Opening scene: our heroine falls while painting and sprains her ankle. As the hero strides over to help her, they overhear a murder being discussed. There is also contained in this book the problem of vast amounts of forged art coming out of their village and an unscrupulous man running for local council.

Luckily, Sophia and Benedict are positioned to help (she's an artist, his family is part of the government entity trying to shut the forgeries down).

Sophia actually seemed believable; a female artist with talent who might not be appreciated because of her sex - somewhat resigned but accepting. Benedick is a nice guy. There could be more to their connection but I don't think regular Collins readers won't be disappointed.



Three stars

This book comes out January 30

ARC kindly provided by NetGalley

Follows Duke with Benefits

I voluntarily read an Advance Review Copy of this book through Netgalley. This is a sweet romance story that has another storyline within that involves murder, forgery and deceit. Sophia and Ben come together when trying to figure out who the art forgets are and how to stop them. Along the way, they fall in love while trying to solve the mystery. The book is well written and the storyline is well written. I would highly recommend this book.

I normally avoid historical romances with vicars because I am unfavorably reminded of Mr. Collins, the ridiculous vicar from Pride and Prejudice. Well, huzzah, because the mystery-solving, crime-fighting, marital vows-anticipating Lord Benedick fully kicked the stuffy stigma of being a vicar in the arse. There was nothing ridiculous or boring about this vicar, for sure.

Sophia, the single-minded artist, was not my favorite Studies in Scandal heroine - that honor will always go to blunt-spoken Daphne from Duke With Benefits but there was no denying that Sophia and Benedick made an adorable team whether sneaking in kisses or solving a mystery or both. I imagine the first few years of their marriage to be much like Agatha Christie's Tommy and Tuppence, flirting and fighting through the countryside while solving the cutest local conundrums.

As always, I'm looking forward to the next Studies in Scandal; Gemma's story shouldn't disappoint.

This series, about four blue stockings who are leaps and bounds ahead of their time, has been an absolute pleasure! This third installment is Sophia's story and she might just snag herself the sexiest vicar England has ever seen. There's another mystery (or two) to unravel, a murder to solve and a few more to prevent. Ms. Collins does an amazing job of layering this tale with intrigue, character complexity and an engaging love story. It’s a real treat!

I received an ARC of this book, from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Another installment in this series and just when you thought those spinsters couldn't possibly have more dangerous intrigue, you are proven wrong! There is a request for help from the Home Office, a art forger running amok in the town, a handsome vicar, a talented artist, and a villainous potential politician. The love story is sweet, but the real teeth of this novel is in the mystery surrounding the art forgery ring. So if you liked the first two books (which you don't have to read in order to read this one), then you will likely enjoy this tale as well.

Wallflower Most Wanted is a historical romance novel written by Manda Collins. It is the third book in her Regency-era Studies in Scandal series. I was very excited about the opportunity to read this book because I have enjoyed the other two books in this series. There was a fleeting moment between Sophia and Benedick in the second book, and I knew that they would be perfect together. Needless to say, I was thrilled when I found out that they would really be paired to together.

Sophia is a talented painter, and has spent the last few months at Beauchamp House as one of the four heiresses who are to inherit the house after a year in residence. While painting, she inadvertently falls off a cliff and right into the path of Lord Benedick Lisle, the handsome young vicar. The pair overhear a tense and menacing exchange between two strangers, and while they are trying to puzzle out the meaning of that conversation, they learn that an art forgery ring that has been traced to their little seaside corner of the country.

Meanwhile, a local industrialist attempts to insert himself into the local art scene by declaring that Sophia’s paintings are indecent and should be barred from an upcoming competition. And then something happens that suggests that this is a much bigger problem than Sophia or Ben could have anticipated.

Sophia played a minor role in the first two books in this series, so it was such a pleasure to finally get to know her. The depth at which she sees everyday life is rather atypical for a young woman of her station, and it is perhaps this reflective nature that attracts Ben to her.

I’ve read a couple of books with vicar heroes recently, and I must say, there’s something appealing about the subgenre. Ben is a rather unique hero; he has chosen quite a different path than a life of dissolution, and uses his natural ability to help people. His daily life is quite different from his privileged background as the younger son of a duke, and he will only use his advantageous connections as a last resort.

I would absolutely recommend Wallflower Most Wanted. I think this book stands pretty well on its own, so you don’t have to read the other Studies in Scandal books before reading this one. You really ought to read them though because they are equally delightful, although I do think that this is my favorite of the bunch. As was the case with the other books, Collins does a wonderful job of setting up the pairing for the next book. I can’t wait to read about Gemma and her new chap- June seems entirely too long to wait!

I received a digital copy of this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Wallflower Most Wanted by Manda Collins is an interesting tale. This historical romance, brings out the most unusual characters for this genre. Beautiful yet exceptionally talented women who are looked at as strange among the society of their time period. However, their family and closest friends love them for who they are. Then, there are the men they meet...seduction, heat, and passion are mixed into the atmosphere creating a raw and unforgettable story.

The men can't resist temptation in the form of the these exciting women. Strong, independent, talented and smart women...who know what they want in life. It was hard not to love the especially the main characters focused in this novel. Miss Sophia Hastings has been made an heir. Her talent is painting. She's an outstanding artist that can make people think and feel what she has painted. I loved her fiery spirit. Her strong will and determination came from her Aunt who is a force to beware of...

Miss Sophia Hastings ends up injuring her leg and meets the dashing yet remarkable vicar in her area. Every lady wants to marry him. His good looks cause for the flock of women to surround him. Yet Miss Hastings isn't flocking him despite how attracted she is to his looks and charms. When Reverend Lord Benedict Lisle pulls his full on charms, there's no resisting him...

Reverend Lord Benedict wants to help people. He has no stomach for war yet he can defend himself and those he cares about...especially, the wallflower known as Miss Hastings. Both him and her suffer with the opposite sex coming to them for attention. Neither one enjoys this. Yet as their chance meeting happens, so does the danger. Over hearing a crime plot, both characters end up pulling closer than they ever dreamed. Maybe, they'll find their match after all...unless the danger gets to them first.

Wallflower Most Wanted by Manda Collins is a super sweet, funny, and charming book. I couldn't resist it. The temptation was too great. The characters were lovable. Each one had a personal connection to the situations happening and their personalities made the story that much better. It was believable. Manda Collins beautifully wove this tale into a romance unlike any other. Overall, I highly recommend it to all.

DNF - unfortunately i was unable to finish this story. I picked it up and put it down so many times

This is the third book in the Studies in Scandal series and I liked it very much. The series revolves around 4 intelligent young women, each with a different talent, who inherit an estate. The books
can be read on their own, but you might keep up with the characters if you start with book one.

This book is talented artist Sophia’s story. She is painting on the cliff one day and overhears a threat to someone. Then something, or someone, made her fall. Lord Benedict Lisle, the town’s handsome vicar, saw her fall and helped her back to the house. There is an upcoming art show in town and the new, wealthy commoner, Peter Morgan, does not want her work in that show.

Who else doesn’t want her work in the show and who murdered the town’s art store owner? The answer will surprise you. Yes, there is a HEA with the vicar, but you will have to read this book to get the details.

Thanks to the publisher for allowing me this ARC. No one has asked or required me to write this review.

Wallflower Most Wanted was a fast-paced romance with a compelling plot and a charming group of characters.

Sophia Hastings is a master painter and dedicates herself fully to her craft believing it to be of more importance than her love life. After an unfortunate accident while painting on the cliffs near Beauchamp House leaves her literally falling into Lord Benedick Lisle’s arms, Sophia begins to rethink her position. When the two overhear a plot to kill a local artist, Sophia is determined to get to the bottom of things and Ben insists on helping her. The two quickly find themselves in a dangerous position as the culprit is willing to stop at nothing to see their goals accomplished.

Sophia is incredibly passionate about her work and has found that during her time at Beauchamp House she has created her best works as coming there has allowed her to express herself more freely and has given her the opportunity to discover who she is. In addition to her devotion to painting, Sophia also cares deeply about social issues particularly those dealing with women and children. She incorporates her interest in these issues into her paintings which tends to make the people viewing them uncomfortable. Sophia has a very close relationship with her sister Gemma and I loved seeing more of their sibling relationship than we’ve seen in previous books.

Ben is the vicar at the local church in the town where Beauchamp House resides and arrived in town after events in a previous book left an opening at the church. Ben became a vicar as he knew as a second son he was destined for the church or the army. He has little interest in church politics and instead simply desires to help people. Ben grew up touring his family’s properties with his mother and visiting the tenants. It was during those visits that he learned how to talk to people and offer them comfort. Ben is very close to his family and I enjoyed seeing his interactions with them.

Prior to the start of the book, Ben and Sophia interacted very little and thus their relationship does develop quickly on page. Both of them were physically attracted to one another right away but try to chalk it up to their encounter at the cliffs. However when they begin spending more time together and getting to know each other, they start to connect on a deeper level. Ben felt more sure in his feelings before Sophia did which was a nice change of pace from most romances. When their relationship does progress physically, it’s very steamy and there are several sexy scenes that are quite enjoyable.

Like Ivy and Daphne before her, Sophia was given a mystery to solve by Lady Celeste that was perfectly suited to her area of expertise. While trying to solve her mystery, we learn some new information about Lady Celeste that clarified a few things from previous books and helped tie up a few loose ends. I was surprised to learn who the bad guy was as the author does a great job concealing their identity.

Wallflower Most Wanted was a fantastic installment in the Studies in Scandal series and I’m excited to finally get Gemma’s book, One for the Rogue, soon. I highly recommend these books for fans of historical romances with unconventional heroines.

Miss Sophia Hastings is one of the 4 Beauchamp heiresses. She is an artist who is a talented painter. She paints about social issues which are considered quite controversial, not just for a woman, but for any painter.

She and the Reverent Lord Benedick Lisle overhear two men planning to eliminate someone. Sophie insists that when Ben tries to find out who may be in danger, she is also involved.

Each of the heiresses are talented in different fields. This is third in a series and the two previous stories have involved two young women who were involved in mysteries and also found men they married. The village looks at the young women as unusual, but generally they are included in village life. They are not necessarily understood, but they are welcomed.

It seems that there is a forgery ring in the area. They are making copies of very valuable paintings and selling them to unsuspecting buyers.

Sophia and Ben are on the trail of the people responsible. As the clues appear, they are led almost in circles before facts start fitting together.

For me, this was not as appealing as the earlier books in the series. It is well written and the plot is interesting. But the mystery is relatively easy to solve. The relationship between Sophia and Ben seems to move rather quickly considering Ben is a vicar in a small village. I just felt that the story went in fits and starts.

Sophia and Ben are very appealing characters. He is personable and open to doing good works for people in need. He is deeply immersed in village life. She is very involved in her work to the point of having tunnel vision. Both of them are intelligent, amusing, charming and generous to others.

Ms Collins is a talented author and though I did not like this book as well as the others in the series, it is still an entertaining book.

I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are my own.

I like that Ms. Collins gives the women intelligence and that these women use their intelligence and not just sit around talking nonsense. This story is a good bit more slow burn than the other stories in this series. I had not read a book with a vicar as the hero and was not sure how it would be pulled off but it worked. Both Sophia and Benedick are very likeable characters and their romance was cute and sweet. The mystery was very good (as in all of Ms. Collins’ books). You never know what will happen next and who is the villain. Looking for stories that are not the norm? Read this series.

Great book. I actually didn't guess "who done it" until it was revealed. Can't wait for her next book.

Thanks to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for this book. A very enjoyable regency romance - a spirited heroine with a difference and a dashing hero. What more could one ask for on a cold winter’s evening. Any fan of this genre will love this book.

I did not finish this book. For some reason the main male character being a Vicar turned me off a little bit in terms of this being a “romance” novel. I’m still a amanda Collins fan BUT this just wasn’t the book for me.

I'll admit I was a little hesitant about reading a love story about a vicar. In my mind, when I think of a vicar I think of creepy Mr. Collins from Pride & Prejudice. This man isn't any vicar. He is Reverend Lord Benedict Lisle, second son of the Duke of Pemberton. He was introduced to the Studies in Scandal series in book two and I liked him, so I was willing to step out of my reading comfort zone and give him a chance.

Once Ben found the woman he was meant to be with falling off a ten foot cliff, I knew this wouldn't be any ordinary love story. Miss Sophia Hastings was lucky Ben was walking along the beach that day. The fall and the overheard conversation set the pair off in search of a forgery ring and love.

Sophia is one of four young ladies whom inherited Beauchamp House from the late Lady Celeste Beauchamp. Her artistic talent and ability to show the world thought provoking pieces caught the eye of Lady Celeste, earning Sophia a place at Beauchamp House. Just like her fellow heiresses, Lady Celeste left Sophia a mystery to solve. Find the perpetrators swindling art lovers by selling forgeries through a local gallery.

Ben and Sophia tangle up in each other as they work to find the culprits. I would've thought a vicar would show more restraint than Ben did when it came to his affections toward Sophia. Turns out even vicars have a libido that runs wild when confronted with beauty and brains all embedded in one woman. It made for one wild ride for the vicar and the artist! I was on edge thinking "Will he or won't he?" When Sophia needed to, she gave him the little push he needed. I gave her a virtual high five for going after what she wanted.

While this is the third in the series, it can be read as a standalone. I do highly recommend reading the first two installments, Ready Set Rogue, Ivy and Quill's story, and Duke with Benefits, Daphne and Dalton's story. The series is not over yet! Book four, One for the Rogue, Gemma and Cameron's story, is set for release June 26th, 2018!

I was not a fan of this novel. I found it hard to get into the story.

This was a nice romance with likable leads. It is the third in series, and I have not read the previous two. It mostly worked as a standalone, but there were characters featured in other books present that knowing their backstory might be helpful. The premise of the series revolves around four women with special skills or talents who share an inheritance. I imagine the first book gets into the details of the inheritance more, but it seems to be some sort of competition for the inheritance. Despite the competition, they have become good friends. Sophia is a talented artist, and her sister is there as one of the four as a paleontologist.

The hero, Ben, is a Vicar and second son of a Duke. He has been asked by the home office by way of his brother to investigate a series forgeries coming out of Little Seaford, the setting of this novel. To help with his investigation, he seeks counsel from Sophia, since he respects her artistic talent and knowledge. They had met on occasion as members of the same community, but the investigation kindles attraction into romance. Due to the unconventionality of her home, Ben and Sophia are left to consult alone often.

While I think this was mostly a nice, straightforward romance, there was little depth, and it was superficial. I didn't feel much for the characters or their love. It was just nice and not more. The writing and pacing was decent, but there were elements of implausibility in the subplot and the characters that made this difficult at times for me. Ben being the son of a Duke with independent means, not needing a career, seems unlikely to have chosen to be a vicar. He was also a vicar with considerable experience in the bedroom, so he just didn't seem like a vicar. Also the whodunnit was quite implausible

Overall, this is a pleasant story if you can suspend belief. If not, then it's probably not the book for you.

*I received a free copy of this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I had the pleasure of reading this book that is wrongly labelled as romance. It is actually more of a detective story than a romance, but trust me, that is just OK.

Please do not be misguided by the title, Sophia Hastings is anything but a wallflower. She’s bored by all of the attention she often gets from the eligible bachelors in Little Seaford and other towns in the county. She is a gifted painter whose dreams are far from the loving housewife and mother kind of future. But then one day when she’s working on a landscape painting she falls from a cliff only to find herself in the presence of the only eligible bachelor who doesn’t seem to woo her; Lord Benedick Lisle, the vicar.

But Ben had noticed her of course, and he’s besotted with her as any of the other men are, or they rather seem to be. But what had caused the girl of his dreams’ fall literally at his feet? When he’s helping her recover from her fall they hear a threatening conversation between two mysterious men up there on the cliff. It's the scheming of the assassination of a third man, and thus Ben and Sophia find themselves involved in an investigation in which murder, forgery and betrayal are afoot.

And love, of course, this is a mystery book but not without reason it’s labelled as romance. Both Ben and Sophia like each other since before the book even started, perhaps there were hints of this liking in previous books just as Sophia’s sister and Ben’s brother fall in ‘fight at first sight’ in this story (and they will have a story in the final book of the series, but you didn’t learn it from me). Despite the fact that they soon find themselves comfortable in each other’s company it isn’t until half the book is done that they share a first kiss and then realize about their feelings (surprisingly unlike in most novels that I’ve read, they are very clear about their feelings and... well I won’t spoil it for you) and this is because the mystery plot is the main plot, and the romance is something built around that plot, but it’s not a secondary plot either, don’t worry about that.

I loved both Ben and Sophia, as characters alone and together. They’re very resourceful both of them, very smart, strong and, when they’re alone, sexy. Who would have thought that vicars could be this sexy? And she’s a fierce woman, avant-garde in many things, definitely stubborn and lovely. And I loved how well they understand each other; like, he actually really falls in love with her when he ‘sees’ her in her paintings, her spirit and her mind. And she understands the kind of man he is and why he became a vicar, and she loves him all the more for that.

The mystery side of the novel was just ok. It was clear who the one behind the plotting was; they tell it to you right from the start. But even if they didn’t it was obvious. Still there were some surprising elements that you see coming but at the same time you don’t see coming. And the final plot twist was something that I hadn’t foreseen. It’s not an amazing detective story but it’s good enough, like ie: an episode of ‘Murder, She Wrote’. I’d love a series of books of The Vicar and the Painter Private Investigators.

If I have to point out something that I didn’t like was the pace. It was slow at the beginning, right up to the 50% or so of the book, and then all of a sudden (precisely as Ben and Sophia let out their feelings) the pace quickens and the story becomes so exciting it’s like reading a different book with the same story. But that didn’t stop me from enjoying reading it. It was just, disconcerting. I have to say that I enjoyed this book thoroughly once the pace changed, but I was liking it enough before, otherwise I would have stopped reading altogether.

I can’t wait to read Gemma Hastings’ and Cameron Lisle’s story in One for the Rogue (Studies in Scandal, book 4) that’s coming out in June, but for now, Ben and Sophia will have their HEA.

I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book.

One thing I’ve enjoyed about this series is the mystery each heroine has had to solve. I thought the twist as far as the mystery thread in the story and the reveal was well-written. As far as the romance, Benedick and Sophia began working together to solve the mystery and their relationship built from there. I felt the conflict for why the hero and heroine couldn’t be together was brought up and mentioned but the characters didn’t come across feeling very strongly about it. As a result the romantic conflict wasn’t as strong.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next book in the series.