Once upon a time in Mayfair a group of wallflowers formed a secret society with goals that had absolutely nothing to do with matrimony. Their most troublesome obstacle? Rogues! They call her Beastly Beatrice. Wallflower Lady Beatrice Bentley longs to remain in the wilds of Cornwall to complete her etymological dictionary. Too bad her brother’s Gothic mansion is under renovation. How can … dictionary. Too bad her brother’s Gothic mansion is under renovation. How can she work with an annoyingly arrogant and too-handsome rogue swinging a hammer nearby?
Rogue. Scoundrel. Call him anything you like as long as you pay him.
Navy man Stamford Wright is leaving England soon and renovating Thornhill House is just a job. It’s not about the duke’s bookish sister or her fiery copper hair. Or the etymology lessons the prim-yet-alluring lady insists on giving him. Or the forbidden things he’d love to teach her.
They say never mix business with pleasure. But when Beatrice and Ford aren’t arguing, they’re kissing.
Sometimes temptation proves too strong to resist…even if the cost is a heart.
more
4.5 stars
Lady Beatrice Bentley has been squirreled away at the family estate in Cornwall researching words for her etymological dictionary, but is constantly being distracted by Stamford “Ford” Wright, the carpenter hired by her brother Drew, Duke of Thorndon to make improvements to the estate while he is on his honeymoon. She tries to ignore him, but he is just so handsome – um – annoying! She tells herself to focus, she doesn’t have much time left before she has to return to London for the season – hopefully her last. Her time in society has not been enjoyable and due to complications at her birth, she suffers from palsy that has causes a slight drooping to the right side of her face and got her dubbed Beastly Beatrice. Now all she wants is to just retire to the country, live in solitude and complete her dictionary.
Ford has come to Thornhill to help out his father who was injured, his father is the estate carpenter, but Ford has not followed in his footsteps, Ford is a ship’s carpenter in the Navy. While working at the estate, he has uncovered some disturbing information about this steward and wants to bring the information to the Duke’s attention so his father is not accused of theft. So far, he has had no success in learning when Thorndon is due to return and must return to London soon to report to his ship. So, when the opportunity to speak to Lady Beatrice literally knocks him in the head – he takes it. His interaction with Beatrice doesn’t go as planned and they both are more than a little shocked by the encounter. They part ways assuming they will never cross paths again.
But fate is not done with these two and when she returns to London and learns she has inherited a bookstore from an aunt she never met, she is overjoyed – until she learns that the property is in disrepair and her mother has gone behind her back and put it up for sale! She is visiting with her friends, Viola Beaton and Isobel Mayberry from the Knitting League, when Ford calls for her brother – who still has not returned. The ladies decide to visit the shop and convince Ford to join them to give his professional opinion. While at the shop, Beatrice falls in love with place and decides to keep it, it needs a lot of work – but before she can even begin to form a plan, Foxton, the buyer her mother lined up shows up and makes it clear that he wants the property and will stop at nothing to get it. He makes assures her that no carpenter in London will work for her and she might as well sell to him. Ford recognizes Foxton – he is Ford’s estranged grandfather – the man who disowned Ford’s mother for falling in love and marrying “beneath” her. Ford wants to thwart him and steps up to say he is working as her carpenter and the shop is not for sale – much to Beatrice’s shock.
After trying to hire another carpenter, Beatrice admits defeat and asks Ford to do the work. They form a friendship of sorts and slowly begin to fall in love, but there will be many things keeping them apart – the difference in their social stations, a very determined duchess, a greedy earl and secrets. Their road to HEA is not easy – but it is entertaining!
I really enjoyed this book, it is well written, flows nicely and is just a fun read. I would have to agree with other reviewers that the ending did wrap up too easily and there were a couple of plot points that seemed to have gotten dropped – but overall, it was a highly entertaining read with lots of amusing banter, cameos from characters in previous the series, great secondary characters, a slow burn romance with some warmish love scenes and a HEA complete with an epilogue. It is the first book in a new series and while it does have ties to the School for Dukes series – but you don’t have to read that series to enjoy this book. I am happy to recommend this novel and am really looking forward to Viola & Isobel’s stories!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by NetGalley, Edelweiss and the publisher. All opinions are my own. *
Love Is a Rogue: Wallflowers vs. Rogues Wallflowers Vs Rogues Series #1
Lenora Bell
https://www.facebook.com/lenorabellauthor/
Release date 10/27/2020
Publisher Avon
Once upon a time in Mayfair a group of wallflowers formed a secret society with goals that had absolutely nothing to do with matrimony. Their most troublesome obstacle? Rogues!
They call her Beastly Beatrice.
Wallflower Lady Beatrice Bentley longs to remain in the wilds of Cornwall to complete her etymological dictionary. Too bad her brother’s Gothic mansion is under renovation. How can she work with an annoyingly arrogant and too-handsome rogue swinging a hammer nearby?
Rogue. Scoundrel. Call him anything you like as long as you pay him.
Navy man Stamford Wright is leaving England soon and renovating Thornhill House is just a job. It’s not about the duke’s bookish sister or her fiery copper hair. Or the etymology lessons the prim-yet-alluring lady insists on giving him. Or the forbidden things he’d love to teach her.
They say never mix business with pleasure. But when Beatrice and Ford aren’t arguing, they’re kissing.
Sometimes temptation proves too strong to resist…even if the cost is a heart.
Will she let life pass by her or fight for more than she expected from it…
« “I’m not docile, or decorous, or obliging.” With each word she blasted the wall. »
I am not sure I liked Beatrice at first, she has with certainty excuses for her longing to a lonesome existence but none to be so blunt and rude with Ford.
Plus there is nothing I dislike more than an addle-brained miss when confronted to a yummy male specimen. Weak knees and tongue tied do not endeavour a character to me.
But it is the modern me that cringe at these flaws. Beatrice has forgiving circumstances, firstly she has known nothing else, more ready to look down than stand for one’s self, they have no voice in their fate, the sheltered upbringing of ladies does not prepare them to stand emotionless when they sight male skin.
Then she grews in me, reflecting on her future path, acknowledging she chooses to hide instead of living her dreams. By coming out of her chrysalid, she demonstrates her strength and fortitude.
Stamford or Ford, I have few things to tell so wonderful he is. He is the sole man who sees, really sees Beatrice, he needs no dowry nor enticement to appreciate the real woman under the haughty demeanor. He does not belittle her dreams, he might not agree or understand them, but they are hers, so she should have the right to try to reach them.
Their romance is one of trust given, wishes shared and hopes made to not be lived alone.
A terrific lively tale of going for one’s dream and finding the power in oneself to live them whatever the price.
5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the author and publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
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I loved that Ford was not a peer but a regular guy with a regular job. He is witty and snarky and oh yes, a rogue. The knitting society was a great idea and that it is really not a knitting society for wallflowers is very ingenious. Ladies, you stand up for yourselves and say no when it is warranted and don’t settle for less. The interactions between the characters was great. The only thing is that it was a little too slow for me. I understand slow burn romance but I wanted a little more roguish behavior from Ford. It has a couple of side stories and Beatrice’s brothers are brought in at the end. I can see the set up for the next books. A good story.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
Love Is a Rogue checked all the boxes for me. This witty, smart, sweet & sometimes down right smoldering story, kept me rapt from start to finish.
Ford the carpenter, a formidable titan of masculinity, strength and a cocksure smile; had me imagining exactly what he may look like in real life. Feeling & placing oneself in the story and admiring him from afar, inside that high window.
Beatrice, booksmart and precise, she wields her words like that of a swordsman wields his blade. Books and her intellect her insulator and armor to protect her from the outside world, the name calling and the ton. Never to love. Never to marry.
All of her future carefully outlined in her mind…until this carpenter…until Ford.
This is book 1 in the new Wallflowers vs Rogues series and I cannot wait for book 2, it couldn’t get here fast enough.
Huzzah Lenora, your best book yet!
Slow building romance with interesting characters making you want to read their stories.
What if Beauty and the Beast switched sexes? Well, that’s the premise anyway. But THIS Beast is not a growler with a horrible temperament. No, SHE is quiet and studious and very intelligent. And the Beauty can’t help but be there for her. This author is another who brings out physical or mental challenges and how society avoided these people — — — because they were “different.” And how conquering them BY the challenged tends to shame society in general.
Loved this book! Both the hero and heroine read authentic and genuine, and the story was a true tribute to love. Well done!
Love is a Rogue is an enjoyable and engaging story by Lenora Bell. I always love reading a regency romance where the rogue stands no chance against an independent and feisty wallflower. Ford and Beatrice were passionate, determined and falling head over heels in love. He’s a carpenter and she’s a bookish Lady – perfect!
Love Is a Rogue by Lenora Bell is the First book in the Wallflowers vs Rogues Series. This is the story of Stamford ‘Ford’ Wright and Beatrice Bentley. Ford is a carpenter hired by the Duke of Throndon to work on the Thronhill estate. Beatrice is the sister of the Duke and a blue stocking who is a etymologist. In addition to that making her undesirable to society ways is the fact that at birth caused her to have palsy effecting her smile. But the attraction between the two are fast and furious but can these two have a future? Loved this book and of course this author’s writing.
This was an engaging read with very likeable characters. Lady Beatrice Bentley wants nothing more than to be allowed time to work on her dictionary, she was obsessed with the origin of words. While staying at her brother’s house she was definitely not attracted to the handsome carpenter! Stamford Wright was a flirt and very popular with all the women. He just loved to tease Beatrice. Beatrice’s mother is determined to see her married to a titled gentleman. Beatrice belongs to a group of ladies who have been forced to hide their talents and intelligence because of society’s expectations. I enjoyed the way Beatrice and Stamford got to know each other and the way Beatrice came into her own. There are family relationships, on both sides, that play a part in this story. I’m looking forward to reading the other stories in this series. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Just an adorable couple to sit back and enjoy! The bickering and then the resulting chemistry between them is fun to read and you just can’t stop because you are waiting to see what they could possibly do next. Some of the situations are comical, some are sad, some are definitely steamy!
#netgalley #loveisarogue
I really enjoy smart bookish wallflowers. Women who know their own minds. They are unconventional. Lady Beatrice is the daughter, now sister of a Duke. She loves books and words. She also has been disfigured by palsy and has been ridiculed since childhood. Even heard her own father think she could never make a love match. She therefore has decided never to marry and work on her own special dictionary. At their estate in Cornwall she encounter a workman (carpenter) hired by her brother to make repairs, Mr. Ford Wright. He loves to tease her and make her blush. She tries to educate him with new arcane words.
Soon the Beatrice is returning to London and her overbearing mother who ties to get her reclothed and take her to balls to make a marriage match. Which Beatrice hates. Beatrice finds out she has inherited her aunt’s old bookshop. But it needs so much work. Meanwhile Mr. Wright has also returned to London. Lady Beatrice hires Ford to help her with the renovations. But a man, Ford’s grandfather, wants the property fo a factory! Together Ford and Beatrice fix up the old bookshop and start a sweet romance. He gives her such confidence and love that she never felt before. And her palsy is never an issue for him. He worries about their different stations in life but they are
So sweet together. It does get slow in the middle but the ending gets exciting. Narration was very good!
Cornwall – 1830
Lady Beatrice Bentley loves etymology, however, today she is studying Stamford (Ford) Wright, a carpenter and a wild rogue. He usually works as a ships carpenter, but this summer he is working on her brother Gothic mansion, Thornhill House, located in Cornwall. Her brother, Drew, the Duke of Thorndale, is due to return soon from his honeymoon with his bride. The noise of Ford’s barking orders and ribald behavior is driving Beatrice nuts. However, she has to admit that he is a fine looking man.
Beatrice has one more season in London and then she hopes to finally be called a spinster so she can spend her time in the family’s library at Thornhill House. She loves books and learning about all of the words inside of them.
Ford tells her that he is anxious for the duke to return home because he thinks the estate agent is cheating the duke from what he has seen on invoices. At the same time, Ford and Beatrice spar over his noise making as she tries to teach him some words all of which simply leads to sexual frustration.
When Beatrice arrives in London her mother has her busy being fitted for gowns for the season. Then her mother tells Beatrice that she has inherited a bookshop from an aunt, but her mother thinks it should be sold. Ford is in London as well and he agrees to go with Beatrice and her friends to visit the shop and they find that with a bit of work, it can be saved from ruin. She is in her element surrounded by all those books.
When Ford and Beatrice meet up and work together at the bookshop, they really begin to learn the real person that they are. With such a difference in their society class, can they have a chance to be together or must they part when Ford is finished with fixing up the bookshop?
Oh, I really, loved this book. Ford and Beatrice are such strong people and their honestly in sharing themselves with one another is touching. This couple is destined to have a long and happy life together. Delightful romance. Don’t miss it!
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I did not love this book as much as I wanted to. I love the idea behind it. We have lady Beatrice Bentley who just wants to live in peace and write her dictionary. And then we have Stamford Wright who is a carpenter scoundrel. I like that the couple was from different worlds. It made it more interesting than a duke and a lady… but I just did not like either one of the MCs.
Beatrice is a wallflower who literally talks to her books… look I love books but I don’t talk to them.. at least not like she did. It triggered my second hand embarrassment so hard because she did it openly in front of people. I wanted to like her. She’s a woman who doesn’t care for the ton and their opinions and I liked that.
Stamford Wright was awkward. I don’t know how else to explain him. He was meant to be a rogue but I didn’t get that from him. He was kind of sweet and awkward.. Which I honestly didn’t mind. He was an okay hero. I don’t feel like there was anything special about him but I did like that he was very confident in who he was. He was 100% ok with his position in life. He worked his butt off to live a comfortable life and I liked that.
So yeah. There wasn’t anything wrong with the story. I just didn’t feel the connection with the characters. I think it felt very forced. But I did really like parts of the story. I love Lenora Bell and I think this book might have been alot better if I didn’t suffer second hand embarrassment. Beatrice was just a bit too embarrassing for me to read.
Delightful twist on Beauty and the Beast meets the Wallflower and the Rogue!
“Beastly” Beatrice wants a world of books and close friends but her mother wants her to be the bell of the ball all season long. Ford is a handsome rogue who really just wants to find his true port in the world.
I absolutely adored Ford’s immediate understanding of Beatrice and who she really is and he was unafraid to challenge, encourage, and support every step of the way. And watching Beatrice become who she was meant to be, a combination of how she saw herself and how Ford see her, was so moving and powerful.
I’m so excited for the rest of the Mayfair Ladies Knitting League/Boudicca ladies to succeed in their endeavors and love!
The audio of this one is simply divine as the slightly arrogant, bookish, but also shy tones of Beatrice are perfect as is the roguish Ford and supporting cast (Mr. Coggins was fave for some reason!).
I enjoyed this book, although Beatrice was at times rather obnoxious with her insistence on using outdated and obscure words. And the whole smashing down barriers theme was a bit obvious. Still, on the whole it was a fun story, and the world can certainly use more HEAs right now.
Filled with humor, fun characters. witty dialogue and a sigh worthy hero, this story is a great start to a new series! Love is a rogue, oh yes and while Lady Beatrice Bentley was trying to do research in quiet surroundings… supposedly quiet at her brother’s home, Thornhill.. that dreadful man Mr Stanford Wright, was making noise doing renovations! She could not wait to tell her brother how he acted! “Tuneless whistling. Ribald jokes. Flagrant displays of sculpted musculature. Refusal to modify his work habits to suit hers.” He would be in trouble!
Ford was a carpenter for the Royal Navy but was helping with renovations on Thornhill. He encounters Beatrice when she drops her glasses while peering out the upper window at him and he takes then up to her. Simply fascinating how Beatrice loved words and how she would throw them at him. But what she really wanted was to be kissed by him.. I loved Bea and could feel a parallel on her love of reading!
The two encounter each other again in London and fun begins! Sparks sizzle and attraction builds. But she is a Duke’s daughter and he is a carpenter. Can it ever work? Simply Delightful!
I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an advance reader copy of this story.
Love Is A Rogue, by Lenora Bell, is available at booksellers 10-27-2020. Rogue is book 1 in Ms Bell’s new series Wallflowers vs. Rogues. We’re off to a good start. Our smart, independent as possible leading lady is likeable to a certain extent. She spends a lot of time doing he loves me he loves me not. A twist on the usual trope is our gal is the daughter of a duke and her man is a builder. No title at all & his father works for the duke. There are all kinds of obstacles in their way but none bigger than themselves. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for her wallflower friends. Hope they get men as nice as Ford.
#LoveIsARogue #WallflowersvsRogues #Netgalley #LenoraBell #Avon #Romance #HistoricalRomance
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?
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.)