Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley.

Manda Collins has written quite a few historical romances and I have no idea why I'd never read any of her stuff before. So when I saw one of her books on NetGalley, I had to give it a shot.

Sophia was a decent heroine. I liked that she had career aspirations and that she was a very good artist. I've not read many romances with heroine as an artist so this was unusual and I liked it! I thought that Sophia seemed a little too flighty at times? But what is TOO flighty? I don't know. I guess I just found it irritating that she hears a man's voice and falls off a cliff. Like, what is that? And that's not a spoiler - she survived! LOL! I was also a teensy put off by how determined she was to be involved in the investigation of the main mystery. I shouldn't be because I like seeing women in historical romances demanding the right to be treated as an equal. But in the end, I just wasn't totally in love with Sophia.

Benedick was an interesting character. I couldn't stand the spelling of his name and, in my head, I never pronounced it correctly - I always read it as "Benedict". Now, I know how nitpicky that is but I'm telling you that I couldn't get it out of my head throughout the entire time I was reading the book. Benedick was the vicar in the town there but I can't tell you what a vicar does all day. Visit people? Pray? I have no idea and I was wondering. But he was definitely a good man and I really liked him. I liked that he felt conflicted about Sophia. It was fun to watch him work through his feelings.

I liked all of the characters in the book well enough. I can't really pick out one or two things that made me not love it. Not to be rude but I was a little bored reading some sections and skimmed over them. The mystery at the center of the story wasn't much of a mystery. The quirks of the characters that were supposed to make them different or endearing just grated on my nerves. The book was well written and I think fans of Manda Collins will enjoy this book. It just didn't really pan out for me this time.

This is the story of the romance between the artist Miss Sophia Hastings, who is the third of Lady Celeste's heiresses, and the local vicar Lord Benedick Lisle. While the romance takes up half the plot, the other major story line is that there is a local art counterfeiting ring that the two are trying to uncover, as the task left to Sophia by Lady Celeste. I found this to be a light mystery romp that was fun and engaging but not overly deep or emotional. The thing I've liked the most about this series is that each of the heiresses have their own interests and personalities, but for me the men have been slightly bland. I would still be interested in finding out what is in store for the last heiress, and reading the last book.

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

Well written and an enjoyable story. I really enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more by this author.

I love the Beauchamp heiresses series, the four ladies are great and I can't wait for the next story. The mysterious story line in this story is captivating and I loved Sophia and Ben together, through all of the back and forth, I'm glad they found their HEA.

A well written novel with two very different leads. She is an artist, he is a Reverend. There is more than one twist in this story and it is a believable story you'll love!

This is the third story in Studies in Scandal series but you don’t really have to read the previous two books in order to understand who’s who in this series, The author does a good job in reminding us of that.

From the start this series had a good premise, that of four independent, scholarly women who are left Beauchamp House exactly because they are bluestockings and experts in their individual fields, and would be perfect in deciphering Lady Celeste Beauchamp’s reasons for leaving them this bequest.

Out of the three so far, I liked this one more than the others and that’s probably because of the faster pace and interesting, likable and fun characters, especially Sophia and Benedick. I liked the way they were with each other and their inner as well outer dialogue always brought smile to my face.

Once more we’re dealing with a bit of a mystery plot and while it may have been a predictable one, it still was entertaining reading about it.

If you’ve already invested time in reading the previous two books, I highly recommend you read this one too. If you’ve never read this author before, this just could be the book to win you over. It’s light hearted, entertaining and fast paced, with plenty of romance and a mystery to make it more interesting.

Melanie for b2b

Third book in the series. Hero is Lisel a vicor (Son of a duke ). Heroine is Miss Sophia . Love how Manda writes historical scenes . She does lots of twists and turns and lots of layers . Both the main characters you meet in the books in series
Lisel finds Sophia interesting. Sophia is a painter . Lisel wants Sophia for carnal acts (he is a son of a duke . The other characters you also meet in the other books. The villain in the series you will never guys who it is . And why. Grab it and see

Sophia Hastings is one of four bluestocking women who inherit Lady Celeste Beauchamp's home. She leaves behind a letter and clues for each woman in the vein of their strengths. For Sophia, it is artwork. Sophia is a talented painter, as was Lady Celeste. Unfortunately, Sophia's letter is delayed in reaching her until well into the story. 

One unusually early morning Sophia is on the cliffside painting. She gets so engrossed in her work, she tumbles off the cliff to the beach below. Reverend Lord Benedick Lisle, the local vicar, is walking on the beach when he sees Miss Hastings plummet. The two overhear an indiscreet conversation about killing off an artist in some nefarious undertakings. Determined to collectively get to the bottom of the matter, the two spend more time together to puzzle things out. 

Being the second son of a duke, Ben knew he was destined for the army or the church. Having no penchant for war, and visiting the properties with his mother as a child, Ben enjoys helping others, so the church was the best choice. While he leads his flock and offers comfort, he takes no interest in the politics of the church. While I don't typically think of men of the cloth as men to be desired, I suppose a good-looking man can be. 

When newcomer Peter Morgan, an industrialist, begins making big waves in Little Seaford, quickly followed by personal and professional attacks against Sophia Hastings. Her artwork is reputed to be obscene and unfit for sensible ladies, even those not of the nobility, too look upon...much less Sophia paint. She is a woman who cares about the social issues that run rampant in society, and she depicts such contrasts in social class in her art.  

The sexism is very much alive in this installment in the series, and Peter Morgan calls in everyone up the line he can think of. When Ben will not aid him in his cause to have Sophia's work removed from the upcoming art exhibit, he then pulls political strings and has the Bishop of Chichester to threaten Ben's future.

One of Ben's brothers pays a visit to Little Seaford and enlists Ben to assist the Home Office in investigating a forgery ring that's operating in the are. With Sophia's lifework revolving around art, and her contact with the local artist colony, she becomes an integral part of the investigation. As the investigation wears on, Ben and Sophia grow increasingly close and uncover a few key clues. 

The mystery and suspense of the forgery and all involved kept me turning pages. I thought I had the forger pegged and I was adamant that I was right (just like Sophia). Then the possibility of two forgers surfaced and my theories all went downhill from there. The pacing of the book was just right and the cast of characters were interesting and gave some more insight into both Sophia and Ben's relationships with their families.

If all you want is a light read to pass a pleasant afternoon, evening then this book is for you .

Take a beautiful young painter and a handsome vicar who's a duke's son, throw in a dash of murder, and a sprinkle of forgery, and you have the makings of a good read .
This was enjoyable with clever writing and likable characters with a different setting to others of this genre .

I will certainly read other books by the Author in what has the hallmarks of a series .

She was an angel sent from heaven and fell to earth right in front of the local vicar in her small town. Sophia was extremely focused on her task that ultimately set her on a course to find the truth. Danger. Intrigue. Finding the proper vicar’s wife was something Ben thought of often never dreaming that Sophia would complete him every way. Their attraction couldn’t be denied as they both set course to find the one answer that could save someone’s life. Absolutely brilliant!

This is a novel in the "Studies in Scandal" series, but it's not necessary to have read the earlier books in this series to understand this one. Sophia Hastings is an artist, and one of the four bluestocking heiresses. While painting, she overhears a conversation that sounds lethal to another local artist. Determined to help, she and Reverend Lord Benedick Lisle are focused on bringing down the forgery ring that the Home Office has been looking into.

Sophia is delightfully stubborn about her feelings for the vicar and her friends. Of course, they make fun of her for it, and two refer back to their own tumultuous romances. It's actually fun to see Benedick receive some good-natured ribbing of his own from his brothers since I don't see the hero of the story getting called out on his emotions too often. The mystery for Sophia and Benedick to solve is one that keeps the two of them together so that they overcome their own stubbornness and admit their love for each other. There's even a twist to it, just so that it isn't so overly predictable. I liked how Sophia and Benedick interacted with each other and with the supporting cast of characters. Definitely a fun and easy read.

Having read and loved the second book in this series I was excited to get my hands on this one.
Sophia and Benedick make a very sweet and cute couple. The opening scene where he carries her all the way up a cliff and into her home was highly romantic if a little over the top but it made me smile nonetheless.
The mystery surrounding the forged paintings was quite slow and not exactly very exciting. But I did enjoy the little bit of suspense towards the end and Sophia and Benedick's romance was quite entertaining.
I didn't enjoy Wallflower most Wanted just as much as the last book but I will still look forward to reading more in the series.

Lovely characters and intriguing mystery. Can't wait for #4.

This a review based on a complimentary ARC of this book by St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley.

I probably enjoyed the banter and character conflict more than the actual plot of this historical novel. While entertaining, the plot and overall storytelling was a little mundane, only really coming alive when the characters were locked in pockets of the entertaining banter that author Manda Collins infused her latest novel, Wallflower Most Wanted.

It only took me a month to finish a book! Lord that was a long, arduous book slump. This is the third book in a series, so I was pretty confident, based on my experience with the first two books, that this one could get me out of the slump, and it succeeded!

This one has my favorite male and female protagonists from the whole series. This was particularly interesting because the male, Ben, is not the usual protagonist I fall for in a historical romance as he is a vicar. This character was compassionate and intelligent. He brought a lot to the story. 

Sofia, the protagonist, is a skilled artist, which is a hard thing to describe in a novel as it is a visual medium, but Collins succeeded. Of the quartet this series focuses on, Sofia is the most 'normal' of the three, at least to me. She is a fierce, yet compassionate character as well. 

The most common flaw I come across in historical romances appears here as well, this story could have been more. I feel that it wraps up efficiently, but in a way that leaves the reading wanting more details. 

Overall this is a good historical romance series that I recommend.

This is the third book in this series I have read and it is just as amazing as the previous two. Another strong Beauchamp House woman finds herself in the middle of a murder plot and romance. Through it all she as well as the town Vicar are able to really be seen for who they are and not what they look like.

What do you get when you read a Manda Collins Historical Romance?
Intrigue. Murder, a little mayhem and a mystery that will take you totally by surprise when you get to the unveiling of the villain at the end of her book. She is so good at keeping you in suspense so that when you get to the climax you are completely surprised of how well she blends mystery and romance into every book she writes.

I loved this book. The hero, Benedict Lisle, is a Vicar...this is the first time I can remember reading a historical romance novel where this occurs. He is the son of a Duke and the brother of Freddie Lisle who is from another Series by Manda, The Lords of Anarchy. Our Heroine is a young talented artist named Sophia. She is very popular with the local gentleman, but she doesn’t see what all the fuss is about. She is just an average girl who sees herself as a little plump.

When Ben and Sophia overhear a conversation that sounds like two men hatching
a plan to kill someone, the game is on!! Ben knows that he cannot keep Sophia from investigating so he agrees to help as long as she doesn’t put herself in danger. Alas, you know she will and Ben must rescue his love and catch the culprits who have already committed one murder and will stop at nothing to keep secrets safe.

I love the way Manda lets you into her characters heads and their hearts.
Her love making scenes are sensual as well as very hot!!!
I know I will never look at a Vicar in the same way ever again.
This is the third book in a series, but can be read as a stand alone novel.
Manda has a marvelous talent that makes her books unique and addictive.
Do not miss this one.

Review of “Wallflower Most Wanted” by Manda Collins

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for providing me with an ARC via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Three Stars 🌟 🌟🌟

This was my very first book by the author and I must admit, it just did not gel with my personal taste. Usually, even if I am sick or I’m busy during a family holiday, I will MAKE the time to finish a book if the plot, the characters and the narrative style has managed to sink their hooks into me.

This is a nice enough romance - no doubt about it - with what appears to be an interesting heroine and hero.. the former is an artist whose paintings are considered taboo by some, while the later is a vicar. However, at times, I felt my attention wandering off the story. I cannot for the life of me put my finger on it, but somehow the flow of words just seemed a tad monotonous to me. In the end, I had to struggle to finish the book, which I felt I needed to, to write an honest review.

The story has your customary HEA of course, and readers who enjoyed the previous two instalments in the series, will most likely enjoy this one as well. For me unfortunately the spark was missing.

This is the 3rd book in "A study in scandals series." This series is about 4 young woman who inherit a house because of their unusual skills. One is knowledgeable in the classics, 1 in mathematics, 1 is a painter, and 1 an archeologist.
The story is about Sophia common the painter and the vicar, Lord Benedict Lisle. Lord Benedict is investigating a ring of possible forgers of masters paintings and enlist the help of Sophia. As the attraction between them grows so does the danger from the investigation.
I enjoyed this book. I felt the story moved along and kept your Interest. Also , I usually have these mysteries figured out before the end but this one caught me by surprise. Well done!

The drama begins when Miss Sophia Hastings, one of the Beauchamp heiresses, is painting a landscape canvas and falls over a cliff. Luckily, it's only a ten foot fall and the she is quickly rescued by the handsome and strong Lord Benedick Lisle, the local vicar. He is willing to carry her up from the beach because she has sprained her ankle and he is quite concerned about her health afterward.

They soon become involved in solving a murder of an art dealer and its connection to an art forgery ring. As with two of the other heiresses to the manor, Lady Celeste Beauchamp has left clues in a letter for Sophia to decipher. The mystery of the artist/forger was unexpected and logical.

This is part of a series but it is easily read as a stand alone novel. I received an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley; all opinions are my own.