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The Earl's Awakening
One glance, and his past life was history. Leander Talbot’s life changed forever when his wife died. He is now reluctantly venturing back into society, knowing that, as the Earl of Ockley, he must marry again to produce an heir. But he can’t bring himself to the sticking point. Instead, he spends his time evading the matchmaking mamas of the ton . The dark and dangerous Duke of Arden is an infamous libertine. It is said that he seduces innocents, and there are even more sinister tales whispered of his predilections. Only the wild young blades who form his retinue know the truth, but he is shunned by all save those wishing to court notoriety. A chance meeting brings Leander into Arden’s orbit. Ignoring the warnings about Arden’s intentions, Leander is drawn into a seductive world of sexual indulgence. There, he finds the freedom he craves from his overbearing family. By the time he suspects Arden might have ulterior motives, it may be too late to save his reputation—and his heart.
195 pages, Paperback
Published July 24, 2023
40 people want to read
About the author
Joy Lynn Fielding
22 books60 followersJoy Lynn Fielding lives in a small English market town, where she nurtures passions for vintage aircraft, horses and gardening. An avid researcher for her books, she delights in uncovering unusual facts and sharing them with anyone within earshot. She insists this has never led to anyone hiding behind the furniture.
Joy writes at the pace her health allows, powered by enthusiasm, optimism and, above all, coffee. She hopes her books offer good company to anyone navigating their own winding paths.
Joy writes at the pace her health allows, powered by enthusiasm, optimism and, above all, coffee. She hopes her books offer good company to anyone navigating their own winding paths.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 11, 2023
Do yourselves a favor and don’t waste your money on this book. First of all it is not a romance and the writing is so “historically-forced” it made me cringe, trying too much and succeeding NOT. The MCs are a horndog duke who likes orgies and can’t keep it in his pants and the other one is an earl who is a doormat and who gets cheated on constantly (Sometimes with him still in the room (the horndog was having a temper tantrum and he wanted to punish the doormat. Multiple times and with multiple ppl (off page, of course so don’t get excited with the prospect of good steam) . That’s it. They meet, they fuck , the doormat wants to be less doormat , he doesn’t succeed he goes back to the horndog and hea. No depth, no conversations no feelings . It’s not even an erotica, you know, because the sex is totally boring.
This one takes the prize for one of the worst 2023 reads so far.
This one takes the prize for one of the worst 2023 reads so far.
August 24, 2023
I read the ebook ARC from BookSirens. This is my review:
Alas, between the typical wordiness and passive voice prose that many authors think defines historical England, and very little plot, at 40%, I am not interested enough to continue reading.
Alas, between the typical wordiness and passive voice prose that many authors think defines historical England, and very little plot, at 40%, I am not interested enough to continue reading.
September 12, 2023
I don't know what this was but I can say for sure that it definitely wasn't a love story or a romance.
How the one MC was always moonstruck over the other MC despite constantly finding him with other men is something I cannot understand.
I still don't know what the hell I just read... No connection... No resolution... No promises... Seems they were only together cos they were constantly horny?
WTF gosh man... 🙈🤣😭
How the one MC was always moonstruck over the other MC despite constantly finding him with other men is something I cannot understand.
I still don't know what the hell I just read... No connection... No resolution... No promises... Seems they were only together cos they were constantly horny?
WTF gosh man... 🙈🤣😭
August 19, 2023
Wow! This book was totally unexpected. The story begins in typical regency romance style: Leander, Earl of Ockley, is struggling with a sense of incompleteness and stiffness in his life. He has truly not been happy since the death of his beloved wife over two years ago. His mother is on his case to remarry and sire a child, but he remains unwilling. He truly loved his wife, and enjoyed a healthy sex life with her. The sex part is easily remedied with a discreet relationship with a widow, but the feeling of being part of a pair is missing. He finds the girls his mother pushes on him sorely lacking. He doesn't know exactly what he is looking for, but he knows he's envious of his younger brother, at home during a break in fighting against Napoleon, His brother is everything Leander is not: charming, devil-may-care, classically handsome, a true war hero. His brother is very content in his life, and has been in a loving relationship with... a man. Leander is a reluctant protector for his brother, feeling envious of his brother's natural gifts, and even his scandalous relationship (which is handled discretely).
During one of the endless, dreary, boring evening parties that his mother (and now his brother, since, obviously he won't be producing an heir) insists that he attends, he meets the Duke of Arden, one of the most scandalous members of society. Leander finds himself in pleasant conversation with the Duke, and, on a whim of self-rebellion, accepts the Duke's invitation to dinner. This is where the story takes a dramatic turn toward delicious, erotic romance!
The author does a great job in maintaining a Jane Austin style of writing throughout, without diminishing the sexy parts. It was because of this style, that I erroneously assumed that this romance would be rather staid (I know. What was I thinking, in a gay romance? But it does happen sometimes). What a delightful surprise to be so wrong!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
During one of the endless, dreary, boring evening parties that his mother (and now his brother, since, obviously he won't be producing an heir) insists that he attends, he meets the Duke of Arden, one of the most scandalous members of society. Leander finds himself in pleasant conversation with the Duke, and, on a whim of self-rebellion, accepts the Duke's invitation to dinner. This is where the story takes a dramatic turn toward delicious, erotic romance!
The author does a great job in maintaining a Jane Austin style of writing throughout, without diminishing the sexy parts. It was because of this style, that I erroneously assumed that this romance would be rather staid (I know. What was I thinking, in a gay romance? But it does happen sometimes). What a delightful surprise to be so wrong!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 11, 2023
This was a MM, kind of enemies to lovers to enemies, and gay awakening, historical romance. And what historical romance is complete without a mother or two trying to marry off their children.
It's starts off with poor Leander who is an Earl and a widower at 25 and not really looking for a replacement. He's a bit uptight but only because he doesn't want to be stuck in stuffy ballrooms with marriage minded mama's, including his own. But his mama needs an escort and his brother, Henry, is in the military and when home on leave makes himself unavailable. Lots of family drama and sibling squabbles for poor Leander to deal with.
Then there is Arden or rather The Duke of Arden. He is known to be a libertine, hosting orgies, and in league with the devil. He has set his sights on Leander. Their chemistry is off the charts but is Arden playing with Leander or is the romance real?
This is the first book I have read by this author and I did enjoy it. She obviously did her research and she handled LGBTQ well while sticking within the limitations of the time period.
There were some pretty spicy scenes. Unfortunately, there was very obvious OM drama that I was not fond of and kept this from being a five star read for me. I might have dealt with it if the two incidents were dealt with later but there were no apologies, no groveling, and in fact, it was never spoke of at any point. I would never have overlooked something like that and I didn't expect Leander to do so either. It made him seem weaker in my eyes.
All and all I did like this book and I would definitely consider other books by this author. I would also recommend this as a good MM romance with a sweet HEA. I am giving this story four shiny stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It's starts off with poor Leander who is an Earl and a widower at 25 and not really looking for a replacement. He's a bit uptight but only because he doesn't want to be stuck in stuffy ballrooms with marriage minded mama's, including his own. But his mama needs an escort and his brother, Henry, is in the military and when home on leave makes himself unavailable. Lots of family drama and sibling squabbles for poor Leander to deal with.
Then there is Arden or rather The Duke of Arden. He is known to be a libertine, hosting orgies, and in league with the devil. He has set his sights on Leander. Their chemistry is off the charts but is Arden playing with Leander or is the romance real?
This is the first book I have read by this author and I did enjoy it. She obviously did her research and she handled LGBTQ well while sticking within the limitations of the time period.
There were some pretty spicy scenes. Unfortunately, there was very obvious OM drama that I was not fond of and kept this from being a five star read for me. I might have dealt with it if the two incidents were dealt with later but there were no apologies, no groveling, and in fact, it was never spoke of at any point. I would never have overlooked something like that and I didn't expect Leander to do so either. It made him seem weaker in my eyes.
All and all I did like this book and I would definitely consider other books by this author. I would also recommend this as a good MM romance with a sweet HEA. I am giving this story four shiny stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 16, 2023
I’m always eager to pick up a new LGBTQ romance set in the regency era, where we know such relationships had to be clandestine, deeply hidden, highly cloaked. Having read (and re-read, more times than I can count) all of Jane Austen’s groundbreaking novels from the era, I’m already steeped in what such a novel should look like, and The Earl’s Awakening did not disappoint.
Where the novel departs from the period regency, of course, is in its open bedroom – or ballroom, or card room, or wherever the participants engage in their flaming debauchery and wild orgies.
The novel maintains a single point of view throughout, that of Leander, Earl of Ockley. As the novel opens, his behavior in every aspect conforms with what is expected from an upstanding and desirable male member of the Ton. Having recently lost his beloved wife, he honors the needs of his lady mother and plans to re-marry to provide her with the required heir – just not at present.
Seeds of his dramatic transformation are sown in Chapter Two when he first meets the Duke of Arden at a London gaming salon and notices, in spite of himself, that “his voice was rich and soft, with a hint of steel that intrigued Leander.”
Leander’s internal struggle to deny his urgings and prevent himself from acting upon them is richly and authentically conveyed. At nearly every turning point, he responds with action – powerless to resist that hint of steel – then tries to deny that what has occurred satisfies his deepest desires. The many explicit scenes that propel his journey forward are crafted with superb eroticism.
Is he being played for a fool by a rake who intends merely to ruin him? As he comes to recognize and claim what he truly wants, will he find himself rejected? Afficionados of gay erotic romance will relish the journey and find its conclusion highly satisfying.
Where the novel departs from the period regency, of course, is in its open bedroom – or ballroom, or card room, or wherever the participants engage in their flaming debauchery and wild orgies.
The novel maintains a single point of view throughout, that of Leander, Earl of Ockley. As the novel opens, his behavior in every aspect conforms with what is expected from an upstanding and desirable male member of the Ton. Having recently lost his beloved wife, he honors the needs of his lady mother and plans to re-marry to provide her with the required heir – just not at present.
Seeds of his dramatic transformation are sown in Chapter Two when he first meets the Duke of Arden at a London gaming salon and notices, in spite of himself, that “his voice was rich and soft, with a hint of steel that intrigued Leander.”
Leander’s internal struggle to deny his urgings and prevent himself from acting upon them is richly and authentically conveyed. At nearly every turning point, he responds with action – powerless to resist that hint of steel – then tries to deny that what has occurred satisfies his deepest desires. The many explicit scenes that propel his journey forward are crafted with superb eroticism.
Is he being played for a fool by a rake who intends merely to ruin him? As he comes to recognize and claim what he truly wants, will he find himself rejected? Afficionados of gay erotic romance will relish the journey and find its conclusion highly satisfying.
August 18, 2023
A Calculated Seduction
6 STARS!!!
I absolutely loved this book; it has everything I want in a Regency romance. There is so much passion at play in this book, it was a joy to read. It is very much an open-door romance and I would say it has a touch of primal play. The steamy scenes were gloriously carnal and exhibited a passion I rarely see. It is written in third person, but we follow Leander’s point of view. I hesitate to call it HEA simply because of the restrictions upon the couple due to the laws and societal strictures of the time period.
The machinations of the Duke of Arden were devious and single-minded in his attempt to get Leander, the Earl of Ockley to fall willingly into his trap. Fall, Leander did. With his senses overwhelmed, it took him no time at all to become enthralled by the notorious duke, despite every warning received, and his own better judgement, Arden soon became the center of Leander’s world. When reality comes calling and his ardor cooled by distance, Leander believes himself a fool and sees the trap for what it was, not understanding Arden’s seeming nonchalance is a cover for his own confusion and hurt, for what was supposed to be a challenge and nothing more, somehow became everything he ever wanted, but never hoped to have. This book has a very satisfying conclusion.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6 STARS!!!
I absolutely loved this book; it has everything I want in a Regency romance. There is so much passion at play in this book, it was a joy to read. It is very much an open-door romance and I would say it has a touch of primal play. The steamy scenes were gloriously carnal and exhibited a passion I rarely see. It is written in third person, but we follow Leander’s point of view. I hesitate to call it HEA simply because of the restrictions upon the couple due to the laws and societal strictures of the time period.
The machinations of the Duke of Arden were devious and single-minded in his attempt to get Leander, the Earl of Ockley to fall willingly into his trap. Fall, Leander did. With his senses overwhelmed, it took him no time at all to become enthralled by the notorious duke, despite every warning received, and his own better judgement, Arden soon became the center of Leander’s world. When reality comes calling and his ardor cooled by distance, Leander believes himself a fool and sees the trap for what it was, not understanding Arden’s seeming nonchalance is a cover for his own confusion and hurt, for what was supposed to be a challenge and nothing more, somehow became everything he ever wanted, but never hoped to have. This book has a very satisfying conclusion.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 13, 2023
This is the first story I’ve read by this author. I really enjoyed it. I don’t normally read historical stories but the blurb drew me in.
This is an opposites/ instant attraction/ awakening story. Leander is a widower who can’t get over loosing his wife. He has a mother and brother that pushes him to move on and remarry. He is sort of forced into the social events and suffers them until he meets Arden.
Arden has a reputation for being beyond the bad boy. There is an attraction between the two but Leander is fearful that Arden only has an interest in ruining his reputation. The problem is Leander is searching for something to make his life more bearable and Arden’s attention gives him that until he is faced with Arden’s intentions.
Everything is not as it seems and Leander ends up faced with issues he is not wanting in his life. There are so many twists to this story that it was hard to set down. I did feel more than once Leander was maybe a little too easy to sway without thought. I wished Leander had dealt with Henry a lot stronger. I enjoyed the story and will read more by this author.
This is an opposites/ instant attraction/ awakening story. Leander is a widower who can’t get over loosing his wife. He has a mother and brother that pushes him to move on and remarry. He is sort of forced into the social events and suffers them until he meets Arden.
Arden has a reputation for being beyond the bad boy. There is an attraction between the two but Leander is fearful that Arden only has an interest in ruining his reputation. The problem is Leander is searching for something to make his life more bearable and Arden’s attention gives him that until he is faced with Arden’s intentions.
Everything is not as it seems and Leander ends up faced with issues he is not wanting in his life. There are so many twists to this story that it was hard to set down. I did feel more than once Leander was maybe a little too easy to sway without thought. I wished Leander had dealt with Henry a lot stronger. I enjoyed the story and will read more by this author.
August 21, 2023
Thank you BookSirens for providing an ARC and allowing me to review this novel.
The writing is lovely with nice immersion in the time period, some intriguing characters and lots of generally well-written sex. This really works best as historical erotica rather than as a romance which is fine, just a bit disappointing since I was looking forward to an enemies to lovers historical romance. While the characters were well drawn, I didn't ever get a clear sense of why Ockley -- a still grieving widower -- would be attracted to the "infamous libertine" Arden beyond insta-lust. One encounter with Ockley and the staid widower jumps headlong into a gay affair? I think I prefer a slow-burn ratcheting up of an emotional connection and intimacy. As I said, there is lots of gorgeous descriptive writing, however, I would encourage the author to consider adding more character motivation and emotional depth.
The writing is lovely with nice immersion in the time period, some intriguing characters and lots of generally well-written sex. This really works best as historical erotica rather than as a romance which is fine, just a bit disappointing since I was looking forward to an enemies to lovers historical romance. While the characters were well drawn, I didn't ever get a clear sense of why Ockley -- a still grieving widower -- would be attracted to the "infamous libertine" Arden beyond insta-lust. One encounter with Ockley and the staid widower jumps headlong into a gay affair? I think I prefer a slow-burn ratcheting up of an emotional connection and intimacy. As I said, there is lots of gorgeous descriptive writing, however, I would encourage the author to consider adding more character motivation and emotional depth.
August 16, 2023
A fun historical romance and an enjoyable book overall. It's mostly smut, which I wasn't expecting, but I am certainly not complaining about it! I liked the writing style and mostly enjoyed each of the characters. I liked Leander as a main character and thought that his discovery of his sexuality was fun. Smut is the main focus of the story, however, so the small plot points set up, though, don't develop too much.
l would have liked to have known more about Arden and who he was as a person, though. Getting some more development surrounding that would have been compelling since I thought he was in general based on what we knew of him. By the end of the book, I wanted to know even more! On the same note, I would also be very interested in reading a story about Henry and Burnage!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
l would have liked to have known more about Arden and who he was as a person, though. Getting some more development surrounding that would have been compelling since I thought he was in general based on what we knew of him. By the end of the book, I wanted to know even more! On the same note, I would also be very interested in reading a story about Henry and Burnage!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 7, 2023
3 stars An ARC Read via Booksprout.
A good start to this historical romance as Leander was attending a boring party he wanted out of.
Lord Leander was under pressure by his mother to remarry and produce an heir. He meets Arden through his brother on an outing, discretely giving smiles.
Duke Arden was known as a cad in the community with the reputation.
Scenes progress and the mcs play a games of teasing and baiting with each other, especially Arden. Leander’s temptation to cross over to the forbidden side gets closer in this historical story. I think this was a case of Leander proving a point to his mother and brother. Both were pressuring him to wed and to have a child. The writing was perfect for the time period, I wished it wasn’t in 3rd person to enjoy more.
This is told in 3rd person 1 pov from Leander which isnt my favourite to read but its an okay read for me.
A good start to this historical romance as Leander was attending a boring party he wanted out of.
Lord Leander was under pressure by his mother to remarry and produce an heir. He meets Arden through his brother on an outing, discretely giving smiles.
Duke Arden was known as a cad in the community with the reputation.
Scenes progress and the mcs play a games of teasing and baiting with each other, especially Arden. Leander’s temptation to cross over to the forbidden side gets closer in this historical story. I think this was a case of Leander proving a point to his mother and brother. Both were pressuring him to wed and to have a child. The writing was perfect for the time period, I wished it wasn’t in 3rd person to enjoy more.
This is told in 3rd person 1 pov from Leander which isnt my favourite to read but its an okay read for me.
August 28, 2023
A good book about two very different men, or are they truly that different? Leander is a widower that is expected to marry and produce an heir. But he is not enamored by any of the women thrown his way by the interfering ladies around him. Enter Duke of Arden. When Leander is drawn to Arden, he let's go and begins to explore another side of himself. This is a story that is written to reflect the time, but there are still some of the same thoughts today TBH. Join in as Leander learns more about himself and who Arden really is. Will they be able to forge a friendship and more? I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 7, 2023
Well written, full of hot steamy scenes. Leander is a man who lost his wife a few years ago and doesn't want to marry for any reason. He is just adrift, lost in time. He meets up with Arden and has learned a few different things about himself. Arden is a Duke who also has been adrift for a long time and really doesn't care about anyone till he meets up with Leander. They both share an awaking that shocks Leander and Arden and things change between them. This book may not be for some but is really a very good read. Would recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 9, 2023
A Surprising Turn of Events . . .
Leander Talbot, Earl of Ockley, lost his wife and has not been able to get over her death. But he must produce an heir, whether he is ready to face that requirement or not. The Duke of Arden is a shocking man who also has his issues. His reputation as a dark and dangerous libertine is well earned. Leander allows himself to be drawn into the Duke of Arden’s circle and both of them are surprised at their new awareness of each other. How will this change their paths going forward? Will Leander accept the fact that he may have already irrevocably destroyed his own reputation?
Leander Talbot, Earl of Ockley, lost his wife and has not been able to get over her death. But he must produce an heir, whether he is ready to face that requirement or not. The Duke of Arden is a shocking man who also has his issues. His reputation as a dark and dangerous libertine is well earned. Leander allows himself to be drawn into the Duke of Arden’s circle and both of them are surprised at their new awareness of each other. How will this change their paths going forward? Will Leander accept the fact that he may have already irrevocably destroyed his own reputation?
September 10, 2023
Attraction at first sight
Leander has been mourning his wife for two years and resisting his mother’s entreaties to remarry and do his duty to beget an heir and a spare.
Everything changes when he meets the duke of Arden, who does his very best to lure him to his inner circle of friends.
This encounter causes Leander to question his (half) life catering to the expectations of his mother and the ton. He will discover that not everything or everyone is like they seem. His search for his liberated identity may lead him to finding love in an unexpected place.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Leander has been mourning his wife for two years and resisting his mother’s entreaties to remarry and do his duty to beget an heir and a spare.
Everything changes when he meets the duke of Arden, who does his very best to lure him to his inner circle of friends.
This encounter causes Leander to question his (half) life catering to the expectations of his mother and the ton. He will discover that not everything or everyone is like they seem. His search for his liberated identity may lead him to finding love in an unexpected place.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 19, 2023
The Earl of Ockley and the Duke of Arden, on the surface no two men could be more different. In reality, these two have things in common that draw them to each other despite family pressures and the censure of society. This story took me back to my earliest days of reading romance, decades ago with its dark and dangerous character contrasted with the seemingly innocent and vanilla character who turns out to be much more interesting than all the other characters believe them to be. I hope there are many more historical m/m books coming from Joy Lynn Fielding. I also have to say this is one stunning cover.
September 23, 2023
I enjoyed reading this but there were a couple of things that kept me from giving it 5 stars. I've read quite a few historical MM books and loved them. None of them made me feel like I had to look up every other word. I believe that a book should be as historically accurate as possible but this seemed a bit over the top to the point it was distracting.
There were a lot of things I liked, though, including the hot sexy scenes and the light kink. I would have liked there to be an epilogue because the story ended a bit abruptly. I would read more books by this author.
A review copy was provided but this is my unbiased opinion.
There were a lot of things I liked, though, including the hot sexy scenes and the light kink. I would have liked there to be an epilogue because the story ended a bit abruptly. I would read more books by this author.
A review copy was provided but this is my unbiased opinion.
September 8, 2023
Told from a single POV, The Earl's Awakening is a bi-awakening story that plays with both the MC's and the reader's emotions. There were elements of this story that I adored, but there were other places where I just wanted more... In this book, you can definitely see the range of historical reactions to sexuality, which was interesting, but I found myself wanting more depth of understanding about Arden and I found that the ending was somewhat abrupt - I think if the story continued just a little longer, I would have gotten what I craved, even with the single POV.
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Rating: 3.5 Stars
September 23, 2023
Independent reviewer for Archaeolibrarian, I was gifted my copy of this book.
This is the second book I've read of this author in quick succession. And I find myself comparing the two, which I maybe shouldn't, so I'll try to keep the comparison to a minimum!
Leander, Earl of Ockley, is a widow and his mother keeps finding new young YOUNG ladies to throw at him, he needs an heir after all! But Leander isn't in a rush. Meeting the Duke of Arden throws Leander into a tailspin, especially when his brother warns Leander off Arden, but Leander will do what he wants. He's a grown man, after all. Arden has a reputation for all things that "polite" society shun. Leander can't keep away, and finds himself drawn into Arden's circle, and his bed.
I'm not sure I liked this book. There are pages of Leander's internal ramblings and I found myself skimming, far more than usual, huge paragraphs. Possibly, if Arden had been given a say, I would have enjoyed this book more, but he doesn't get a say and that's one point I didn't like.
I didn't feel the romance element here. Leander kinda jumps into things with Arden and I think I would have preferred a longer slow-burn plot, rather than the inst-lust thing. The smexy times were good though!
There's lots of descriptions of rules and regulations of the time. Usually, when reading historical romance, I can get my head around the why and wherefores, but I struggled a bit here.
I DID like that we don't get Arden's given name til right to the very end. I thought that was a great idea.
I did like HOW it was written, rather than WHAT was written, if that makes any sense. I like the way Fielding writes, I just wasn't too fussed with this particular story, you know?
I did finish it, but it was a close thing.
3 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
This is the second book I've read of this author in quick succession. And I find myself comparing the two, which I maybe shouldn't, so I'll try to keep the comparison to a minimum!
Leander, Earl of Ockley, is a widow and his mother keeps finding new young YOUNG ladies to throw at him, he needs an heir after all! But Leander isn't in a rush. Meeting the Duke of Arden throws Leander into a tailspin, especially when his brother warns Leander off Arden, but Leander will do what he wants. He's a grown man, after all. Arden has a reputation for all things that "polite" society shun. Leander can't keep away, and finds himself drawn into Arden's circle, and his bed.
I'm not sure I liked this book. There are pages of Leander's internal ramblings and I found myself skimming, far more than usual, huge paragraphs. Possibly, if Arden had been given a say, I would have enjoyed this book more, but he doesn't get a say and that's one point I didn't like.
I didn't feel the romance element here. Leander kinda jumps into things with Arden and I think I would have preferred a longer slow-burn plot, rather than the inst-lust thing. The smexy times were good though!
There's lots of descriptions of rules and regulations of the time. Usually, when reading historical romance, I can get my head around the why and wherefores, but I struggled a bit here.
I DID like that we don't get Arden's given name til right to the very end. I thought that was a great idea.
I did like HOW it was written, rather than WHAT was written, if that makes any sense. I like the way Fielding writes, I just wasn't too fussed with this particular story, you know?
I did finish it, but it was a close thing.
3 stars
*same worded review will appear elsewhere
September 14, 2023
I don’t read a lot of regency romances but the MM aspect drew me in. The spice was nice. The relationship and it’s troubles were relatable and I am glad that they got their HEA. I was a bit bored throughout and I wish the author had clued us in on Leander’s inner thoughts about his attraction before the attraction suddenly bloomed into fruition. I definitely think this book would’ve been better with a duel POV so I didn’t have to guess what was going on in Arden’s head.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 14, 2023
The Earl’s Awakening isn’t really a genre that I enjoy reading. Yes, I do enjoy and reads lot of regency historical romances, but I couldn’t relate to the main characters in this one and the plot is so shallow I found it tedious. There isn’t much of a plot beyond the physical sexual interactions and stewing about them and whether there are really character assassinations involved. I thank the author for an advance review copy and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
September 10, 2023
Leander has lost so much. After the passing of his wife, his mother is pushing him to both remarry and produce an heir. Talk about all pressure and no compassion.
After Leander meets the Duke of Arden, something in him begins to awaken. However, there are reputations at stake.
Will either care and seek their happiness or will a future doom to fail, no heirs in sight and reputations in tatters?
*I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.*
After Leander meets the Duke of Arden, something in him begins to awaken. However, there are reputations at stake.
Will either care and seek their happiness or will a future doom to fail, no heirs in sight and reputations in tatters?
*I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.*
September 19, 2023
Leander's, Earl Of Ockley, wife died in the pregnancy of their first child. He has no intention to get married right now, so when he meets the Duke Of Arden he knows that he's a philanderer of both women and men he decides to attend some of his get togethers. When he gets to know him he likes him and wants to be his friend, The more he's around him he realizes he wants him more than a friend and that he enjoys all the decadent things he does to him. I really enjoyed this book.
September 5, 2023
This historical mm novel was one of the best I have ever read! Leander and Arden were such an unlikely match. The upstanding widower and the unrepentant rake. I would definitely enjoy more of these stories. 10/10!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 8, 2023
A very erotic, MM, gay awakening, historical romance that had intriguing characters. There's plenty of spicy scenes as Leander is drawn to Arden, the notorious Duke, so completely. I would have liked to know more about Arden. A lovely read.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 21, 2023
The upstanding Earl of Oakley makes a decision that turns his lonely life around, when he accepts the companionship of the notorious Duke of Arden.
A very erotic MM romance.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
A very erotic MM romance.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
October 1, 2023
This tale has a certain tragic quality that drew me in…
Leander Talbot, Earl of Ockley, a young widower pestered by his mother to remarry and sire an heir. Pestered by his younger brother for the same reason and so he wouldn’t have to.
The Duke of Arden, unapologetically living up to the reputation of infamous libertine and debaucher of innocents he inherited from his father.
They meet by chance and immediately connect on an intellectual level. Desperate to escape the weight of his responsibilities, Leander lets himself get drawn into Arden’s world of sexual indulgence. But when Leander realises he’s only a game to Arden, a new toy easily replaced, his reputation is already suffering and his heart thoroughly compromised. Only Arden isn’t giving up… it, he, was nothing but a game. Or was he?
📚 I really enjoyed this tragically beautiful and touching tale of two alpha males with heavy hearts connecting on every level. Their chemistry is of the charts and the steam is heavy and delectable. Their drama is a clash of pure testosterone - two bulls searching for that blissful equilibrium in the middle. An unlikely love story, well-written and captivating. I would definitely recommend it!
Leander Talbot, Earl of Ockley, a young widower pestered by his mother to remarry and sire an heir. Pestered by his younger brother for the same reason and so he wouldn’t have to.
The Duke of Arden, unapologetically living up to the reputation of infamous libertine and debaucher of innocents he inherited from his father.
They meet by chance and immediately connect on an intellectual level. Desperate to escape the weight of his responsibilities, Leander lets himself get drawn into Arden’s world of sexual indulgence. But when Leander realises he’s only a game to Arden, a new toy easily replaced, his reputation is already suffering and his heart thoroughly compromised. Only Arden isn’t giving up… it, he, was nothing but a game. Or was he?
📚 I really enjoyed this tragically beautiful and touching tale of two alpha males with heavy hearts connecting on every level. Their chemistry is of the charts and the steam is heavy and delectable. Their drama is a clash of pure testosterone - two bulls searching for that blissful equilibrium in the middle. An unlikely love story, well-written and captivating. I would definitely recommend it!
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