A Hero for Lady Abigail

A Wallflower's Wish #5

by Maggie Dallen, Katherine Ann Madison, Tammy Andresen

With one season left for Lady Abigail to find a husband, now is certainly not the time to lose her head...or her heart.

No one would mistake Lady Abigail for a delicate wallflower. In fact, she's more like the gardener's shears. But with her parents' ultimatum still ringing in her ears, “Choose a husband now or we’ll choose for you,” Lady Abigail is desperate. Luckily Major Mayfield is the perfect bait to help her lure her prey. There's only one problem. He wants nothing to do with her. But a little adversity never stopped her. This is her last chance and she means to make it work. Even if it means playing nice...for once.

Major Mayfield has no interest in the belle of the ball, and even less in a lady who is spoiled rotten. He's already chosen the perfect lady...it's just too bad he can't seem to remember her name when Lady Abigail is nearby. But that's only because she is so very irritating. And clever. And, of course, everyone knows that she has beauty in spades. No, what the major finds so intriguing is the rare glimpse of her true nature when she thinks no one is watching. The more he digs, the more he's stunned to find...she's more than a diamond in the rough. In fact, she might just be a diamond of the first water.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Regency, Historical, Historical Fiction

134 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 23, 2021

Reviews

[Noonecansinkmyship (Tissa) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book’s really great! I just couldn’t put it down. It’s filled with character development and resonates with the idea that not only is it never too late to start over, but also that it’s never too late to try and apologize once you realize you’re at fault.

I loved seeing how Alex and Abigail fit as a couple! They encouraged each other to be better and are the epitome of a healthy relationship (with the help of trusted friends to guide them of course lol).

I sincerely enjoyed this book and just as sincerely recommend anyone read this. I really love Abigail which is surprising since I loathed her just two books ago, but that just goes to show how amazing the authors are!

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes people are not what they seem... or maybe they really are, but change is in store for them to become what they can be..

If anybody needed a hero, Lady Abigail did since she needed to find a husband before her parents chose one for her. She really had behaved badly through her seasons, but with a mother like hers I could see why!

Major Alex Mayfield, was determined to find a genteel woman and settle down. After the war all he wanted was peace. Unfortunately he had to attend events to secure such a woman. But before he knew it, Lady Abigail inserted herself into his life and the adventure begins.

Abigail and Alex seemed to be so opposite, but they truly needed each other, and it seemed every exchange became more and more intriguing. I adored them both, especially Alex who was so honest and strong and noble, as Abigail thought of him.

This story wove it's way around my heart with the magical words of these two wonderful authors who are two of my favorites!

[Stephanie Fowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet surprise!

I have to say that Abigail (who happens to play the villain in the beginning of these books) is my favorite character of all! Lol. She just had so much personality and I loved her growth. I have to admit I got a little teary with this one. Abigail has heart! The last book was fantastic! Now to look ip more books from this author. Well done!

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Abigail didn’t have a good example how to behave in her mother. Abigail has realised that her behaviour towards others had not been very friendly and was trying to change. This season is her last chance to choose her own husband. Major Alexander Mayfield is on the lookout for his potential bride, he wants someone biddable and quiet. He has someone in mind and it isn’t Abigail. Although, Alex is attracted to her, she isn’t the quiet wife he is look for. This was an enjoyable read with a happy ending. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Regency. What a lovely story. So enjoyable to read. 5☆

[S · Rating 2 out of 5]

My second more updated review: Who knew a reformed mean girl could be so entertaining? This quick read offers a delightful twist on the typical romance novel. Our heroine, once a haughty and entitled miss, undergoes a surprising transformation. From a social pariah to a cunning strategist, she's a character who keeps you guessing.

While the plot is a bit predictable, the witty banter and sharp dialogue make up for it. It's a lighthearted and fun read that's perfect for a lazy afternoon. Just don't expect groundbreaking character development or a mind-bending plot.
_____
Oh this was glorious! I cried, can you believe it?
I felt these tingly feelings on my finger tips (literally) whenever I read angsty - oh so good parts.
Seriously, this book had all the goods: one sided love (or so he / se thought), mean (but beautiful) heroine who turned into a new leaf, an uptight veteran hero, an awful mother and a dreadful ow.

Abigail was the the mean former bestfriend of Lily (from Book 2). She abandoned Lily when Lily was battling her illness and bullied her and her friends relentlessly. Abigail was not only beautiful, knew how to carry herself in the society, she's also the daughter of a duke aka huge dowry (so there you have it - which gentleman would not want her?). But alas, this was her third season and with no prospects, her parents threatened to find her a husband if she could not nail one herself in three weeks.
That's when Abigail set her eyes on the war veteran Alex. Alex, being the gentleman that he was, agreed to a dance with her. However, he had his sights set on a certain lady Charlotte. Plus, he could not be more deterred by Abigail after talking to her. She's too candid, too gorgeous, too distracting - not the meek, shy, submissive like Charlotte.

I won't share more spoilers but this was a very GOOD short story (150 pages). I loved it thoroughly.

[Lana Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been such an entertaining series & I hate that this is the last book. All the books can be read as standalones, but I would suggest reading the series in publication order.

The heroine, Lady Abigail is a duke daughter, was the Diamond of the First Water in her first season & was a mean, gossiping young lady that thought she had the world by the tail. But as time has gone by, friends have become enemies, society whispers behind their fans & she is beginning to change & see what a horrible person, & friend she had been.

Major Alexander Mayfield is a handsome, kind man; he has been back from the war for a while & with the help of a friend he has invested his money & it has grown to a sizable amount. His next move is to find a bride & he has just the sweet, quiet lady in mind.

That was before Lady Abigail asks him to dance at a ball to avoid her mother's nagging about finding a husband. Alex had met Abigail at a house party & how could he forget her as she is so beautiful. But he wants to court a quiet lady not the spoiled duke's daughter. They both end up at a house party & things really change for both. This is a fun, & romantic story with a handful of wonderful characters and then there is Abigail's Mother who is a harridan. I highly recommend this entire series! I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.

[Blog Coccole tra i Libri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ritorno a uno storico, dopo un po’ di tempo, con il quinto volume della Sweet Regency di Maggie Dallen e Katherine Ann Madison che, unitamente alla Virgibooks, ringrazio per la copia digitale.

Un romanzo breve, che però risulta completo, sia per la caratterizzazione dei personaggi che per l’ambientazione della storia.

Abigail è la bellissima figlia di un duca che ha debuttato da un po’ e che deve convolare a nozze. Questa stagione è la sua ultima possibilità per scegliersi un marito.

“Ad essere onesti era così bella che faceva quasi male a guardarla. Una bellezza sbalorditiva.”

Il Maggiore Mayfield, lasciato l’esercito, è in cerca di una moglie tranquilla e pacata, una ragazza adorabile che gli porti gentilezza e serenità per realizzare il suo desiderio di costruire una famiglia.

E Abigail all’apparenza sembra non avere nessuna di queste qualità.

“Bella, ricca, titolata, superficiale e piena di sé.

Nonostante la sua bellezza era tutto ciò che lui proprio non stava cercando.”

Il Maggiore, astuto uomo di guerra, sembra però aver intravisto oltre alla maschera che Abigail indossa.

“Ma poteva certamente aiutarla a scoprire il tipo di donna che aveva il potenziale di essere. Una vera e rara bellezza, che aveva cuore oltre che bealtà.”

Avrà ragione il Maggiore o la sua cerchia di amici? Abigail è la strega che tutti credono o la ragazza all’apparenza fredda e arcigna in cui batte un grande cuore?

Beh, la risposta sta nella lettura del romanzo: una lettura veloce che però vi lascerà emozioni profonde per la bella introspezione e crescita del personaggio di Abigail, e per la dolcezza del nostro Maggiore.

“Essere gentile di fronte alla crudeltà, richiede più forza e coraggio di quanto avessi mai immaginato. La capacità di perdonare è un vero atto di valore.”



4 Coccole.

Alla prossima coccola, Lenny

[Alicia Rivoli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I had a difficult time connecting with Abagail’s character, I ended up enjoying the book. Abagail in the other Wallflower books was a conceited, arrogant, rude woman. She was the perfect antagonist and had no care for others feelings. In this book, she wanted to become a better person, but it was hard for me to connect the woman from before with the woman she was in this story. I just can’t see her, from the way she behaved before, changing so drastically and the reason’s seemed forced just to make a book about her. If she willingly gave up Merrick for her friend Lily, why spread rumors to hurt her chances of marrying him? Why would she try to purposely sabotage it? It just didn’t make sense to me. However, even with all the challenges I had with Abagail’s character, Alex made up for it. He was kind, forgiving, willing to see beyond a persons outer shell and find the good in those around him. He made the story for me. There were several grammatical mistakes and typos, but nothing huge.

[Lori Quick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Hero for Lady Abigail by Maggie Dallen and Kathrine Ann Madison. I enjoyed this book so much. It can be read as a stand alone but I recommend reading all the books in the series. You get to learn more about Abigail in previous books, but you get to see her depth and growth, and what makes her tick in this one. Major Alex Mayfield does some growing himself. I don't want to give anything away so I will just say it is the perfect ending to a fabulous series.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series.. From book 1 to this one.. It's such a joyful series and I loved seeing each character from all of the previous books being mentioned in each storyline..

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good. I didn't want to put it down. I was in the story. I also love a villain redemption.

[Deb Diem · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Hero For Lady Abigail is a fantastic historical romance by Maggie Dallen and Katherine Ann Madison. This is a fairly quick read, perfect for those with limited reading time. Abigail has lost the few friends she had due to her mother's pushing her to find the best match. Alexander Mayfield remembers Abigail from before he left for battle and is drawn to her even after being warned about her. Alexander and Abigail's story is packed with drama, humor and a touch of suspense. This is a clean book, appropriate for any age. I enjoyed reading A Hero For Lady Abigail and look forward to my next book by Maggie Dallen and Katherine Ann Madison. A Hero For Lady Abigail is book 5 of A Wallflower's Wish Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from Bookfunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Book Addict · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, first up – this book is part of a series. Not only that, it is the last book in the series. This, and I cannot stress this enough, was NOT MADE CLEAR in the Amazon description of the book. Unlike some other series, this book should not be read on its own as it is about the redemption of female villain of the other books (at least that’s what I took away from the book).

So, once you’ve read about her redemption, how can you possibly go back and read the other books where she is apparently quite horrible? You can’t. Well at least, you can’t if you’re me, which is a shame because I really liked this book and I think I would have really liked the other four books in the series.

Abigail has obviously had a tough (albeit privileged) upbringing and is doing the best she can to survive in the London Ton with an abusive mother and distant father. She’s obviously done some fairly mean things in the past but her journey to redemption is shown beautifully in this book. She’s got an amazing amount of courage as well – not just in physically going to parties where she’s not precisely welcome but emotionally as well.

I didn’t experience the same strength of feeling with Alex, Major Mayfield. Everything just seemed to fall into his lap. Yes, he had to overcome some ill-feeling from his friends towards Abigail but he certainly didn’t have to do the same sort of emotional work that she did.

By the way, I’m assuming this is a Regency romance both because it’s in the sub-title of the book and because Alex is reported as recently returned from war. There aren’t any other of the ‘usual’ markers though to indicate that, so you may wish to treat this more as a sweet historical romance than a traditional Regency romance novel.

Ultimately though I guess you want to know – did I feel the HEA was right? Was I left with a warm and fuzzy feeling or wishing I could get my money back?

To be honest, I’m conflicted about this HEA. Whilst I think Abigail deserved to find a hero, I don’t know if Alex was in fact that hero and the epilogue didn’t exactly inspire me with confidence for poor Abigail’s happiness.

I have recommended the book because I really liked the authors’ style of writing and because I really liked Lady Abigail’s character arc but it may not be everyone’s cup of tea. I will be seeking out other books by these two though I’ll be researching a bit more carefully whether they’re part of a series or not first!

(Check out my personal blog for more Traditional Regency Romance reviews)

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Heartfelt Contrition***
Abigail is an older debutante who must choose who to marry this season or her evil tongued mother will make the decision for her. I can certainly understand the negative pressure her mother puts her through. But dear Abigail is tired of trying to be perfect for her mother when it has ostracized all her friends. Poor Abigail cannot walk anywhere without hearing people gossip and snicker at her for the things she did in the past all in the name of being the best, the brightest, the shiniest debutante in the room. People of the ton look down on her, turn their backs to her and some just ignore she even exists and walk right by her. Something inside of her feels sad for all that has happened. But she knows she cannot undo the past. Alex recently returned from the war is looking for a wife. After having been introduced to Abigail, he knows what he does not want or so he thinks. His dear friends try to steer him away from Abigail but somehow their paths keep crossing. As Abigail befriends Alex, he sees what others do not. She is direct, but not mean, she does not tend to gossip only speaks the truth and most of all she is honest about herself and about others. He listens and see how mean and cruel people are to Abigail and he is most offended and starts to feel protective of her. However, because he is a Major not a titled man Abigail's wicked mother puts him down. After all she is a duchess and Abigail is the daughter of a Duke. The mother has no shame in insulting and offending Alex to his face. This is a moving story of how Abigail is trying to be a better person even though there is no one in the world who believes in her ability to change, until Alex. A must read. I highly recommend it.

KINDLE UNLIMITED

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars
No one would mistake Lady Abigail for a delicate wallflower. But with her parents' ultimatum still ringing in her ears, “Choose a husband now or we’ll choose for you,” Lady Abigail is desperate.
Major Alex Mayfield has no interest in the belle of the ball, and even less in a lady who is spoiled rotten. He's already chosen the perfect lady...it's just too bad he can't seem to remember her name when Lady Abigail is nearby. What the major finds so intriguing is the rare glimpse of her true nature when she thinks no one is watching. The more he digs, the more he's stunned to find...she's more than a diamond in the rough. In fact, she might just be a diamond of the first water.
The fifth & final book in the series, another well written page turning read. You’ve met both Alex & Abigail before & I loved how Abigail is redeemed & thoroughly enjoyed the road to their HEA . A fun, entertaining read with lovely characters apart from a horrid Duchess. The attraction between the pair sizzled from her asking him to dance & whilst there was nothing stronger than a kiss the sexual tension was apparent. I loved the epilogue which rounded off the series beautifully but there was mention of a new character – I hope she has her story
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

A warm-hearted romance, this painful story has one thinking about the many people one comes across in life who are brittle and harsh but may be hiding behind a facade of emotional pain. Lady Abigail has had to endure the constant barrage of insults from her mother and to add insult to injury, her father has issued his ultimatum to get married. It only took one season, but the mistakes Abigail made in the past have never been forgotten and she still finds herself being snubbed as a result. Having returned from war, Major Alex Mayfield thinks he has the perfect lady picked out to be his wife. His plans are overset when Lady Abigail almost bowls him over on the ballroom floor. Although he has no interest in her, especially given the rumours he has heard, he is nevertheless a gentleman and treats her with respect. When he finally reaches his objective in meeting the lady he desires, he begins to doubt himself and the impressions he has formed of the two ladies. This gentle romance is well written and a standalone. It comes to a sweet conclusion, leaving the reader with a good feeling. I received a copy of this novel romance as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Kat Tolle · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO VERY CHARMING!!! A Hero for Lady Abigail by Maggie Dallen and Katherine Ann Madison is book 5 in the Wallflower’s wish series and on what a wonderful regency series this is. I have enjoyed each and everyone of these stories and A Hero for Lady Abigail did not disappoint. This story betrays the enemy of the WallFlowers yet is very misread which made this a more interesting read. I found the characters lovable, the story original and very well written. This story have a person who is judged wrong, being forced to find a husband, caring parents, great banter, not interested yet is intrigued, a wolf in sheeps clothing, wanting the wrong person, a strong will women, misunderstanding and falling in love. I highly recommend this book or any of the books in this series for they are truly wonderful to read.

***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.

[Raquel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Abigail has been the villain in the story for most of the series but there is a story behind every villain and now we get at look at the harsh Lady Abigail. While most see one face as the mean girl she is starting to see that it's not too late to change and be a better person. While trying to escape her mother's nagging to find a husband she comes across Major Alex Mayfield. Alex is looking for a quiet peaceful life and a quiet and sweet gentle young lady which Abigail is not but the more he comes across Abigail the more he sees behind to the real girl. At first, I thought there was no way I would come to like Abigail's character but boy was I wrong while she did some mean things in her past she strives to be better. This a second chance for change romance and was it ever sweet. Definitely recommend reading!! Absolutely loved it!!!

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Abigail is, or was, a villain. She has done things in the past that seemed selfish, but it turns out they may not have been malicious. She is trying to be a better person. Alex Mayfield is home from battle and ready for a wife and family. He wants a gentle, quiet, biddable wife. Why then, even though he has been warned about her, does he find himself so drawn to Lady Abigail?

This is a charming story with characters you either love, Alex and Abigail, or hate, Duchess of Gorem (Abigail’s mother). I like the way Abigail and Alex worked to change the opinion of and attitude of her friends toward Abigail. I love that these friends were, even though slowly at first, beginning to see her in a new light. A lovely story of redemption and finding love. I enjoyed it.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of the book.

[BROWN2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Abigail has had to claw her way through society, making enemies instead of friends. Always with her mother snapping at her heels. Abigail has trickled in and out of the other stories in this series but this time we get to see what Abigail has faced. She needs someone to see her as she really is, even if she doesn’t know that herself. We see the way she responds to and protects Major Alexander Mayfield revealing the woman so many others have missed. This story is so moving and heartfelt. Incredibly well written and touching.

[Roslyn Stillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the last in the Wallflower series and what a wonderful finish. I don’t usually react with emotion to what I read but this book almost brought me to tears. It was such a wonderful read with wonderful characters. It was nice to see the other side of the story of the nasty debutante. To see that she was not all bad and how much is expected of them from their mothers. Lovely to see her get her HEA with a wonderful man who saw the real person. This was a sweet read that had me turning the page. There was no sex in this book. I received this as an ARC and freely give my review.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

A mean girl story where the heroine has done some things that were perceived as bad but deep down she is not bad. She is doing what her mother has always done, looked down on people. In this story she is trying very hard (she did in other stories, we just did not know it) to be a better person. Alex is helping her become that better person even though he was skeptical at first. This is a feelgood story that will hopefully let you believe that deep down most people are good.

I received a complimentary copy from the author.

[Vicki Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute little story, specifically about the daughter of a Duke who is out of favor everywhere she turns. At this juncture, she is "officially" meeting "Alex"endar, who was a Major in the army. The authors penned a sweet romance that shows Abigail is attempting to make changes in her attitude after being declared " on the shelf" and many other rude comments being made directly to her face by none other, than her own wretched mother. A quick, easy read that ends with a delightful HEA. I got this book with my KU subscription.

[Joycee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m so glad that Abigail’s past was not revealed to be a complete misunderstanding. It makes her more human, that she eventually owned up to the meanness she displayed in the past and is now making a sincere effort to be a better person. And yet, as Alex and Lily had both pointed out, Abigail had always had good qualities that she retains as she polishes the rest of her self.

This was a lovely end to the series.

Or does Daisy’s American cousin Virginia get a story in this series, too?

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book because the heroine was not perfect. She had made mistakes in the past and acted like the typical spoiled debutante and lost friends over it. I also enjoyed this because the hero sees the good in her and together they make each other better. Perfect!

** I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this book in return for an honest review. **

[martha m.fowler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again Maggie has delivered a great read. I loved the connection to previous novels. Even in the 21st century I can identify women with Charlotte's circle of friends. Abigail earned her stripes but when forced to face the results, was willing to change. I recommend this book to everyone who enjoys Victorian romance. Read the series for the full story!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Abigail was mentioned in the first three books as an unkind person who betrayed her former best friend. There are two sides to every story, and I enjoyed finding out hers. Abigail's redemption arc was wonderfully written and it was lovely to see her get her own happily ever after.

I received a free copy from the author. My review is voluntary.

[Gorgeous Zaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I never expected to like Abigail, how wrong I am
The Amazing Maggie Dallen succeeded in turning the villain of the last book to not just the Heroin in this book but a Human that I connected with, felt her pain, struggle and frustration. And by the end of the book I was crying with her and sharing the Triumph that finally found the way to her captive Heart

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

Her mother is seriously a see you next Tuesday and I'm not sure it's in any way realistic that Abigail turned out even halfway decently. This novella really needed to be longer. I would have liked to see her character changes happen with more depth and struggle, it would have made her redemption that much sweeter.