A Simple Favor by Lana Williams

Tracy’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: The Mayfair Literary League, #4

Release Date: September 14, 2023

Lady Eliza Chadwick, one of the newest members of the Mayfair Literary League, has just returned to London after being away for years. She hopes to forge some true friendships with her co-members because despite being the sister of a marquess and having attended a finishing school, Eliza has always been alone and struggles with feelings of being unlovable and even unworthy of attention. When she learns of the club’s “For Better or Worse” agenda, she knows exactly who she would implement it on, her brother’s best friend, Philip, a man she has long admired and who always treated her kindly and made her feel seen. She hopes by asking him for a favor, he will see her as a woman and not just his friend’s little sister.

Philip Carstairs, the Duke of Trentworth, is still mourning the loss of his father and elder brother. He never thought he would be the duke and longs to make his late father and brother proud. He has come to London to find a wife and plans to offer for one of Lord Oxley’s daughters, as his father had wanted to join the two families. Uncomfortable with marrying the woman promised to his brother, he decides to propose to one of the younger sisters, but that was before he set eyes on her – Lady Eliza Chadwick. No longer the pudgy little girl he remembered, she is now a lovely young woman and when she asks for a favor, he can’t say no. He agrees to show her marked attention at events, so she will garner attention from other suitors. It seems harmless until he realizes that he wants her for himself and finds himself torn between honor and happiness.

This was another well-written, perfectly executed novel in the entertaining “Mayfair Literary League” series. I really liked Eliza and Philip and felt their struggles to feel worthy. My heart nearly broke for Eliza when the truth about the “For Better or Worse” agenda came out, but she proved that she was worthy, despite being dealt a double rejection. This story is filled with emotion, secrets, favors, kisses, heartache, insecurity, good friends, a bit of drama, some tears, surprising revelations, a heaping serving of angst, and finally a HEA complete with a spicy epilogue. This book is the fourth book in the series, but can easily be read as a standalone title. I am happy to recommend this book and am looking forward to the next installment.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*