A review by ourxstorybegins
The Perks of Loving a Wallflower by Erica Ridley

5.0

Tommy Wynchester has been slightly obsessed with Philippa York for just about a year now, but she doesn’t know how to talk to her as herself. Instead, she disguises herself her own great aunt and a charming baron, but it doesn’t take long for her to come clean. The two fall for each other while also solving a mystery! 

I love queer historical romance so much, but it’s easy to fall into this hole of the story being repetitive because the ultimate concern is having to keep it a secret. I think this book did a great job of working around that particular plot concern and, instead, focusing on other challenges that come with being queer in the 1800s. 

Some Highlights: 
  • I really loved the way Ridley depicted Tommy’s relationship with gender and identity as a whole. I thought it was both an interesting character choice and interesting in the context of her relationship with Philippa.
  • Philippa’s mother! As infuriating as she may have been, she was such a driving force in the story that I can’t help but appreciate her for it.
  • I really loved seeing the relationship between Tommy and her siblings. I didn’t read the first book of this series, but after reading this one I’m very tempted to read the others just for more of the Wynchester family.

Philippa and Tommy are both truly lovable characters. I found myself rooting for both of them, which I think is one of the most important things in a story. This was my first Erica Ridley book, and it definitely will not be my last.
 
ESCAPES Rating:
Enjoyment - 10 | Start - 8 | Characters - 9 | Atmosphere - 8 | Plot - 10 | Enjoyment - 10 | Style - 10