting.
The characters were amazing, I loved watching them realize they were falling in love.
In the end I really enjoyed the reading experience and I highly recommend this book.
January 11, 2021
I requested an ARC of this book, and all opinions are my own.
This is the third book in this series, but it can stand alone.
In this book, we get the story of penniless Mercedes Parsons and Wesley Renshaw - the Earl of Castlewick. It starts off with a very intriguing premise - he wants to marry Mercy's best friend, who happens to own the last property he needs to restore his ancestral lands - but it doesn't really deliver on the drama. I felt like there needed to be more - both to do with the property itself, and with Wesley's cousin Malcolm (who had great potential to be a terrific villain). In my opinion, the story is enjoyable but seems to fall flat when compared to the first two books.
Worth reading if you like to read all in a series, but I wouldn't go out of my way to purchase.
This is the third book in this series, but it can stand alone.
In this book, we get the story of penniless Mercedes Parsons and Wesley Renshaw - the Earl of Castlewick. It starts off with a very intriguing premise - he wants to marry Mercy's best friend, who happens to own the last property he needs to restore his ancestral lands - but it doesn't really deliver on the drama. I felt like there needed to be more - both to do with the property itself, and with Wesley's cousin Malcolm (who had great potential to be a terrific villain). In my opinion, the story is enjoyable but seems to fall flat when compared to the first two books.
Worth reading if you like to read all in a series, but I wouldn't go out of my way to purchase.
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