The Perks of Loving a Wallflower

Erica Ridley

Oct 2021 · Sold by Forever

About this ebook

Fans of Bridgerton will love this “delightful” Regency romp (Julia Quinn, New York Times bestselling author​) named one of the best romances of the year by Entertainment Weekly.

As a master of disguise, Thomasina Wynchester can be a polite young lady—or a bawdy old man. She’ll do whatever it takes to solve the cases her family takes on. But when Tommy’s beautiful new client turns out to be the highborn lady she’s secretly smitten with, more than her mission is at stake . . .

Bluestocking Miss Philippa York doesn’t believe in love. Her heart didn’t pitter-patter when she was betrothed to a duke, nor did it break when he married someone else. All Philippa desires is to decode a centuries-old manuscript to keep a modern-day villain from claiming credit for work that wasn’t his. She hates that she needs a man’s help to do it—so she’s delighted to discover the clever, charming baron at her side is in fact a woman. But as she and Tommy grow closer and the stakes of their discovery higher, more than just their hearts are at risk.

Entertainment Weekly Best Romances of 2021
Library Journal Best Romances of 2021
 

Ratings and reviews

I really enjoyed this book. I thought Tommy (Thomasina) and Phillipa's book was a very beautiful love story with lots of feels. I found these characters very easy to like and root for. Sweetness is balanced equally with poignancy to create a book that gave my heart a workout. This is my frank, freely posted review.

Bluestocking Philippa is more interested in finding ancient manuscripts than she is in finding a husband. Her social-climbing mother, unfortunately, disagrees. Philippa is expected to marry by the end of the season, even though no man has ever given her the fluttery feelings associated with attraction. Thomasina Wynchester, aka Tommy, is a master of disguise. Too nervous to approach Philippa as herself, she pretends to be her adoptive father's noble heir. As Philippa gets more embroiled in the Wynchester family's latest investigation, the bond between her and Tommy grows. Can Philippa break free from expectations to build the life she chooses? What a lovely, joyful sapphic romance this is. Not to mention laugh-out-loud funny. Like, I finished this yesterday, and I'm still laughing. Tommy is a unique and brilliant character, yet she never upstages Philippa. Their relationship is enough to carry the story, yet there's also a fun caper that's like a bonus. It's more intrigue than suspense, without a high level of danger. This is an entertaining and emotional novel with some steamy scenes and excellent nonbinary representation. Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Tommy, Thomasina, Wynchester can be whatever she needs to be, a young man, an old man, a sassy old lady, or a debutante. What she wants to be is herself, just Tommy. Phillipa York is a bluestocking from a wealthy family. Her mother wants nothing more than for her to marry a titled man. Phillipa doesn’t want to marry at all. Tommy fell in love with Phillipa at first sight, but it may take a bit longer for Phillipa to reciprocate. Phillipa has only seen Tommy in disguise. When she reveals her true identity, Phillipa show interest, but the romance is a slow burn. At the same time Tommy and Phillipa are discovering love, there is a mystery to solve and an injustice to correct. Damaris’s uncle is about to take credit and receive honors for work she did. This is just the thing the Wynchesters love to be involved in. If the record can be set straight, they can do it. The Wild Wynchesters is a wonderful series, and this story is a great addition. The story, and the series, is an excellent example of family love and acceptance. Phillipa discovers both, something she has never felt before. She and Tommy are a sweet couple. Reading about the siblings is sheer delight. They are smart, funny, and totally devoted to each other and the latest addition to their family. Cute story, fantastic characters, and a pleasant narration by Moira Quirk. I recommend it. I received and ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

About the author

Erica Ridley is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of historical romance novels. When not reading or writing romances, Erica can be found riding camels in Africa, zip-lining through rain forests in Costa Rica, or getting hopelessly lost in the middle of Budapest.  To find out more, visit:EricaRidley.comTwitter @EricaRidley
Facebook.com/EricaRidleyInstagram @EricaRidley