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Earth Earls Are Easy
Wyatt Hartford, Earl of Windborne, spends his days running a smuggling operation under the noses of his political enemies. Twenty years prior, Wyatt and three other young, orphaned aristocrats fled war- and weather-ravaged Earth for the Martian city-state of Utopia. Now the four friends—nicknamed the Lords of Dystopia—use their money and influence to champion citizens’ rights and progressive reforms. To the downtrodden, they are leaders. To the noble scions of Queen Victoria’s empire, they are a threat.
Mercenary Nova Pratt likes her assignments—and her life—efficient, tidy, and uncomplicated. Her latest contract ought to be perfect: Find and arrest the smuggler known as the Viper. Lock up the bad guy and save the day. Her target is no hardened criminal, though. He’s a rainbows-and-sunshine chaos gremlin with a mischievous smile and hips that won’t stop swaying to chipper Earth-pop. Nova can’t look away.
Wyatt won’t let a surly, law-abiding merc derail his operation, even if her scowl and sharp commands make his blood run hot. When he uncovers a smuggling scheme far more nefarious than his own, he seizes the opportunity to point Nova at the real villains. It won’t be easy to work as reluctant allies while resisting their inconvenient attraction. But as political games turn deadly, these opposites must trust one another to fight for what’s right—by putting their lives and their hearts on the line.
Mercenary Nova Pratt likes her assignments—and her life—efficient, tidy, and uncomplicated. Her latest contract ought to be perfect: Find and arrest the smuggler known as the Viper. Lock up the bad guy and save the day. Her target is no hardened criminal, though. He’s a rainbows-and-sunshine chaos gremlin with a mischievous smile and hips that won’t stop swaying to chipper Earth-pop. Nova can’t look away.
Wyatt won’t let a surly, law-abiding merc derail his operation, even if her scowl and sharp commands make his blood run hot. When he uncovers a smuggling scheme far more nefarious than his own, he seizes the opportunity to point Nova at the real villains. It won’t be easy to work as reluctant allies while resisting their inconvenient attraction. But as political games turn deadly, these opposites must trust one another to fight for what’s right—by putting their lives and their hearts on the line.
- GenresRomance
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 29, 2024
1 person is currently reading
31 people want to read
About the author
Catherine Stein
28 books169 followersAward-winning author Catherine Stein believes that everyone deserves love and that Happily Ever After has the power to help, to heal, and to comfort. She writes sassy, sexy romance set during the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Her books are full of action, adventure, magic, and fantastic technologies.
Catherine lives in Michigan with her husband and three rambunctious kids. She loves steampunk and Oxford commas, and can often be found dressed in Renaissance Festival clothing, drinking copious amounts of tea.
Catherine lives in Michigan with her husband and three rambunctious kids. She loves steampunk and Oxford commas, and can often be found dressed in Renaissance Festival clothing, drinking copious amounts of tea.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 1, 2024
This is an absolutely ridiculous book that is a ridiculously good time. Catherine Stein has created a concoction of a romance that includes space aristocracy, Martian mercenaries, a queer-inclusive society, and a central couple that challenges traditional gender roles. It's a ton of fun to read and is very very sexy. Jump in, it's great.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
February 29, 2024
I had SO MUCH FUN with this book. It's a bananas rollercoaster complete with actual bananas jokes. The English aristocracy transplanted to Mars makes it easy to suspend disbelief and hang on for a wild ride!!
Thank you to Cat Stein for an eARC for review. This is out leap day 2024!
Genre: science fiction romance
Mars, sometime in the future
Wyatt Hartford, Earl of Windborne, left war-torn Earth twenty years ago to live in a city on Mars. He escaped Earth with three other orphaned aristocrats, who now make up his inner circle of friends and key players in their smuggling ring. Nova Pratt is merc security, trained from birth, as all natural children of the aristocracy are, to protect the noble houses. Her current contract is to locate the Viper, the head of the most ruthless smuggling ring on Mars. All of her intel has led her to believe that Wyatt is the Viper, but when she finds a sensual man with neon-green-tipped bleach-blonde hair swaying to bubbly pop music, all of her tidy research falls to the wayside. And the more Nova gets to know Wyatt, the less she’s convinced his operations as the Viper are a bad thing.
Happy Leap Day Pub Day to Earth Earls Are Easy! I had SO MUCH FUN with this book. It's a bananas rollercoaster complete with actual bananas jokes. Entering this book, you know that you’ll be suspending your disbelief right away - the English aristocracy transplanted to Mars? It’s “romance reasons” and we’ll take it. The wild setting allows Catherine Stein a chance to change some of the rules of the aristocracy, while making a historical romance reader feel right at home. Two men want to dance together at a ball? No worries, just discuss who gets to lead. The queer normativity we don’t normally get in high society historical romances is so refreshing here on Mars.
Wyatt is an impressively sunshiney character. Bisexual, in touch with his feelings, and deeply connected to his friends and his missions, he’s catnip to Nova who has lived her whole life knowing that “bastard mercs don’t feel things the way other people do.” For both Wyatt and Nova, the bang-it-out approach has always worked for fulfilling needs and allowing attractions to pass, so they’re no strangers to instalust. The instalust trope works incredibly well here, in large part because of each characters’ personalties - the hypersexual Wyatt and the focused and goal-oriented Nova.
As you can imagine, this book remains absolutely silly throughout in the best possible way. There are some serious and insightful moments, especially when Wyatt gets introspective about his passions and his past.
Thank you to @catsteinbooks for an eARC for review! Earth Earls are Easy is out 2/29/24!
Thank you to Cat Stein for an eARC for review. This is out leap day 2024!
Genre: science fiction romance
Mars, sometime in the future
Wyatt Hartford, Earl of Windborne, left war-torn Earth twenty years ago to live in a city on Mars. He escaped Earth with three other orphaned aristocrats, who now make up his inner circle of friends and key players in their smuggling ring. Nova Pratt is merc security, trained from birth, as all natural children of the aristocracy are, to protect the noble houses. Her current contract is to locate the Viper, the head of the most ruthless smuggling ring on Mars. All of her intel has led her to believe that Wyatt is the Viper, but when she finds a sensual man with neon-green-tipped bleach-blonde hair swaying to bubbly pop music, all of her tidy research falls to the wayside. And the more Nova gets to know Wyatt, the less she’s convinced his operations as the Viper are a bad thing.
Happy Leap Day Pub Day to Earth Earls Are Easy! I had SO MUCH FUN with this book. It's a bananas rollercoaster complete with actual bananas jokes. Entering this book, you know that you’ll be suspending your disbelief right away - the English aristocracy transplanted to Mars? It’s “romance reasons” and we’ll take it. The wild setting allows Catherine Stein a chance to change some of the rules of the aristocracy, while making a historical romance reader feel right at home. Two men want to dance together at a ball? No worries, just discuss who gets to lead. The queer normativity we don’t normally get in high society historical romances is so refreshing here on Mars.
Wyatt is an impressively sunshiney character. Bisexual, in touch with his feelings, and deeply connected to his friends and his missions, he’s catnip to Nova who has lived her whole life knowing that “bastard mercs don’t feel things the way other people do.” For both Wyatt and Nova, the bang-it-out approach has always worked for fulfilling needs and allowing attractions to pass, so they’re no strangers to instalust. The instalust trope works incredibly well here, in large part because of each characters’ personalties - the hypersexual Wyatt and the focused and goal-oriented Nova.
As you can imagine, this book remains absolutely silly throughout in the best possible way. There are some serious and insightful moments, especially when Wyatt gets introspective about his passions and his past.
Thank you to @catsteinbooks for an eARC for review! Earth Earls are Easy is out 2/29/24!
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May 29, 2024Heat Factor: Some perfunctory (but explicit) sex at the beginning, and then some emotional (and more explicit) sex toward the end.
Character Chemistry: These two are exceptionally good at miscommunication.
Plot: Nova is investigating Wyatt, and then starts dating him. Her corrupt boss is not impressed.
Overall: Intellectually, I found a lot in this book to recommend it—but it also took me longer than usual to finish.
Read our full review at The Smut Report
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.
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Character Chemistry: These two are exceptionally good at miscommunication.
Plot: Nova is investigating Wyatt, and then starts dating him. Her corrupt boss is not impressed.
Overall: Intellectually, I found a lot in this book to recommend it—but it also took me longer than usual to finish.
Read our full review at The Smut Report
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.
Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
October 19, 2024
Frothy England times steampunk-ish book set on Mars. Highly enjoyable with queer and neurodiverse main & side characters. Very much hoping this series continues!
I started this in print and had to switch over to audio because my brain was being weird about eyeball reading this week. I enjoyed David Lane Pusey’s narration but I do think this book would have benefited from dual narration. To be fair, I personally have a rougher time with male voices narrating female characters than vice versa so ymmv.
I started this in print and had to switch over to audio because my brain was being weird about eyeball reading this week. I enjoyed David Lane Pusey’s narration but I do think this book would have benefited from dual narration. To be fair, I personally have a rougher time with male voices narrating female characters than vice versa so ymmv.
October 14, 2024
2.5 stars- Sci-fi romance, grumpy/sunshine couple and political conspiracy plot. This was fine, the sheer novelty of reading an MF novel was an enjoyable change of pace. Wyatt was a fun character, flamboyantly queer with Nova being his more taciturn and serious foil. I’m not a fan of the whole “aristocrats are heroes” message and the overall classist conspiracy plot wasn’t anything special. Not going to continue the series
February 23, 2024
i had an e-arc from the author!
i keep calling books delightful, but books keep being (dare i say it) a delight. including this one! i loved it. i am lying in wait for more in the series like a little gremlin (a medium sized gremlin).
truly. this book has 1. sexy space smugglers 2. funky pets 3. queer people! and 4. a Big Bad that will be fought throughout the series (i am assuming). what more can a girl want?
wyatt is a marvel, nova is brilliant, and i cannot wait to know more about the rest of the lords of dystopia.
this review isn't longer because i have nothing else to say. i am simply: delighted (lol)
i keep calling books delightful, but books keep being (dare i say it) a delight. including this one! i loved it. i am lying in wait for more in the series like a little gremlin (a medium sized gremlin).
truly. this book has 1. sexy space smugglers 2. funky pets 3. queer people! and 4. a Big Bad that will be fought throughout the series (i am assuming). what more can a girl want?
wyatt is a marvel, nova is brilliant, and i cannot wait to know more about the rest of the lords of dystopia.
this review isn't longer because i have nothing else to say. i am simply: delighted (lol)
December 9, 2025
"You’ve given me a piece of your heart, and whatever shape or size it comes in, I will treasure it for eternity.”
— Wyatt Hartford
💚 Mercenary FMC.
💚 Tech genius MMC with ADHD.
💚 Sci-fi that won’t make your head ache.
💚 Soft femdom.
💚 Queer normative society.
💚 Delicious pegging scene.
💚 HFN.
My God, I love this book! Earth Earls Are Easy is my first sci-fi read of the year, and I know it’s going to stick with me for a long time from how wide it made me smile at the end.
Two books before this, I read another story with a queer sidekick. While that book was good, I didn’t really like the character because his entire identity revolved around being gay.
Wyatt, on the other hand, is a complete flip. We can tell so much about him beyond his queerness and quirks. He likes women. He likes men. He likes colors. He can dance! He’d pet anything from a bat to a rat. This 33 year old man would literally wear a skirt and kill for you. He’s one of the best queer characters I’ve ever read. This is how you write queer characters: with depth, complexity, and layers.
The FMC, Nova, was likable. I was hoping she’d be a bit more morally gray and maybe try to harm Wyatt at least once just to add some tension. But in the end, I liked her just the way she was. There’s no way I’d ever say no to a woman who can shoot guns, wield knives, break noses, ride motorcycles, and, of course, ride our MMC.
My only issue with this book is the instalove/instalust. Wyatt and Nova had never met before, they’d only seen each other through a screen. And suddenly the chemistry was flying the moment they met in person. That’s just a personal preference, though. The author did so well with their push and pull that I enjoyed their banter even more than their smut scenes. Except for the pegging scene. Nothing beats that delicious pegging scene.
— Wyatt Hartford
💚 Mercenary FMC.
💚 Tech genius MMC with ADHD.
💚 Sci-fi that won’t make your head ache.
💚 Soft femdom.
💚 Queer normative society.
💚 Delicious pegging scene.
💚 HFN.
My God, I love this book! Earth Earls Are Easy is my first sci-fi read of the year, and I know it’s going to stick with me for a long time from how wide it made me smile at the end.
Two books before this, I read another story with a queer sidekick. While that book was good, I didn’t really like the character because his entire identity revolved around being gay.
Wyatt, on the other hand, is a complete flip. We can tell so much about him beyond his queerness and quirks. He likes women. He likes men. He likes colors. He can dance! He’d pet anything from a bat to a rat. This 33 year old man would literally wear a skirt and kill for you. He’s one of the best queer characters I’ve ever read. This is how you write queer characters: with depth, complexity, and layers.
The FMC, Nova, was likable. I was hoping she’d be a bit more morally gray and maybe try to harm Wyatt at least once just to add some tension. But in the end, I liked her just the way she was. There’s no way I’d ever say no to a woman who can shoot guns, wield knives, break noses, ride motorcycles, and, of course, ride our MMC.
My only issue with this book is the instalove/instalust. Wyatt and Nova had never met before, they’d only seen each other through a screen. And suddenly the chemistry was flying the moment they met in person. That’s just a personal preference, though. The author did so well with their push and pull that I enjoyed their banter even more than their smut scenes. Except for the pegging scene. Nothing beats that delicious pegging scene.
February 27, 2024
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
Catherine Stein once again starts a compelling new series, Lords of Dystopia, with a solid first book, Earth Earls Are Easy. Once again somewhat genre-bending, it’s both a little outside Stein’s wheelhouse up to this point, yet at the same time not at all. Instead of an alt-historical or steampunk Victorian or Edwardian world, we are transported to the far-off dystopian future. I was a bit perplexed how she would tie in aristocrats as the heroes, given the optics with them basically being equivalent to the corporate shills and corrupt politicians who figure in many similar stories as the oppressors, but just like with some of their equivalents in some recently published historical romances, I love how they use their money to fight for the rights of the common man, instead of siding with these corrupt overlords.
And this sets up a very interesting dynamic for the central couple. I love how Wyatt is very concerned with doing good for the less fortunate, and he’s also just absolutely chaos in human form. And then we have Nova, who contrasts my preconceived notions of mercenary characters by being the law-abiding one, and being in pursuit of Wyatt for his wrongdoings. I love how their initial opposition to one another gave way to the deepening connection for each other, even as it was tested by their rival loyalties.
Amid the sexy romance, there’s some solid space/dystopian politics and the characters need to ultimately work together against the Big Bad. While this story is very much a standalone in providing a happy ending for Wyatt and Nova, the external threats aren’t fully resolved, providing a solid overarching conflict that will likely play out over the rest of the series.
This is an enjoyable first-in-series, and I’m excited for what’s to come. If you’re looking for a unique take on sci-fi-dystopian romance, I’d recommend checking this out!
Catherine Stein once again starts a compelling new series, Lords of Dystopia, with a solid first book, Earth Earls Are Easy. Once again somewhat genre-bending, it’s both a little outside Stein’s wheelhouse up to this point, yet at the same time not at all. Instead of an alt-historical or steampunk Victorian or Edwardian world, we are transported to the far-off dystopian future. I was a bit perplexed how she would tie in aristocrats as the heroes, given the optics with them basically being equivalent to the corporate shills and corrupt politicians who figure in many similar stories as the oppressors, but just like with some of their equivalents in some recently published historical romances, I love how they use their money to fight for the rights of the common man, instead of siding with these corrupt overlords.
And this sets up a very interesting dynamic for the central couple. I love how Wyatt is very concerned with doing good for the less fortunate, and he’s also just absolutely chaos in human form. And then we have Nova, who contrasts my preconceived notions of mercenary characters by being the law-abiding one, and being in pursuit of Wyatt for his wrongdoings. I love how their initial opposition to one another gave way to the deepening connection for each other, even as it was tested by their rival loyalties.
Amid the sexy romance, there’s some solid space/dystopian politics and the characters need to ultimately work together against the Big Bad. While this story is very much a standalone in providing a happy ending for Wyatt and Nova, the external threats aren’t fully resolved, providing a solid overarching conflict that will likely play out over the rest of the series.
This is an enjoyable first-in-series, and I’m excited for what’s to come. If you’re looking for a unique take on sci-fi-dystopian romance, I’d recommend checking this out!
November 3, 2025
Earth Earls Are Easy is an imaginative and exuberant blend of steampunk adventure, interplanetary intrigue, and slow-burn romance. Catherine Stein crafts a vibrant and richly detailed world where the remnants of Earth’s nobility have carved out a new destiny on Mar an inventive setting that perfectly balances Victorian refinement with futuristic daring.
Wyatt Hartford, Earl of Windborne, is a charismatic rogue whose idealism and humor conceal a fierce moral compass. Nova Pratt, the disciplined mercenary sent to capture him, embodies the tension between order and passion. Their partnership reluctant, charged, and deeply human forms the beating heart of the narrative.
Stein excels at pairing sharp wit with emotional depth. Her worldbuilding feels cinematic, her dialogue sparkles, and her characters breathe with nuance. The dynamic between Wyatt’s optimism and Nova’s restraint evolves into something profoundly satisfying a reminder that courage, love, and justice can coexist even in the most extraordinary settings.
For readers who admire the imagination of Gail Carriger, the character chemistry of Evie Dunmore, and the pacing of classic adventure romance, Earth Earls Are Easy is a delightfully inventive and heartfelt experience.
Wyatt Hartford, Earl of Windborne, is a charismatic rogue whose idealism and humor conceal a fierce moral compass. Nova Pratt, the disciplined mercenary sent to capture him, embodies the tension between order and passion. Their partnership reluctant, charged, and deeply human forms the beating heart of the narrative.
Stein excels at pairing sharp wit with emotional depth. Her worldbuilding feels cinematic, her dialogue sparkles, and her characters breathe with nuance. The dynamic between Wyatt’s optimism and Nova’s restraint evolves into something profoundly satisfying a reminder that courage, love, and justice can coexist even in the most extraordinary settings.
For readers who admire the imagination of Gail Carriger, the character chemistry of Evie Dunmore, and the pacing of classic adventure romance, Earth Earls Are Easy is a delightfully inventive and heartfelt experience.
April 5, 2025
This book is just what I needed...a strong grumpy "warrior princess" FMC and an emotionally vibrant non-alpha MMC. The role reversal was fantastic, but both characters also gained strengths and character growth from each other. They both protected one another in their unique ways. Their relationship is so ideal. I also adore the other Lords of Dystopia (particularly Leo), the animals and the drones. And I always like a found family element.
I thought the politics would bore me, but that was so very interesting and a major part of the story. I usually read only at bedtime to wind down which wasn't wise with this book because all the action scenes, chamber meeting scenes and intimate scenes got me too hyper. I wanted to stay up way past midnight. The writing was so smooth and witty.
The last chapter, there was a hint on which Lord might have a starring role in the next book. I'm so excited and hopeful that this series will continue. But in the meantime, I suddenly have the urge to bake triple chocolate cookies.
I thought the politics would bore me, but that was so very interesting and a major part of the story. I usually read only at bedtime to wind down which wasn't wise with this book because all the action scenes, chamber meeting scenes and intimate scenes got me too hyper. I wanted to stay up way past midnight. The writing was so smooth and witty.
The last chapter, there was a hint on which Lord might have a starring role in the next book. I'm so excited and hopeful that this series will continue. But in the meantime, I suddenly have the urge to bake triple chocolate cookies.
May 12, 2025
I really wanted to like this pairing of ADHD bisexual boy meets tall, rigid, and badass lady but there's just no chemistry between the two characters. No romance or relationship building, they're just suddenly in love with each other. Wyatt feels like a fully developed character, but Nova is just boring and so self-defeatist. I genuinely don't know why he would be interested in her. The relationship drama she causes is immature and just annoying. This story would've been way better if she had just accepted she wanted to be with him and we got to see some actual intimacy and interaction. I honestly hate romances where the main character is actively trying to convince themselves of something obviously false. It's just one step below a lack of communication. Wyatt deserved so much better. And then she just decides that she changed her mind and they should just fuck instead of having any kind of adult conversation 🙄🙄🙄
And the plot just draaaaaged. It was way too long.
And the plot just draaaaaged. It was way too long.
November 6, 2025
tech-wizard, animal-lover bi twunk earl X illegitimate, raven-inspired stern soldier girl
is this some type of beast boy x raven fanfic LOL? the colors match.
This was a fun but very bumpy ride. I felt like the story could've been told more smoothly (?), but I still enjoyed it for the most part, which is more than I can say for some other, more popular books I've read recently.
I'm not a big spice girly, but I did enjoy the variety we got between Nova and Wyatt. Not a lot of people are brave or skilled enough to write it like Stein did, so that was refreshing for the genre.
This was no masterpiece, but I'm ready to read #2. We get Rion (M) x Cass (NB), I assume?
is this some type of beast boy x raven fanfic LOL? the colors match.
This was a fun but very bumpy ride. I felt like the story could've been told more smoothly (?), but I still enjoyed it for the most part, which is more than I can say for some other, more popular books I've read recently.
I'm not a big spice girly, but I did enjoy the variety we got between Nova and Wyatt. Not a lot of people are brave or skilled enough to write it like Stein did, so that was refreshing for the genre.
This was no masterpiece, but I'm ready to read #2. We get Rion (M) x Cass (NB), I assume?
February 28, 2024
Wow, what a wild ride! I received an ARC from the Author, which I was excited to receive, as I have read, and enjoyed many of her books. They all have been very original, but this one is at a different level, to me, anyhow.
I loved Wyatt, Nova and The Lords of Dystopia. This was a very unusual story for me, as I am older and have never read anything with Queer characters as the MC's and the pronouns took some getting used to. The story moved well and I loved the drones, and the adventure. Hot sex scenes too! 4-1/2 Stars
I loved Wyatt, Nova and The Lords of Dystopia. This was a very unusual story for me, as I am older and have never read anything with Queer characters as the MC's and the pronouns took some getting used to. The story moved well and I loved the drones, and the adventure. Hot sex scenes too! 4-1/2 Stars
June 22, 2024
I loved loved loved this. This is one of those books that I just feel I picked up at the right moment. Everything hit just right for me, especially the "nontraditional" relationship dynamics. What a breath of fresh air that is. .
I am eagerly awaiting the next installment. I'm glad I picked up the audiobook of this. Some of the voices were... a choice. But I came to appreciate it.
I am eagerly awaiting the next installment. I'm glad I picked up the audiobook of this. Some of the voices were... a choice. But I came to appreciate it.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews