I loved this book, mainly due to the interesting development of the relationship between Mercy and Wesley. The poor Earl of Castlewick, Wesley Renshaw, does not seem to be able to think of any woman but Mercy. He is trying to regain a former family estate owned by Aurora through marriage. His cousin, Malcom, has convinced him to marry her to regain the estate. After regaining other family land, there are no funds left to purchase said estate. Wesley has funds, but not enough to purchase the beautiful estate. Again, poor Wesley is what some would call smitten with Mercy. She, as well, is trying to stay away from him. This HEA is almost too painful to read (in a good way) as Mercy and Wesley try repeatedly to avoid each other. They just cannot do it. His kind gift in the beginning is a tell.

I loved his support and constant concern for her. Wesley’s encouragement for Mercy to wear her ‘spectacles’ and see the world around her all the time, not just when necessary. He encouraged her to play her beautiful music when she wished and not at the whim of others. I, especially, loved his reaction to his cousin Malcolm. Beautiful!


The Wallflowers of West Lane are as adorable as ever in their friendship and their support of each other and their friends. I am looking forward to Aurora and her never marrying again claim.

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Lady Mercedes "Mercy" Heath has since put the notion that she would either die a spinster or marry a man she would never love. But, when she meets Wesley Renshaw, a man who is interested in marrying one of her friends, why is that she can't stop thinking about him, or that he can't stop thinking about her?

The premise of Capturing the Earl leaves one absolutely in love, especially when you find that the romance between Mercy and Wesley are simply made for each other, you just can't help but love their romance. Each time they are near each other, you can feel their chemistry written between the words and you truly fall in love with the both of them.

I gave Capturing the Earl five stars, absolutely loving the way Mercy stood strong when it came to her love for Wesley. She knew he was interested in marrying her dearest friend, therefore forcing down her emotions in order for her friend to find love, but in the end, she found love herself. And Wesley was an absolute gentleman. He wasn't at all forceful or mean, but kind and caring and you can see the way he cared about Mercy dearly throughout the whole book.

Capturing the Earl shows you that you can change your mind when it comes to your happiness and both Wesley and Mercy both found happiness in each other at the end. Especially Mercy who is too kindhearted for her own good and Wesley just wanted to show her that love truly exists and that freedom exists in marriages as well. I loved them together. Even though they fought hard throughout the book to fight off any connection, it seems as though you can't truly fight chemistry when there is love behind it.

The love between Mercy and Wesley was absolutely heartfelt and you know that Mercy finally deserves the love that she deserves. I felt truly so happy for her and throughout the book, it was like I could feel her emotions, both positive and negative. I enjoyed reading from both Wesley and Mercy's point of view because you can really see their thought process and enjoy how they feel for each other.

Capturing the Earl was an absolutely fantastic book and I highly recommend picking it up.

Thank you again to NetGalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review

After the demise of her friend’s disastrous marriage, Mercedes Parsons isn’t about to let the widowed Wallflower of West Lane, Lady Aurora Radcliff, undertake another perilous trip to the altar. At least, not before the bridegroom-to-be is thoroughly investigated. If only Mercy could stop her uncharacteristic daydreaming about Wesley Renshaw’s charm, his intellect, his dashing good looks.
Wesley is both irritated and intrigued by the machinations of Mercy—He cannot let her cleverness and beauty distract him. He needs to marry her friend, Aurora, so he can reclaim his family’s ancestral home. A wrong he has hoped to right his entire life.
This is the third book in the series & could easily be read on its own. There was much I really liked about the book, a well paced story & strong characters but I found it very hard to warm to Wes. I found it hard to understand why he continued to pursue Aurora when he'd fallen in love with Mercy. I also felt that the chemistry between Wes & Mercy didn’t sizzle. However I did enjoy the book but it wasn't my favourite by the author. I look forward to Aurora's story
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

The attraction is undeniable, but regrettably, Miss Mercedes Heath (known as Mercy to her friends) does not have the means by which the Earl of Castlewick can fulfill his father's dying wish, one that his cousin will not allow him to forget. Aurora Sherbourn, the Dowager Countess of Radcliff, on the other hand, has not only the means but she is beautiful and kind as well. Fighting his feelings for Mercy, Wesley pursues Aurora until it becomes quite clear that avoiding Mercy is going to be more difficult than he thought. After reading the previous books in this series, I expected more suspense, especially as Mercy is the most protective of the four Wallflowers. I enjoyed Mercy's character, her passion for music, her enjoyment of new adventures, and her determination to keep Aurora safe. Wesley is a kind man at heart and sees the real Mercy, where others treat her as a commodity for their own entertainment. However, his lack of conviction in following his heart causes hurt and misunderstandings. Ultimately, I enjoyed this romance and it does come to a happy and successful conclusion. I received a copy of this novel as a gift through NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

This is a regency romance, love at first sight book. However, our two main characters don't realize it or do not let those feelings show. Fate however seems to keep pushing Mercy and Wesley together but they keep trying to stay apart. Mercy is Auroras best friend and Wesley is an Earl eager to court Aurora in marriage to regain what his grandfather lost long ago. What Wesley doesn’t realize is the trouble that awaits him as he begins to call upon Aurora. Number 1 is Mercy and his undeniable attraction to her. They can’t seem to keep away from each other despite Wesley's goals and that on paper they are not a “suitable” match.

This was my first regency romance and book from this author and it will not be my last! I enjoyed this genre and the author's writing style. This had everything I could want in a romance novel.

There was drama, family matters, balls attended, love, and steamy scenes.

The characters in this story are so easily likable. I fell in love with Mercy and the Wallflowers.

The Wallflower ladies are not ones to be messed with! What a spectacular group of strong women, I positively adored them. Sisters by choice. They always had one another’s back and came to each other’s aide when and if needed. Putting each lady's need and happiness above all else. The quips and language used were brilliant.

The fallen for the “wrong girl” storyline was done perfectly! I loved every minute of reading this book. It sucked me right into it from the first page.

Wesley might be my newest book crush! What a romantic and chivalrous gentleman! This quote he said was everything.

“I plan to make you deliriously happy every day of your life. Anything less just won’t do.”

Historical romance author A. S. Fenichel is back with the third book in the Wallflowers of West Lane series! In Capturing the Earl, we see Mercy try to navigate love as well as the societal pressures of Regency London as she tries to reach her own happily ever after.

If you’re looking for a historical romance series to sweep you off your feet then this is the series for you! The Wallflowers of West Lane never cease to make me smile and their friendship is so resilient, just as each girl is in her own way.

I loved Mercy and Wesley’s romance, even if it does take a bit for them to actually accept their feelings for one another. Wesley’s stubbornness in thinking he must marry Aurora is a bit frustrating, but everything finds a way to work itself out, as all great romances do. So if you don’t mind a bit of a slow burn, then this romance is definitely worth waiting for. Additionally, Mercy’s connection to music and the way it’s intermixed with her and Wesley’s romance is so interesting to read about and really transports readers to Regency London!

We get to see series favorites like Nick, Rhys, and Geb Arafa, but also get a deeper look at some of the older characters like Mercy’s aunt and Rhys and Aurora’s mother. All of these characters intermingling brings the story together yet also allows for Mercy and Wesley to shine through. This book took a bit deeper of a dive into status and duty to your family name while also emphasizing a great love story.

Overall, this is a well written novel that shows that love can overcome duty and societal standards. While I don’t know if there will be a fourth Wallflowers of West Lane book, I look forward to seeing what Fenichel will write next!

*I received an ARC from NetGalley and Kensington Books in exchange for my honest opinion.

After the high tension of the last book in the series, this was a fun romp!

The Wallflowers of West Lane are still thick as thieves and no man will pull them asunder… even when he courts one, the lovely Aurora while he is secretly in love with her friend and housemate Mercy! I love the idea of falling for the man trying to court your best friend!

Lord Wesley Renshaw needs to marry the perfect Lady Aurora in order to attain her dower property and finally restore his ancestral lands that his great-grandfather lost… the match is perfect on paper, but his heart keeps looking at the lady’s best friend who does not have any assets and is socially below him.

This was a fun read. I enjoyed the push and pull of duty and honour both Wesley and Mercy feels as they fight their feelings. This could have been awkward, since the hero is supposed to be courting the heroines friend, but our Lady Aurora has not intention of marrying and is allowing this courtship to push these forlorn lovebirds together!

This is probably my favorite of the series so far! I feel that this book can be read as a standalone, any references to the past were explained well for new series readers .

Misleading a Duke by A. S. Fenichel is scheduled to release January 26th, 2021.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Kensington Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#CapturingtheEarl #ASFenichel #NetGalley #pinkcowlandreads

Another great book in the Wallflowers of West Lane series!

Mercy and Wes might be my favorite couple in the series. The story flows quickly and the tension between the main character is perfect.

I really enjoy the musical element to the story.

Trigger warning -there is a subplot with a physical attack that takes place.

I highly recommend!

Mercy would do anything to help her widowed friend Aurora, including running interference with a very persistent Earl who wishes to marry her, to get back his ancestral home. Since inheriting his title, Wesley has worked long and hard to build back what his grandfather gambled away. Unfortunately he does not have the funds yet to purchase his family's estate but knows if he marries the widow Aurora who now owns it, it will once again be his. What he hadn't counted on was her very persistent friend getting in his way at every turn, or how he finds her so much more appealing than the woman he intends to marry. But getting back his family home has been all he's ever wanted. Is he willing to give that up for love?

This was a wonderful third entry into the Wallflowers of West Lane series. The Wallflowers are four friends who met at boarding school in Switzerland, where they had been sent because of their "troublesome" natures. Finding each other, and becoming fast friends helped them get through their school years, and now stands them in good stead when dealing with gentlemen and other members of the ton. After one of them had been forced into a horrible marriage,, the women havev owed never to allow anything like that to happen to any of them again. In this book, Mercedes (Mercy) Heath, a very talented musician, finds herself trying to keep her good friend Aurora from being forced into marriage by Aurora's spoiled and ambitious mama. While desperately working to keep the Earl of Castlewick away from Aurora, Mercy finds herself more and more drawn to the man, who seems to like her. Unfortunately, he has made it clear that he must marry Aurora, as she owns the land his grandfather lost many years ago. The encounters between these two are the basis of the main story. Watching the twists and turns of this romance play out was very satisfying, and I closed the books with a sigh.
Although this is a stand alone novel, readers may want to take the time to read the first two books in the series (which are SO good!) before this one, as the cast of characters have been developed along the way. Either way, this is a book I would encourage any romance fan to pick up and enjoy!

Mercy Heath is used to being less than in society, especially considering her three best friends all have titles. The Wallflowers would never treat her as beneath them. Lady Aurora Sherbourn's awful husband died, leaving her a widowed Countess. She is perfectly happy never marrying again after the first awful marriage. Her mother however doesn't agree that Aurora should remain unmarried. When Lord Wesley Renshaw sets his sights on Aurora to regain his family land she owns, her mother does her best to arrange this marriage. However, Mercy knows Aurora has no desire to every marry again and will protect her friend from undesired wishes. Which seems easy until she develops feelings for Wesley herself.

One of my favorite things about this book is how different it is from the previous in the series. This book had a wonderful story exploring class differences and feelings between two people. I loved their slow story about falling for each other. I love the relationship amongst the Wallflowers and how they all support each other and encourage the relationship between Wesley and Mercy.

Fenichel does a great job in her writing of continuing a story past the "ribbon". Most romance has very Disney endings where the main characters fall in love, some plot point happens, they come back together and profess their love and "THE END", tying it up with a pretty ribbon. Though this story does have that sort of plot, I appreciate the fact that Fenichel gives us more story past that and more insight to the lives as a couple together.

Overall would rate 4/5 stars

Thank you to Lyrical Press & NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review

Capturing the Earl was a rough start for me for I did not like our hero on first appearances. An Earl, Wesley Renshaw is stuffy and lofty and intent to restore the wrongs his grandfather placed upon his family and their title. Mercy is a musical prodigy and a sweetheart of lowly birth who has some rather lofty friends, the likes of countesses and duchesses. Being part of a noble crowd, Mercy is often treated better than a servant and demanded perform on the drop of hat. Wesley takes a while to come up to snuff and become worthy of Mercy but he finally won be over by the end of sweet HEA that was a long time coming. My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy from Netgalley.

In this touching and heartwarming story, we get to know Mercedes (Mercy) Heath, one of the four life long friends of the Wallflowers of West Lane. Developing their sisterhood during their time away at school together, the ladies have now become women and have done well for themselves. Two are Countesses, one a Duchess, and then there is single Mercy, no title, no money, no dowry. Even though, an integral part of this group, she is ever reminded of her lower status, and that is a central part of this story. Early on in the story she is quite taken in by Wesley Renshaw, Earl of Castlewick, after dancing with him at a ball, but she knows that nothing could ever become of them because she is so beneath his station. Indeed, he is just as smitten with her, but is committed to courting her friend, Aurora, a widowed Countess, left with the property once belonging to his family, that he is so desirous of obtaining. Torn between love and doing the right thing for his family estate, he fights the growing attraction that he and Mercy share. The characters in this book are well developed, interesting and enjoyable, even the despicable ones. Mercy is an accomplished musician which adds much to the storyline. All in all, this is a most enjoyable read!

Will she accept she has as much right as her friends to want and ask more from life ...

While I did not like the idea of the hero pursuing a woman whom does not want to be courted. He struggles to reach his goal probably because he too does not want to follow this path even if it is he believes for a greater cause. Yet it is the mercenary mechanism of the marriage mart, and while he could have asked first if she was interested or else proposed a deal as it is after something Aurora owns he is after, he knows his limits.
Wesley did a great job at restoring his family’s wealth, and now that only pieces of it are missing, he thinks he has the right answer to recover one of the last one. Marry the woman holding its deed. He just never expected to be drawn to the companion of said woman. Why he is thorn between his attraction and his duty to his name.
From the beginning it was clear he is a good man, only seeking what he sees as a wrong done by a careless forefather. Why he is so torn by the pull he feels for Mercy, he twists his gut to follow one path when his heart and soul long for another road. He knows he hurts her and himself but does not see a solution to his predicament.
Until he realizes what really has value in life.
Mercedes until now, has lived a quite contented life, she knows where she belongs and what to expect. With her friends she is her true self, not need to put a mask. There is no lie even by omission between them.
But outside this close circle, she is seen as nothing less than a companion, a cheap mean to entertain and by men an easy prey. All this combined leads her to believe she deserves less than others, she is not of their ilk, that they are her better when she is only a penniless orphan, a charity case. And despite her incredible talent, she does not see her worth.
Even Wesley carelessly reminds her she is no bride material for his like. And while she made her mission either to discourage him to pursue her friend or to assess his fortitude, she is enticed by him but tries to stay out of his way. Always reminded by others she is not deserving of his attentions.
So when things take a different turn I understand she has her doubts and reservations.

In all I loved this tale of a courting that strayed for its initial course, with a hero who needs to have his eyes opened and his love interest looking for the right hands to hold and shoulders to rest her head on.

It is too a wondrous tale of friendship as the four girls they were are still as close and forthright now they are women navigating the world.
5 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen detailed lovemaking scene.

I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher Kensington Books, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

Capturing the Earl by AS Fenichel is the third book in the Wallflowers of West Lane. I have enjoyed this series although all books I believe can be read independently. The series focuses on four women who have been friends since finishing school. All four have been forced into the ton, but have made a pact not to marry unless it is for love.

This particular novel focuses on Mercedes Parsons. She is determined to protect her friend Aurora from being forced to marry a man she doesn’t want to marry. Aurora’s mother is also a pill determined to make Aurora marry him no matter what. However, the more time Mercy spends with Wesley Renshaw, the more she realizes that she is falling for him. Mercy knows she is not at the same level of station as the Earl, so she knows he will not marry her no matter what, so keeping a distance is important.

AS Fenichel has written a novel with strong women, capable of making their own decisions during a time when women were supposed to be ornamental and not capable. The novel has some interesting red herrings thrown in and has the required balls, dancing, opera and other activities for the idle rich. Capturing the Earl by AS Fenichel is a good read.

This book lacked any sort of finesse, in addition to some very annoying period inaccuracies (do NOT get me started about Mercy being a 'commoner' - it's not even accurate). I don't like any story where the love interest likes someone against their better judgement. The writing was very clunky as well and if I hadn't felt obligated to review it for NetGalley it would have been a DNF.

I was glad to get Mercy's story. She has been a faithful friend to the other Wallflowers and thinks she will die a spinster. Aurora has sworn to never marry again. Been there, done that. So, when Aurora's mother informs her that Wesley is going to call on her to court her, the Wallflowers decide to discourage him. Mercy has already met him and is quite taken with him. She really doesn't want him to be with Aurora. But, he wants a property that she owns and the way to get it is to marry her. Mercy has no title and no fortune so she knows he won't want to marry her. Wesley knows he can't marry Aurora, but can he marry Mercy? People will talk and he isn't sure if his family will approve. Can they be together?

Since her friend, Lady Aurora Radcliff, suffered a disastrous first marriage, Mercedes Heath is determined not to let her be coerced into another bad match. At the least, she’ll make sure this suitor’s character is well-evaluated by their friend group. Unfortunately, Mercy is plagued by distracting thoughts of the man herself. Reminding herself of his interest in her best friend, Mercy tries her best to tamp down her feelings and avoid temptation.

Wesley Renshaw, the Earl of Castlewick, is annoyed by Mercy’s attempts to come between himself and her friend, and yet he’s simultaneously charmed and left wanting to know her more. He reminds himself that it is Aurora he must marry in order to restore his family’s ancestral home, which she now owns, to his title and repair the family honor his grandfather destroyed. He tries to keep himself from becoming distracted by Mercy, but he cannot help himself and soon both his heart and Mercy’s are at risk.

I was a bit nervous about this book at first just given the premise of the hero being interested in another woman, especially the heroine’s friend. But since neither of them actually had any feelings for each other and Wesley was merely trying to restore his family’s reputation and do his duty by them, that wasn’t really an issue here. I really loved the sense of inevitability that developed with this couple’s continued acquaintance, especially when Wesley recognized it too. It was a bit frustrating how long it took Mercy to believe in her own self-worth, but she also knew what she wanted and refused to settle for less, which I loved. Wesley’s steadfastness in convincing Mercy of his ardor was also very endearing and made me like them more as a couple. I only wish Wesley’s cousin had been dealt with a bit more thoroughly, along with Aurora’s mother. Both were vaguely villainous and menacing but then just faded away a bit anticlimactically. Nonetheless, I enjoyed this book and the rock-solid bond shared between the wallflowers and now their spouses as well. Now I’m curious as to whether Aurora will get her own story and HEA and I’m hoping the answer is yes.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

*** 3.5 Stars rounded up to 4 ***

This series features four friends who first met at Miss Agatha Wormbattle’s School for Young Ladies in Lucerne, Switzerland. The young ladies, Aurora, Faith (Misleading A Duke), Poppy (The Earl Not Taken), and Mercy had trouble following the rules of society, so their parents sent them away to school to learn to behave properly. While the parents all viewed it as a punishment, the young ladies viewed it as the best thing to ever happen to them. After school, Aurora’s parents forced her to marry a vile, abusive, nasty man who mistreated her – almost killed her. After his early death (YAY!), the Wallflowers all came to live with Aurora and they all vowed that no man would ever, ever, ever be allowed to hurt one of them again. Any man wishing to court and/or marry one of them would be fully investigated by all of the others. They would investigate and they would thwart whatever plans he had if it was necessary.

After the ultra-exciting, action-packed story in the last book, I was really looking forward to this book being another rip-roaring tale. I didn’t get it. This book was much slower paced – almost dragging – and I had a real love-hate relationship with the male lead. I liked him when he was kind and considerate of Mercy – but detested him when he’d kiss her one minute and then pursue marriage with her best friend the next minute. I liked the female lead, but, she often annoyed me as well. She was SUCH a doormat. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the read, it just wasn’t stellar.

Wesley Renshaw, the Earl of Castlewick, has dedicated his adulthood to rebuilding his family estate and legacy after his profligate grandfather lost or sold most of it off to stay out of debtor’s prison. Wesley’s father did the best he could with the estate, but with no resources at hand, he only managed to keep what was left in-tact. On his death bed, Wesley’s father made him promise to continue rebuilding the estate until it was whole again. Wesley’s talent and skills as an investor and businessman have allowed him to rebuild all of the family’s fortune and lands except for one piece, Cheshire. That piece is owned by Lady Aurora Sherbourn, a widow who Wesley intends to court and marry in order to gain the land. I like that Wesley is upfront about why he wants to marry Aurora – but his arrogance is beyond the pale. Although Aurora and everyone who knows Aurora tells him she will not marry him or anyone else, he considers the marriage a done-deal – it will happen. Does he really think he is so irresistible? Apparently. He likes Aurora very well, but he doesn’t love her – he just wants the land.

Mercy Heath is the only Wallflower left living with Aurora. Mercy is sure she’ll never marry – she is a woman of no means, no title, and no influence. The only men who have pursued her are of absolutely no interest to her. She is a bit concerned about her future once her beloved aunt, Lady Phyllis Mattock, passes away – but she hopes that won’t be for a very long time. Mercy understands that not everyone can marry for love, but she’s not met one man who even remotely interests her. Mercy is a gifted musician who most hostesses’ request to play at every function she attends. Basically – she performs for her supper. When she dances with Wesley Renshaw at a ball, she is smitten. Nobody ever dances with her and she doesn’t understand why he does. He actually treats her as if he likes her and likes dancing with her. When, two months later, Aurora’s toad of a mother announces that the Earl of Castlewick will be paying calls on Aurora with the intention of courting and marrying her, Mercy is shocked – but mostly she’s outraged for her friend.

I liked seeing the arrogant Wesley come to terms with the promise he made to his father. Sometimes, you just have to let go and change your plans to something even better. I didn’t like cousin Malcolm in the least and couldn’t understand his role in the book. I know he was to cause conflict, but he was so ill-defined. I couldn’t decide if he was truly a friend and trying to do something for Wesley, albeit stupidly, or if he was, at heart, a villain. I also couldn’t understand the quick tolerance for him. I don’t know – that whole thread was just uncalled for and weird.

I enjoyed the story and am looking forward to Aurora’s book. I hope that one is as exciting as the second book in the series. I’d love to see the author and publisher add books for Mr. Geb Arafa (I love him), and for Mercy’s aunt Phyllis. That probably won’t happen, but I’d love it. I hope you will read this book and enjoy it too.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The third offering in A.S. Fenichel's Wallflowers of Westland series was a mixed bag for me. Mercy, through her talent and love for music is the least common 'commoner' one could find. The angst in the plot felt contrived to me as the Earl's disdain for her was almost abusive. I for one would not likely get over his attitude in order to make a happy life. I skipped over the graphic sex, never a fan of such. I will say I am looking forward to what is in store for Aurora. That is the only thing that keeps me attached to the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.