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Bequest #3

Inviting Misfortune

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The marquis was going to ruin everything!

Miss Sarah Upton, a well-qualified companion, has one goal: to open a school for girls. But first she must earn the rest of the money she needs by chaperoning a young lady’s debut into Society - to say nothing of the generous bonus she has been promised if she can get her charge well-married quickly.

Heath Felton, the Marquis of Westbrook, has no intention of allowing his young friend to become misaligned with Miss Upton’s charge. When his interference nearly leads to the young woman’s ruin, Heath is forced to prolong his time spent with the two women.

Sarah couldn’t possibly be attracted to the man ruining all her plans, could she? When her employer’s greed forces her into close proximity with Westbrook she has to fight both the marquis’ efforts to control Lavinia’s future and her powerful attraction to the handsome nobleman.


This is book three in the series but can be read as a stand alone. No cliffhangers. A sweet/clean happily ever after.

154 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 16, 2020

215 people are currently reading
64 people want to read

About the author

Wendy May Andrews

52 books161 followers
Wendy May Andrews has been reading whatever she could get her hands on since the age of five. She has been writing for almost as long, although Tempting the Earl was the first story she was willing to share with anyone other than her mother. Since then, Wendy has published more than forty Sweet Historical Romance novels.

Wendy lives in Toronto with her own real-life hero. When not writing or reading, she loves traveling with her husband, wherever the mood takes them.

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5 stars
196 (47%)
4 stars
138 (33%)
3 stars
63 (15%)
2 stars
12 (2%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
Profile Image for Margaret Watkins.
3,566 reviews88 followers
February 18, 2020
This Regency romance is not only well written, clean and delightful, it also has all the components of a good love story. Born of a good family, thoroughly spoilt as a child, Sarah Upton has a rude awaking when both her parents die, leaving her an orphan. Vowing never to be put in a situation where she will have to be dependent on others, she maps out her future, which includes starting her own school for young ladies. However, she has to put money together to make that possible and her appointment as Miss Livinia Thornton's companion pays out a bonus once the young lady is safely wed. The only spoke in the wheel is the Marquis of Westbrook who makes it very clear that his ward is not on Livinia's list of possible suitors. The tension and antagonism between Sarah and Heath Felton increase until Heath comes to appreciate Sarah's strength of character and her ability to clear the way in society for both Livinia and herself, thereby earning his respect. The fact that Sarah doesn't kowtow to him, makes her even more attractive. The only hurdle he has to overcome is Sarah's resistance to marriage and her dream of running her own school. The story is warm-hearted and witty, making me smile and I was sorry when it came to an end. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
2,450 reviews27 followers
February 18, 2020
Miss Sarah Upton was an independent woman, who was very much on her own. She had no family left and after her father’s death had been pushed from one relative to another. At a houseparty, she comes into contact with Heath Felton, Marquis of Westbrook. Unlike others, Sarah didn’t flaunt herself or toady up to him. Heath found he was fascinated with her, he appreciated her intelligence and wit. I enjoyed the banter between them. Heath found that Sarah was just the type of woman he wanted but could Sarah believe in him, given the difference in station and wealth. This was an engaging story, I just wish there had been an epilogue. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Bethany Swafford.
Author 48 books90 followers
May 16, 2021
As a companion, Miss Sarah Upton is eager to see her charge happily married. After careful consideration, a young amiable gentleman seems the likely choice...until the Marquis of Westbrooke decides he won't allow it. Sparks fly as these two stubborn individuals fight tot get the upper hand.

I have slowly worked my way through this trilogy. Each book does stand on it's own, and have no real connection to each other beyond the bequest left for unmarried ladies of a certain village. Of the three, I think this was my least favorite.

Don't get me wrong. It is well told as every other book by this author has been. The "enemies to lovers" trope is one I rarely one I enjoy unless it is well done. Here it felt like Sarah and Westbrooke spend the majority of their time arguing and the actual courtship was short. "I like her because she is witty and beautiful!" and "He is handsome" seemed like a poor foundation for a match when each conversation consisted of them poking at each other.

The ending felt rushed and I felt like the story needed more time to develop. Overall, though, it was sweet story. Ones who are looking for a clean, fast-paced romance will no doubt enjoy this.
Profile Image for Lori D.
4,080 reviews131 followers
February 23, 2020
Such a delightful story that Wendy May Andrews has woven with her wonderful imagination full of lovely characters and creative plot. Sarah Upton was determined. She wanted to open a school for girls, so to achieve that she has become a paid companion to Lavinia, a debutante she was to aid into society and help find a husband. She had the perfect one chosen, but one stubborn obstacle stood in the way. Heath Felton, Marquis of Westbrook's young friend Edmund was the source of his discourse with Sarah. According to him he was far too young to marry, only twenty five.
The banter between Sarah and Heath was so much fun but she stands strong against him and doesn't cower at his presence. The more time they spend together an attraction seems to grow between them, but Sarah has one goal in mind and she resists.
I just loved it and hope there are more books from this author soon!
Profile Image for Alicia Rivoli.
Author 10 books67 followers
February 1, 2021
Each book in this series were some I wished were much longer. I loved the characters and the author did a great job at presenting their personalities. However, now that I’ve read all 3 books in the series, I find myself somewhat disappointed. The stories were cute and sweet and I enjoyed them, but they came to such an abrupt end, I feel disheartened. I guess this is the problem with Novella’s, but it almost felt like the author gave up and just slapped “The End” so she could move on. The books were also in need of a little more editing. When you find a / after a period and many typos and incomplete sentences, in my opinion, it begins to take away from the story. All in all these things wouldn’t prevent me from referring them to others or reading other stories by the author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
6,233 reviews40 followers
August 7, 2023
Sarah, a young woman, wants to open a school for girls. Problem is she is poor and is depending on getting a money gift when she turns 25. She takes a position as a companion to a woman who is supposed to get married off to some rich, titled guy.

As is usual in these stories things don't go according to plan. There's a lot of misunderstandings but it all leaves to a very romantic ending which, again, is pretty typical for this type of book.

The pleasure is in seeing what it is the woman goes through while not planning to be the one to get married. It's a really neat form of story which does not depend on violence or sex, doesn't degrade the woman and everyone ends up happy in the end.
4,589 reviews31 followers
February 20, 2020
Sarah wanted to open her own school for young ladies, an unusual position for someone so young. In her position as a paid companion to a young debutant, Lavina, Sarah is charged with helping her find a suitable match. Lord Felton didn’t have anything against Sarah or Lavina as long as they quit any pursuit of his ward, Edmund. The social rules of the times make for some interesting and funny encounters. This book is quite enjoyable.
Profile Image for Gina.
2,393 reviews31 followers
February 20, 2020
This is a lovely, heartwarming story. It was fun the way the Marquis and Sara, companion to a ward she is trying to help find a husband for. When the Marqis ruins her wards chances with his ward, Sara's righteous anger amuses him. The Marquis keeps insulting her not meaning to when all he wants is to know her better and court her. But as a lady's companion, well educated, she doesn't believe it's possible he wants to court her. Volunteered to review complimentary copy.
Profile Image for Heather W.
4,066 reviews35 followers
February 25, 2020
Inviting Misfortune is a sweet Regency romance and is the third book in The Bequest Series.

I thoroughly enjoyed this romance and the antagonistic exchanges between Sarah and Heath. They are on opposing sides of a courtship between his ward and the young lady she is chaperoning. The storyline has humour, strong characters, societal differences, and a sweet romance.

I read and reviewed this book with no obligation
Profile Image for Jean Volk.
162 reviews
March 31, 2021
Oh my, I LOVED this story and this is the last book in this series. I hated to see this series end, but I know Wendy is working hard on getting other books out that I will love.

Wendy's books are so well written, if you haven't read a book from Wendy; I suggest you give her a try.
Her stories are wonderful and her covers on each book are so beautiful!

I was given an ARC from the author but not persuaded to leave a positive review!
Profile Image for Melody.
672 reviews1 follower
April 30, 2020
I enjoyed this one!

It was much better written than the first two in my opinion. You could actually see the growth in their relationship, though it was still pretty quick.

Nitpicking, but the British title isn’t Marquis, it’s Marquess, and every time I read it, I bothered me a little bit more.

3 1/2 stars.
19 reviews
December 28, 2022
Engaging characters, story and lovely readers’ escape with happy ending

This story reminded me why I enjoy Wendy May Andrews’ books. Great writing, engaging characters and stories, and happy endings. I also appreciate the concise length
For those who enjoy Jane Austen, Georgette Heyer and other regency period novels
Profile Image for Peg Kroonenberg.
10 reviews
February 25, 2023
best one!

I have read the series of 3, The Bequest. This last one is the best because it ends in the least hurried way. I had not expected it to end in this way. Please take the time to read this book! It teaches the past, so that the present knows why we do things. As you can see I refuse to away the what’s in the book. Just give it a read!
231 reviews1 follower
October 13, 2025
swoon worthy story

I love this author she has such an awareness of people’s growth and complicated ways of figuring things out. I loved the contrast and then the coming together. I loved the straightforward dialog and him taking her rebuttals. Well done on plot, period and manners. These three novels were so worth my time and certainly hope for many more stories to come .
2,379 reviews6 followers
October 30, 2020
Easy read

This story has a marquis fall in love with a companion. It has a sweet happy end but I felt things were alluded to with Miss Thornton but never explained or revealed. Just a side point
2,558 reviews46 followers
January 26, 2021
An enjoyable third book to this series. Each in the series has been very different from the others with only the bequest as a tying thread. It was an enjoyable read.

No sex, language or violence
2,390 reviews13 followers
March 30, 2022
Inviting Misfortune

This was a wonderful story. I did enjoy it ever so much. She was employed to escort his daughter and be her companion during the season. Hopefully for find a perfect match for his daughter. Such an interestingstory, hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Profile Image for Delbora.
1,464 reviews6 followers
February 28, 2023
I Love This Story

This is a wonderful story from the beginning to the end!! I especially loved the ending!! The characters and the relationships are just so endearing and the storyline so very interesting.
Profile Image for Sarah Miller.
186 reviews1 follower
March 18, 2020
By far my favorite of the series. I am looking forward to reading more by Ms. Andrews.
4,885 reviews8 followers
April 12, 2020
Romance

Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novels series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
64 reviews
May 31, 2021
Sarah’s duty

I enjoyed this book. I would have enjoyed more at the end of maybe them telling others of the betrothal. The ending was a little abrupt.
Profile Image for Deborah Lea.
39 reviews3 followers
July 17, 2021
Sweet

Sweet romantic period storylines. Hate to love, excellently written. Will read more of Wendy’s books. Easy read, enjoy for yourself
15 reviews
April 12, 2022
definitely a good read.

The story was enjoyable, the grammar was good and so did not distract from it, so altogether well worth reading.
Profile Image for Babs Wenk.
1,042 reviews5 followers
June 29, 2022
Fun Regency

Companion Sarah for her ward to make an excellent match for the season is relentless lyrics pursued by a snob of a Marquis.
45 reviews
October 20, 2022
A cute, quick read

You won't be disappointed. Its a lovely book. I'm not sure why you have to write 12 words. Its annoying.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews

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