What do you think?
Rate this book
Accidental Peers #4
Engaging the Earl
England, 1819
Vivacious Lady Katherine Granville is the toast of the ton, but society's most eligible miss secretly yearns for her childhood love, an untitled loner who vanished long ago after her father forbade their marriage.
After years abroad, the dark and brooding Edward Stanhope returns to England a changed man. No longer a second son with no prospects, his battlefield strategies have won him an earldom. His return should be a victorious one, but the new Earl of Randolph is battling secret demons that no one can discover. Least of all, Kat.
When the man she can't forget reappears at her betrothal ball, Kat's perfectly arranged future is thrown into tumult. Edward remains cold and distant, hoping she'll marry a man worthy of her. But nothing is settled when Kat sets out to win back her first love. Can the new Earl of Randolph resist the woman he's loved for so many years?
Vivacious Lady Katherine Granville is the toast of the ton, but society's most eligible miss secretly yearns for her childhood love, an untitled loner who vanished long ago after her father forbade their marriage.
After years abroad, the dark and brooding Edward Stanhope returns to England a changed man. No longer a second son with no prospects, his battlefield strategies have won him an earldom. His return should be a victorious one, but the new Earl of Randolph is battling secret demons that no one can discover. Least of all, Kat.
When the man she can't forget reappears at her betrothal ball, Kat's perfectly arranged future is thrown into tumult. Edward remains cold and distant, hoping she'll marry a man worthy of her. But nothing is settled when Kat sets out to win back her first love. Can the new Earl of Randolph resist the woman he's loved for so many years?
211 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 9, 2014
40 people are currently reading
328 people want to read
About the author
Diana Quincy
15 books759 followersBestselling author Diana Quincy is an award-winning television journalist who decided to make up her own stories where a happy ending is always guaranteed.
Her books have been included on "Best of" lists in Library Journal and The Washington Post.
As a U.S. Foreign Service brat, Diana grew up all over the world, but is now happily settled in Virginia with her husband and two boys. When not bent over her laptop, Diana spends time with her family, reads, practices yoga, and plots her next travel adventure.
Diana loves to hear from readers. You can follow her on Twitter @Diana_Quincy, Facebook, Instagram (diana_quincy_author) or visit her website at dianaquincy.com
Her books have been included on "Best of" lists in Library Journal and The Washington Post.
As a U.S. Foreign Service brat, Diana grew up all over the world, but is now happily settled in Virginia with her husband and two boys. When not bent over her laptop, Diana spends time with her family, reads, practices yoga, and plots her next travel adventure.
Diana loves to hear from readers. You can follow her on Twitter @Diana_Quincy, Facebook, Instagram (diana_quincy_author) or visit her website at dianaquincy.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
October 8, 2019
I am sorry Engaging the Earl is the last story in the "Accidental Peers series"
However the storyline seemed strained and didn't flow. There are two intertwining couples in the story.
At 16 years of age Lady Katherine Granville is denied by her father the Earl of Nuget's permission to marry Edward Stanhope. So Edward buys a commision in the army. He promise to make a name for himself and his fortune so they might marry. He ask Kitty to wait for him and she did for 6 years!
Six years later on the night of Kat's engagement party to Viscount Lawrence/Laurie Sinclair Edward Stanhope shows up. Edward has ben ennobled. Now he is the Earl of Randolph. The title given by the Prince Regent for his bravery and accomplishments in the war. A female Alena Navarro know as the Maid of Malagon for single handedly saving her village is also in attendance at the party. Edward had an affair with but it's over now. They are just friends.
Alena and Laurie start having an affair and Edward and Kat are still in love and want to be together. This cause the storyline to lose its focus. Too much time is spent on Laurie having sex with Alena and hidding it from his bethroth Kat. But Edward catches them in the act. So he decides its time for him to marry Kat or Kitty as he calls her.
The story is to convoluted. It should have focused more on the PTSD that Edward and Toby, Kats cousin was dealing with after returning from the horrors of War. That would have made a much better storyline then Laurie cheating on Kat with Edwards Ex Mistress and Edward being scared Kat would find out about his blackouts and nightmare.
I wanted all the Stanhope brothers and there cousin Willa to all come together in what seems to be the last book in the series.
However the storyline seemed strained and didn't flow. There are two intertwining couples in the story.
At 16 years of age Lady Katherine Granville is denied by her father the Earl of Nuget's permission to marry Edward Stanhope. So Edward buys a commision in the army. He promise to make a name for himself and his fortune so they might marry. He ask Kitty to wait for him and she did for 6 years!
Six years later on the night of Kat's engagement party to Viscount Lawrence/Laurie Sinclair Edward Stanhope shows up. Edward has ben ennobled. Now he is the Earl of Randolph. The title given by the Prince Regent for his bravery and accomplishments in the war. A female Alena Navarro know as the Maid of Malagon for single handedly saving her village is also in attendance at the party. Edward had an affair with but it's over now. They are just friends.
Alena and Laurie start having an affair and Edward and Kat are still in love and want to be together. This cause the storyline to lose its focus. Too much time is spent on Laurie having sex with Alena and hidding it from his bethroth Kat. But Edward catches them in the act. So he decides its time for him to marry Kat or Kitty as he calls her.
The story is to convoluted. It should have focused more on the PTSD that Edward and Toby, Kats cousin was dealing with after returning from the horrors of War. That would have made a much better storyline then Laurie cheating on Kat with Edwards Ex Mistress and Edward being scared Kat would find out about his blackouts and nightmare.
I wanted all the Stanhope brothers and there cousin Willa to all come together in what seems to be the last book in the series.
November 22, 2015
What just happened here? This book had such promise. It was supposed to be a second chance at love story. It was supposed to be about a young man who went off to war to make himself worthy of his love and came back traumatized. It was supposed be about a woman still in love with the first man to win her heart, vowing to win him back to recapture what they once had. And it was all of those things. I should be in tortured hero nirvana. And yet… I am not.
Warning: This review contains spoilers.
It started well enough, Kat’s father has denied Edward’s request for her hand in marriage. He is beneath her station, but she doesn’t care. She begs him to elope, but he leaves to become a soldier, hoping to return a man that her father could approve of. Six year pass and Kat is convinced he will never return, so she finally accepts an offer of marriage, only for Edward to return the night of her betrothal. She quickly realizes that her feelings for him are still there and offers to cry off from her engagement, but he fears his PTSD (though it’s not called that) makes him unfit as a husband. And it all goes downhill from there.
You see, Kat doesn’t want to give up on him, so he has to do some unsavory stuff to turn her away. Staged betrayals and cheating abound. And poor Kat is right at the middle of it all. She tries to do the right thing, I feel, but between her true love and her intended, no one is really doing right by her. I didn’t enjoy all of the machinations and infidelity. I didn’t like watching Kat put herself out there over and over to be shot down.
Obviously, that doesn’t last forever. But I didn’t believe in the way the author turned the tide of the relationship. I felt like Edward changed his mind on a dime. He certainly did not give her the courting or treatment she deserved. And frankly, once she accepted his suit, I didn’t believe that either. Despite their great love, he was a total asshat to her and never even told her that it was a ruse. And she married him anyway… still believing all the horrible things he said to her. Then the ending felt like no ending at all. I tried to turn the page, figuring there must be a next chapter and it was just over.
It felt incomplete. And I was thoroughly unsatisfied. I didn’t like the way anyone behaved. I didn’t believe in the evolution of the relationship. And I didn’t like the end. I wish I could have loved it, but clearly, for me, this entirely missed the mark.
Rating: C-
*ARC Provided by Entangled
Warning: This review contains spoilers.
It started well enough, Kat’s father has denied Edward’s request for her hand in marriage. He is beneath her station, but she doesn’t care. She begs him to elope, but he leaves to become a soldier, hoping to return a man that her father could approve of. Six year pass and Kat is convinced he will never return, so she finally accepts an offer of marriage, only for Edward to return the night of her betrothal. She quickly realizes that her feelings for him are still there and offers to cry off from her engagement, but he fears his PTSD (though it’s not called that) makes him unfit as a husband. And it all goes downhill from there.
You see, Kat doesn’t want to give up on him, so he has to do some unsavory stuff to turn her away. Staged betrayals and cheating abound. And poor Kat is right at the middle of it all. She tries to do the right thing, I feel, but between her true love and her intended, no one is really doing right by her. I didn’t enjoy all of the machinations and infidelity. I didn’t like watching Kat put herself out there over and over to be shot down.
Obviously, that doesn’t last forever. But I didn’t believe in the way the author turned the tide of the relationship. I felt like Edward changed his mind on a dime. He certainly did not give her the courting or treatment she deserved. And frankly, once she accepted his suit, I didn’t believe that either. Despite their great love, he was a total asshat to her and never even told her that it was a ruse. And she married him anyway… still believing all the horrible things he said to her. Then the ending felt like no ending at all. I tried to turn the page, figuring there must be a next chapter and it was just over.
It felt incomplete. And I was thoroughly unsatisfied. I didn’t like the way anyone behaved. I didn’t believe in the evolution of the relationship. And I didn’t like the end. I wish I could have loved it, but clearly, for me, this entirely missed the mark.
Rating: C-
*ARC Provided by Entangled
June 10, 2014
I really enjoyed this book! For me...it is the hero that determines how much I like a book. And while Edward was broody (my kind of hero) he was also charming and easily loved. I understood the reasons he wanted to stay away from Katherine and not taint her. I could feel his struggle and nothing about it felt forced which allowed me to immerse myself deeper into the story. I liked Katherine very much as well. adored how she loved Edward so completely and was honest with herself, if not her fiance.
This was a sweet, enjoyable and steamy read with engaging characters and a love story that I was totally rooting for. Without reservation I recommend to historical romance lovers.
This was a sweet, enjoyable and steamy read with engaging characters and a love story that I was totally rooting for. Without reservation I recommend to historical romance lovers.
August 7, 2025
This book was an enjoyable conclusion to the series and an easy read, though this is not my favorite of Diana Quincy’s work. The premise was incredible, but I found there were quite a few very sudden transitions, as well as some plot points that did not reflect favorably on either of the main characters. The amount of deception is a little excessive, for both main and supporting characters and some of it remained to (presumably) be explained off page. The second part of the novel also felt very rushed and main characters both pivoted quite abruptly from “don’t come near me” to happily ever after.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2021
I enjoyed reading this, although not my favourite of the series. Took me a time to get through this.
Why is it that most alpha males in books never need any help, when they really do need help?
Men - hah! 3.5☆
Why is it that most alpha males in books never need any help, when they really do need help?
Men - hah! 3.5☆
June 7, 2014
Diana Quincy
Fairy Godmother are so important when a couple needs a helping hand, push or even a shove to make their love blossom. This story is extra special because this Fairy Godmother has 4 paws, is kinda furry, a tail and loves to be petted and scratched! Come meet the unique and sometimes smelly Vera!
When Lady Katherine Grandfield was 16, she ran to Edward Stanhope to be compromised, so they could marry. Her father would not let Kat and Edward marry because his a 2nd son, had no prospects and all he was trained to do is play his beloved music. Edward refuses to compromise his Kitty because he agrees with her father. So to make himself worthy of her, he brought a commission and is leaving to fight on the continent. Kat is devastated and begs him with tears, and even her body, to stay, and he says NO! Edward then has the nerve to ask her to PROMISE that she will wait for him. Kat flips out and screams that she will never love him again. As she and her trusted maid/friend, Fanny, stalk across his lawn, she hears wood and glass breaking, so she goes to the window to see if he is hurt. She sees him shattering the violin, that she brought him, against the wall and she realized their love was demolished forever.
Six years has past and Kat has had 5 Season, as a diamond of the first water, and tonight is her betrothal ball. As she and her fiancé, Viscount Lawrence (Laurie) Sinclair, are standing up front for her Father's toast, Kat looks out on the crowd and see a ghost from her past, Edward, and she faints! Edward is now a famous war hero and granted a title, Earl of Randolph, a London home, an estate and wealth galore, but he still feels unworthy of her because of his PTSD from the war. Now here comes the furry Fairy Godmother of their story, Vera. She is Kat's ugly, slightly smelly and unique dog. Vera finds Edward at the park, during one of his PTSD episodes, and she bonds to him and tries to help and even heal him.
With Vera's help of coming and going from Edward and then to Kat, they are together and passions ignite between them. Kat is still in love with him and tries to get Edward to love her again. Edward then serious cripples her heart and soul, by faking an affair with his Spanish friend, Elena Marquez-Navarro. Elena is sensual, beautiful, oozes sexuality from ever pore and has a luscious body, an exact opposite of Kat. Edward, Elena, Kat and Laurie are always thrown together all Season long and sparks, provocative looks, kisses and wandering hands fly. Can Edward swallow his pride and get help with his PTSD? Can Kat forgive all the pain that Edward has caused? Who will win and earn Kat's heart? ? What are Laurie and Elena roles? But most impotently, who will get custody of the loveable and caring Vera?
This is my first Diana Quincy book and my pompoms have been pulled out and I am cheering, "I am her newest FAN!" Ms. Quincy creates these wonderful characters and they worm their way into your heart. It doesn't matter if it's the hero, heroine, the betrothed or the sexy Spanish beauty. I loved them all. Her hero and heroine had the same flaw, hiding their true selves. Kat hide behind a mask of dazzling beauty and Edward's mask hide his PTSD from the world and they both see it in one another. Ms. Quincy writes some tantalizing, magnetic, arousing and inventive romance scenes. It was such a steamy romance, my comfy reading corner felt like a supernatural event. Ms. Quincy has earned my score of 4 fingers up and 8 toes and I will be reading many more of her books.
NetGalley ARC given for my honest review.
June 11, 2014
Edward Stanhope, a second son, a talented musician, having been refused Kat's hand in marriage, determines to join the army, make his fortune and return home to marry his true love.
Kitty (Kat), Lady Katherine Granville, 16 years old, knowing whom and what she wants, tries to persuade Edward to flee to Gretna Green.
Honestly, I wasn't sure here whether to applaud her here or see her a a spoilt young lady determined to have her way.
Edward, honourable and focused goes to war instead. Kat, seething with anger and hurt remains behind to become the toast of the ton.
Six years pass and just as Kitty or rather it seems now Kat, has deigned to marry Laurie, Viscount Lawrence Sinclair, 'Sin' to his friends, Rand returns!
Now a decorated war hero, a survivor of Talavera, and having been given an earldom by the King, Kat first sights the man she has never forgotten on the occassion of her engagement to Sinclair.
Rand has not returned alone but with a Spanish woman, Elena, the Maid of Malagon, who is to receive a commendation of valour from the Prince Regent.
Rand is suffering from what was called Nostalgia (apparently this term was used still during the American Civil War and in the 1st and 2nd world war). It appears to be what we might call, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Quincy has cleverly used this condition to open up the storyline and add more complexity to the interaction between Kitty and Rand. It is a hook that invites responses.
Rand is not the only one to suffer from Nostalgia. Quincy's references to it, to the doctors who are studying it, adds an historical and emotional depth to the novel, recalling those terrible battles of the times, such as the Battle of Talavera, (Peninsular wars in Spain, July 27-27, 1809 with the British troops under the command of Wellesley).
I loved the character of Elena. Known as the Amazon! She is forthright and strong. Due to her extraordinary feats, and having been acknowledged by one of the highest in the ranks of British society, she is able to stand outside the norm and be accepted by the ton. It's her exotic difference that is both condemned and applauded. So ironic! And she seems to be laughing at the ton and their games, even as she engages in them.
Elena does remind me of the character of Sharpe's true love, Teresa Moreno, (of Bernard Cornwall books and the TV series fame). Be still my beating heart!
What shall become of the wondrous Amazon Elena and her latest paramour?
The more I reflect on this novel, the more I am caught up in the complexity behind the storyline, given the various happenings that feed into it. Laurie is another unknown quality who hides his own story methinks. And I haven't even mentioned the canine companion, Vera.
'Engaging the Earl' is a cleverly simple title. Playing with it in the context of what happens throughout the novel, watching the interplay, the dance between Rand and Kat, it is delightfully subtle on a number of levels.
I must admit that there are some ends that I wanted tied up. But as I have said they're other stories, that might bear fruit or might forever be happening off stage.
For this novel, love does find a way!
A NetGalley ARC
Kitty (Kat), Lady Katherine Granville, 16 years old, knowing whom and what she wants, tries to persuade Edward to flee to Gretna Green.
Honestly, I wasn't sure here whether to applaud her here or see her a a spoilt young lady determined to have her way.
Edward, honourable and focused goes to war instead. Kat, seething with anger and hurt remains behind to become the toast of the ton.
Six years pass and just as Kitty or rather it seems now Kat, has deigned to marry Laurie, Viscount Lawrence Sinclair, 'Sin' to his friends, Rand returns!
Now a decorated war hero, a survivor of Talavera, and having been given an earldom by the King, Kat first sights the man she has never forgotten on the occassion of her engagement to Sinclair.
Rand has not returned alone but with a Spanish woman, Elena, the Maid of Malagon, who is to receive a commendation of valour from the Prince Regent.
Rand is suffering from what was called Nostalgia (apparently this term was used still during the American Civil War and in the 1st and 2nd world war). It appears to be what we might call, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Quincy has cleverly used this condition to open up the storyline and add more complexity to the interaction between Kitty and Rand. It is a hook that invites responses.
Rand is not the only one to suffer from Nostalgia. Quincy's references to it, to the doctors who are studying it, adds an historical and emotional depth to the novel, recalling those terrible battles of the times, such as the Battle of Talavera, (Peninsular wars in Spain, July 27-27, 1809 with the British troops under the command of Wellesley).
I loved the character of Elena. Known as the Amazon! She is forthright and strong. Due to her extraordinary feats, and having been acknowledged by one of the highest in the ranks of British society, she is able to stand outside the norm and be accepted by the ton. It's her exotic difference that is both condemned and applauded. So ironic! And she seems to be laughing at the ton and their games, even as she engages in them.
Elena does remind me of the character of Sharpe's true love, Teresa Moreno, (of Bernard Cornwall books and the TV series fame). Be still my beating heart!
What shall become of the wondrous Amazon Elena and her latest paramour?
The more I reflect on this novel, the more I am caught up in the complexity behind the storyline, given the various happenings that feed into it. Laurie is another unknown quality who hides his own story methinks. And I haven't even mentioned the canine companion, Vera.
'Engaging the Earl' is a cleverly simple title. Playing with it in the context of what happens throughout the novel, watching the interplay, the dance between Rand and Kat, it is delightfully subtle on a number of levels.
I must admit that there are some ends that I wanted tied up. But as I have said they're other stories, that might bear fruit or might forever be happening off stage.
For this novel, love does find a way!
A NetGalley ARC
June 23, 2014
I have had the delightful pleasure of reading three books in the Accidental Peers series by the talented Diana Quincy. I have loved each one and I anxiously await the release of her next book.
Engaging the Earl is one of those historical romances that really tugged at my heart. My heart went out to Lady Kat who had so many emotions going on. She never got over her first love Edward and now he's back in town. Which would be great except NOW she's engaged to be married to someone else. Watching Kat and Edward fight their emotions while getting to know each other again was enjoyable and had me pulling for Edward to convince her to be his once again.
I really liked Kat, she is a strong lady that is trying to do what she thinks she should do even if it's not what her heart wants. She has some major decisions to make if she is to follow her heart.
I really liked Edward as well. He tries his best to stay away from Kat until he just plain can not fight his feelings anymore. He knows something about Kat's intended that she doesn't. He doesn't tell her until later though because he doesn't want to be the one to break the news to her.
This is one of those great reunion romances that are so much fun to read because the couple already has a deep connection. Kat & Edward already loved each other so much. However there was many obstacles they had to overcome before they could be together.
I love books that include a little fur person is a character in a storyline. Vera, Kat's very adorable dog plays a part in helping these two get together. Vera is such a cutie and just plain melts your heart.
There is a lot of drama in this book along with a few twist and turns that I sure did not see coming. I found it to be a very enjoyable historical romance story. This book is part of the Accidental Peers series as a I mentioned, however if you have not read the prior books I don't think you will have a problem. I think this book could easily be read as a stand alone.
If you enjoy a historical romance with some drama, steamy scenes, and some humor then I think you should give Diana Quincy's Engaging the Earl a try. The rest of the books in the Accidental Peers series are pretty awesome as well. I have never had a problem becoming completely engrossed in one of Diana Quincy's books. She writes a great historical romance that completely captivates my attention and keeps me turning the pages quickly.
I was given the opportunity to read this story so that I may share my thoughts with you. As always it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you on Engaging the Earl.
Engaging the Earl is one of those historical romances that really tugged at my heart. My heart went out to Lady Kat who had so many emotions going on. She never got over her first love Edward and now he's back in town. Which would be great except NOW she's engaged to be married to someone else. Watching Kat and Edward fight their emotions while getting to know each other again was enjoyable and had me pulling for Edward to convince her to be his once again.
I really liked Kat, she is a strong lady that is trying to do what she thinks she should do even if it's not what her heart wants. She has some major decisions to make if she is to follow her heart.
I really liked Edward as well. He tries his best to stay away from Kat until he just plain can not fight his feelings anymore. He knows something about Kat's intended that she doesn't. He doesn't tell her until later though because he doesn't want to be the one to break the news to her.
This is one of those great reunion romances that are so much fun to read because the couple already has a deep connection. Kat & Edward already loved each other so much. However there was many obstacles they had to overcome before they could be together.
I love books that include a little fur person is a character in a storyline. Vera, Kat's very adorable dog plays a part in helping these two get together. Vera is such a cutie and just plain melts your heart.
There is a lot of drama in this book along with a few twist and turns that I sure did not see coming. I found it to be a very enjoyable historical romance story. This book is part of the Accidental Peers series as a I mentioned, however if you have not read the prior books I don't think you will have a problem. I think this book could easily be read as a stand alone.
If you enjoy a historical romance with some drama, steamy scenes, and some humor then I think you should give Diana Quincy's Engaging the Earl a try. The rest of the books in the Accidental Peers series are pretty awesome as well. I have never had a problem becoming completely engrossed in one of Diana Quincy's books. She writes a great historical romance that completely captivates my attention and keeps me turning the pages quickly.
I was given the opportunity to read this story so that I may share my thoughts with you. As always it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you on Engaging the Earl.
June 10, 2014
Lady Katherine Granville, daughter of the Earl of Nugent, is beautiful and her heart has belonged to Edward Stanhope since she was at least sixteen. She is devastated when Edward refuses to elope with her and leaves the country. To survive she has created a social face and is the toast of the ton but underneath she has a hole in her life.
Edward Stanhope has loved Katherine for years, but with no prospects and being a plain mister leaves to join the fight on the Continent. He hopes to return having proven himself to be worthy of her hand. During the war he makes a name for himself and is awarded an Earldom. He is no longer the carefree man he was when he left. He has panic attacks that cause him to pass out and he is convinced he is destined for bedlam.
When Edward returns to England he has a changed man. Katherine is engaged to marry Viscount Laurie Sinclair. Edward tries to stay away from her to allow her to have the life he thinks she deserves. She is angry that he has returned to turn her life upside down. They have so many things they need to work out, but the rules of society make that difficult. They are still just as attracted to each other and are finding harder and harder to fight it. She decides to fight for her heart. The other characters are smart, and care for Edward and Katherine; they add twists and tension making you want to keep turning the pages. This was a wonderful story of true love that lives through the years. I enjoyed the interactions and the pace of this book. I will be going to the other books by Ms Quincy to read more.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Edward Stanhope has loved Katherine for years, but with no prospects and being a plain mister leaves to join the fight on the Continent. He hopes to return having proven himself to be worthy of her hand. During the war he makes a name for himself and is awarded an Earldom. He is no longer the carefree man he was when he left. He has panic attacks that cause him to pass out and he is convinced he is destined for bedlam.
When Edward returns to England he has a changed man. Katherine is engaged to marry Viscount Laurie Sinclair. Edward tries to stay away from her to allow her to have the life he thinks she deserves. She is angry that he has returned to turn her life upside down. They have so many things they need to work out, but the rules of society make that difficult. They are still just as attracted to each other and are finding harder and harder to fight it. She decides to fight for her heart. The other characters are smart, and care for Edward and Katherine; they add twists and tension making you want to keep turning the pages. This was a wonderful story of true love that lives through the years. I enjoyed the interactions and the pace of this book. I will be going to the other books by Ms Quincy to read more.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
July 25, 2016
I forgot who Edward was until I realize that he was one of Cam's younger brother that went to fight in the war. I enjoy this book a lot because it felt like a cat and dog chase.
The heroine, Kat, is engage to Viscount Sinclair and it is at her betrothal ball that she sees Edward again after six years. Edward came back from the war a change man and was given the title Earl of Randolph. There is also Elena who played a role in this whole cat and dog chase.
At the beginning after Kat learn of Edward's return, she tries to get back together with him to the point she says she will run off to be with him. Kat never forgot Edward as even now she is still in love with but Edward pushes her away. He doesn't want her to be with him because of what has happen to him and what the war did to him. When Kat finally decides to stop her pursuing of Edward, he decides to pursue her. This is why I said it is a cat and dog chase because then Kat is the one pushing away from him.
Yet during all of this Viscount Sinclair and Elena played a role in which cause for both Kat and Edward to change their decision. I had hope thar Sinclair was a bit more noble or at least more discret about his meetings with Elena but no.
Each of these characters' personality were strong and perfect for each of them. Even though I did not like Sinclair and Elena's personality, they were well written to give the book a good ending because our H/H got together.
I receive a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
The heroine, Kat, is engage to Viscount Sinclair and it is at her betrothal ball that she sees Edward again after six years. Edward came back from the war a change man and was given the title Earl of Randolph. There is also Elena who played a role in this whole cat and dog chase.
At the beginning after Kat learn of Edward's return, she tries to get back together with him to the point she says she will run off to be with him. Kat never forgot Edward as even now she is still in love with but Edward pushes her away. He doesn't want her to be with him because of what has happen to him and what the war did to him. When Kat finally decides to stop her pursuing of Edward, he decides to pursue her. This is why I said it is a cat and dog chase because then Kat is the one pushing away from him.
Yet during all of this Viscount Sinclair and Elena played a role in which cause for both Kat and Edward to change their decision. I had hope thar Sinclair was a bit more noble or at least more discret about his meetings with Elena but no.
Each of these characters' personality were strong and perfect for each of them. Even though I did not like Sinclair and Elena's personality, they were well written to give the book a good ending because our H/H got together.
I receive a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.
November 16, 2015
Katherine Granville has been in love with Edward Stanhope since she was in her teens, however instead of eloping with her he goes to fight Napoleon. Inexplicably he also demands she wait for him, something Katherine isn’t going to agree to and she makes it clear that she has no intention of doing so.
As Edward only bought his commission to make him more acceptable to Katherine’s family, this wasn’t quite what he expected so he destroys a gift she gave him and symbolically at least, destroys their love forever.
Edward, now Lord Randolph (Rand) returns home after six years with mental wounds after the war, and although he has never forgotten the girl he left behind, he feels he has little to offer her now due to his precarious mental state – which we would call PTSD these days, and she would have a better life with the man she accepted in his absence, Viscount Laurie Sinclair.
Ms Quincy handles their situation very well, in that Regency society doesn’t make allowances for a couple who haven’t come to terms with their mutual attraction, so the pair dance round each other with anger, indifference and aloofness to show their frustration with their unresolved love.
I like the fact the author introduced a canine element to smooth the rocky path between the pair, a path made more treacherous when a Spanish temptress arrives in London Society as a guest of the Prince Regent.
An enjoyable read for romance lovers with strong, likeable characters.
As Edward only bought his commission to make him more acceptable to Katherine’s family, this wasn’t quite what he expected so he destroys a gift she gave him and symbolically at least, destroys their love forever.
Edward, now Lord Randolph (Rand) returns home after six years with mental wounds after the war, and although he has never forgotten the girl he left behind, he feels he has little to offer her now due to his precarious mental state – which we would call PTSD these days, and she would have a better life with the man she accepted in his absence, Viscount Laurie Sinclair.
Ms Quincy handles their situation very well, in that Regency society doesn’t make allowances for a couple who haven’t come to terms with their mutual attraction, so the pair dance round each other with anger, indifference and aloofness to show their frustration with their unresolved love.
I like the fact the author introduced a canine element to smooth the rocky path between the pair, a path made more treacherous when a Spanish temptress arrives in London Society as a guest of the Prince Regent.
An enjoyable read for romance lovers with strong, likeable characters.
September 21, 2015
The fourth and final book of the Accidental Peers series by Ms. Diana Quincy. I am so glad that I decided to read this series, I find Ms. Quincy's writing fascinating, it's like you don't want to stop reading! This book focuses on Edward Stanhope and Lady Katherine - star crossed lovers since they were in their teens. Since Edward is not a first born, he has no title or estate to be able to get approval from Katherine's parent. He does, however have an intense passion for his music, he knows it wouldn't give him any title or prestige thus he decided to go into the militia for his and Katherine's future. She didn't take it well and thought that he no longer want her thus they separated ways.
Fast forward to several years after that, Edward has become Lord Rand, his excellent skills in militia had paved the way for him to earn a title and an estate. And then Lady Katherine is betrothed...to a Viscount! so what's an Earl to do? Read and find our for yourselves!
I like how the characters from the series are included in this book (I miss Sebastian and Cam!) and this is a sweet way to end the series! Just the same, I am looking forward to reading more of Diana Quincy's books...
Fast forward to several years after that, Edward has become Lord Rand, his excellent skills in militia had paved the way for him to earn a title and an estate. And then Lady Katherine is betrothed...to a Viscount! so what's an Earl to do? Read and find our for yourselves!
I like how the characters from the series are included in this book (I miss Sebastian and Cam!) and this is a sweet way to end the series! Just the same, I am looking forward to reading more of Diana Quincy's books...
June 23, 2014
Note: I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
'Engaging the Earl' by Diana Quincy was, overall, a good read. I enjoyed the characters a great deal, but found myself really having trouble swallowing Rand's reason for not wanting to be with his one true love. I understand he was worried about his "episodes", but it seemed like a bit of a stretch for someone who was so desperately in love with Fanny before he left for war. Also, along those lines, I didn't care for the fact that Rand had relations with other women while he was away. If his entire goal was to go away so he could make something of himself to finally be deemed worthy of Fanny, then why go and have sex with a bunch of other women? I don't like when there are such large discrepancies like that in stories of forbidden love. I did like Fanny's persistence though and her steadfast emotions. I guess one of them had to be, in order for their relationship to work.
Although I wish a few details had been different, in general, it was an entertaining and engrossing story.
'Engaging the Earl' by Diana Quincy was, overall, a good read. I enjoyed the characters a great deal, but found myself really having trouble swallowing Rand's reason for not wanting to be with his one true love. I understand he was worried about his "episodes", but it seemed like a bit of a stretch for someone who was so desperately in love with Fanny before he left for war. Also, along those lines, I didn't care for the fact that Rand had relations with other women while he was away. If his entire goal was to go away so he could make something of himself to finally be deemed worthy of Fanny, then why go and have sex with a bunch of other women? I don't like when there are such large discrepancies like that in stories of forbidden love. I did like Fanny's persistence though and her steadfast emotions. I guess one of them had to be, in order for their relationship to work.
Although I wish a few details had been different, in general, it was an entertaining and engrossing story.
June 19, 2014
Lady Katherine Granville has been in love with Edward Stanhope since she was 16 years old. When her father to give his blessing because Edward was a second son with no future she was devastated. Her heart was further broke when Edward refused to elope with her and chose to join the military. She has pined for him all these years and has given up all hope. She is to marry Lord Sinclair now. She still loves Edward but doesn't understand why is acts so standoffish.
Edward was injured during the war and now suffers from nightmares and has episodes where he relives it. He has now returned home and has been rewarded with the title of Earl of Randolph. He now has a title and money so he could marry Kitty if he wished. He tries his hardest to resist her because he feels like damaged goods and only wants the best for her.
You are going to enjoy the journey the two take to find each other and to admit that love knows no bounds.
Edward was injured during the war and now suffers from nightmares and has episodes where he relives it. He has now returned home and has been rewarded with the title of Earl of Randolph. He now has a title and money so he could marry Kitty if he wished. He tries his hardest to resist her because he feels like damaged goods and only wants the best for her.
You are going to enjoy the journey the two take to find each other and to admit that love knows no bounds.
January 5, 2016
Historical Fiction is a favorite genre of mine, and Diana Quincy put a new twist on an overwritten era, England early 1800’s. Kat, Lady Katherine Granville, knows at age 16 Edward Stanhope is the love of her life, and she will do anything to keep him. When her father turns down Edward’s offer of marriage, Edward knows he must prove himself to earn Kat’s hand. Edward purchases a commission and leaves Kat with a broken heart. Edward returns after 6 years, as the Earl of Randolph, on the evening of Lady Katherine’s betrothal to another man. Edward, or Rand as he is now known, is fine with her betrothal as he never plans to marry, or does he? This is a story of growth and acceptance for Kat and Rand. Can they reignite the love they lost, or is it too late? Quincy delves into the world of PTSD, or nostalgia, in a time when men were not allowed to be weak. Engaging the Earl is a great weekend read.
June 10, 2014
Lady Katherine Granville knows what she wants and who she loves. The one love above all else Edward Stanhope. Forbidden to marry, Edward sets about to prove himself worthy of Katherine's affections and prove to her parents that he is a man of honour.
Katherine fears Edward has abandoned her. After six years, she finally moves on and is set to wed Laurie Sinclair, a respected Viscount who will keep her in good stead. But when Edward shows to one of her celebrations, her imminent betrothal is put into question.
Engaging The Earl by Diana Quincy has sizzle and chemistry throughout the book with some likeable characters who all have their seemingly own agenda. Some turmoil that turns events around with a few surprises on the way. Good character interaction that holds the readers attentions with a touch of scandal thrown into the mix. Another enjoyable addition to the Accidental Peers series.
3.5 Stars
*ARC Received from the Publisher for an honest review
Katherine fears Edward has abandoned her. After six years, she finally moves on and is set to wed Laurie Sinclair, a respected Viscount who will keep her in good stead. But when Edward shows to one of her celebrations, her imminent betrothal is put into question.
Engaging The Earl by Diana Quincy has sizzle and chemistry throughout the book with some likeable characters who all have their seemingly own agenda. Some turmoil that turns events around with a few surprises on the way. Good character interaction that holds the readers attentions with a touch of scandal thrown into the mix. Another enjoyable addition to the Accidental Peers series.
3.5 Stars
*ARC Received from the Publisher for an honest review
November 9, 2014
This is the four installment of the Accidental Peers Series. Lady Katherine Granville has been the reigning beauty for the elite ton for years. She finally decided to accepted one of the many offers for her hand in marriage. On the night of her betrothal ball to Viscount Lawrence Sinclair, Edward Stanhope came back in her life. Back when Kat was sixteen, her father rejected Edward's suit. He purchased a commission, but he did not come for many years. Edward Stanhope, Earl of Randolph was grant an earldom for his courageaous bravery during the war. Edward feels unworthy of Kat's affection because he suffers from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). He feels Kat deserved better. But every time they are together, the attraction between them explodes. I really enjoy Ms. Diane Quincy's lyrical writing. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher thru NetGalley for an honest review.
June 5, 2014
This is the fourth book in Diana Quincy’s Accidental Peers series, but it is easily a stand-alone story. I wished I’d had a hammock while reading Engaging the Earl, because it’s one of those kinds of well-written stories that unfold in so lovely a manner, you just want to lounge around and slowly savor every delicious word. I enjoyed all the characters, even Viscount Sinclair, Lady Katherine’s fiancé, the man she is to wed when her long-lost love, Edward Stanhope, now Lord Randolph (Rand) returns home from fighting Napoleon’s army. Plagued with the traumas of fighting in a bloody war, Rand has never forgotten the girl he left behind. The author’s deft handling of Edward’s condition was impressive, not to mention how she managed to bring about a satisfying ending without leaving a trail of broken hearts along the way.
June 12, 2014
I don't often read historical romance but I devoured "Engaging the Earl" in a day, between working and celebrating my twins' birthday with a family dinner.
Kat and Rand were in love at 16 and 21 but her father turned down his proposal as having too little to offer. So he leaves for the war to make a name for himself. Rand returns six years later a war hero and earl but traumatized by battle and feeling unable to be a worthy husband. Meanwhile, Kat's betrothed to Laurie Sinclair...who manages to fall for Rand's erstwhile Spanish lover, the scandalous Elena.
All this wonderful intrigue, of course, ends happily with the couple in love and married, a state I couldn't help rooting for from the start.
All in all, a lovely romp through the London ton, with vivid characters, interesting language of the time and a memorable hero and heroine...
Kat and Rand were in love at 16 and 21 but her father turned down his proposal as having too little to offer. So he leaves for the war to make a name for himself. Rand returns six years later a war hero and earl but traumatized by battle and feeling unable to be a worthy husband. Meanwhile, Kat's betrothed to Laurie Sinclair...who manages to fall for Rand's erstwhile Spanish lover, the scandalous Elena.
All this wonderful intrigue, of course, ends happily with the couple in love and married, a state I couldn't help rooting for from the start.
All in all, a lovely romp through the London ton, with vivid characters, interesting language of the time and a memorable hero and heroine...
June 17, 2014
I liked this book. It is the start of the war with Napoleon for Edward and Kitty. They are in young love and Edward has no prospects. Her father denies his asking to marry her. She swears she will wait until he comes home. 6 years later Katherine is the belle of the balls. She has decided to marry a Viscount. She is shocked when a hero is introduced from returning from the war and India to receive a title and estates and it is Edward. He has been injured and shell shocked. He loves Kat. She loves him. He doesn't want to bring her down. I felt so bad for them. Give this book and twists a read. If only to know that some people did care for the Recency' s wounded warriors!
August 13, 2014
ENGAGING THE EARL is exactly what I’ve come to expect from a Diana Quincy story. From the opening line, I was completely drawn to Lady Katherine and Edward Stanhope (Rand). I enjoyed how Katherine had such gumption yet adhered (for the most part) to society’s rules. And Edward! Oh, la la. I immediately loved him for his integrity and was routing for him to overcome Post Traumatic Stress from years fighting abroad. An excellent, well-written read.
I would definitely recommend this book to friends, it was that enjoyable!
I would definitely recommend this book to friends, it was that enjoyable!
August 3, 2016
I'm finding it really hard to review this novel. I liked it. I liked the characters (mostly), I really liked the writing, and the story was engaging. But, none-the-less I felt like something was missing. Perhaps it was the constant back and forth the characters did- they seemed to change their minds a lot. With all that though, it's still a good story, with a good plot. It's interesting and at times funny (I love Vera!) and at others cold and almost depressing, which makes it a really well rounded novel as well.
November 7, 2014
Another wonderful story in Ms. Quincy's Accidental Peers series. Edward Stanhope "Rand" is a decorated war hero who has returned with a title. Changed from the war, he doesn't feel worthy of his childhood love. Having finally given up the hope of her true love returning, Kitty is engaged when Edward returns to England. But her heart has never forgotten their love, despite Edward's attempts to push her aside. A heart-warming story of lost love.
November 23, 2015
Delightful
This was a truly delightful romance and I thoroughly enjoyed every written path. Kitty and Edward were a wonderful couple and I found myself immersed in their story. Definitely recommend this book.
This was a truly delightful romance and I thoroughly enjoyed every written path. Kitty and Edward were a wonderful couple and I found myself immersed in their story. Definitely recommend this book.
July 2, 2015
Nice, easy read with some flaws. I really liked the heroine.
November 19, 2021
I skipped Book 3 ~ Compromising Willa... compared to Sebastian Stanhope's story, I noticed that this one had elevated the love and sex scenes to warm as required by the changing times and readers' requirements. This one is Edward Stanhope's story. When he was 21, he enlisted into the military in an effort to make himself worthy of Lady Kat, who was at that time just 16 but who already knew that she loved Edward against her parents wishes on account of their class differences. Six years later, Kat was about to announce her engagement to a Viscount while Edward was awarded an Earldom on account of his extraordinary heroic service to Crown and Country. The wars had left deep mental scars on Edward... and ironically the reason why he left Kat the first time would also be the cause of his not pursuing their childhood attachment any further... for after resigning his commission he went to India instead of going home to England... and to a proud strong woman as Lady Katherine Granville, she took that as a sign of Indifference and maybe even Abandonment of their childhood commitment. Conflict... drama... misguided notions and the annoying entitlement of removing the freedom of choice vis~à~vis true and deep abiding love on the part of the person not given the option... not to mention the insult.
November 30, 2023
I really enjoyed this book and would give many parts of it 5 stars. There’s young, passionate love, a moral hero who goes off to war to become worthy of marrying his love. The heroine, Kat felt abandoned and betrayed and finally became betrothed 6 years later, just in time for Rand’s return and he is now an Earl! Le sigh. There so much longing, angst, passion and regret between these two. I adored Kat and how open she was with her feelings. She played no games, communicated her thoughts and feelings and went after what she wanted with dogged determination. Rand suffered from the yet unnamed PTSD and thought she deserved better than him but it turned out her betrothed wasn’t better after all. So why am I giving this 4 stars instead of 5? Because the H/h don’t consummate their relationship until very late into the book and by then we’ve already had several extremely steamy sex scenes between her fiancé, Laurie and Elena, Rand’s former paramour. Laurie and Elena burned the kindle and when Kat and Rand FINALLY got together it fell flat and they had lost the spark and chemistry they had before they were officially together. Anticlimactic for the reader as well as for Kat herself. 🫢 So it took away from the love story for me and I actually wanted to know what came of Laurie’s passionate relationship with Elena. 4 stars.
December 7, 2025
The second time Around
I rated this book 4.5 stars, only because of previous books I have read by this author. Who doesn't love a great second chance story? The significant others of the two main characters, interested me more because of the steamy, sizzling hot sex. The back and forth of Rand and Kat getting back together, did not pop for me.
I rated this book 4.5 stars, only because of previous books I have read by this author. Who doesn't love a great second chance story? The significant others of the two main characters, interested me more because of the steamy, sizzling hot sex. The back and forth of Rand and Kat getting back together, did not pop for me.
June 12, 2018
3.5 stars
July 13, 2020
This gains an extra star for its excellent portrayal of PTSD.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews