Security or loyalty? Attraction or duty? How does one choose?Miss Lillian Shaw, wellborn but impoverished, has been living with her aunt, the widowed Viscountess Shepley, since the death of her parents a few years ago. Lily wants to find a paid position to add to her savings so she can open a bakery when she receives the Byram Bequest. Her aunt would rather present her and arrange a High Society … arrange a High Society marriage for her. Lily’s limited experience with the gentry has not been positive, and she would prefer to be independent than tied for life to a noble lout.
The Earl of Sedgwick only wants to go home and see to his estates after his sudden, unexpected inheritance but has one last investigation to complete for the Home Office. When his path crosses that of Miss Shaw, he is intrigued by the attractive young woman but forces himself to keep his focus on the matter at hand.
When Lily becomes suspicious of the earl’s activities, he must decide whether or not to bring her into his confidence. Lily is forced to choose between her security and her loyalties while Sedgwick is torn between his attraction and his duty.
This is a standalone story set in the same world as Inheriting Trouble but with all new characters. No cliffhangers. Guaranteed happy ending.
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This is the 2nd book in the Bequest Series. I like to read stories in order when it comes to a series book but this book could be read as stand alone.
Wendy is a favorite author of mine, so I have nothing negative to say about her writing or stories. I love her writing and story lines. Her characters come alive for me! She writes clean romance in the Regency Era.
I was given an ARC by the author and not required to leave a positive review.
Circumstances have made Lillian Shaw an independent woman and losing that independence is the last thing she wants to do. After inheriting a title and estates unexpectedly, the Earl of Sedgewick is ready to be finished with his work for the Home Office and have a peaceful life. Does love have a chance for two people used to relying on themselves?
“She has the most courageous independent streak.” Lillian’s aunt makes this statement towards the end of the story, and it is the most accurate description for our heroine. Lillian is so used to taking care of herself and taking care of household details for her aunt, that she is incapable of asking for help. Or, rather, she does not want the help she is offered. Her aunt offers to find a position as a governess or companion for her, but she dismisses them as uninteresting.
Brock Ralston, the Earl of Sedgewick, is on a mission. However, the pretty face of his host’s step-cousin keeps distracting him. I liked Brock. I respected how he kept to his task, though this makes him act in a less than gentlemanly manner.
Although this tale does have a happy ending, I am hesitant to call it a romance. Lillian and Brock know each other for a short amount of time, and while they get along as friends, I didn’t feel much attraction between them. The book doesn’t end with their marriage, so I am hopeful they had time to know each other better.
Well-written and interesting, I would recommend this to fans of Regency era stories with a touch of mystery.
Independence. Yes, that is what she needed if only Lily could last until her five and twenty birthday when she would receive some money. Living with her Aunt Violet as her companian was all well and good, but they were at the mercy of her dreadful Stepson, Lester.
Brock, Lord Sedgewick is on his last assignment for the crown investigating Lester, who he has befriended to get closer to him. But when he locks eyes with the beautiful Lily, he has a little trouble keeping focused in his investigation.
What follows is an adventure to for each of them to fight their attraction while doing their duty. I enjoyed this story so much and it flowed really well and kept my attention until the end! I have really enjoyed reading books by this author and looking forward to more in this series!
I’m a big fan of strong female characters and Wendy May Andrews definitely gave me one in Lillian. I’ll admit to being a little disappointed in Brock since it takes him so long to come around but I guess I’ll have to forgive him. This is another book that kept me reading to find out what would happen next. Thank you, Wendy May.
Treading the fine line between unwelcome guest and household help, Lillian is beholden to her dear aunt’s step-son for a place to live until she is of an age where she can claim the bequest left to the village women by the kindly Lord Byram. She crosses paths with a guest going through Lester’s private papers and her suspicions regarding the Earl of Sedgwick are aroused. Brock has been sent on one last assignment for the Crown to flush out a conspirator and all indications are that it is Lester, the Earl of Shepley. Brock has two choices: to have Lillian expose him or to allow her into his confidence. This is a fairly short novel with some intrigue, but as Brock and Lillian join forces in trying to discover the truth, the attraction between them flares up. Set in an era where women have few rights, Lillian is nevertheless a resourceful young lady and one can only admire her gumption. This well written romantic story is a standalone and does come to a happy conclusion. I received a copy of this novel as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary