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Wilful Wallflowers #3
The Rake and Lady Julia
Lady Julia Cavendish has always been a most sensible and practical young woman. So when her parents declare that she must marry, or spend the rest of her days acting as a companion to her dreadful Aunt Mildred, she agrees.
Love, she believes, is not real, and an advantageous marriage is far preferable to the life of a servant.
But then she meets Lord Montague...
The only son of the house her family has been quarrelling with for centuries, he is the last person a sensible and practical girl would think to fall in love. But try as she might, Julia cannot resist the rake's charm and smiles, and finds herself falling head over heels into something she believed was impossible.
Robert William Montague, current holder of the title Marquess of Thornbrook and heir to the Ducal Seat of Staffordshire, has fallen in love. Again.
But this time, he has not given his heart to an unsuitable actress, or an outrageous opera singer. No, this time, he has given it to a lady, and he has given it away for the last time.
True, the lady in question seems reluctant to accept his heart, and even more determined to talk her way out of falling in love with him, but Robert is determined.
Their two lost souls will find a home together if Robert can just convince Lady Julia to see the light.
As Julia struggles to trust a rake with such a tarnished past, Robert must prove himself to be a changed man. But when the families' enmity boils over into violence once again, it will take a miracle to join these two star-crossed lovers...
...or at the very least, a little help from Julia's fellow wallflowers.
Love, she believes, is not real, and an advantageous marriage is far preferable to the life of a servant.
But then she meets Lord Montague...
The only son of the house her family has been quarrelling with for centuries, he is the last person a sensible and practical girl would think to fall in love. But try as she might, Julia cannot resist the rake's charm and smiles, and finds herself falling head over heels into something she believed was impossible.
Robert William Montague, current holder of the title Marquess of Thornbrook and heir to the Ducal Seat of Staffordshire, has fallen in love. Again.
But this time, he has not given his heart to an unsuitable actress, or an outrageous opera singer. No, this time, he has given it to a lady, and he has given it away for the last time.
True, the lady in question seems reluctant to accept his heart, and even more determined to talk her way out of falling in love with him, but Robert is determined.
Their two lost souls will find a home together if Robert can just convince Lady Julia to see the light.
As Julia struggles to trust a rake with such a tarnished past, Robert must prove himself to be a changed man. But when the families' enmity boils over into violence once again, it will take a miracle to join these two star-crossed lovers...
...or at the very least, a little help from Julia's fellow wallflowers.
155 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 26, 2020
345 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
About the author
Claudia Stone
33 books139 followersClaudia Stone was born in South Africa but moved to Plymouth as a young girl. Having trained as an actress at RADA, she moved to New York to pursue her dream of acting on Broadway in 1988. She never did see her name in lights, but she did meet a wonderful Irishman called Conal who whisked her away to the wilds of Kerry, where she has lived ever since.
Claudia and Conal have three children, a dairy farm and a boisterous, black lab called Buddy. When she has any time left over, Claudia enjoys reading Regency as well as writing it.
You can also connect with Claudia on Facebook:
fb.me/ClaudiaStoneAuthor
Claudia and Conal have three children, a dairy farm and a boisterous, black lab called Buddy. When she has any time left over, Claudia enjoys reading Regency as well as writing it.
You can also connect with Claudia on Facebook:
fb.me/ClaudiaStoneAuthor
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
January 12, 2021
I’m a simple girl. Give me a Shakespeare adaptation, and I’m set.
September 5, 2020
A series and book that I didn't want to finish! It was wonderful :)
I have loved every book in this series and each one kept getting better. This fun take on Romeo and Juliet had it all- likeable characters, wonderful quotes from the original play and a wonderful love story. I honestly didn't want this book to end. I also have to mention that the book's prologue had me laughing out loud.
I have loved every book in this series and each one kept getting better. This fun take on Romeo and Juliet had it all- likeable characters, wonderful quotes from the original play and a wonderful love story. I honestly didn't want this book to end. I also have to mention that the book's prologue had me laughing out loud.
April 6, 2021
2.5 stars. So I'm taking the plunge...and it wasn't that bad. Aside from a few mentions (and very non-detailed, brief ones at that), I didn't get the impression that the hero was that bad or a rake. There were no run-ins with OW nor were there any inner monologues about his experience with them. So I guess I was wrong to worry. However, neither the nor the romance MC was very developed. Overall the story was simplistic but engagingly told.
August 29, 2020
Enemy to lover.
The Hatfield and the McCoy have nothing over the Montague and the Cavendish they have been feuding for centuries. Now, what happens this new generation goes and meets and falls in love. Dear Robert and Julia are in for a merry old ride. In the end, thank God she had a friend in Charlotte and her husband. I love the author’s style of writing the interaction is so splendid among the characters with the dialogue just outstanding. I am so glad I got the chance to read this charming tale and I highly recommend it. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
The Hatfield and the McCoy have nothing over the Montague and the Cavendish they have been feuding for centuries. Now, what happens this new generation goes and meets and falls in love. Dear Robert and Julia are in for a merry old ride. In the end, thank God she had a friend in Charlotte and her husband. I love the author’s style of writing the interaction is so splendid among the characters with the dialogue just outstanding. I am so glad I got the chance to read this charming tale and I highly recommend it. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
September 6, 2020
Love a good historical. Entertaining and intense read. Good dialogue and situations to keep you turning to the next page. Great characters and story that keeps you hooked until the last page!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 31, 2020
Really cute story!
It did seem to drag at the start but it picked up as the story evolved. It was really a cute story and Robert and Julia found out that fate always wins in the end. I'd recommend this to anyone who likes romance and a little comedy.
It did seem to drag at the start but it picked up as the story evolved. It was really a cute story and Robert and Julia found out that fate always wins in the end. I'd recommend this to anyone who likes romance and a little comedy.
August 29, 2020
The third book in the Wilful Wallflowers series a well written story of a feud between the Cavendish and Montague families. What happens when Lady Julia Cavendish and Marquess of Thornbrook, Robert William Montague fall in love. I enjoyed seeing this story come together, I especially liked the ending. I wonder if George will get a story.
October 1, 2020
This was definitely the best of the three novels.
Lord Montague was everything I look for in a romance hero; funny, romantic, trust-worthy, and with a bad-boy reputation to boot. We had gotten to see him a lot in the prior novels as he gave his two friends sage advice on securing their own love matches, so it was nice to see him finally get his own. Especially considering he took Julia's request seriously and all of the trials he went through to try and make it happen for her.
Lady Julia, however.... okay don't get me wrong. I liked her character. I enjoyed watching her banter with Rob as well as her friends. I just wish she wouldn't constantly jump to conclusions and/or accuse Rob of being a liar without knowing all of the details. I could understand to an extent why she did it the first time, but after that? Especially on the occasion where she witnessed her cousin physically assaulting Rob, and Rob doing nothing to defend himself? Why would she then so willingly believe that he was a part of what took place after? It seemed like she didn't really know him at all which made her claim to be in love with him almost laughable.
Together, these two were an interesting duo. Being the only children of two feuding families, I had expected to see more confrontation between his father and hers, or at least one side attempting to make things tough on the couple. All things considered, their romance seemed a little too easy and accepted considering the feud had been going on "so long that no one remembered how it started".
As I said above, I enjoyed this novel more than the previous two. I can't quite put my finger on what it was about this one, but I do believe those who enjoy sweet and clean romances will enjoy this one.
Lord Montague was everything I look for in a romance hero; funny, romantic, trust-worthy, and with a bad-boy reputation to boot. We had gotten to see him a lot in the prior novels as he gave his two friends sage advice on securing their own love matches, so it was nice to see him finally get his own. Especially considering he took Julia's request seriously and all of the trials he went through to try and make it happen for her.
Lady Julia, however.... okay don't get me wrong. I liked her character. I enjoyed watching her banter with Rob as well as her friends. I just wish she wouldn't constantly jump to conclusions and/or accuse Rob of being a liar without knowing all of the details. I could understand to an extent why she did it the first time, but after that? Especially on the occasion where she witnessed her cousin physically assaulting Rob, and Rob doing nothing to defend himself? Why would she then so willingly believe that he was a part of what took place after? It seemed like she didn't really know him at all which made her claim to be in love with him almost laughable.
Together, these two were an interesting duo. Being the only children of two feuding families, I had expected to see more confrontation between his father and hers, or at least one side attempting to make things tough on the couple. All things considered, their romance seemed a little too easy and accepted considering the feud had been going on "so long that no one remembered how it started".
As I said above, I enjoyed this novel more than the previous two. I can't quite put my finger on what it was about this one, but I do believe those who enjoy sweet and clean romances will enjoy this one.
September 30, 2020
I was looking for a quick easy read after having spent over a week trying to read a biographical book and since this one had my name in it LOL I decided this was just the thing. It was fast reading, fun reading and since the author had stated that it was a remake of Romeo and Juliet, I had fun seeing the similarities in the characters. In this case it was the Montagues and the Cavendish's. This is book 3 in a series of 3. I like that it is a stand alone read if one hasn't read the other two which are also remakes of Shakespeare's works. If you love Shakespeare and want a fun read, I highly recommend all 3 books.
October 8, 2020
As always I did enjoy reading this series. This time about Julia and Robert. They had to overcome a family feud to find their true happiness. There was also a nice epilogue that takes us into their future and their children. Nice finishing touch
September 19, 2020
Great love story
This was a exciting book. It is funny how feeds can be held so long. My late husband’s family had one going when we married.
This was a exciting book. It is funny how feeds can be held so long. My late husband’s family had one going when we married.
September 9, 2023
The books in this series are all regency romances based on Shakespearean re-tellings. The first book was based on Taming of the Shrew, the second on Twelfth Night and this book on Romeo and Juliet (but with a happy ending).
All three books in this series I have rated three stars. They have all been average reads, entertaining enough but lacking the uniqueness that is required to make a re-telling work. All the books felt a little rushed with trying to tell the story as well as do cross-overs with previous books that I never really got to care for the characters.
Not a bad read by any stretch, but to me it lacked the magic needed to stand out against the million other books written in the romance regency genre.
Reading Challenge
Aussie Readers 2023 "My Favourite Things Spring Challenge": Read a book that takes place during your favourite time period (Regency)
Aussie Readers 2023 September "C. J. Sansom" Challenge: C.J Sansom is best known for his Matthew Shardlake series set in Tudor England under Henry VIII. Read a book set in England.
All three books in this series I have rated three stars. They have all been average reads, entertaining enough but lacking the uniqueness that is required to make a re-telling work. All the books felt a little rushed with trying to tell the story as well as do cross-overs with previous books that I never really got to care for the characters.
Not a bad read by any stretch, but to me it lacked the magic needed to stand out against the million other books written in the romance regency genre.
Reading Challenge
Aussie Readers 2023 "My Favourite Things Spring Challenge": Read a book that takes place during your favourite time period (Regency)
Aussie Readers 2023 September "C. J. Sansom" Challenge: C.J Sansom is best known for his Matthew Shardlake series set in Tudor England under Henry VIII. Read a book set in England.
June 21, 2021
Brilliant!
Hilarious, intelligent, dry wit so caustic, growth and development in the characters, characters you can admire: the valet, the street characters, a changed father.....
Beautifully written and a book to return to on a dreary day. A ton of memorable moments... I was cackling so hard I believe my neighbours heard me. Thank you for a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
Hilarious, intelligent, dry wit so caustic, growth and development in the characters, characters you can admire: the valet, the street characters, a changed father.....
Beautifully written and a book to return to on a dreary day. A ton of memorable moments... I was cackling so hard I believe my neighbours heard me. Thank you for a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
June 26, 2021
Julia and Robert are from warring families who have been fighting for five hundred years over a piece of land. They have been kept apart and never met until Julia’s third year of being on the town. At Almanacs one night their eyes met and that was it for Robert. He just had to convince Julia. It is an amusing story.
July 19, 2021
Another great page-turner from Claudia Stone. I really loved her two 'lead' characters, especially Montague... great fun. I'm not a fan of the epilogue that dips into the future, kids, kids marrying, etc. I know some readers like this, but I like to finish with the glow of current love and all the promise of HEA. A highly-enjoyable read.
August 27, 2020
Montague and Lady Julia find their happy ever after in the final installment of the Wilful Wallflowers Series. I had great fun writing this book and I heart Rob very very much...but my favourite part has to be the final scene! Nothing beats a good epilogue with friends! I hope you enjoy!
June 22, 2021
Light summer read
If you enjoy books set in the early 1800's this is a good book for you. It contains all of the necessary characters, a pushy mama, a beautiful daughter with 2 good friends and of course, a misunderstood rake.
If you enjoy books set in the early 1800's this is a good book for you. It contains all of the necessary characters, a pushy mama, a beautiful daughter with 2 good friends and of course, a misunderstood rake.
June 25, 2021
Only the ton knows, I loved this book. So many funny things happened that was not on the “tons” approval. I did enjoy how the three wallflowers usurped those waiting for a match for their own daughters. Absolutely entertaining by the duke and his love adventures
July 15, 2021
DNF after realising at the 40% mark that i really didn’t like the hero. Seemed flakey and selfish. As this is a Romeo and Juliet homage and Romeo is selfish so perhaps an accurate retelling. I guess I don’t like Romeo.
November 14, 2021
3.5 I really enjoyed the beginning, especially the skill with which the author wove the backstory so succinctly. The Shakespeare references were clear but she didn't bash you over the head with them. A charming story.
November 19, 2022
Shakespeare revisited
A glorious romp in Regency England with a Shakespearan flavor! This story was funny, positive, romantic, all good things. I enjoyed this book very much. Recommended.
A glorious romp in Regency England with a Shakespearan flavor! This story was funny, positive, romantic, all good things. I enjoyed this book very much. Recommended.
August 31, 2025
The third and final book in this series was not as good as the first two but the last part made up for what the first two-thirds lacked. I was pleased with the epilogue that went on to provide how the Wallflowers/Dukes children married each other to become one big happy 'family' in the end.
September 9, 2025
Best for last
This book is my favorite of the Wilful Wallflowers Trilogy. All 3 of the books are entertaining. The author did a wonderful job of blending all three stories together at the end. The characters are all engaging and their stories are heartwarming.
This book is my favorite of the Wilful Wallflowers Trilogy. All 3 of the books are entertaining. The author did a wonderful job of blending all three stories together at the end. The characters are all engaging and their stories are heartwarming.
November 2, 2020
Romance
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novels series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novels series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
June 21, 2021
Great book. Very enjoyable. Good characters.
June 21, 2021
Enjoyed this Regency romance novella.
June 21, 2021
A grand gesture
Another delightful and amusing tale of romance. Thank you for keeping me amused and entertained during the restrictions of this past year.
Another delightful and amusing tale of romance. Thank you for keeping me amused and entertained during the restrictions of this past year.
June 28, 2021
I love a good clean romance
A fun story which made me smile and laugh. I very much enjoyed it and loved having an epilogue at the end
A fun story which made me smile and laugh. I very much enjoyed it and loved having an epilogue at the end
July 1, 2021
This is a super creative retelling of Romeo and Juliet. I like this one much better! Especially the happy ending.
July 19, 2021
This was a lovely conclusion to the trilogy. It was touching and funny. It also included a character with a learning disability, which was an unexpected bit of representation.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews