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Christmas Wallflowers #4
A Wallflower Takes a Duke by Candlelight
Raised like a country mouse on the vast Montcliffe Abbey estate, Lady Wilhelmina Rumsford had never set foot in London until her father, Viscount Rumsford, decided she simply had to have a Season. It matters little to him that everyone in the ton knows his beloved daughter is the natural child of his footman. Left-handed Mina doesn’t know for certain the kindly footman who taught her how to lace up her boots is her real father. She can’t admit a truth that would hurt that much. And besides, she has her hands full with the Duke of Montfort’s attempts to keep her “out of trouble.”
Julian Jameson, Duke of Montfort, grew up best of friends with Mina's older brothers. They went to school together, caroused together, and tried to keep Mina out of trouble. That is, Julian tried to keep Mina out of trouble. A difficult task once she went to London where he had to make her understand which suitors to welcome and which ones to push away. Unfortunately, his list of "no's" far outweighed the "yes's," so she rejected all the marriage offers that came her way during her first and only Season.
Despite Julian's best laid plans, his rakish friend, the Earl of Westfalia, becomes infatuated with Mina during a fateful snowbound sojourn at a country inn on their way to a Christmas House Party. Julian must keep her away from this most definite of “no’s”. The handsome earl’s attentions make Mina long for a love that sees beyond the circumstances of her parentage. However, she finally has to admit the real reason she rejected all those marriage offers. Her own heart was waiting for the offer she hoped would come, but never did.
Now, it’s up to the guardian angels below stairs to make certain Mina gets her happily ever after...
Julian Jameson, Duke of Montfort, grew up best of friends with Mina's older brothers. They went to school together, caroused together, and tried to keep Mina out of trouble. That is, Julian tried to keep Mina out of trouble. A difficult task once she went to London where he had to make her understand which suitors to welcome and which ones to push away. Unfortunately, his list of "no's" far outweighed the "yes's," so she rejected all the marriage offers that came her way during her first and only Season.
Despite Julian's best laid plans, his rakish friend, the Earl of Westfalia, becomes infatuated with Mina during a fateful snowbound sojourn at a country inn on their way to a Christmas House Party. Julian must keep her away from this most definite of “no’s”. The handsome earl’s attentions make Mina long for a love that sees beyond the circumstances of her parentage. However, she finally has to admit the real reason she rejected all those marriage offers. Her own heart was waiting for the offer she hoped would come, but never did.
Now, it’s up to the guardian angels below stairs to make certain Mina gets her happily ever after...
177 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 4, 2022
17 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
About the author
Andrea K. Stein
38 books424 followersAndrea K. Stein is a native Ohioan, the daughter of a trucker and an artist. She grew up a scribbler. The stories just spilled out--the pony escaped, the window magically shattered. Not her fault.
Twenty years as a journalist couldn't stifle the yarns. Yacht delivery up and down the Caribbean only increased the flow. Now those tales celebrate romance and adventure on the high seas.
Twenty years as a journalist couldn't stifle the yarns. Yacht delivery up and down the Caribbean only increased the flow. Now those tales celebrate romance and adventure on the high seas.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 10, 2025
Raised like a country mouse on the vast Montcliffe Abbey estate, Lady Wilhelmina Rumsford had never set foot in London until her father, Viscount Rumsford, decided she simply had to have a Season. It matters little to him that everyone in the ton knows his beloved daughter is the natural child of his footman. Julian Jameson, Duke of Montfort, grew up best of friends with Mina's older brothers George & Wills, they went to Eton together, caroused together, and Julian tried to keep Mina out of trouble. A difficult task once she went to London where he had to make her understand which suitors to welcome and which ones to push away.
This book has been updated & new content added including an epilogue. A well written friends to lovers, brothers’ best friend story. I liked that the story has a series of flashbacks to when Mina & Julian were children & he was always the one to look after her. Mina was always getting into trouble & mischief, this was partly because of boredom as she was highly intelligent & needed stimulation. As they grew up they were still friends but their feelings grew & changed until a snowstorm, a broken axel & a proposal brought things to a head. A charming read that’s a bit different the added content adds to the story whilst not detracting from the basic story
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This book has been updated & new content added including an epilogue. A well written friends to lovers, brothers’ best friend story. I liked that the story has a series of flashbacks to when Mina & Julian were children & he was always the one to look after her. Mina was always getting into trouble & mischief, this was partly because of boredom as she was highly intelligent & needed stimulation. As they grew up they were still friends but their feelings grew & changed until a snowstorm, a broken axel & a proposal brought things to a head. A charming read that’s a bit different the added content adds to the story whilst not detracting from the basic story
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
October 16, 2025
If I could put my finger on the one thing that made this book a 5+ star for me, I would tell it right here. 😊 I can definitely say that I came away from reading it feeling contented. The writing is superb even with the difficulty of going back and forth from early childhood to present day (for them) and including Mina’s diary excerpts. Andrea K. Stein was still able to guide me through a marvelous love story without causing confusion nor did I get lost in all the characters she introduces us to during Mina’s life. The writing is grammatically correct and is full of both humorous and romantic sections. It grabbed my interest in the very prologue when Mina tells us that “Two peers of the realm, a duke with a bloody nose and an earl with a bleeding gash above his eye, brawled in the mud and snow in the yard of the inn like common stable boys. And once again, a pother of trouble was all her fault.” Of course, I wanted to know why? Then, in Chapter 1, 5-year old Mina is caught by Julian (13) out of her room watching the masque dancers at the top of the stairs. How special is it that Julian attired with a full bear’s head mask takes her upon his feet and dances her along the hallway? When she slips from his feet he tells her “Stay with me, Mina. I won’t let you fall. Ever. Nothing bad can happen to you as long as I’m around.” Her next thought: “His words felt like a warm summer breeze caressing her five-year-old ears.” These are the words and sentiments of a marvelous romance novelist who knows how to use clean sweet words to woo her readers into that place of romantic contentment without harsh sexual content. I found it humorous how Mina refers to Julian later as “His Grace… you know who”. Mina’s character was a delight to know and Julian was a pure sweetheart, always looking out for others, especially his impish Mina. So when do we get the answer to why it’s Mina’s fault that a duke and an earl are brawling out in yard of the inn? Andrea K. Stein once again shows her remarkable talent at holding her readers’ interest by keeping us guessing until the very last chapter when we get our answer and our HEA all rolled into not just one but two wonderfully romantic proposals with Mina choosing her bear. Yes, this book deserves more than 5 stars!
I received an Advance Review Copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an Advance Review Copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 21, 2023
Book four in the Christmas Wallflowers series. Lady Wilhelmina Rumsford and Julian Jameson, Duke of Montfort, her older brother's best friend. These two will have so many ups and downs as he finally realizes why he does things. I enjoyed seeing them get their happy ending. The story is well written with a very good storyline that held my interest until the end. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 19, 2025
Updated Review 2025 - re-read after book was updated and additional content was added:
Mina Rumsford may be the Ton’s favorite scandal, but she’s also the heart of this tender friends-to-lovers tale. Abandoned by her mother, ignored by her brothers, and whispered about since birth, Mina finds her fiercest champion in Julian Renfrew, the Duke who vowed to never let her fall - literally and emotionally.
Their bond blooms from childhood mischief to grown-up longing, with diary entries and time jumps adding texture to the slow-burn sweetness. The expanded edition adds length (and an epilogue), but the core remains: a gentle romance wrapped in loyalty, layered with class tension, and just begging for a few more post-confession scenes. Still, if you’re craving a cozy holiday read with a protective hero and a heroine who deserves every ounce of love she gets, this one delivers.
2022 Review: A lovely holiday read that follows friendship of youngsters to love in adulthood - the writing switches you from the past to the present and includes entries in Mina's Diary. Wilhelmina, is the daughter of Viscount Rumsford, lived her entire life in the country at Montcliffe Abbey - her mother basically abandoned Mina after she was born and went to London to live after presenting the viscount with an heir and a spare. Everyone knows Mina is the result of an affair between her mother and a Montcliffe footman - everyone but Mina but she suspects it is true. Her two older brothers treat her as an outsider, but the viscount loves Mina and when she is of age, insists she have a Season, not caring that everyone in the Ton knows she is the natural born daughter of a footman. Julian Renfrew, Duke of Montfort, went to Eton with Mina's brothers and they became friends. He lived near them and spent a lot of time at Montcliffe Abbey and that is when he became friends with his friends' younger sister. He didn't like the way her brothers ignored her, her mother left her and the gossip surrounding her - so when he was thirteen and Mina was five, he swore he would always watch over her and never let her fall. As they grew and their friendship grew, feelings also began to change from friends to thinking a deeper feeling - Mina had love Julian since he said he would never let her fall and Julian had cared for Mina and protected her as she was always getting into trouble over the years. This was a sweet love story, and I really enjoyed it. The only thing I didn't enjoy was the abrupt ending, I would have liked a little more interaction between Julian & Mina after admitting their love, agreeing to marry - what happened with the viscount/father in the future and did he accept them getting married after demanding Julian leave his daughter alone, what happened with a relationship with her footman father? I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.
Mina Rumsford may be the Ton’s favorite scandal, but she’s also the heart of this tender friends-to-lovers tale. Abandoned by her mother, ignored by her brothers, and whispered about since birth, Mina finds her fiercest champion in Julian Renfrew, the Duke who vowed to never let her fall - literally and emotionally.
Their bond blooms from childhood mischief to grown-up longing, with diary entries and time jumps adding texture to the slow-burn sweetness. The expanded edition adds length (and an epilogue), but the core remains: a gentle romance wrapped in loyalty, layered with class tension, and just begging for a few more post-confession scenes. Still, if you’re craving a cozy holiday read with a protective hero and a heroine who deserves every ounce of love she gets, this one delivers.
2022 Review: A lovely holiday read that follows friendship of youngsters to love in adulthood - the writing switches you from the past to the present and includes entries in Mina's Diary. Wilhelmina, is the daughter of Viscount Rumsford, lived her entire life in the country at Montcliffe Abbey - her mother basically abandoned Mina after she was born and went to London to live after presenting the viscount with an heir and a spare. Everyone knows Mina is the result of an affair between her mother and a Montcliffe footman - everyone but Mina but she suspects it is true. Her two older brothers treat her as an outsider, but the viscount loves Mina and when she is of age, insists she have a Season, not caring that everyone in the Ton knows she is the natural born daughter of a footman. Julian Renfrew, Duke of Montfort, went to Eton with Mina's brothers and they became friends. He lived near them and spent a lot of time at Montcliffe Abbey and that is when he became friends with his friends' younger sister. He didn't like the way her brothers ignored her, her mother left her and the gossip surrounding her - so when he was thirteen and Mina was five, he swore he would always watch over her and never let her fall. As they grew and their friendship grew, feelings also began to change from friends to thinking a deeper feeling - Mina had love Julian since he said he would never let her fall and Julian had cared for Mina and protected her as she was always getting into trouble over the years. This was a sweet love story, and I really enjoyed it. The only thing I didn't enjoy was the abrupt ending, I would have liked a little more interaction between Julian & Mina after admitting their love, agreeing to marry - what happened with the viscount/father in the future and did he accept them getting married after demanding Julian leave his daughter alone, what happened with a relationship with her footman father? I voluntarily read & reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts & opinions are my own.
October 4, 2025
Loved this wonderful story about Mina and Julian. Lady Wilhelmina Rumsford hopes that Julian Jameson, Duke of Montfort who is best of friends with her older brothers will help her to successfully navigate her first season. How wrong could she be, his list of potential suitors grows smaller as the season progresses and soon Mina dispairs of finding love. As the no's start to outweigh the yes's as she rejects each offer in turn. Will Mina and Julian finally realise why this is before it's too late. Loved the new epilogue it was a brilliant addition to an already fabulous story.
December 1, 2022
🐈A Wallflower Takes a Duke by Candlelight 🩰
A Friends&Family novella from the Men of the Squadron series
Christmas Wallflowers Book 4
✒️ Andrea K. Stein
https://www.facebook.com/authorandrea...
Release Date 12/04/2022
Publisher Muirgen® Publishing, LLC
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09Z9N9JD7?...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Raised like a country mouse on the vast Montcliffe Abbey estate, Lady Wilhelmina Rumsford had never set foot in London until her father, Viscount Rumsford, decided she simply had to have a Season. It matters little to him that everyone in the ton knows his beloved daughter is the natural child of his footman. Left-handed Mina doesn’t know for certain the kindly footman who taught her how to lace up her boots is her real father. She can’t admit a truth that would hurt that much. And besides, she has her hands full with the Duke of Montfort’s attempts to keep her “out of trouble.”
Julian Jameson, Duke of Montfort, grew up best of friends with Mina's older brothers. They went to school together, caroused together, and tried to keep Mina out of trouble. That is, Julian tried to keep Mina out of trouble. A difficult task once she went to London where he had to make her understand which suitors to welcome and which ones to push away. Unfortunately, his list of "no's" far outweighed the "yes's," so she rejected all the marriage offers that came her way during her first and only Season.
Despite Julian's best laid plans, his rakish friend, the Earl of Westfalia, becomes infatuated with Mina during a fateful snowbound sojourn at a country inn on their way to a Christmas House Party. Julian must keep her away from this most definite of “no’s”. The handsome earl’s attentions make Mina long for a love that sees beyond the circumstances of her parentage. However, she finally has to admit the real reason she rejected all those marriage offers. Her own heart was waiting for the offer she hoped would come, but never did.
Now, it’s up to the guardian angels below stairs to make certain Mina gets her happily ever after...
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will he let others prejudices tear him apart from the love of his life …
Another holidays romance I was happy to dig I to as I so love them.
This one is a bit different as it narrates the burgeoning then growing love of two young lives from their younger years then their older selfs.
We follows Julian and Mina as they go through childhood to adulthood.
Julian assigned himself Mina’s protector, from her tender years to her coming out. Determined to see her blossom and not disparaged for her dubious and alas well known origins.
Mina is a wild child, loved in spite of her birth by her mother’s husband and her father’s people. Yet she seems unable to stop herself from stepping where she should not or doing what she must not. To long to be seen for herself and not who she represents, her mother’s sins, her sire’s blood and her father’s differences.
From her young age, Julian has been a fixture figure, her friend from afar, a shadow she knows she can count on.
But as she reaches her debutante time, he becomes more distant yet at the same time quite persistent in clearing the marriage mart of all the scoundrels only seeking her dowry, which leaves her with few to no prospect if she is to follow his words.
But what of the choices of the heart …
4 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 kiss
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/ClocXS...
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?stor...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2022read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #bookquote #romancestagram #readersofinstagram
A Friends&Family novella from the Men of the Squadron series
Christmas Wallflowers Book 4
✒️ Andrea K. Stein
https://www.facebook.com/authorandrea...
Release Date 12/04/2022
Publisher Muirgen® Publishing, LLC
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09Z9N9JD7?...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Raised like a country mouse on the vast Montcliffe Abbey estate, Lady Wilhelmina Rumsford had never set foot in London until her father, Viscount Rumsford, decided she simply had to have a Season. It matters little to him that everyone in the ton knows his beloved daughter is the natural child of his footman. Left-handed Mina doesn’t know for certain the kindly footman who taught her how to lace up her boots is her real father. She can’t admit a truth that would hurt that much. And besides, she has her hands full with the Duke of Montfort’s attempts to keep her “out of trouble.”
Julian Jameson, Duke of Montfort, grew up best of friends with Mina's older brothers. They went to school together, caroused together, and tried to keep Mina out of trouble. That is, Julian tried to keep Mina out of trouble. A difficult task once she went to London where he had to make her understand which suitors to welcome and which ones to push away. Unfortunately, his list of "no's" far outweighed the "yes's," so she rejected all the marriage offers that came her way during her first and only Season.
Despite Julian's best laid plans, his rakish friend, the Earl of Westfalia, becomes infatuated with Mina during a fateful snowbound sojourn at a country inn on their way to a Christmas House Party. Julian must keep her away from this most definite of “no’s”. The handsome earl’s attentions make Mina long for a love that sees beyond the circumstances of her parentage. However, she finally has to admit the real reason she rejected all those marriage offers. Her own heart was waiting for the offer she hoped would come, but never did.
Now, it’s up to the guardian angels below stairs to make certain Mina gets her happily ever after...
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will he let others prejudices tear him apart from the love of his life …
Another holidays romance I was happy to dig I to as I so love them.
This one is a bit different as it narrates the burgeoning then growing love of two young lives from their younger years then their older selfs.
We follows Julian and Mina as they go through childhood to adulthood.
Julian assigned himself Mina’s protector, from her tender years to her coming out. Determined to see her blossom and not disparaged for her dubious and alas well known origins.
Mina is a wild child, loved in spite of her birth by her mother’s husband and her father’s people. Yet she seems unable to stop herself from stepping where she should not or doing what she must not. To long to be seen for herself and not who she represents, her mother’s sins, her sire’s blood and her father’s differences.
From her young age, Julian has been a fixture figure, her friend from afar, a shadow she knows she can count on.
But as she reaches her debutante time, he becomes more distant yet at the same time quite persistent in clearing the marriage mart of all the scoundrels only seeking her dowry, which leaves her with few to no prospect if she is to follow his words.
But what of the choices of the heart …
4 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 kiss
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/ClocXS...
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?stor...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2022read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #bookquote #romancestagram #readersofinstagram
March 27, 2023
This is a very sweet story of Love at First Sight that actually begins in childhood . . .
This actual story begins with Miss Wilhelmina “Mina” Tindell, a precocious 5-year old, escaping the nursery in the middle of the night where her elderly Nurse is snoring, so she can go watch the dancing at her parents annual Autumn Masque.
She gets caught hiding on the gallery above the ballroom watching the dancers below by her older brothers best friend, Julian Jameson, Duke of Montfort. He is 13 years old (8 years older than Mina) and on his way to go down stairs wearing a Bear’s Head when he spots her standing there in her nightgown.
Right as Julian is scolding her, the musicians begin playing, so he decides to teach Mina how to dance by placing her bare feet on top of his shoes . . . it is at this moment that she becomes enthralled.
Mina tends to get herself into predicaments and situations throughout the whole story, whether she wants to or not, but between Julian and her maid, Bridget, who was hired specifically by her father, Lord Rumsford, they help keep her somewhat on the straight and narrow.
Especially since Mina’s Mother, Lady Rumsford, does not want to have anything to do with her, nor her two brothers who only want to do their own thing and not worry about their little sister.
Mina’s father hires a governess for Mina after an incident with the old Nurse. Lord Rumsford has Mrs. Phippen bring her orphaned niece, Lucy, to Montcliffe for the upcoming holiday break to see if the girls will get on and can become friends.
When Mina’s father agrees to give her and Lucy a first Season, Julian convinces her to let him help her choose the right husband. The problem is that Julian finds ‘fault’ with every eligible man that catches Mina’s eye, so she does not know what to do.
Mina reluctantly gives in to her spiteful Mother’s plans for her to attend the Dowager Countess Bentworthy’s party, even though she knows that she has loved Julian all of her life.
It takes a confrontation with Lord Rumsford, and then from Julian’s friend, Hugh Elliot, the Earl of Westfalia, before Julian ever realizes and accepts the fact that he has loved Mina all of these years and has been just waiting for her to grow up before deciding to do something about it.
Mina is in one carriage and Julian in another, when a snow storm hits, making both parties end up getting stranded at the same inn. After Hugh asks Mina to marry him, this wakes Julian up and he fights his best friend.
Mina’s real father, John Taylor, who used to be the Head footman for her father, breaks up the fight and allows Julian to be alone with Mina for 15 minutes in which they finally get things out in the open and everything is resolved there and then.
The back and forth from Present day to Past history did get a little confusing at times and gave me a little bit of trouble reading, but otherwise this was a very nice love story and an overall treat to read.
I did receive a Free e-book copy from the Author, but that had NO influence on my giving an honest opinion and review for this 5-Star Love Story.
This actual story begins with Miss Wilhelmina “Mina” Tindell, a precocious 5-year old, escaping the nursery in the middle of the night where her elderly Nurse is snoring, so she can go watch the dancing at her parents annual Autumn Masque.
She gets caught hiding on the gallery above the ballroom watching the dancers below by her older brothers best friend, Julian Jameson, Duke of Montfort. He is 13 years old (8 years older than Mina) and on his way to go down stairs wearing a Bear’s Head when he spots her standing there in her nightgown.
Right as Julian is scolding her, the musicians begin playing, so he decides to teach Mina how to dance by placing her bare feet on top of his shoes . . . it is at this moment that she becomes enthralled.
Mina tends to get herself into predicaments and situations throughout the whole story, whether she wants to or not, but between Julian and her maid, Bridget, who was hired specifically by her father, Lord Rumsford, they help keep her somewhat on the straight and narrow.
Especially since Mina’s Mother, Lady Rumsford, does not want to have anything to do with her, nor her two brothers who only want to do their own thing and not worry about their little sister.
Mina’s father hires a governess for Mina after an incident with the old Nurse. Lord Rumsford has Mrs. Phippen bring her orphaned niece, Lucy, to Montcliffe for the upcoming holiday break to see if the girls will get on and can become friends.
When Mina’s father agrees to give her and Lucy a first Season, Julian convinces her to let him help her choose the right husband. The problem is that Julian finds ‘fault’ with every eligible man that catches Mina’s eye, so she does not know what to do.
Mina reluctantly gives in to her spiteful Mother’s plans for her to attend the Dowager Countess Bentworthy’s party, even though she knows that she has loved Julian all of her life.
It takes a confrontation with Lord Rumsford, and then from Julian’s friend, Hugh Elliot, the Earl of Westfalia, before Julian ever realizes and accepts the fact that he has loved Mina all of these years and has been just waiting for her to grow up before deciding to do something about it.
Mina is in one carriage and Julian in another, when a snow storm hits, making both parties end up getting stranded at the same inn. After Hugh asks Mina to marry him, this wakes Julian up and he fights his best friend.
Mina’s real father, John Taylor, who used to be the Head footman for her father, breaks up the fight and allows Julian to be alone with Mina for 15 minutes in which they finally get things out in the open and everything is resolved there and then.
The back and forth from Present day to Past history did get a little confusing at times and gave me a little bit of trouble reading, but otherwise this was a very nice love story and an overall treat to read.
I did receive a Free e-book copy from the Author, but that had NO influence on my giving an honest opinion and review for this 5-Star Love Story.
October 11, 2025
Lady Wilhelmina Rumsford, “Mina” has been a force to be reckoned with since she was a child, sneaking out at night and getting into all kinds of trouble. Her mother deserted her, her brothers never considered her important, and Viscount Rumsford doesn’t care that everyone in the ton knows his beloved daughter is the natural child of his footman. He loves her and she is his daughter in every way but by blood.
Julian Jameson, Duke of Montfort, grew up best of friends with Mina's older brothers. They went to school together, caroused together, and he always felt bad that she was ignored so he tries to keep Mina out of trouble. When her Viscount Rumsfeld decides she needs to have a Season, Julian keeps everyone away from her because they were not suitable, so Mina remains unmarried.
The bond between Julian and Mina is immortalized in her diary entries. When she was five years old, he pledged that he would never let her fall and would be there to save her. Julian stays away for a period, but when they reunite, their friends-to-lovers journey is beautifully written—sincere, emotional, genuine. Their slow-burn romance is a delight.
I loved that Julian always had Mina’s best interests at heart, even when he was being the "protective brother" because her own brothers ignored her. For me, Julian never found the perfect bride because his heart belonged to Mina, though he didn’t realize it yet.
Julian's plans unravel when his charming friend, the Earl of Westfalia, becomes smitten with Mina during a snowbound stay at a country inn before a Christmas House Party. As Julian tries to keep them apart, Mina longs for a love that transcends her parentage. Ultimately, she realizes she’s been waiting for a proposal that never came.
In the end, it’s not grand gestures or noble titles that define their love, but the quiet, steadfast moments where Julian has always been Mina’s safe harbor. Their journey is a testament to the enduring power of friendship blossoming into a love that neither time nor circumstance could deny. As Mina steps into her future, she understands that the heart she’s been waiting for has always been beside her—faithful, protective, and irrevocably hers.
I received a complimentary advanced copy from the author, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.
Julian Jameson, Duke of Montfort, grew up best of friends with Mina's older brothers. They went to school together, caroused together, and he always felt bad that she was ignored so he tries to keep Mina out of trouble. When her Viscount Rumsfeld decides she needs to have a Season, Julian keeps everyone away from her because they were not suitable, so Mina remains unmarried.
The bond between Julian and Mina is immortalized in her diary entries. When she was five years old, he pledged that he would never let her fall and would be there to save her. Julian stays away for a period, but when they reunite, their friends-to-lovers journey is beautifully written—sincere, emotional, genuine. Their slow-burn romance is a delight.
I loved that Julian always had Mina’s best interests at heart, even when he was being the "protective brother" because her own brothers ignored her. For me, Julian never found the perfect bride because his heart belonged to Mina, though he didn’t realize it yet.
Julian's plans unravel when his charming friend, the Earl of Westfalia, becomes smitten with Mina during a snowbound stay at a country inn before a Christmas House Party. As Julian tries to keep them apart, Mina longs for a love that transcends her parentage. Ultimately, she realizes she’s been waiting for a proposal that never came.
In the end, it’s not grand gestures or noble titles that define their love, but the quiet, steadfast moments where Julian has always been Mina’s safe harbor. Their journey is a testament to the enduring power of friendship blossoming into a love that neither time nor circumstance could deny. As Mina steps into her future, she understands that the heart she’s been waiting for has always been beside her—faithful, protective, and irrevocably hers.
I received a complimentary advanced copy from the author, and I’m leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions are my own.
September 20, 2025
I really like Andrea K Stein's books, but this time I found it hard to rate this book. The story is supposed to be a sweet and clean romance, but in my opinion the romantic part of the story came up short. The book takes place in multiple timelines, one as the FMC grows up and the other as she makes her debut, however most of the action takes place in her childhood and tells about her personal challenges, her escapades and her friendship with the MMC Julian who "rescues" her from all kinds of situations and never sees her as anything more than a "little sister" and daughter of his neighbor for a long time. And Mina's story is heartwrenching and frustrating for long stretches. The tropes of the book are childhood friends to lovers, brothers' friends/best friends' little sister, class disparity (due to Mina's background) and found family (for Julian).
Mina's character is endearing. She is lively, curious and kindhearted. Julian is also likable in and of himself with his helper syndrome and his protectiveness of Mina, but I found his double standards regarding mistresses irritating.
Unfortunately, the happy ending came too quickly for me.
However, if you like slow-burn historical romance novels with vivacious heroines who try to fit in and protective heroes who don't recognize their feelings, this book is for you.
I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
Mina's character is endearing. She is lively, curious and kindhearted. Julian is also likable in and of himself with his helper syndrome and his protectiveness of Mina, but I found his double standards regarding mistresses irritating.
Unfortunately, the happy ending came too quickly for me.
However, if you like slow-burn historical romance novels with vivacious heroines who try to fit in and protective heroes who don't recognize their feelings, this book is for you.
I received a free ARC of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own and left voluntarily.
December 6, 2022
Wilhelmina - Mina, is the natural daughter of the wayward Lady Rumsford and one of her footmen, but has been raised as a daughter by the Viscount Rumsford who dearly wanted a daughter. Spoiled by her father who can't bear to discipline her,Nina has grown up educating herself better than most, getting into all sorts of mischief, from which she's been rescued by Julian, Duke (since he was two) of Montford. Julian a neighbour and friend of her brothers has been in her life for as long as she can remember, and now she's finally having a season is finding fault with all of Mina's few suitors much to Mina's annoyance. After Mina drives away his mistress Julian is in the doldrums until his friend and business partner takes him away to a house party he never arrives at.
Not sure how I came to have this book, but it's an unexpected delight. Not quite a five star review as I found the constant 'throwbacks' difficult. Much is in the form of diary entries, seemingly now, then back to a childhood incident, then back to the present but not in diary form.
Think I'll now read the rest of the set
Not sure how I came to have this book, but it's an unexpected delight. Not quite a five star review as I found the constant 'throwbacks' difficult. Much is in the form of diary entries, seemingly now, then back to a childhood incident, then back to the present but not in diary form.
Think I'll now read the rest of the set
November 3, 2025
Andrea K. Stein captures everything readers love about Regency romance wit, warmth, longing, and a touch of holiday magic in A Wallflower Takes a Duke by Candlelight.
Lady Wilhelmina “Mina” Rumsford is a heroine to root for: intelligent, unpolished, and deeply human. Raised far from the glittering expectations of London society, she enters her first Season with more honesty than pretense, which only makes her more endearing. The Duke of Montfort, Julian Jameson, is the perfect counterbalance dutiful, protective, and quietly in love long before he realizes it himself.
Stein weaves a snowbound setting, a Christmas house party, and an undercurrent of class difference into a narrative that feels both classic and refreshing. What’s remarkable is her emotional subtlety: love here isn’t just about attraction, but about seeing and being seen beyond social barriers.
Fans of Mary Balogh, Grace Burrowes, and Erica Ridley will absolutely adore this story. It’s charming, heartfelt, and has that “curl up by the fire” magic that defines great holiday romance.
Lady Wilhelmina “Mina” Rumsford is a heroine to root for: intelligent, unpolished, and deeply human. Raised far from the glittering expectations of London society, she enters her first Season with more honesty than pretense, which only makes her more endearing. The Duke of Montfort, Julian Jameson, is the perfect counterbalance dutiful, protective, and quietly in love long before he realizes it himself.
Stein weaves a snowbound setting, a Christmas house party, and an undercurrent of class difference into a narrative that feels both classic and refreshing. What’s remarkable is her emotional subtlety: love here isn’t just about attraction, but about seeing and being seen beyond social barriers.
Fans of Mary Balogh, Grace Burrowes, and Erica Ridley will absolutely adore this story. It’s charming, heartfelt, and has that “curl up by the fire” magic that defines great holiday romance.
December 11, 2022
This way a very different story, as we follow a young Lady, the wanted daughter, of Viscount Rumsford.
Even as he knows her father was one of the footmen. Her mother has nothing to do with her wishing she was farmed out to other. Her two older brothers ignore her at the best of times and disrespect and
laugh at her most of the time. Their best friend, Julian, a young Duke, has made himself her protector.
The story followers their lives from the time she is five and he is 13. The story seems long even thru it is
not really. I found it to be drawn out a lot. The story is a very clean story. There is a lot of time they are apart while both grow up. The ending was super quick and then done.
I read an ARC of this story by a new author. If you want light read with some good characters you would like this one. I really liked Bridget, and Julian most of the time.
This is my honest opinion and am freely giving i
Even as he knows her father was one of the footmen. Her mother has nothing to do with her wishing she was farmed out to other. Her two older brothers ignore her at the best of times and disrespect and
laugh at her most of the time. Their best friend, Julian, a young Duke, has made himself her protector.
The story followers their lives from the time she is five and he is 13. The story seems long even thru it is
not really. I found it to be drawn out a lot. The story is a very clean story. There is a lot of time they are apart while both grow up. The ending was super quick and then done.
I read an ARC of this story by a new author. If you want light read with some good characters you would like this one. I really liked Bridget, and Julian most of the time.
This is my honest opinion and am freely giving i
December 4, 2022
Wilhelmina (Mina) has always been regarded as one who was always getting into scrapes and causing problems. She was disregarded by most of her family apart from her Papa, who loved her but unfortunately was away at times. Julien, Duke of Montford, lived near by and always looked out for Mina. The time had come when Mina’s mother demanded she finds a husband. Julien is ‘helping’ by sussing out any faults in the prospective suitors. Would he eventually realise his own feelings? The things Mina did! She really was quite fearless. Mina’s mother was a dreadful person and the younger brother had a lot of growing up to do.
However, it did seem to jump back and fro in time quite a lot. I had to keep thinking where are we now and what age was Mina. Inspite of this, it was an entertaining read with some likeable characters.
However, it did seem to jump back and fro in time quite a lot. I had to keep thinking where are we now and what age was Mina. Inspite of this, it was an entertaining read with some likeable characters.
December 21, 2022
Could have been way better.
This should have been titled "Mina-the Growing Up Years". I feel like I wasted my time reading this but I paid for it so I read it. An author should always give the reader more one and a half pages of conclusion. I feel cheated. I only gave it two stars because the characters were interesting. This story could have been so more .
This should have been titled "Mina-the Growing Up Years". I feel like I wasted my time reading this but I paid for it so I read it. An author should always give the reader more one and a half pages of conclusion. I feel cheated. I only gave it two stars because the characters were interesting. This story could have been so more .
December 29, 2022
3+ Stars
A Wallflower Takes a Duke by Candlelight, by Andrea K Stein, and the 4th book is the Christmas Wallflowers series was a fun read. I struggled a bit in following the story, as it starts when they are both children, but then jumps to the present with entries from Mina’s diary. But Mina and Julian are a perfect couple, despite the differences in their status.
A Wallflower Takes a Duke by Candlelight, by Andrea K Stein, and the 4th book is the Christmas Wallflowers series was a fun read. I struggled a bit in following the story, as it starts when they are both children, but then jumps to the present with entries from Mina’s diary. But Mina and Julian are a perfect couple, despite the differences in their status.
December 22, 2022
A delightful continuation to the series
This is another delightfully crafted clean story that is a great continuation to this brilliant series. The characters are portrayed with great skill, and have a great deal of trouble coming to terms with their feelings.
This is another delightfully crafted clean story that is a great continuation to this brilliant series. The characters are portrayed with great skill, and have a great deal of trouble coming to terms with their feelings.
March 3, 2023
I liked Mina, especially when she was younger. I did feel sorry for her though. Julien, Duke of Montford looked out for her. Mina was so funny - the things she used to get up to.
The story went back in time, then went forward and so on.
An enjoyable story. 4☆
The story went back in time, then went forward and so on.
An enjoyable story. 4☆
October 31, 2025
Mina has been in love with her brothers’ friend she she was five years old but her parentage is an open secret amongst the Ton. Julian is eight years senior to Mina and believes he sees her as nothing but the little sister he has never had, so why does he find fault with all her suitors?
January 26, 2023
Loved the saga of Julian and Mina’s will they or won’t they.
October 6, 2025
Wow!! A fantastic story and just what I needed at the moment. Expertly written with great characters and plot. It's always a joy to read this author.
October 10, 2025
4.4
Lady Wilhelmina Rumsford aka Mina and her best friend since she was five years old Julian the Duke of Montford are destined to be a mismatch at best!
Mina is the natural daughter of her mother and John the left handed footman!
Mina’s father adores her and her two older brother treat her as a nuisance at best!
Julian goes on with his life after being a constant part of Mina’s they separate for four years! They shared secrets and were the best of friends so naturally his absence hit hard!
When Mina is introduced to society Julian finds something wrong with every one and imparts that information to Mina!
Mina gives up and returns to her beloved Montcliffe Abbey but some scandalous behavior in London follows her home!
Her mother the Viscountess Rumsford insists she attends a house party in the middle of winter and marry forthwith!
That Julian has to be convinced to follow is heart is telling! He is young, handsome and a Duke and unmarried! Julian when firmly convinced his happiness is on the line is unstoppable!
Mina has a rather eclectic set of family members and has inspired love in all of them! A very charming story with a HEA that we saw from the very beginning! I received an ARC copy for my unbiased review!
Lady Wilhelmina Rumsford aka Mina and her best friend since she was five years old Julian the Duke of Montford are destined to be a mismatch at best!
Mina is the natural daughter of her mother and John the left handed footman!
Mina’s father adores her and her two older brother treat her as a nuisance at best!
Julian goes on with his life after being a constant part of Mina’s they separate for four years! They shared secrets and were the best of friends so naturally his absence hit hard!
When Mina is introduced to society Julian finds something wrong with every one and imparts that information to Mina!
Mina gives up and returns to her beloved Montcliffe Abbey but some scandalous behavior in London follows her home!
Her mother the Viscountess Rumsford insists she attends a house party in the middle of winter and marry forthwith!
That Julian has to be convinced to follow is heart is telling! He is young, handsome and a Duke and unmarried! Julian when firmly convinced his happiness is on the line is unstoppable!
Mina has a rather eclectic set of family members and has inspired love in all of them! A very charming story with a HEA that we saw from the very beginning! I received an ARC copy for my unbiased review!
November 19, 2025
My first Christmas novel this year- what a wonderful way to start the holiday season. I enjoyed getting to know Wilhemina Tindall and Julian Jameson, the Duke of Montfort from the time they were children until they came of age and realized they were meant to be together. Due to factors beyond her control, Mina was ignored by her mother and her two older brothers, but Julian treated her as the sister he didn't have. After Mina reached turned 18 and was introduced to society by her beloved father, Julian spent a lot of time ensuring that she didn't marry the wrong man. It took his friend Hugh and Mina's father to make him see that the reason he was warning Mina away from all the eligible bachelors who were interested in her was because he wanted her for himself. A short but well-rounded story with a HEA.
I received an ARC from the author, and I am voluntarily leaving a review
I received an ARC from the author, and I am voluntarily leaving a review
October 11, 2025
An enjoyable friends-to-lovers romance where Julian, the hero, has watched over heroine since she was a child. Flashbacks and Mina’s diary give a detailed account of the friendship. Mina has loved Julian since her told her he would never let her fall. Julian continued to protect her as best he could when she entered the marriage mart (actually he made a pest of himself). As adults, their friendship begins to grow into something more. On a stormy winter night on the way to a house party, Julian admitted two things. He loved Mina, and she was his truest friend. Mina learned that dancing with a bear can lead to Christmas miracles. I enjoyed reading the new version of this lovely story. The epilogue delighted readers with a Christmas surprise.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily reviewing it.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and am voluntarily reviewing it.
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