4.5 Stars

Lord Benedick Lisle, the handsome, unmarried vicar of Little Seaford has had to get used to the young ladies of his parish trying to attract his interest. But he's never had one fall at his feet. Until now. As he's strolling on the shore, Miss Sophia Hastings, who had been painting on a cliff above, was startled, and took a tumble. Fortunately, the cliff was not extremely high, and Sophia fell in such a way that she only suffered a sprained ankle. Still, the injury is serious enough that she can't walk, and Ben carries her back to her home. Before leaving, they overhear an ominous conversation from above. The voices that so startled Sophia seem to be discussing a murder.

As they head back to Beauchamp House, Sophia and Ben declare that they will investigate the conversation they overheard, and share their findings. Prior to today's mishap, Ben and Sophia had been introduced, but didn't know each other well at all. Interestingly enough, they had the same opinion of the other. Each thinks the other is nice enough, but far too attractive with too many admirers, and totally unsuited for each other.

Sophia is one of four bluestockings who were selected by the late Lady Beauchamp to live in, and be a possible inheritor of Beauchamp House. Each of the four ladies has a decided artistic or intellectual talent. Rather than becoming competitors with each other, the four have become fast friends and seem to be in agreement to share the house. Sophia's talent is art, and she's a gifted painter. Though she's extremely beautiful, she's not vain, and barely registers how the men of the town are always flocking around her. She's very kind, though she sometimes is abrupt in blurting things out, but she's also quick to apologize when she's made a mistake. She also has a strong sense of right and wrong, thus, her intense desire to investigate what she overheard by the cliff.

Ben is a duke's son, but he doesn't let that fact give him airs. I absolutely love the fact that he was not forced to become a vicar, but chose to because it was the calling of his heart. He's kind, compassionate, and loves to help people. He genuinely desires to accomplish good things, and doesn't care at all about church politics, or advancing his own career.

As Ben and Sophia investigate, the trail leads to forgery, murder, and even the involvement of the late Lady Beauchamp. This couple also discovers that they are compatible in ways they never could have imagined. Their blossoming romance is absolutely beautiful and passionate. Though Ben initially had doubts about Sophia's suitability to be the wife of a vicar, he soon comes to realize that everything else takes second place to his love. Sophia, herself, had doubts about her ability to fit in to Ben's life, but is also willing to put their love first.

I loved reading WALLFLOWER MOST WANTED so much! The pacing of their romance was just perfect and believable. The secondary characters of her fellow wallflowers and his family were delightful and their relationships were lighthearted and fun. Though Ben was a vicar, he was human, with a man's temper, feelings, and desires. He was written in such a way to perfectly mesh his stellar character and his human wants and needs so that he wouldn't dishonor his vocation. WALLFLOWER MOST WANTED is Book 3 of the STUDIES IN SCANDAL series, and is a warm, romantic, engaging, and, yes, sexy, read that I greatly enjoyed and highly recommend.

This book is part of a series "Studies in Scandal" but I have not read the other two. This book read well as a standalone but am sure it would be even better with the other books in the series. Sophia Hastings is one of four heiresses who has inherited Beauchamp house and are all pursuing their individual interest. Sophia is the artist of the four and paints from her heart pictures that are not that popular with the general public. She meets up with Benedict Lisle, the local vicar who she had met before and they overhear a conversation that puts them on the alert. Thinking someone is going to be murdered, they work together to solve the mystery. Of course being thrown together in close proximity, the spark between them comes to life and has a will of its own! An intriguing mystery and love story that takes the reader through many paces to find out who the culprit is in the end. An enjoyable, you ready to pick up the next installment in this delightful series! I

A delightful story of two people too busy to find love, Sophia Hastings is an artist and bluestocking and free spirit. Accidentally overhearing a plot for murder she doesn’t hesitate to warn her fellow artist. Even though the handsome vicar Lord Benedict Lisle unwillingly agréés to help her stop a would be murder. Falling for the handsome vicar wasn’t in the plans but ferreting out a murderer keep them in close contact and unavoidably in each other’s arms.
A fast paced story full of intrigue, mystery a plot for murder a damsel in distress and handsome vicar who’s not so pious. Well written with humour and sass characters are well developed with a very unexpected climax. Ben and Sophia’s attraction a slow simmer that just takes flame with scorching heat. Looking forward to the next one.
I recieved a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest unbiased review.

Ben and Sophia were an adorable couple and good pairing. While there was a mystery to solve that brought them together, I felt it dragged on in parts and overtook the romance aspect at times. Overall a cute story.

Good book for a quick and easy read. Narrative is good. The idea of a Vicar in a story wasn't the most appealing to me but it turned out to be ok.

Miss Sophia Hastings enjoys painting the views of the sea from a cliff at the edge of the Beauchamp House property. This morning she is so startled at hearing a man’s voice that she falls of the cliff spraining her ankle. Thankfully, it wasn’t a very steep cliff. She looks up to see the handsome Lord Benedict (Ben) Lisle, vicar of Little Seaford. As he examines her ankle, they overhear two men discussing a planned murder.

Sophia is a lovely young woman and one of four Beauchamp House heiresses and scholars who live together and study in their different fields of expertise. Sophia’s main joy is her painting.

Ben knows he will need a wife who will be happy dedicating herself to helping the members of the parish. As much as he attracted to Sophia, he is not sure she would be content in that role.

Even with her injured ankle, Sophia is determined to attend a ball that same evening. Her aunt has told her about a man named Peter Morgan whose political ambitions could be a detriment to the area and the people too. When she learns a few days later that Peter Morgan has protested the paintings that she plans to place in an upcoming show, she and Ben are determined to discover his reasons. The paintings are very moving and depict the suffering of the people employed by the cotton plant that the man owns. However, Sophia still plans on showing her paintings. She also learns that there are believed to be some counterfeit paintings being sold locally and Peter Morgan is alluding that Sophia is the one painting them. Why is the man doing this to her?

This is an interesting story but my difficulty is with it keeping my attention. While the book was well written, it read almost in a monotone way which did not keep me interested. I do enjoy this author’s work, but this one just didn’t do it for me.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

4.5 stars rounded up to 5
Manda Collins has added a third great book in the Studies In Scandal series. The series is based on the unexpected inheritance of four very gifted young women. The rich, eccentric daughter of a duke leaves her house and fortune to four young women, each of whom is gifted in a different discipline – painting, mathematics, geology, etc. The young ladies have to live in the house for one year and any of them remaining in the house at the end of the year will inherit. Each young lady is also given a puzzle/mystery to solve – including who murdered their benefactor. This book focuses on the painter in the group. The book is well written, the plot flows smoothly and the characters are fully developed and very likable. We also get to meet the hero of the next book as well!

You can read the book as a stand-alone, but if you want to understand the relationships between the ladies of Beauchamp House, their husbands, etc. you really should read the first two books.

Miss Sophia Hastings is a gifted painter – she’s also a very enthusiastic painter. As Sophia is making a particularly enthusiastic stroke on her current painting, she is startled by voices and tumbles off a ten-foot cliff. She manages to twist and land on her feet, but one foot is badly twisted and sprained. Lucky for her, the handsome new vicar, Reverend Lord Benedick Lisle, is taking a walk on the beach and sees her fall. As he is trying to help her, they overhear a conversation from above – someone is plotting the death of someone else. Sophia is, of course, determined to investigate and Benedick (Ben) is determined to keep her safe. However, he knows the ladies of this house and their previous involvements in intrigues, so he agrees to let her help him investigate.

As they investigate further they learn that the Home Office is interested in an art forgery ring in the area. Could it all be related? There are lots of suspects in the area, including an art colony and an industrialist who wants to broaden his influence through being elected to the House of Commons.

Sophia and Ben have been attracted to each other since he first came to their lovely seaside village, Little Seaford, several months ago. However, they are rarely near each other, so they didn’t realize how attracted they were until Ben helped her on the beach. As they work to solve the mystery, the attraction grows to full-blown love.

There is a nasty villain who has no problem causing trouble for Ben and Sophia in any way he can – from spreading rumors to calling in the Bishop to censure Ben. He’s a nasty piece of work and it is fun to watch him get his comeuppance! There is also a major twist that you won’t see coming – it will definitely blindside you! Way-to-go Ms. Collins!

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"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."

Great well developed characters and a good plot makes this story intriguing. It's fast paced and thoroughly enjoyable, I love this series

I received a copy from NetGalley and voluntarily leave my own thoughts

Overall an enjoyable read, though it did drag at times. I didn’t really feel Sophia was a “wallflower.” To me, a wallflower is someone who is shy and/or socially awkward. Sophia was neither of those things, she just didn’t care about the typical society events that others were. Regardless, I still adored her and the Reverend!

However, one of the quickest ways to annoy me is to ramble on about how attractive and perfect the hero and heroine which the author does from the very beginning. I honestly felt like I spent the first couple chapters reading about how attractive the leads were to the point that they each were constantly being pursued or surrounded by admirers. It was tedious, to say the least.

That being said, it was a cute romance with enough action to keep the reader entertained.

Hemos llegado a la tercer habitante de la casa Beauchamp, la Srita. Sophia Hastings. Gracias a los libros anteriores conocimos a Ivy y a Daphne y sus respectivas historias de amor.

Al igual que estas dos chicas, Sophia y su hermana Gemma fueron elegidas por Lady Celeste Beauchamp para que fueran las herederas de su propiedad en Little Seaford. Fueron escogidas por sus talentos académicos o, en el caso de Sophia, artísticos. Y al igual que en las historias previas, nuestra heredera se ve involucrada en un intrigante caso que debe resolver junto a un guapo acompañante.

En Wallflower Most Wanted Sophia y el párroco del poblado, Benedick Lisle deben detener a unos falsificadores de arte.

La trama se me hizo interesante pero siento que los anteriores me agradaron más en ese aspecto. Lo que me gustó más de este tercer volumen fue la relación entre Sophia y Ben. Para empezar tuvieron tiempo para conocerse mejor y el progreso de la relación se sintió muy natural. Además ambos personajes me agradaron bastante por su carácter inteligente y apasionado.

Me han dado ganas de leer las otras series de Manda Collins porque dos hermanos de Ben tienen sus propios libros y sus vidas suenan interesantes. Además otro hermano seguro que va a ser la pareja de Gemma, la hermana de Sophia y me gustaría conocer un poco más a la familia.

Lo cual me recuerda a que ya quiero leer ese último libro.

I will 100% admit, I totally picked this book based on the title! Yes, I know that’s a little goofy, but I kept picturing a young women in a ball gown, holding up a stage-coach! Yes, I totally have an over active imagination! But to tell you the truth, the book is even better than I imagined!

We find our heroine eavesdropping on a deadly conversation! Well it wasn't intentional! Miss Sophia Hastings in a master artist in her own right, albeit a little controversial. Anyway, Sophia was paint, absorbed in her work, when newcomers started their sinister conversation, and while trying to act normal, Sophie managed to throw herself over a cliff! Well, that wasn't intentional at all! But Sophia being a resourceful women, managed to land on her feet, instead of her head, and while it would have all gone swimmingly, she, unfortunately landed on a large rock, and twisted her ankle.

But as luck would have it, our hero was also at hand, in the unlikely person of local vicar, Lord Benedick Lisle, not only is he the second son to a Duke, but his brother who works at the Home Office, has asked him to investigate a series forgeries coming out of Little Seaford. But what Ben wasn't expecting was Sophie Hastings falling off a cliff in front of him! But knowing that she won't give up trying to find out who the nefarious men were, Ben and Sophie team up to flush out the taint of Little Seaford. Together they manage to find more than just the forgers, if only they can both stay in one piece.

I truly enjoyed Wallflower Most Wanted, from the characters to the plot, nothing was as it seemed, and even the predictable who done it, quickly turned unpredictable! Now, if you are looking for a super deep, rock your soul, make you cry ugly tears sort of book, this is not it. Wallflower Most Wanted light hearted break that transports you into a story, and leaves you with that warm and fuzzy feeling in your heart, and I truly thank the author for that.

I give Wallflower Most Wanted 4 stars.

After reading the book, I'm disappointed in the book cover copy. The book deserves better for its originality in art and in events. The book opens with Sophia painting near the edge of a cliff, and being startled by nearby voices. Unfortunately, this leads to her falling off said cliff. Luckily there isn't too far to fall and she happens to land in front of Benedick Lisle. They know of each other and find each other attractive but both are always being pursued by other parties at events so they haven't approached one another (well, he would have to approach her but you get the point). In fact, when she realizes who she has fallen in front of, Sophia thinks that he'll assume she's another one of his single-lady hoard trying to get his attention. Then they hear two men discussing a murder above them.

Sophia hurts her ankle when she fell so she's carried back and then convinces Benedick to follow up. In the meantime, she's getting ready for a local art show but there's a new businessman in town, Peter Morgan, who has announced his intention to run for the local political seat. Problem number one is, she knows he's abusing workers in his cotton factory in another district and is not a good man. The other problem is Peter Morgan is dead set against women doing anything other than what they're told to do and he doesn't want her work in the art show (it's political in nature, which I enjoyed because when I first read it was scandalous, I assumed something else). I would've liked more about Sophia's art and her work.

So Sophie and Benedick spend the book investigating, dealing with Peter Morgan, and falling in love while everyone around them tells them they're falling in love. This happens within a few days and here's where my problem lies with it. It went from "does this person like me" to "let's get married" within paragraphs, in my opinion. They discussed some concerns superficially (his duties, her art) and that was it. Makes it hard to buy a relationship, let alone a HEA. Also the villain is evil in everything he does. Here's more evil. We get it. No one is reading the book for him. I really liked some original aspects of this book but in the end they were bogged down by predictability and repetitiveness.

Historical romance fans will appreciate the premise behind the inheritance and Sophie's political art and art knowledge.

Sophia and Ben are a delightful couple, and you will be cheering for them to uncover the villains in this piece and take their relationship to its logical conclusion. The third episode in the “Studies in Scandal”series continues the theme of a search to solve the mysteries surrounding Lady Celeste’s death. The book works just as well as a standalone, though.

4.5 stars

This installment of the Studies in Scandal series, focuses on Sophia Hastings, artist in her own right and art historian and Reverend Lord Benedick Lisle, the vicar of Little Seaford's parish. They met in the previous book and reconnect in this book. The book opens with Sophia taking a tumble over a cliff and Ben coming to her rescue. While checking her for injuries, they overhear a plot to kill someone. Sophia immediately wants to investigate, but Ben urges caution and insists on returning her to the house. Ben agrees that the plot they overheard warrants investigation and promises to collect her belongings, check for clues and return to share his findings with her.

Even though she is injured, Sophia is determined to attend the ball at the Morgan home that night, for two reasons, one her Aunt Dahlia has asked her to see if rumors about Peter Morgan running for a seat in the commons is true and also to see if she will recognize the voices of the men she heard talking on the cliff that morning. Ben also attend the ball and is surprised to see Sophia in attendance. He helps her escape her admirers and goes to find her sister. He is waylaid by Morgan who asks him to join him in preventing Sophia from exhibiting her art at the upcoming art show, he refuses and knows he has made an enemy.

He returns home to find his brother Freddie there, the Home Office has asked him to see if Ben would look into some allegations of forgery that seem to be coming out of Little Seaford. Ben briefly wonders if Sophia is involved, but after hearing all the details, knows she is not and thinks she might be able to help him.

Morgan makes another visit to Ben and threatens to report him to the Archbishop of Canterbury if he does not stand with him against Sophia, Morgan has his own artist and doesn't want Sophia's work to garner more attention than Thomas Ryder, his man. Again Ben refuses and decides to call on Sophia. He and his brother call on her and discuss the forgery problem, Sophia suggests they visit the Primble's, owners and patrons of an artist colony. There they learn that Morgan's artist, Thomas Ryder could in fact be a forger - he has the talent. Armed with this information, Freddie returns to London. Ben returns Sophia to the house and is surprised that his brother Cameron is there - fighting with Gemma (Sophia's sister). He and Cam leave and return to the vicarage. Ben is given a cryptic message to meet someone at Framingham's art gallery. Restless, Sophia decides to go to the village and see if she can learn anything about the forgeries from Mr. Framingham. She goes to the gallery and is confronted by Thomas Ryder. She enrages him and as he is about to strike her, Ben intervenes. Thomas leaves and Ben and Sophia share a kiss, which is interrupted by a shout from the back room. They find Thomas standing over the dead body of Mr. Framingham.

As with the previous books, the story is well done and interwoven with a delightful mystery. This installment was just as good as the previous books, it is well written, flows nicely, has some steamy love scenes, a nasty villain, a decent mystery that doesn't overshadow the love story, cameos from the other heiresses, several plots twists that will keep you guessing "whodunit" until the very end and finally a very sweet HEA.

This is the third book in the series, but it really could be read as a stand alone title with no problems, I would happily recommend this book and am looking forward to Gemma's story!

This is the second book I’ve read in the Studies in Scandal series, and I liked this one better than the second book. I received a free copy from the publisher via Net Galley for the promise to read and review. My opinions are not influenced by that.

Wallflower Most Wanted has engaging characters and an interesting plot. While the pacing isn’t fast, it is steady. Also, the writing is excellent with minimal grammar issues, no more than to be expected in a digital ARC.

Sophia’s character is likable, but I didn’t fall in love with her. I would have liked a bit more depth to her. I never felt like I really knew her goals, motives, and conflict, other than in a superficial way.

Benedick’s character did not come off as I normally see a vicar, especially in the bedroom. I guess I’m a little old-fashioned and am uncomfortable with getting a glance of a man of God’s sexuality, especially outside of marriage. His character did come across as caring and concerned for his parishioners, though. I also believed he fell in love with Sophie. To me, his character is more developed than Sophie’s.

Another issue I had with this book is the sub-plot. I had a difficult time suspending reality because it all seemed implausible to me. While I do understand it’s fiction, I do want to believe in the story or become so wrapped up in it that I don’t even think about whether it is believable or not. That didn’t happen.

Nonetheless, Wallflower Most Wanted is basically an enjoyable read, and historical romance readers will like the descriptive Regency setting. I will consider reading future books by Ms. Collins. Happy reading!

I loved this story but wanted to strangle Sophia at times. She is so stubborn. Thanks for allowing me to read and I look forward to reading more book by Ms. Collins

Manda Collins's third Studies in Scandal novel, Wallflower Most Wanted, pairs a painter heroine with the local vicar in a small-town cozy mystery regency romance mash-up.


Sophia Hastings is one of four bluestockings to have inherited a country house in Little Seaford from Lady Celeste. The set-up for the novel is somewhat complicated, which leads me to suggest that you read the series in order. I found the first 20% of the book slow-going as I tried to figure out who was who and how they were related.

The first two books in the series pair off Daphne and Ivy, leaving Sophia and Gemma for books three and four. I'm fairly certain Collins has shown us the pairing for Gemma, but I won't spoil that for you. Anyway, the four young ladies inherit the house, under suspend-your-disbelief conditions. In order to inherit, they must reside at the house for a full year. If they don't, their share will be split evenly among the other ladies. They're not competing, however, and are all content to reside there for the year and sort it out later. Lady Celeste sent the first two women on a quest that ended with them nearly being killed but ending up happily paired off, so you can probably guess what's going to happen here.

While this is certainly a romance, it feels like a cozy mystery with a regency romance twist. The book opens with Sophia falling off a short cliff after being startled by two men who proceed to talk about their plans to kill a third man. She and our handsome vicar overhear all of this, and the plot is afoot. Or a-sprained-ankle. There is, indeed, a murder, but nothing is quite what it seems and Collins keeps you guessing with twists and turns.

Peter Morgan, an industrialist who feels very representative of certain present-day political figures, has moved to Little Seaford and is running for office. He can't get elected to the House of Commons in Manchester, where his factories are, because he's such an unscrupulous bastard.

Despite the murder and the aforementioned unscrupulous bastard, this is a low-angst, fluffy read. The hero is a cinnamon roll, which makes sense as he's dedicated his life to helping people. Ben and Sophia both have the best of friends - the sort that will mercilessly needle you about being in love while you pretend otherwise. Early in the story, Ben is convinced that Sophia is completely unsuitable for the role of Vicar's Wife, but the two of them work it out quickly, which leaves the mystery to drive the plot. This isn't a bad thing! Sometimes it's nice to read about two lovely people being kind to each other and overcoming the external circumstances that are keeping them apart.

TL; DR - This is a cozy romance or a regency mystery with two likeable main characters and a somewhat overwhelming cast. If you haven't read the other two in the series, start there.

This is set in the small village of Little Seaford after the Napoleonic war and during the Industrial Revolution. It's a good reflection on the working conditions and a woman’s place!

Ben is the vicar in this small village. He is popular, mainly with the ladies for his good looks, and he comes from a titled family.

Sophia is one of four heiresses and a talented artist. Something that is frowned upon, for tapistry is more suitable for "respectable" ladies.

Ben and Sophia know each other through the church, but are not friends as such, until she falls at his feet. Literally! Ben comes to her rescue and they accidentally overhear the discussion about a possible murder. Since this ploy is related to an artist and an upcoming exhibition, she feels that it's her duty to investigate. Now that Ben is getting to know her, he starts to admire her free will and her determination. He fears for her safety and knowing that she won't give up on her quest, he insists on helping her despite her protests. Besides, they like each other's company and romance is in the air!

They have suspicions about the guilty parties, but without proof, it's not going to be so easy. While they are investigating, someone is murdered and this complicates matters even more. The main culprit is full of threats, sure of himself and lies through his teeth to get what he wants. There is a twist when one of his unsuspecting allies take matters into his own hands and turns everything around.

It's a good plot with interesting characters. Ben and Sophia make a good team. The romance is gradual, but real. The pace is a little slow and even though this can be read as a standalone, I would have enjoyed it even more if I had read the previous ones. All in all, a fairly good read.

I was kindly issued with an eARC and the views expressed are my personal opinion.

Publisher's Description:

THE PICTURE OF ROMANCE

A dedicated painter, Miss Sophia Hastings is far more concerned with finding the right slant of light than in finding Mr. Right. But when an overheard conversation hints at danger for another local artist, Sophia is determined to get involved. Even if it means accepting help from an impossibly good-looking vicar who insists on joining her investigation—and threatens to capture her heart…

Reverend Lord Benedick Lisle knows that Sophia is no damsel in distress. But he won’t allow her to venture into peril alone, either. . .especially since he finds Sophia’s curious, free-spirited nature so alluring. But protecting her from harm is becoming more difficult than the vicar could have expected as he and Sophia confront their fiery mutual passion. Who could have known that the art of love would prove so irresistible?

My Thoughts:

"Wallflower Most Wanted" is the newest release of the Studies in Scandal series by Manda Collins, a page turning Regency romance.

This incredible book is #.3 of this series. I have read them all but this one is my favorite of the series so far.

Sophia Hastings is one of four young ladies who have inherited Lady Celeste Beauchamp’s estate. She is a dedicated artist and while painting a scene she is passionate aboutshe is startled by voices and falls down a cliff.
The local vicar, Reverend Lord Benedick Lisle rescues Sophia after her fall. The two of them overhear a startling conversation that hints at a murder plot.
Because the target is a local artist Sophia insists on investigating. Benedick will not allow her to jump into this alone.

Will this lead to a lasting love?
I gave this book 4.75 of 5.0 stars for storyline and character development and a sensual rating of 3.5 of 5.0 flames. This one kept the intimacy until later in the book rather than jumping right in. This helped me understand the growing attraction between hero and heroine much better.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley to read and review.. This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.