Courting the Earl

Landing a Lord #8

by Suzanna Medeiros

Eleanor Pearson is taken aback by the forbidden attraction she feels for her cousin’s betrothed. But she vows to ignore the hold he has over her and do whatever she can to ensure her cousin’s marriage takes place.

The Earl of Hargrove has no intention of marrying anytime soon. He sets out on a mission of his own to end the surprise arrangement his father revealed to him only on his deathbed.

It doesn’t take him long to realize that Eleanor could be the key to convincing the younger woman to end the betrothal. But his attraction to her threatens his determination to remain a bachelor.

COURTING THE EARL is a Regency Historical Romance. It contains the themes of forbidden love, friends to lovers, spinster heroine, reluctant hero.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical

254 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 28, 2023

About the author

USA Today bestselling author Suzanna Medeiros was born and raised in Toronto, Canada. Her love of reading led her to pursue a degree in English Literature from the University of Toronto. After working at a number of interesting places, including a federal inquiry, a youth probation office, and the Office of the Fire Marshal of Ontario, she decided to pursue her first love—writing.

Suzanna is married to her own hero and survived raising twins. When she isn't writing, she loves reading and playing video games.

She would like to thank her parents for showing her that love at first sight and happily ever after really do exist.

To learn about Suzanna's future books, sign up for her newsletter at https://www.suzannamedeiros.com/newsl....

Reviews

[Jill booksandescape · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance ebook copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for review.

Courting the Earl by Suzanna Medeiros is the eighth book of Landing a Lord. Eleanor Pearson is attracted to her cousin’s betrothed. She is determined to ignore it and make sure he goes through with marrying her cousin. Geoffrey, the Earl of Hargrove, has no intention of getting married. He plans on doing all he can to end this betrothal. He soon realizes that Eleanor could be the key to his mission. But he is beginning to fall for her.

This is a super quick and fun read. I liked how low the stakes were. It just felt so fluffy.

[Anna Marie Leffew · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me feeling mixed emotions all over the place. I felt anger, hatred, sorrow, sympathy, joy, happiness, and love. I cried and I laughed so much throughout this book. I could not put this book down, it had me turning the pages all thru the night. This book was well written. The characters were well developed. I felt as if I were a part of this book. The characters pulled me into their story. This is a must-read. I cannot express my feelings for this book enough. Read it for yourself to see what I mean. You too will be pulled in all sorts of emotions. Make sure you have a tissue handy because you are going to need it. I highly recommend this book!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read one of Suzanna Medeiros' books in 2014 and didn't pick up her up again until Feb 2020. This is now my 16th book by her. I really enjoy her writing.

One thing about me is I read a book, love it, hate it, whatever then move on to the next. So I have to keep notes about the authors so I'll know if I want to read any of their books again. These were my notes for Suzanna. Really like her books. They aren’t very long but writing is good, stories are good, sex is pretty decently described. With that being said, I really like Eleanor and Geoffrey. I liked their personalities and the story.

The only weird thing, is as mentioned above, I read and move on so really don't always remember stories especially if it's series and I've read 100 between releases. I realize there are so many historical regency stories out there, that yes, many have similar story lines BUT what struck me odd is the whole first 1/2 of the book, I swear I had read this story already. I even checked the release date to make sure it wasn't an older book and my list to make sure I hadn't read it years ago. It was way too familiar. But still a good read.

[Ellie (On a break, mostly rereading) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Courting the Earl by Suzanna Medeiros is a standalone regency romance that is book eight of the Landing A Lord series. Over all, this is a sweet and clean romance that will entertain many avid readers of English historical romances, with lords and ladies, society and the collective expectations and love blooming in unexpected places.

Geoffrey, the Earl of Hargrove, found out when his father was on his deathbed that a deal had been made to have Geoffrey married off to the daughter of Lord Appleby. An arrangement that had been made years ago when he was nineteen. Geoffrey is now twenty nine and has inherited his title and he has no intention of getting married. He approaches Lord Appleby and finesses things so that the young lady he's betrothed to can have her come out season, and even possibly find another husband much more to her liking. He has emotional baggage from his controlling father, including having seen his sister's disastrous first marriage (this was book seven of the series). Geoffrey didn't count on being attracted to Lydia's cousin, Eleanor.

Eleanor loves her uncle, aunt and cousin. She was orphaned and so lives with them. She is twenty five and unmarried, but this season is all about her cousin, Lydia and her betrothal. Being that Eleanor is of age and firmly on the shelf, she acts as her cousin's chaperone. Eleanor is also attracted to Geoffrey, but despite what Lydia and Geoffrey tells her, she can't do anything that she would see as a betrayal of her cousin, or her uncle and aunty.

This was a just a wonderful book to read. I enjoyed the character developed (particularly that of Eleanor's cousin, Lydia) and the setting.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am so glad that I stumbled on this book because now I have a new author to explore! Obviously a new to me author.

Historical romance has long been a favorite of mine. This one is a perfect example of why I love them so much.

Eleanor is 25 and the chaperone of her younger cousin, Lydia. She's lived with her cousin, aunt and uncle for several years since she lost her parents. Lydia is having her first season and is to finally meet her betrothed, Geoffrey. This marriage was planned years ago when Lydia was much younger. She's hoping to get a real season though, as well as getting to know Geoffrey.

When Lydia meets him, she feels as if he's too old. After all, she's only 19 to his almost thirty! She supposes it would be horrible to be married to him though. Eleanor has a very different first impression. She's drawn to his voice, then he's beautiful blue eyes and broad shoulders.

Geoffrey isn't happy about being forced to marry. Lydia is beautiful but she's not very interesting and he finds himself drawn to Eleanor instead.

The story progresses in a realistic and enjoyable way. I liked the characters, their interactions, and found them completely charming.

Thank you for giving me the chance to read your book. I will be looking for the rest of this series and your other books!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

As his father was dying, Geoffrey was informed that, some years ago, unbeknownst him, his father had arranged a betrothal between Geoffrey and his father’s friend’s daughter. Furious that his now deceased father had not only taken such liberties, but had kept this information from him, Geoffrey was determined to break the engagement. Eighteen year old Lydia, who was nearly a decade younger than Geoffrey wanted to enjoy her first season before their engagement was announced. Knowing that the contract could only be broken if both parties agreed, Geoffrey manipulated a competive acquaintance of his to vie for her attention. Meanwhile, twenty-five year old Eleanor, Lydia’s cousin who was acting as her chaperone, captured Geoffrey’s interest and attention. This story is filled with social outings, clandestine meetings, conflicting emotions and multiple manipulations. Just when Geoffrey thinks he is free from his father’s machinations, the other shoe drops and he has some significant choices to make. This story will make you smile one minute and break your heart the next. The characters are wonderful and not always predictable. This is a sweet and heartwarming story where love prevails and everybody wins.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Peggy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Geoffrey, the Earl of Hargrove, has been betrothed for ten years, but he didn’t know it. His father agreed to the contract, but failed to tell Geoffrey until he was on his deathbed. Geoffrey doesn’t want to marry at all just yet. He goes to meet his betrothed with the intention to break the betrothal. Lydia Pearson is about to have her first season. When she meets the man her father has betrothed her to, she isn’t impressed. She thinks he is too old (he is just shy of thirty). Her cousin and chaperone, Eleanor, has a different opinion. She like Geoffrey, and he likes her. Eleanor does not want to come between Lydia and her betrothed. However, Lydia may have found a reason to wish to break the betrothal as much as Geoffrey. If she weds another, will Eleanor and Geoffrey have a chance for their happily ever after? This is an entertaining story with a variety of likable characters. Lydia is a cheerful, happy debutante. Eleanor is quiet and caring. Geoffrey knows what he wants, but is honorable enough to do what he must. The are some twists, several surprises, and a few missteps, and a double happy ending.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.

[JenReviews4U · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eleanor tries her hardest to resist her cousin Lydia's betrothed even though he has no interest in the cousin. Geoffrey, Earl of Hargrove doesnt want to marry at all, so he thinks to use Eleanor in order to break the marriage contract to her cousin. But he ends up falling for her instead.

I am mixed about this book. On the one hand it is written well, plenty of suspense, characters are good and develop, and some nice moments. On the other, it is extremely predicable to the point that I lost interest because we already know what will happen. The author does a great job at some tense moments but I just felt like from the moment Eleanor looks at him in the beginning, it was already done with what would happen because Lydia was against the marriage and didn't like him, he didn't want the marriage so then it was like why even go through with all the outings and then flirt with Eleanor who was chaperone? It just was a very shaky storyline.
3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4
Overall a quick read and a must for the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rose Seals · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, well, well, what a threesome you have here. Very well written, keeps you on the edge of your seat plus wanting more. All these characters are well developed to the need of the of the storyline/plot which in itself is great. Geoffrey is the new Earl after finding out on his father's death that he made an arrangement to have Geoffrey marry Lydia when she turns 18. Geoffrey tries to stop this arrangement by talking to her father but he wants it to continue but also wants Lydia to have her season. Geoffrey uses this to his benefit with both Lydia and Eleanor. Lydia agrees with him and wants to see if there is someone else which she does. Eleanor on the other hand has come to enjoy being with Geoffrey as the same for him. This story has so many twists but is absolutely a fantastic storyline to read. Really enjoyed it. Excellent web of story telling by this author. Would recommend to others.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a fairly lighthearted romance. Geoffrey never knew that his father had arraigned for him to marry Lydia. It came as a great shock to him and he was resentful of the fact that he was expected to marry soon and not even to a woman of his own choice. Lydia was only 18 years old and she felt that Geoffrey was old and stuffy. Conveniently, Lydia's cousin Eleanor was much more appropriate match.
Everyone gets a happy ending in this book. No one's feelings are hurt, however there are a few tense moments. There is a bit of steam which is tastefully done. This book worked well as a standalone and I'm looking forward to reading the next book which will feature Geoffrey's friend Lord Holbrook.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Deborah Durand · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lord Hargrove is adamant about defying his father’s betrothal contract for him. He was informed of his mandated betrothal after his father died. He just received the title of Earl and wanted freedom before doing his duty - securing an heir. He could care less that he was betrothed to the diamond of the season. His plan was to secure an ally in discouraging a marriage to Lady Lydia. Her cousin Eleanor might help him. In enlisting her aid, he became more interested in her and soon found they had an unspoken attraction to each other. The author gives a lovely romance with a tiny dilemma that the couple has to resolve before an HEA. The characters are enchanting, the dialogue, engaging and witty. 4 stars ⭐️ for robbing me of more pages of pure delight. Can’t wait for Holbrook’s story next.
I have received an ARC from Booksprout and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.

[Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

An earl and a debutante are arranged to be married by their fathers. The debutante, Lydia, is excited about it even though she would like to flirt and enjoy her first season. However, Geoffrey is completely opposed to his late father’s high-handedness and would like to get out of the engagement. Also, Geoffrey is much more intrigued by Lydia’s cousin Eleanor, who believes herself to be plain and ineligible next to her young and pretty cousin. While Eleanor is stuck chaperoning Lydia and Geoffrey’s many outings, she is trying very hard not to be attracted to Geoffrey. He’s not trying quite as hard and even encourages Lydia to entertain other suitors. This one was pretty quick and easy to read, with not too much angst in its resolution.

[Andrea Wenger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Despite her forbidden feelings for her cousin's fiancé, Eleanor vows to support their impending marriage. Meanwhile, the commitment-shy Earl of Hargrove aims to undo the betrothal arranged by his late father. He hopes Eleanor can dissuade the bride-to-be. But his growing attraction to Eleanor threatens his resolve to remain a bachelor.

I enjoyed this upbeat, low-angst novella. Eleanor and Hargrove have strong chemistry, but they're in denial about their feelings for each other. They need to grow and reach for what they want, rather than being influenced so much by other people.

Thanks, Booksprout, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

[Marty Hamrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Years ago, I was an obsessive reader of Suzanna Medeiros novels--OBSESSIVE!--but lately I've been on a more contemporary reading kick, so when I saw this story available as an ARC, I jumped on it; hoping to kick-start my re-immersion into historical fiction, and of course Suzanna Medeiros delivered! This was a delightful story; chalk full of Victorian scandal and drama and delightful language. I was pulled in from chapter one; there is such an emotional rollercoaster in a fair few pages and you need to read it today.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lydia's First Season . . .

This is a well done story line. Eleanor Pearson is the chaperone of 19-year-old Lydia, her cousin who is excited to be having her first Season. Although she has been promised to the Earl of Hargrove, she wants to have this experience. And as it is, Geoffrey at the age of 30 doesn’t actually want to be forced into this marriage. Not surprising, Lydia thinks he is too old for her. Eleanor, however, admires him and is attracted to him. Is there a way that this might work out for each character’s happiness? Or will the strict rules of the period dictate what will be allowed?

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Fun Read

Eleanor knew he was forbidden, he was promised to her cousin but she couldn’t stop her feelings developing for him.

Geoffrey the Earl of Hargrove had only just found out on his father’s death bed that he was engaged to marry and he wasn’t happy about it!

A fun emotional read with highs and lows, he knew he didn’t want to marry yet he was so tempted with Eleanor could he see himself married to her if he got out of the betrothal with her cousin?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is second book I have read this past week with the same theme – guy is betrothed to one woman but falls in love with another one. I really like this trope. Mind you the first woman does not love him and usually finds love somewhere else so don’t worry about her, she is just fine. The story was so nice and I was cheering on the main characters because they were terribly sweet and did not try to go behind backs but fell in love in the process. Smiling so big while reading.

I received a complimentary copy.

[Lisa H · Rating 4 out of 5]

He’s trying to break it off…

Geoffrey only found out his father had promised him to Lydia ten years ago when he was nineteen. He is ineptly trying to end it. It’s proceeding along.

He and Eleanor are attracted and he only offers her an affair. Though she’s been Lydia’s chaperone. He offers her a mistress position.

Geoffrey was pretty weak, just going with the flow and doesn’t want to get married but is irritated if Eleanor refuses him. He’s just doing the opposite of whatever his father wanted him to do.

[Didi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this week written historical romance. It is an emotional rollercoaster about perceived forbidden love. Geoffrey only found out his father had arranged a betrothal when he was nineteen. Marriage is not on his agenda and he works to find a way out. Eleanor is chaperone to Lydia who is young and not eager to marry older Geoffrey. Eleanor and Geoffrey find themselves attracted to each other. Who will marry who?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ann Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was entertaining. I really liked the characters and felt bad for Eleanor always being overlooked. I was excited for Lord Hargrove's book after reading his sister's story. The book is part of a series, but perfectly fine on its on. I recommend the series. The trope was a good one and the author made sure to give the story a unique twist. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely novel with beautiful characters. I really liked this gentle novel without dramatic scenes but with endearing, deep characters, full of sincerity and respect for each other. Eleanor and Geoffrey form a charming couple who gradually discover each other and lead us on their romantic quest. I enjoyed this story, and I recommend this sweet read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this wonderful story of
betrothals, love and affairs. Geoffrey and Eleanor's courtship is a rather convoluted affair after all he is betrothed to her cousin, but attracted to her. Their relationship as another seeks the attentions of his betrothed throws them together in more and more intimate situations until, attraction leads to passion. Can they untangle their lives whilst finding a love that will change everything.

[Marie Bourgery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Geoffrey didn’t want to be forced to marry due to an agreement his awful father made. He works to find ways out of it including encouraging other suitors and working with Lydia’s cousin. Eleanor has more in common with Geoffrey including their love of reading but she can’t stand in Lydia’s way and Geoffrey has repeatedly told her he’s not ready to marry. There are steamy, funny, romantic, and several misunderstandings in this romance.

[Trixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first historical romance I've read after a hiatus. I saw the author's name and convince myself to try reading from this genre.

The MMC is a clever one. He did accomplish what he set out to do but his cleverness doesn't equate to him being smart. Good thing there are good persons who had the temerity to make him see sense.

And what do you know, the story also has some spicy scene.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cathryn Bach · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this story a lot. The relationship between Eleanor and Geoffrey slowly develops over the course of the story. The secondary characters were great and by the end of the story all of the misunderstandings were resolved.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good addition to the "Landing a Lord" series. It is a fairly short and quick historical romance. This is such an enjoyable romantic read about Eleanor and Geoffrey, the Earl of Hargrove. This is an emotional read with some sorrow, secrets, happiness, love and more. Their story develops nicely and I love how everything wraps up.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one. I enjoy hisoricals and This one had me glued to my kindle. His is to marry her younger cousin but they have a attraction. He doesn't want to marry they have a very strong chemistry. I couldn't put it down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Flavia Pena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Geoffrey e Eleanor são inspiradores. Me peguei impactada por Eleanor não exigir seus desejos a força, sempre colocando os interesses de todos a frente dos próprios e me maravilhei com o papel do Visconde Holbrook em abrir os olhos de Geoffrey por ameaçar seu futuro e sua felicidade por sua teimosia em frustrar os desejos do pai falecido. Maravilhoso é pouco!

[June Karen Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not going to write a long review about this story. This is the 8th book in the Landing a Lord. I have read the whole series and loved every book. This is the story of Eleanor and Geoffrey. I cannot say how much I recommend this author if you love exciting Regency romances

[Silvia Prego · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bravo!!!!

Great book! Did not disappoint at all! I truly live this fantastic group of friends and can hardly wait for Holbrook's story! Intense, emotional and full of love! It us great to revisit all friends that we have known so far!