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Noble Hearts #2
Romancing a Wallflower
A tragic riding accident leaves Lilian DeLacey unable to walk and restricts her life to books and quiet activities. When her twin sister convinces her to attend just one ball, she accepts. Wheelchair-bound, she watches the dancers with longing, until a startling familiar masculine scent unlocks memories of the mysterious man who had saved her—none other than the charming and affable John Andrews. Meeting John creates a desire to walk again and not miss out on life, but can he love a woman who may never walk again?
John Andrews, the Earl of Harlow returned from the Napoleonic wars with scars both inside and out. Nightly dreams force him to relive horrors he would soon forget and make him fear ever falling in love, lest he harms a bride who shares his bed. John attends a ball while on assignment for the Crown and recognizes the beautiful woman he rescued a year ago from a bad riding accident, and his response to her stuns him. Smitten by her beauty and wit, he pursues her, accepting her disability. Their chance encounter blossoms into romance, igniting a yearning for a future, yet bound by his fear of marriage.
When an undercover commission for the Crown takes him into the heart of a dangerous smuggling operation on the Cornwall coast, an unseen danger threatens his life and Lilian’s. Will trust and love be enough to save them and heal the scars that threaten their future?
John Andrews, the Earl of Harlow returned from the Napoleonic wars with scars both inside and out. Nightly dreams force him to relive horrors he would soon forget and make him fear ever falling in love, lest he harms a bride who shares his bed. John attends a ball while on assignment for the Crown and recognizes the beautiful woman he rescued a year ago from a bad riding accident, and his response to her stuns him. Smitten by her beauty and wit, he pursues her, accepting her disability. Their chance encounter blossoms into romance, igniting a yearning for a future, yet bound by his fear of marriage.
When an undercover commission for the Crown takes him into the heart of a dangerous smuggling operation on the Cornwall coast, an unseen danger threatens his life and Lilian’s. Will trust and love be enough to save them and heal the scars that threaten their future?
210 pages, Paperback
First published May 19, 2020
About the author
Anna St. Claire
59 books232 followersWho knew I’d become an author? Not me. But when the opportunity knocked, I answered the door and welcomed it in. I approach life with as much positivity as I can—celebrating the hits and laughing at the misses. Nothing worthwhile is easy, and that includes everything in my life. But I have much to smile about—my lovely mother, a beautiful daughter, two precious granddaughters, my adorable dogs, and my sweet husband of over thirty years. He has always supported me—including uprooting to move to the other side of Charlotte, N.C. for a life change, just when we thought we were settled.
If settled means not going after my dreams, then I never want to be settled. I give my all to things I enjoy—and that includes writing. In 2021, I hit the USA Today Bestselling Author list, and recently, two of my books were named RONE Finalists!
I love to express myself to the point that my daughter avoids going to the movies with me because I’m that woman in the row in front of you who gleefully munches her popcorn and laughs at every hilarious scene. Loudly. Besides my family, I love chocolate, popcorn, laughter, and animals. I love animals so much that I frequently sprinkle them in my stories as secondary characters. They usually steal the show! British and American history have always interested me, so writing historical romances set in the U.K. and the US is where my passion is.
When I was barely three years old, my parents divorced, and my mom moved my sister and me from New York to South Carolina to live near her parents. Juggling a full-time job and full-time school, my mother became my first genuine hero—she never waved the white flag when things were tough. And things quickly got tough. My grandmother, who helped care for my sister and me while my mother worked, became ill with cancer, and didn’t survive the surgery, dying before I was seven. Losing Grandma devastated me. She read to me and taught me to read before I started first grade. I credit her for inspiring my love of reading, and I credit my mother for encouraging me to turn my ideas into stories.
When I was ten, my neighbor gave me her book club copy of Margaret Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind and it remains one of my favorite books. But it was Kathleen Woodiwiss’ Shanna and Ashes in the Wind, that hooked me on historical romance and sparked my dream of becoming a published author.
While I primarily write Regency Romance, I enjoy almost any period in American and British history.
I love hearing from readers. To get in touch, email me at annastclaireauthor@gmail.com.
To keep up to date on my new releases, special promotions, contests, giveaways, and more, sign up for my newsletter by clicking here.
You can also follow me on BookBub, Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
If settled means not going after my dreams, then I never want to be settled. I give my all to things I enjoy—and that includes writing. In 2021, I hit the USA Today Bestselling Author list, and recently, two of my books were named RONE Finalists!
I love to express myself to the point that my daughter avoids going to the movies with me because I’m that woman in the row in front of you who gleefully munches her popcorn and laughs at every hilarious scene. Loudly. Besides my family, I love chocolate, popcorn, laughter, and animals. I love animals so much that I frequently sprinkle them in my stories as secondary characters. They usually steal the show! British and American history have always interested me, so writing historical romances set in the U.K. and the US is where my passion is.
When I was barely three years old, my parents divorced, and my mom moved my sister and me from New York to South Carolina to live near her parents. Juggling a full-time job and full-time school, my mother became my first genuine hero—she never waved the white flag when things were tough. And things quickly got tough. My grandmother, who helped care for my sister and me while my mother worked, became ill with cancer, and didn’t survive the surgery, dying before I was seven. Losing Grandma devastated me. She read to me and taught me to read before I started first grade. I credit her for inspiring my love of reading, and I credit my mother for encouraging me to turn my ideas into stories.
When I was ten, my neighbor gave me her book club copy of Margaret Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind and it remains one of my favorite books. But it was Kathleen Woodiwiss’ Shanna and Ashes in the Wind, that hooked me on historical romance and sparked my dream of becoming a published author.
While I primarily write Regency Romance, I enjoy almost any period in American and British history.
I love hearing from readers. To get in touch, email me at annastclaireauthor@gmail.com.
To keep up to date on my new releases, special promotions, contests, giveaways, and more, sign up for my newsletter by clicking here.
You can also follow me on BookBub, Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 20, 2020
Intrigue, suspense, romance and wonderful characters that will pull at your heart are all part of this amazing story by Anna St Claire who weaves her magic! Every book I have read by her has delighted, entertained and made me only long for more and Romancing A Wallflower has the wounded heroine and hero who were meant to be together. If only they can survive!
Sometimes the future can change in a split second, and that is what happened to Lilian DeLacey. She and her twin sister Lydia had been out riding when a shot rang out and as Lilian's horse reared, she ended up toppling to the ground and hit a large rock. She heard a masculine voice and felt strong arms pick her up, but not much after that.
Years later she would meet the man she thought of as her "hero" who had rescued her that day. Reluctantly going to a ball with her sister, she was placed in her wheeled chair and ended up sitting with the wallflowers. Then she saw him and John, Lord Harlow made his way to her.
I adored John...there were many facets to him and Lilian was amazing in her strong love of animals and rescuing sweet Cooper (I wanted to reach through the pages and grab up some bullies!)
Yes, I know, I could just go on and on telling you about this story! But you will have to find out for yourself. But prepare to be drawn in quickly and not be able to move until you turn the last page!
Absolutely loved this one and cannot wait for more!!
Sometimes the future can change in a split second, and that is what happened to Lilian DeLacey. She and her twin sister Lydia had been out riding when a shot rang out and as Lilian's horse reared, she ended up toppling to the ground and hit a large rock. She heard a masculine voice and felt strong arms pick her up, but not much after that.
Years later she would meet the man she thought of as her "hero" who had rescued her that day. Reluctantly going to a ball with her sister, she was placed in her wheeled chair and ended up sitting with the wallflowers. Then she saw him and John, Lord Harlow made his way to her.
I adored John...there were many facets to him and Lilian was amazing in her strong love of animals and rescuing sweet Cooper (I wanted to reach through the pages and grab up some bullies!)
Yes, I know, I could just go on and on telling you about this story! But you will have to find out for yourself. But prepare to be drawn in quickly and not be able to move until you turn the last page!
Absolutely loved this one and cannot wait for more!!
May 11, 2020
This is an up and coming author that people should really keep an eye out for. She really has a knack for telling a good story, and this book hit it out of the park! This story was very well-written with well-developed and very likable characters. It has so many good elements in it: action, suspense, romance, and a nice blend of humor. The story itself moves at a very nice pace. I found myself drawn into the story very quickly, and it held my interest right up until the last page.
If you are looking for a new author to discover this is the one for you! She's amazing! I highly recommend this book and author!
If you are looking for a new author to discover this is the one for you! She's amazing! I highly recommend this book and author!
July 10, 2020
TW: accident
I appreciated that this book featured a heroine with a visible disability. But, that was the only thing I appreciated about it. The instalust, sort of pitying start for the romance... idk, just couldnt get into it. Maybe I'll give it a try again later.
I appreciated that this book featured a heroine with a visible disability. But, that was the only thing I appreciated about it. The instalust, sort of pitying start for the romance... idk, just couldnt get into it. Maybe I'll give it a try again later.
May 24, 2020
LOVED the story. Could not put the book down. Anna is an amazing writer and a MASTER of wording. Her writing makes you feel Like you are back in the 1800s. A Refreshing love story. She also added a special touch of poetry in the story. Another book WELL DONE Ms St. Claire
July 21, 2023
This was just ok.
April 17, 2021
Aslında hikaye güzel başlamıştı, Lilian ve John historicalde alışkın olduğumuz şehvetli ve maceralı bir aşk yaşamak yerine tam 1800'lü yıllardaki çiftler gibi davranıyorlardı. Yani gayet terbiye ve saygı sınırları içerisinde, birbirlerini tanıdıkça seven tatlı bir çifttiler. Bu kısmı sevdim. Yalnız karakterleri pek bir arada göremiyoruz, hikaye bir yerden sonra sadece John'nun arkadaşıyla çıktığı görevden ve Lilian'ın köpeği ile günlerinden oluşuyordu. Karakterler arasındaki ilişki yetersiz gelmeseydi 3 yıldızı kesin almıştı.
January 20, 2021
Wonderful adventure
I really enjoyed the characters in this book. Clearly defined, loyal and charming. The plot is great and easy to follow. A great read.
I really enjoyed the characters in this book. Clearly defined, loyal and charming. The plot is great and easy to follow. A great read.
June 28, 2020
Decent read
I’ve read a couple books by this author. This is, by far, the best one yet. It is fast paced, characters you’ll adore, and a storyline that you don’t see very often. You’ll want to read this book!
I’ve read a couple books by this author. This is, by far, the best one yet. It is fast paced, characters you’ll adore, and a storyline that you don’t see very often. You’ll want to read this book!
Read
September 22, 2020Prologue
August 1815
Tintagel, England
“That was a narrow escape! I thought Chambers was going to tell us Mama was looking for us.” Lydia DeLacey put her hand to her mouth, smothering her giggles as she joined her twin sister at the bottom of the front steps of their father’s house.
“Hurry!” Lilian urged. Picking up their skirts, they ran down the gravel path to the stables, arriving breathless and intoxicated with excitement at avoiding Mama’s machinations. Two handsome gentlemen had arrived earlier to meet with their father. The twin’s abigail, who had had it from Cook, had told her mistress that Mama had ordered tea to be served at four of the clock.
Lilian hated to think her father would arrange marriages for her sister and herself—not when he and their mother still enjoyed a love match. However, her mother was notorious for creating opportunities, as she termed it, for her two daughters to meet the men of their dreams and seemed determined, despite Lilian and her twin showing no interest in any of their suitors, to find at least one match.
Her joyous mood changed when she saw the head groom waiting at the door of the stables.
“Oh, marvellous! Barney is waiting for us,” she muttered with a hint of sarcasm.
“We will have to take him, Lilian.”
She yearned to ride Danby, the dark bay she had brought on from birth. She loved the fresh air and thrilled to the independence riding her horse gave her. Often, she and Lydia rode neck and neck, racing over the pastures and fields of her parent’s estate. Such freedom was impossible in London.
“Good morning, my lady and my lady.” Barney, the head groom, stepped forward with their horses. “I took the liberty of having Danby and Ginger saddled. I thought you would wish to ride this morning. Me own horse is also ready.” He sent an imploring look in their direction.
Lilian glanced at her sister and then around her, struggling to find an excuse to leave him behind. There was none, although on many an occasion she and her sister had contrived to lose him. The poor man knew they were likely to put him through his paces.
“Thank you, Barney.” Lilian smiled tightly. “It is a beautiful day for a ride, is it not? We will endeavour not to trouble you unduly.”
“Yes, my lady.” He noticeably gulped and led Lydia’s horse to the mounting block. He helped each of them onto their horse and climbed up on his own. The small party rode out of the stable yard, Lilian and her sister in the lead and the groom trailing a safe distance behind.
Flowers were in bloom everywhere. A purple blanket of creeping thyme edged the path. Bluebells and bright yellow cat’s ear carpeted the sides of the hill, dominating small sunny areas as it climbed a ridge beyond them, making the small pockets of pink wild roses very noticeable.
“This is truly lovely, Lil. The air even feels cooler. It is perfect weather for our ride,” Lydia commented.
“Would you care to ride to the cliffs today?” Lilian questioned.
“I would love to, but do you think we should? Father has asked us to stay close to the house. He does not want us near the cliffs unchaperoned because of the free traders. I do not think he would consider Barney sufficient protection.”
Lilian did not care to bear Father’s wrath. He was normally a gentle soul, but when it was needful, he could become intractable.
She agreed with her sister. “Yes, the thought of Barney defending our honour is almost too much to contemplate. Very well. What about the ruins? We could follow the ridge and mayhap stretch the horses there.”
“That is a good plan. Mama will be so cross! I wonder who these gentlemen are?”
“An earl and his friend, Father said this morning. You were too busy eyeing that new footman to notice.”
“Perhaps we should have taken the Season more seriously and she would not be so frantic about our finding suitable matches,” Lydia replied. The family had arrived home from London only a week ago and had barely unpacked.
Lilian sighed. “There was one gentleman…”
“Oh, I know the one you mean, and I noticed your reaction to him. He was wearing his regimental dress although, according to Mama, he is an earl.”
Lilian was not surprised Lydia knew exactly the man she remembered. It had been the last ball of the Season. She drew in a breath, recalling how she had noticed him the moment he had entered the room.
“I will admit I wished he would ask me to dance, but he and his friend did not seem to remain long.”
“Quite. I noticed him watching you and thought he would ask to be introduced, but then his friend came back with glasses of champagne, said something to him and they left.”
“Perhaps there was an emergency.” Her mind flitted back to that night. “They were both interesting, but so were several others. I noticed you seemed taken with Viscount Yarstone.” Although she spoke the words, Lilian’s mind was still on the gentleman in the regimentals.
“Do come down from the clouds, sister,” Lydia teased.
Wrinkling her nose at Lydia, Lilian gave her horse a slight nudge, sending him into a canter. Her hat came off and she felt her hair fall from its pins until her long auburn brown curls were flowing behind her. She did not care. She had Danby, and she was here on this glorious morning. It was all that mattered.
Her sister looked behind them. “Good heavens! Barney is keeping up!” Immodestly, Lydia yelled across the space between them, gesturing with a jerk of her head and obviously goading Lilian to look.
Instead, Lilian sniggered in a rude way and gave Danby another nudge. Her brown gelding ran faster, forcing Lydia and her chestnut to race to catch them. It felt wondrous. The two sisters rode across the crest of the hill for a good while, deftly dodging trees, fences and outcrops of rock—doggedly followed, some distance behind, by their groom. Low shrubs and weathered post-and-rail fencing bordered one edge of the path they followed, and masses of coloured flowers covered the ground, gradually disappearing from sight.
A more wooded area appeared in a bend in the track ahead of them, and as they approached, a loud shot rang out. Danby shied violently sideways and with a shrill squeal of distress, reared high on his back legs.
“Lilian!” Lydia cried out.
Lilian heard her sister’s cry and was dimly aware of her struggles to gain control over Ginger, but her own struggle to maintain her seat was failing. Somehow, her legs loosened from the pommels of her side-saddle when the horse rose, and she fought to keep her balance. Danby lost his footing and as he toppled, the force of him hitting the earth tossed her to the ground. She landed on a stone, or something equally hard, the momentum then rolling her across the rough ground until she thudded into a large rock. She heard her own scream pierce the air.
* Note: This book is written using British spellings to enhance the reading experience. Some words, like endeavor, are spelled endeavour.
August 1815
Tintagel, England
“That was a narrow escape! I thought Chambers was going to tell us Mama was looking for us.” Lydia DeLacey put her hand to her mouth, smothering her giggles as she joined her twin sister at the bottom of the front steps of their father’s house.
“Hurry!” Lilian urged. Picking up their skirts, they ran down the gravel path to the stables, arriving breathless and intoxicated with excitement at avoiding Mama’s machinations. Two handsome gentlemen had arrived earlier to meet with their father. The twin’s abigail, who had had it from Cook, had told her mistress that Mama had ordered tea to be served at four of the clock.
Lilian hated to think her father would arrange marriages for her sister and herself—not when he and their mother still enjoyed a love match. However, her mother was notorious for creating opportunities, as she termed it, for her two daughters to meet the men of their dreams and seemed determined, despite Lilian and her twin showing no interest in any of their suitors, to find at least one match.
Her joyous mood changed when she saw the head groom waiting at the door of the stables.
“Oh, marvellous! Barney is waiting for us,” she muttered with a hint of sarcasm.
“We will have to take him, Lilian.”
She yearned to ride Danby, the dark bay she had brought on from birth. She loved the fresh air and thrilled to the independence riding her horse gave her. Often, she and Lydia rode neck and neck, racing over the pastures and fields of her parent’s estate. Such freedom was impossible in London.
“Good morning, my lady and my lady.” Barney, the head groom, stepped forward with their horses. “I took the liberty of having Danby and Ginger saddled. I thought you would wish to ride this morning. Me own horse is also ready.” He sent an imploring look in their direction.
Lilian glanced at her sister and then around her, struggling to find an excuse to leave him behind. There was none, although on many an occasion she and her sister had contrived to lose him. The poor man knew they were likely to put him through his paces.
“Thank you, Barney.” Lilian smiled tightly. “It is a beautiful day for a ride, is it not? We will endeavour not to trouble you unduly.”
“Yes, my lady.” He noticeably gulped and led Lydia’s horse to the mounting block. He helped each of them onto their horse and climbed up on his own. The small party rode out of the stable yard, Lilian and her sister in the lead and the groom trailing a safe distance behind.
Flowers were in bloom everywhere. A purple blanket of creeping thyme edged the path. Bluebells and bright yellow cat’s ear carpeted the sides of the hill, dominating small sunny areas as it climbed a ridge beyond them, making the small pockets of pink wild roses very noticeable.
“This is truly lovely, Lil. The air even feels cooler. It is perfect weather for our ride,” Lydia commented.
“Would you care to ride to the cliffs today?” Lilian questioned.
“I would love to, but do you think we should? Father has asked us to stay close to the house. He does not want us near the cliffs unchaperoned because of the free traders. I do not think he would consider Barney sufficient protection.”
Lilian did not care to bear Father’s wrath. He was normally a gentle soul, but when it was needful, he could become intractable.
She agreed with her sister. “Yes, the thought of Barney defending our honour is almost too much to contemplate. Very well. What about the ruins? We could follow the ridge and mayhap stretch the horses there.”
“That is a good plan. Mama will be so cross! I wonder who these gentlemen are?”
“An earl and his friend, Father said this morning. You were too busy eyeing that new footman to notice.”
“Perhaps we should have taken the Season more seriously and she would not be so frantic about our finding suitable matches,” Lydia replied. The family had arrived home from London only a week ago and had barely unpacked.
Lilian sighed. “There was one gentleman…”
“Oh, I know the one you mean, and I noticed your reaction to him. He was wearing his regimental dress although, according to Mama, he is an earl.”
Lilian was not surprised Lydia knew exactly the man she remembered. It had been the last ball of the Season. She drew in a breath, recalling how she had noticed him the moment he had entered the room.
“I will admit I wished he would ask me to dance, but he and his friend did not seem to remain long.”
“Quite. I noticed him watching you and thought he would ask to be introduced, but then his friend came back with glasses of champagne, said something to him and they left.”
“Perhaps there was an emergency.” Her mind flitted back to that night. “They were both interesting, but so were several others. I noticed you seemed taken with Viscount Yarstone.” Although she spoke the words, Lilian’s mind was still on the gentleman in the regimentals.
“Do come down from the clouds, sister,” Lydia teased.
Wrinkling her nose at Lydia, Lilian gave her horse a slight nudge, sending him into a canter. Her hat came off and she felt her hair fall from its pins until her long auburn brown curls were flowing behind her. She did not care. She had Danby, and she was here on this glorious morning. It was all that mattered.
Her sister looked behind them. “Good heavens! Barney is keeping up!” Immodestly, Lydia yelled across the space between them, gesturing with a jerk of her head and obviously goading Lilian to look.
Instead, Lilian sniggered in a rude way and gave Danby another nudge. Her brown gelding ran faster, forcing Lydia and her chestnut to race to catch them. It felt wondrous. The two sisters rode across the crest of the hill for a good while, deftly dodging trees, fences and outcrops of rock—doggedly followed, some distance behind, by their groom. Low shrubs and weathered post-and-rail fencing bordered one edge of the path they followed, and masses of coloured flowers covered the ground, gradually disappearing from sight.
A more wooded area appeared in a bend in the track ahead of them, and as they approached, a loud shot rang out. Danby shied violently sideways and with a shrill squeal of distress, reared high on his back legs.
“Lilian!” Lydia cried out.
Lilian heard her sister’s cry and was dimly aware of her struggles to gain control over Ginger, but her own struggle to maintain her seat was failing. Somehow, her legs loosened from the pommels of her side-saddle when the horse rose, and she fought to keep her balance. Danby lost his footing and as he toppled, the force of him hitting the earth tossed her to the ground. She landed on a stone, or something equally hard, the momentum then rolling her across the rough ground until she thudded into a large rock. She heard her own scream pierce the air.
* Note: This book is written using British spellings to enhance the reading experience. Some words, like endeavor, are spelled endeavour.
May 26, 2020
Romancing a Wallflower by Anna St. Claire
Noble Hearts Series Book Two
John Andrews, the fifth Earl of Harlow, friends with Maxwell Wilde from the previous book, The Earl She Left Behind. A year ago, while searching for smugglers, John had witnessed an accident when a young woman was thrown from her horse. He had brought her to her parents and had her on his mind all this time. Never seeing her since then.
Lilian DeLacey watched from the wallflower area as her twin sister, Lydia, enjoyed the ball. A year ago, she'd been able to dance as well. No more. Not since her accident. Her life would never be the same, even though Lydia believed that Lilian would be whole one day.
That ball, sitting with the wallflowers, changed Lilian's life. And John's. Although he had things to overcome in his own life as well. Not believing he could ever marry. Love, romance, danger, and suspense all put together for a beautiful story.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
Noble Hearts Series Book Two
John Andrews, the fifth Earl of Harlow, friends with Maxwell Wilde from the previous book, The Earl She Left Behind. A year ago, while searching for smugglers, John had witnessed an accident when a young woman was thrown from her horse. He had brought her to her parents and had her on his mind all this time. Never seeing her since then.
Lilian DeLacey watched from the wallflower area as her twin sister, Lydia, enjoyed the ball. A year ago, she'd been able to dance as well. No more. Not since her accident. Her life would never be the same, even though Lydia believed that Lilian would be whole one day.
That ball, sitting with the wallflowers, changed Lilian's life. And John's. Although he had things to overcome in his own life as well. Not believing he could ever marry. Love, romance, danger, and suspense all put together for a beautiful story.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
May 23, 2020
What a nice story this was. Lilian DeLacey was injured in a horse accident and John Andrews, the Earl of Harlow, helped rescue her and he hasn’t been able to forget about her. When he finally meets her a year later, he still has feelings for her but with his experiences and nightmares from the war, he’s not sure he would be a good husband. He still decides to court her and see what happens as Lilian doesn’t turn him away. Lilian has been in a wheelchair for the past year and knows she won’t walk again, so why is the Earl of Harlow interested in her? She can’t stand being in a wheelchair, so why doesn’t it bother John?
The road to their romance was a bumpy one at times, but will all the bumps be enough to keep them apart or will something else bring them together. Wonderful story which I highly recommend.
The road to their romance was a bumpy one at times, but will all the bumps be enough to keep them apart or will something else bring them together. Wonderful story which I highly recommend.
June 11, 2020
Romancing a Wallflower is a charming book filled with sweet romance and intrigue.
Well-written, this is a delightful easy read.
Well-written, this is a delightful easy read.
March 7, 2022
Romancing A Wallflower, Book 2 of the Noble Hearts series, was about Lady Lilian DeLacey, twin sister to Lydia and daughter of the Earl of Avalon, and Lord John Andrews, the fifth Earl of Harlow.
When Lilian and her sister, Lydia, were out for a ride on their family estate, a shot rang out, spooking both horses. Lilian's horse had reared up, knocking her to the ground where she had hit her back and head on several stones. Unknown to her, John and his friend Max were not far away searching for a smuggler. As they raced to her side, John prayed she was still alive. Noting she was, they carefully took her back to her home for the doctor to examine. Not knowing the extent of her injuries, John could not put her from his mind.
A year after the accident, Lydia somehow convinced her sister to attend a ball. Lilian, having sustained a spinal injury from the previous year's accident, was unable to walk, thus being forced to suffer the use of a wheelchair. Unwillingly she gave in to her sister's prompts and decided to attend the event, where she and John were finally formally introduced. The more time John and Lilian spent together, the closer they became...and the more dangerous things grew.
This story had less angst and drama than its predecessor, but that did not detract from the book, for they were both still in good proportion. The mysteries were just as appropriate and kept the reader glued to the pages. There was more humor in this story than in the previous book, and the emotions were not as dark and dramatic. The twists and turns were well meted out.
The characters were strong and well-developed, with a maturity and integrity that some books of the genre lack. This was another five-star book.
When Lilian and her sister, Lydia, were out for a ride on their family estate, a shot rang out, spooking both horses. Lilian's horse had reared up, knocking her to the ground where she had hit her back and head on several stones. Unknown to her, John and his friend Max were not far away searching for a smuggler. As they raced to her side, John prayed she was still alive. Noting she was, they carefully took her back to her home for the doctor to examine. Not knowing the extent of her injuries, John could not put her from his mind.
A year after the accident, Lydia somehow convinced her sister to attend a ball. Lilian, having sustained a spinal injury from the previous year's accident, was unable to walk, thus being forced to suffer the use of a wheelchair. Unwillingly she gave in to her sister's prompts and decided to attend the event, where she and John were finally formally introduced. The more time John and Lilian spent together, the closer they became...and the more dangerous things grew.
This story had less angst and drama than its predecessor, but that did not detract from the book, for they were both still in good proportion. The mysteries were just as appropriate and kept the reader glued to the pages. There was more humor in this story than in the previous book, and the emotions were not as dark and dramatic. The twists and turns were well meted out.
The characters were strong and well-developed, with a maturity and integrity that some books of the genre lack. This was another five-star book.
March 31, 2023
Finding Prince Charming
I loved Lilian and John’s story. Lilian was gravely injured in a fall from her horse caused by a gunshot. Lord Harlow helped her and he’s thought of her since the accident. He believes it’s his fault since they were looking for smugglers and he thought the shot was aimed at them.
It’s been a year since her accident and she still can’t walk and has to use a wheelchair. Her twin Lydia begs her to attend a ball and she agrees. She never thought she would be introduced to her hero and that he would want to court her.
With John and Max still investigating the smuggling ring, learning that Lilian’s brother has also been working undercover to find the ring leader. They work together to arrest the leaders and keep Lilian safe.
A wonderful story with a beautiful ending.
I loved Lilian and John’s story. Lilian was gravely injured in a fall from her horse caused by a gunshot. Lord Harlow helped her and he’s thought of her since the accident. He believes it’s his fault since they were looking for smugglers and he thought the shot was aimed at them.
It’s been a year since her accident and she still can’t walk and has to use a wheelchair. Her twin Lydia begs her to attend a ball and she agrees. She never thought she would be introduced to her hero and that he would want to court her.
With John and Max still investigating the smuggling ring, learning that Lilian’s brother has also been working undercover to find the ring leader. They work together to arrest the leaders and keep Lilian safe.
A wonderful story with a beautiful ending.
August 6, 2024
Lord John Harlow is best friends with Maxwell from book one in the series, like Max he fought in the war in europe, and still works for the crown. When on assignment in Cornwall he rescues Lilian who's had a bad fall from her horse, when it was spooked by a gunshot John thinks was aimed at him. Julian is left with hysterical paralysis and uses a wheelchair, but hates the lack of freedom and riding.
John asks to be introduced at a ball, he's followed her recovery from afar, and is very attracted to Lilian, who has no memory of who rescued her other than his cologne.
I enjoyed this book for several reasons, it's a decent length, had a decent plot, great hero and heroine, and we are Max again, although he appears to be away from his wife a great deal. Also it was nice to read a book in English English as opposed to american english.
Looking forward to the rest of the series.
John asks to be introduced at a ball, he's followed her recovery from afar, and is very attracted to Lilian, who has no memory of who rescued her other than his cologne.
I enjoyed this book for several reasons, it's a decent length, had a decent plot, great hero and heroine, and we are Max again, although he appears to be away from his wife a great deal. Also it was nice to read a book in English English as opposed to american english.
Looking forward to the rest of the series.
November 26, 2023
First off, I acknowledge that my rating of this book is totally unfair. It is not the author’s fault I did not read the first book, nor that I was uninterested in the mystery and was only looking for tropey fluff. While the story did drag in parts, it’s overall quite fine, I just have very specific preferences for HRs (namely that they center on a heroine who is plain/abused/disabled/plump and insecure, and the story focuses on her building confidence and healing). This book was good enough, just not to my personal tastes. (2.5 stars)
October 2, 2025
What a page turner.
Never really found out who was responsible for the shot that injured Lillian, but the mystery throughout the story about the smuggling ring and the group of peerage trying to stop them kept me turning each page.
The blossoming relationship between Liilian and John, whom we met in Book 1, was sweet
Shocking to find out who the ringleader actually was; but delighted that Lillian overcame her injuries.
Never really found out who was responsible for the shot that injured Lillian, but the mystery throughout the story about the smuggling ring and the group of peerage trying to stop them kept me turning each page.
The blossoming relationship between Liilian and John, whom we met in Book 1, was sweet
Shocking to find out who the ringleader actually was; but delighted that Lillian overcame her injuries.
August 16, 2024
Great read!
I enjoyed the book with the mystery plot line. The characters are interesting and likable. I was delighted that the villainess countess gets her comeuppance. I recommend reading this book for anyone who is interested in sweet, clean and intriguing. Once again you really can’t go wrong with an Anna St. Claire book.
I enjoyed the book with the mystery plot line. The characters are interesting and likable. I was delighted that the villainess countess gets her comeuppance. I recommend reading this book for anyone who is interested in sweet, clean and intriguing. Once again you really can’t go wrong with an Anna St. Claire book.
April 3, 2022
This was a very sweet romance read. There was a little bit of mystery which kept me engaged. I enjoyed it very much.
July 28, 2023
cute read
A sweet and light read about an injured twin along with her family and dog they all deal with a mystery about smugglers.
A sweet and light read about an injured twin along with her family and dog they all deal with a mystery about smugglers.
May 26, 2024
4.5 rounded up
July 31, 2025
Nice story looking forward to the rest of the series to exploring other books by this author.
December 21, 2025
Wallflower
Lovely story of a shy girl, A labeled wall flower garde. And lots of mystery things are happy. Now if the dream and the puppg
Lovely story of a shy girl, A labeled wall flower garde. And lots of mystery things are happy. Now if the dream and the puppg
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