I simply adored this author’s last release and was very excited to get an early copy of this first book in her newest series. Wallflowers vs. Rogues has many of the same characters as her School for Dukes series but seems to be introducing a fresh, new group of Wallflowers/women who want something different for their lives other than balls and shopping and letting men control them. Love is a Rogue turned out to be a sweet, not overly angst-filled romance.

The heroine Beatrice is a young woman who has a slight palsy and has dealt with it by falling into books and forming true friendships with other women who want not a life normally acceptable of the times for women. Her hero is Ford, a carpenter on her brother’s estate. I liked that this book featured an everyday working man rather than a duke or earl or another member of the aristocracy. Ford is a steady, capable man whose own mother fell in love with a carpenter and was disowned by her family. He knows what a relationship with Beatrice would mean for her, but nevertheless falls for her anyway.

You would think there would be A LOT of angst and drama in this story, but there really isn’t. There is a villain, and a mama who is overly ambitious for her daughter, but neither is really terrible and the ‘big misunderstanding’ lasts about two pages. The conflict is wrapped up nice and neat with a bow ... almost a little too easily. But I liked the romance and am really looking forward to seeing more of the secondary characters in the rest of the series.

If you are looking for a carpenter hero in a historical romance, Love Is a Rogue by Lenora Bell is the book for you. This is the 1st book in the Wallflowers vs Rogues series - and I have to say that I can never resist a wallflower.

Lady Beatrice Bentley is an etymologist working on a dictionary. It is her life’s work, one she would much rather work on than deal with the marriage mart. She has no desire to wed, but promises her mother she will put herself out there.

But before the season starts, Bea is working on her dictionary at her brother’s estate. Unfortunately, she is entirely distracted by the carpenter who is renovating parts of the estate, Mr. Stamford Wright.

Once Bea returns to London, she learns that she has inherited a bookstore - and can think of no one other than Ford to help her renovate the space. She decides to make the space a club for the Mayfair Knitting League.

The ladies of the knitting league are not exactly knitters, but women who want to help support and encourage each other. Bea and her close friends are fantastic characters - and I can’t wait to see each of them get their own HEA.

Ford and Bea spend a great deal of time together alone in the bookstore, learning more about each other and their hopes and dreams. Ford has family issues and drama with his grandfather who happens to want Bea’s store as well.

Bea and Ford have to overcome his family issues (ones that threaten her store) and Bea’s mother’s marriage machinations. Fortunately, her friends and her brother (and Ford’s mother) are on their side.

One of my favorite parts of this book is Bea’s use of archaic words throughout the story. Her love of words shines through the pages - and they gave me great joy. Fortunately, Ford is supportive of Bea’s ambitions (even if he pokes fun a bit).

Love is a Rogue by Lenora Bell is a funny and delightful romance. Bea and Ford are wonderful together, even when they are banging a hammer together. They truly work together to restore the bookstore and find their way to be together.

This story brought a smile to my face and taught me several new words. What more can I want from a romance novel?

Lady Beatrice Bentley wants nothing more than to have some peace and quiet while she writes her dictionary. She is an etymologist and has decided to leave London to her country estate - Thornhill House to write her book. While trying to work peacefully, she happens to cross paths with Samford Wright - the carpenter working on Thornhill House. Beatrice can't stand Samford - he's too loud, crass and all the lovely ladies at Thornhill House love him. Beatrice soon returns to London, never expecting to run into Wright again.

Beatrice and Samford's paths cross once again when Beatrice finds that she is the owner of a bookshop her aunt left her and Samford comes on as her carpenter. Can these two keep their relationship strictly professional or will they end up mixing in some pleasure?

Love Is a Rogue had all of the things I am looking for in a romance - enemies-to-lovers, forced proximity and great friendships among the leads. While I truly enjoyed the friendship between Lady Beatrice and her girlfriends and Lady Beatrice's love of books (hello bookworms everywhere), the chemistry between Beatrice and Samford was lacking for me. I wanted to root for them as a couple, but sadly I didn't feel the spark between the two.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.

Gotta say, Beastly Beatrice is just one of my favorite heroines -- she is uncomfortable in the ton, anxious to write her etymological dictionary and willing to share her wealth and assistance with her fellow Wallflowers. But she's a Lady, whose mother wants her married and whose brother's Gothic mansion is being renovated — and who can write with the noise and a gorgeous Navy man (ship's carpenter) turned renovator nearby?
Stamford Wright is a great hero; he's delicious, even if he can't help teasing the duke's sister. They spar at the country estate, but think they won't be seeing each other again — she's off for one last season to get her mother off her back and he's expected back in the Navy. But Stamford is sure embezzling is happening at the estate, and he wants to let the duke know what's going on. They meet again in the city, and a bookstore that's falling apart brings them together again. Beatrice has inherited it from a scandalous relative; her family thinks she will sell it, but not Beatrice. She wants to remodel and use as a meeting place for her friends. Plus, she loves books. And she knows a good carpenter. That adds another layer to the story, when the grandfather who disinherited Ford's mother turns out to covet Beatrice's property. All is worked out, but not before plenty of excitement and intrigue. The book opens a series, and the glimpses of future love stories make us want to read more. Just a fun read, much-needed in these stressful days. (I received an ARC from NetGalley. Opinions mine.)


They say never mix business with pleasure. But when Beatrice and Ford aren't arguing, they're kissing.

I was excited when I learned that Lady Beatrice, the bookish younger sister of the Duke of Thorndon (hero of Bell's last book, One Fine Duke) was slated to be the heroine of Love is a Rogue and even more excited when I discovered her hero would be that deliciously handsome, but annoyingly pesky, carpenter working at their family's country estate. I'm happy to report that these two gave me everything I could have hoped for...and more.

As the author has stated, Love is a Rogue is a gender-flipped Beauty and the Beast meets HGTV (pick your favorite renovation show) story and it totally works. It's also a cross-class romance which is one of my favorite tropes. And I'll toss one more trope in. It's a bit of a coming of age story for Beatrice. She's never been allowed to show her true self to the world, either verbally or physically. Books have been her best friends and though she has established close relationships with fellow wallflowers, her interactions with men are awkward at best. It was such a delight to watch her learn to spread her wings, stand her ground, and open her heart to the possibilities of life and love. Her masquerade party entrance may have had me cheering out loud.

And then there's Ford. Man, did I fall hard for this hero. He's not really a rogue but he does have roguish tendencies, such as being an incorrigible flirt. But he's an honorable man. And he sees Beatrice for who she really is. He protects her, motivates her, desires her, celebrates her. I love how he doesn't allow her to push him away, how he communicates with her, and encourages her to explore all the possibilities life has to offer.

Love is a Rogue launches Lenora Bell's Wallflowers vs Rogues series with a story that's brimming with sparkling banter, sensual passion, laugh-out-loud humor, heart-tugging emotion, and a happy ending. If you're looking for a historical romance mood lifter, don't miss Love is a Rogue.
*ARC received for fair and unbiased review

I always enjoy reading about a fellow book lover, and this title was no different. I was hoping after One Fine Duke that Beatrice would get her own book and I really liked her, especially her unique backstory and how it made her the person she is. And of course it’s always nice to read about a hero that isn’t a duke or any other type of titled gentleman.

My only real complaint for this title is the fact there was major insta-lust at the beginning. Beatrice is already checking Ford out in the first chapter. I like more of a slow burn in my romances.

*I received an eARC from NetGalley, the publisher, and the author in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely loved this book. A hero that’s a carpenter and a heroine who is an etymologist – perfect combination!

One of the things that always makes my heart flutter is acts of service. Because acts of service mean that you’ve been paying attention to your partner (or your friend, or whoever the other person is in this situation) and it just makes me so happy that the characters listen to each other’s needs *swoon*.

This book is a bit of a Beauty and The Beast retelling, since our heroine “was born with palsy of the facial nerve caused by damage from the instruments the doctors used” (in Love is a Rogue, by Lenora Bell) during her birth, which means one side of her face does not move “normaly”, and her smile is lopsided.

Lady Beatrice Bentley, this beautiful, rich lady, who prefers a comfortable blue dress than the somewhat growing and starting to be exaggerated creations of the 1830’s, can’t help but feel the attraction to Stamford Wright, the roguish carpenter working on her brother’s estate.

I loved falling in love with Ford and Beatrice, and seeing their love develop and overcome what would be thought of as a barrier for the time, or if not a barrier, at least a strong detriment for their union.

Beatrice loves words, and she is fascinated with the words that disappear from our language, and the ones that are almost “chosen” to remain, and for Ford this is not an interest, but he becomes fascinated with how happy Beatrice is when she’s talking about writing her dictionary, and how caring he is for her and her love of books. I mean… he built her BOOKSHELVES!

Also, this book is full of feminism, sisterhood, all the things we want to see in this world. As I was reading this book, I found myself mirrored in the women of The Mayfair Ladies Knitting League, with the same wishes and desires: “Why should being female preclude me from being an entrepreneur? I say, smash down the barriers” (Love is A Rogue, by Lenora Bell). One of my favourite quotes from this book is exactly related to women (women as in anyone that identifies as female), and how we see ourselves in the world and society: “We women are all so critical of ourselves. We’re too plump, or too thin. Too tall, or too short. Our hair is too curly, or too straight. We live in a society that rewards conformity to a strict set of physical standards and an even more rigid set of rules for proper behaviour. We have these unpleasant thoughts running round and round in our minds. Wouldn’t it be revolutionary if we decided to love ourselves exactly the way we are?” (in Love is a Rogue, by Lenora Bell). Apologies for the long quote, but I loved it so much, that I remember shedding a tear when I read this. Self-love, and supporting ourselves and others, shouldn’t that be the ultimate goal?

Anyway, this book was also a love dedication to all of us readers, as I’m sure you can understand from the above mentioned love of books and words. As I was reading this book, I found myself highlighting these sentences that put into words a feeling that I’m sure most readers relate to: “But I can’t possibly read all of them [books]. It keeps me up at night sometimes, knowing that I can’t read every book I own. You should see how many books are stacked beside by bed just waiting to be read. And I don’t have the time to read them all” (in Love is A Rogue, by Lenora Bell).

Of course, this book is a romance, and the love story is the main element. But in this case, for me, it felt like there was more than ONE love story – there was the love between Beatrice and Ford, but also the love between these women supporting each other’s endeavours, and the love for words, and for your own passions!

All in all, I loved this book. It is romantic, sexy, powerful, all you want in a good book.



P.S. Make sure you read the acknowledgements at the end!

4.5/5 Love is a Rogue by Lenora Bell, book one in her Wallflowers vs. Rogues series, is a role reversal story based on Beauty and the Beast. Lady Beatrice Bentley is a wallflower, preferring to read than socialize and attract a man at any of the Ton parties for the season. Beatrice has a facial palsy, caused at the time of her birth. Her mother is determined to find a match for her while Beatrice would rather be a spinster, researching and completing her etymological dictionary; especially in the wilds of Cornwall at her brother’s estate. Spending her summer at her brother’s Gothic mansion to work on her dictionary was supposed to peaceful and productive. Unfortunately, it is also under renovation, the work being done by a handsome rogue, always swinging a hammer and whistling a tune nearby. Stamford Wright is a navy man and is leaving England soon. Renovating Thornhill House was supposed to be just a job; not about the duke’s bookish sister, with her fiery copper hair or the etymology lessons, or even the forbidden things he’d so love to teach her. So much happens upon her return to London that having Beatrice is happy to have the help and assistance of Ford before his ship departs.

From the beginning, there was a magnetism and attraction between Beatrice and Ford. Ford was the first man, possibly person, to tell Beatrice that she was beautiful. It might have been his presence or his wording or his attention that made Beatrice believe him. These two could light up the sky with the fireworks they set off when together; either arguing or kissing. Beatrice, being a lady, and Ford, being a carpenter, makes it impossible for them to be a match; or does it? Love has no boundaries and sometimes, temptation can be too strong to resist.

Ms. Bell wrote an emotional and wonderful story that is not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with sizzling chemistry, amusing banter, and the strong characters, giving Beatrice and Ford a chance at true love and a forever together. I highly recommend Love is a Rogue to other readers and look forward to the next book in the series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Fun and enjoyable historical romance. Loved the characters and their interaction. Having a carpenter husband I could relate to how hard it is to consentrate! Will be recommending this one!

"You challenged me at every turn and you made me see that I wanted to live. Truly be alive. Taste life and love and all that has to offer."

I became familiar with Lenora Bell's body of work last night while exploring audiobooks narrated by the incomparable Beverley A. Crick. From the first line of "For The Duke's Eye's Only" to the last in "One Fine Duke," I knew that she would become an all-time favorite author of mine. When given the opportunity to read, "Love Is a Rogue," I jumped at the chance to explore the depth and complexity of one of my favorite Bell characters to date.

Renowned wallflower Lady Beatrice Bentley trades elegant dresses for etymology, specifically her etymological dictionary. To prepare for the freedom spinsterhood holds, she spends her summer in Cornwall to work on her magnum opus while watching over the renovations of her brother's estate. However, one dashing and distracting carpenter who knows how to work with his hands may put a wrench in her carefully constructed plan.

My goodness! Beatrice was a true homage to bookish individuals. I saw so much of myself with her. I appreciated her unbridled tenacity and wit. She also subverted the Wallflower archetype by being intransigent from the start. Although she is cognizant of her voice and the power it holds, she is still reluctant in the romance department. Through the support of her partner, she does not have to change physically or morally for Ford. She just allows herself to be vulnerable. Her facial palsy was handled with grace as we, the readers, were not inundated with constant streams of microaggressions and slurs. An ableist slur is used but sparingly with proper context. I appreciate Bell's awareness of disfiguremisia and her avoidance of turning it into an overwhelmingly tragic or triggering arc for Beatrice. My only critique would be that Beatrice's vast vocabulary felt forced in various situations. Her intelligence already shines through the pages.

Ford was such an entertaining hero! I couldn't help but smile whenever he interacted with Beatrice. His gentle ribbing brought such joy to my soul. While he is a known rogue, he is never malicious towards Beatrice. He is my favorite type of rogue: the hilarious realist. He is overprotective towards the ones he loves, but he can push the boundary without realizing it. I appreciate that his familial relationship focused on his mother, as most male familial relationships center on fathers and sons.

Beatrice and Ford just clicked for me. Their mutually intense energy made sparks fly at such a rate that I thought an electrical surge was going to burn my tablet. Jokes aside, they were truly a perfect fit. I loved Ford's patience with Beatrice along with his honesty. He never had to make a grand declaration explaining how beautiful she is to him. He told her nearly everything from the heart. Beatrice had every right to doubt Ford's advances given past social trauma. The gradual progression of their relationship allowed them to grow as individuals. Also, there is nothing better than a good romantic renovation montage.

In summation, I will continue to give Lenora Bell her flowers- er, ferns. She lovingly created a tale for all bookworms. It was much more than a young woman overcoming trauma. It was a rallying cry for the ostracized and "Other" to own their individuality.

Bell’s latest is the start of a spinoff series from The School for Dukes Trilogy. It’s still set in the same universe and pits one of my favorite tropes, Wallflowers, against another favorite, Rogues.

The first story is also almost a breath of fresh air as rogues aren’t typically dukes, and this hero, Stamford Wright is not a ton dandy. Nope, Stamford is a Navy man and a carpenter. His father is employed by our heroine’s older brother, a duke, and that’s how these two meet. Facing off amid construction on her brother’s estate.

It’s frustration at first sight. With our scarred, word-loving heroine, Beatrice, trying to focus on her dictionary creation only to be thwarted by Stamford’s constant construction noise. This leads to a meeting of the minds and draws attention to potential attraction. Except, Stamford is no one, not even a member of gentry. Definitely not an appropriate pick for a duke’s daughter.

These two continue to tangle up due to circumstances that play out around Beatrice inheriting a bookshop from her mother’s estranged sister and needing to save it from a horrible businessman. Forced proximity with a gender twist on Beauty and the Beast keep this story fresh and flowing.

Adding in plenty of mischief, on Beatrice’s part, are her friends in The Mayfair Ladies’ Knitting Society, a front for women looking to pursue hobbies and knowledge in careers and areas closed off to women. They keep Beatrice grounded and also encourage her to take risks, which include spending too much time with Stamford. Our hero is hilarious as he gets tangled up with Beatrice and roped into her plans, but he can’t help being drawn to her. The woman who wants a world that’s the opposite of what her mother wants for her.

For Bell fans, there are plenty of visits and mentions of previous book characters. There’s the same delicious dialogue and presentation of intrigue along with romantic and external conflict that seems insurmountable. I really enjoyed how the resolution plays out in this story and am eager for the next book already. You can’t go wrong with a good historical romance with a touch of whimsy, hidden books, a bonnet that butchers Shakespeare, and kisses that alter the definition of worthy pursuits.

~ Landra

Love is a Rogue by Lenora Bell is an excellent historical fiction romance novel that is the first book in a new series: Wallflowers vs Rogues. I have not read anything by this author before, but after thoroughly enjoying this gem, I am now starting her series: School for Dukes.

I truly loved the main characters in this book: Lady Beatrice and her counterpart, Samford Wright (Ford). Bookish and beyond intelligent Beatrice was the perfect compliment to the dashing, sassy, and romantic Ford. Ford brought out the true Beatrice through their encounters and Beatrice showed Ford that he had a sensitive and caring side buried within. I enjoyed seeing Beatrice blossom into a confidant, strong, and sensual woman that stopped caring what others thought of her. She finally decided not to be pushed around. Through Beatrice, Ford found his soulmate and the need to no longer feel as if he constantly had to run away from reality on land through the Navy. I loved that both were good people, both had strengths, weaknesses, fears, and dreams. I loved that both brought out the best in each other and supported each other through their goals, obstacles, and family difficulties.

I loved the plot, the character cast, the twists, and the dialogue most of all. The book was quick, witty, sarcastic, full of banter, and great one-liners. I found myself chuckling many times. It definitely gave a great balance to some of the more serious plot content. I enjoyed the ending and I cannot wait to read more from this author, and this series. I wonder if each book will feature one of the other women in Beatrice’s group? That would be spectacular.

5/5 stars Thank you to Avon for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.

The attraction of words!

First in the Wallflowers vs Rogues series. Lady Beatrice Bentley, a studious young woman whose desire is to write an etymological dictionary and not marry runs smack bang into the desire she's rarely been brave enough to think about. The attraction she experiences for the carpenter Stamford Wright, her brother Drew, Duke of Thorndon has employed, to make repairs to his Cornwall property destroyed any notion of the tranquility she'd hoped to find for her special project. Beatrice's time to pursue her word smithing for her great dictionary is precious and the permission to do this was a bargain Beatrice had reached with her mother. The point of their understanding is that when she returns to London she'll fully participate in the coming season, and not hang about amongst the pot plants avoiding all and sundry. Beatrice's mother is quite desperate to marry her off. Beatrice is quite determined to remain a spinster.
What Beatrice hasn't counted on is inheriting a dilapidated bookstore from an eccentric aunt.
With the support of her friends from the Mayfair Ladies Knitting League (Yes, more than a knitting circle!) Beatrice is determined that the building be turned into a meeting place for the club with the help of a certain 'carpenter' before he returns to the navy. One Mr. Wright no less! That situation becomes even more charged when a wealthy property developer wants the building and is ready to go to any lengths to ensure he will win.
Wright may have a roguish twinkle in his eye, enjoy reading Beatrice's gothic romances and flexing his gorgeous muscles (very hilarious) but he's nowhere near hardened rogue material. Although Beatrice and Wright's relationship does go delightfully Rogue!
A nicely executed tale taking a more original and humorous tack than most Wallflower/Bluestocking meets Rogue tropes.

A HarperCollins ARC via NetGalley
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

I'm not 100% why this book never clicked for me because honestly, it has so many elements I really like. Love is a Rogue follows a bookish lead paired with a roguish carpenter. The two don't get along until suddenly they're falling in love. You know, all of the things I normally really like. But something felt like it was missing and I can't seem to put my finger on what. That is not to say this is a bad book, because in all honesty, I can't pinpoint anything I didn't like (well, aside from the fact that Beatrice never keeps her glasses on while kissing. That aggravated me a little bit. Don't you want to see?). I just didn't find myself swept up in the story and really getting invested in these characters.

The basic premise is that Beatrice is writing an etymological dictionary in Cornwall for the summer and her brother's carpenter is doing a lot of banging around so she can't focus. Ford (the carpenter) and Beatrice eventually have a conversation in the library after Beatrice leans so far out the window her spectacles fall off and hit Ford in the head while he's flirting with a kitchen maid and there's some TENSION. Then we're back in London and Beatrice has inherited a bookstore! But it's in disrepair. Re-enter Ford.

I really don't even know how to discuss this book because I just feel so average about it. The book was fine and very readable, but I just never felt fully engaged. I'd say there's a good chance this was a me problem and not a universal one. Regardless, thanks to Avon and Netgalley for the advanced copy!

I could not get into this book. I kept trying to push through thinking it would get better, but maybe it was just too slow-paced for me. Alas, not every book is for every reader!

While I really liked the premise of this book, it fell a little flat for me.
The main characters, Lady Beatrice Bentley (a bookish intellect who wants nothing more than to retire to her estate and write a dictionary), and Stamford Wright, a contractor during the story. The chemistry between them was hot, and I enjoyed their banter at times. Was a cute twist with her being "Beastly" and him the handsome rogue, but I just felt that many scenes dragged on and I lost interest. I did enjoy the knitting club, and enjoyed some of the characters introduced there.
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

OMG I love Lenora Bell's writing so much! This book was such a treat. I love the gender flip of Beauty and the. Beast retelling. I interviewed Lenora for the show and she was delightful.

This book is the story of wallflower Lady Beatrice Bentley, the sister of a Duke, who dreams of a spinsterhood spent writing a etymological dictionary. This dream is altered when when Navy man Stamford Wright breaks her concentration while renovating her brother’s Gothic mansion.

I must confess I was initially a little put off by the premise. I have a hard time moving past such a huge difference in class in a historical romance. While romantic in me wants love to triumph, I am also somewhat cynical. I am happy to report that Lenora Bell did an excellent job addressing the situation. It was not a side issue and was clearly addressed and for me this truly enhanced the story.

I loved the Romance between Ford and Beatrice. It was cute and playful, while it still smoldered. I loved that they made each other happy and enjoyed being with each other. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep the book moving and the reader interested. I devoured this book in hours. I would highly recommend this book to people who enjoy Sarah MacLean, Sabrina Jeffries and Megan Frampton.

I was provided a copy of this book by NetGalley for an honest review of the material.

Heat Factor: The hanky panky scenes are steamy but
Character Chemistry: The romance feels a tad forced and the couple seems kind of ill-fitting so
Plot: When bibliophile Lady Beatrice Bentley inherits a small property, she grudgingly hires the carpenter who lives and works on her brother’s property to complete the work as she struggles to retain it. They don’t seem to have much in common and they certainly don’t live in the same social spheres, but they’re drawn to one another nonetheless.
Overall: It was a lovely read but I did struggle to see how the couple fit together and the “teasing” was a little clumsy

Here we have a classic opposites attract--Lady Beatrice Bentley, the bookish Bibliophile, who desperately wants to spend all of her time on her work on an etymological dictionary, and Stamford Wright, a Navy ship’s carpenter who happened to grow up on her brother’s property.

Ford (Stamford) can’t resist helping Lady B when she inherits a bookshop with a scandalous past. As Lady Beatrice struggles to retain ownership, Ford is dealing with his own family lineage. It’s a whole thing.
Here’s what you need to know--I love a good opposites attract, but in my mind, they work because while the two involved are “opposites”, they are both impressed by and enjoy these differences, and ultimately it’s that crucial element that knits them together. In this book, I found that the ribbing and teasing often showed a very subtle lack of understanding. It kind of reminded me of being a poet at a party full of engineers. It was awkward sometimes, and while that might have been deliciously resolved somewhere along the plot, I ended up getting the feeling that that resolution just didn’t really happen. It seemed like they just kind of paired up at some point without there being some deeper understanding/the blossoming of a new sense of respect for the other person.

I will say that their development separately was really fulfilling. I loved seeing Lady Beatrice kind of unfurl her unapologetic sense of self, and it was equally cheering to see Ford learn to heal from and accept his own origin story.

The book sets up a very interesting series. The supporting characters were quirky and interesting, and as I have said--I love the opposites attract trope. Plus, it was one of those classic historical romances that has all the feel-good ingredients you need for an enjoyable weekend. So, if you like really steamy bedroom scenes and a plot that thickens, you’d probably love this.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.

This review is also available at The Smut Report.

Lady Beatrice wallflower by choice. She is a scholar a reader and a brilliant mind. All of which wasn't as popular for woman back than for men. Growing up she had palsy as a younger child which has cause side of her face to droop somewhat, over hearing her parents say it was a shame she felt not ever enough not pretty enough an made herself into a wallflower instead ... Writing a dictionary , book of intellect is what she escaped london to do. Only to be stuck with ....

Ford, carpenter for now , was working on naval boats as well. He is cocky and a bit of a player, his mother was disowned by her own father for marrying below her and so he has a issue with any beatrice being above him in class. He was raised by his father to remember his place and station ...

When Beatrice inherits a bookstore his grandfather wants to buy it out from under her and so he teams up with her to rebuild and make it a better building our of spite.

I had a hard time with this one because the romance wasn't enough for me. It was like they battled each other so much and than to spark a deal in the relationship to where they could mess around but her still be a spinster wasn't my thing .. I found it wasn't my cup of tea because it just wasn't what I hoped for in romance, it took me weeks to finish this book which never happens . I felt the book was rushed in areas I would have liked more in , for example her and her knit club friends, and the actual romance between them. It bothered me a bit as well that all of a sudden everything fixed feud wise once they decide to end up together .. it just seemed jumpy in the book not very pieced together