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The Earl Was Wrong
An earl has no choice but to marry…
When his father died, sixteen-year-old Sebastian inherited a crumbling earldom. He dedicated himself to becoming a respectable lord, and now, a decade later, he will do anything to prevent his scandalous sister from undermining his status—even marry a sensible spinster. Emmeline ought to be the ideal wife, but she is less biddable and more beddable than he expects. To his dismay, feelings beyond friendship begin to emerge. Although intimacy breeds affection, can it inspire love?
…a lady with an impeccable reputation.
Born a vicar’s daughter, Emmeline has dedicated herself to her younger siblings and, as a result, has been too busy to consider her own future. At twenty-four, marriage seems unlikely—until she meets a practical lord who offers her the very thing she’s always dreamed a family of her own. Sebastian ought to be the perfect husband, but he can be overbearing and emotionally distant. To her relief, she begins to catch glimpses of a kind, caring man behind his cold exterior. Can she convince him that they deserve more than a marriage of convenience?
When his father died, sixteen-year-old Sebastian inherited a crumbling earldom. He dedicated himself to becoming a respectable lord, and now, a decade later, he will do anything to prevent his scandalous sister from undermining his status—even marry a sensible spinster. Emmeline ought to be the ideal wife, but she is less biddable and more beddable than he expects. To his dismay, feelings beyond friendship begin to emerge. Although intimacy breeds affection, can it inspire love?
…a lady with an impeccable reputation.
Born a vicar’s daughter, Emmeline has dedicated herself to her younger siblings and, as a result, has been too busy to consider her own future. At twenty-four, marriage seems unlikely—until she meets a practical lord who offers her the very thing she’s always dreamed a family of her own. Sebastian ought to be the perfect husband, but he can be overbearing and emotionally distant. To her relief, she begins to catch glimpses of a kind, caring man behind his cold exterior. Can she convince him that they deserve more than a marriage of convenience?
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 9, 2023
About the author
Britt Belle
11 books83 followersI began reading romance novels in high school. Julie Garwood, Judith McNaught, Jude Deveraux, Amanda Quick and Johanna Lindsay were the first authors I loved. I have always devoured historical romance, but I also enjoy contemporary romance. In recent years, I have embraced sports romance (because it combines two of my favorite things: sports and love stories!).
I am an ex-collegiate volleyball player with an undergraduate degree in history, a former elementary school teacher, and the mother of three daughters. My husband and I spend our free time transporting our girls to dance rehearsals, bantering about sports, and eating entirely too much Mexican food.
I am an ex-collegiate volleyball player with an undergraduate degree in history, a former elementary school teacher, and the mother of three daughters. My husband and I spend our free time transporting our girls to dance rehearsals, bantering about sports, and eating entirely too much Mexican food.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
August 21, 2023
What a debut! Belle weaves an engaging tale about an emotionally constipated earl who keeps saying things and then wondering why he said it. When he marries practical Emmeline, he is expecting someone who will wrangle his feral sister and utterly insufferable horndog of a mother but finds that he in fact wed an entire person with thoughts and feelings. The following tropes appear to me-acclaim: marriage of convenience; virgin hero who thinks he’s good at sex but isn’t; found family; “are you banging my brother” (is that a trope?); not supposed to love your spouse oops. There were a couple of words that struck me as anachronistic for a book set during the regency era (was “weird” used then? I honestly don’t know) but overall I thought this was a fantastic debut with a lot of heart, heat, and wit. I hope to see more soon! The author was kind enough to send me an ARC which I read in exchange for an honest review.
October 9, 2023
If you follow Plot Trysts reviews, you may know that nothing is more annoying to us than miscommunication in a romance novel. It feels lazy: why come up with actual conflict when you can have pretend conflict that could be (and will be!) resolved by one honest conversation between two people who supposedly love each other?! It may surprise you, then, when we say that we really, really enjoyed this book, even though the conflict hinges on the inability of the two MCs to have an honest conversation with each other. So, we have to amend our stance on miscommunication: turns out we really appreciate it when it's done well (and not lazily).
Besides some really well-done miscommunication, what can you expect in this one? Well, it's a marriage of convenience between hot earl Sebastian and family-minded spinster Emmeline. Sebastian wants someone who can take charge of his younger siblings, and Emmeline has experience with that. Emmeline isn't particularly looking to marry, but when she gets the opportunity to get hitched to a hot young earl and have a family of her own, she doesn't think twice.
Once they're married, though, it turns out that neither Emmeline nor Sebastian really know what to do in a marriage. Sebastian tries to shoulder all the burdens, while Emmeline feels like he's not letting her be an equal partner; Emmeline tries to fulfill her part of the (marriage) bargain by getting close to his sibling, while Sebastian starts to feel jealous that she's spending all of her time with them. Obviously one good, long conversation would straighten them both out, but since they just met each other and are trying to get to know each other while also finding their footing in a new personal world order, it makes total sense for that conversation to be nearly impossible to have. Plus they're both virgins trying to figure out what the heck happens in the marriage bed, adding a fraught overlay to any frank discussion they might want to have.
Anyhow, this is a great debut that made us like things we usually go out of our way to avoid. Check it out.
14-Word Summaries:
Meg: Needed: One wife to serve as good influence on sisters. Beauty preferred but unnecessary.
Laine: Emmeline knows Sebastian better than he knows himself even though they were complete strangers.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
Besides some really well-done miscommunication, what can you expect in this one? Well, it's a marriage of convenience between hot earl Sebastian and family-minded spinster Emmeline. Sebastian wants someone who can take charge of his younger siblings, and Emmeline has experience with that. Emmeline isn't particularly looking to marry, but when she gets the opportunity to get hitched to a hot young earl and have a family of her own, she doesn't think twice.
Once they're married, though, it turns out that neither Emmeline nor Sebastian really know what to do in a marriage. Sebastian tries to shoulder all the burdens, while Emmeline feels like he's not letting her be an equal partner; Emmeline tries to fulfill her part of the (marriage) bargain by getting close to his sibling, while Sebastian starts to feel jealous that she's spending all of her time with them. Obviously one good, long conversation would straighten them both out, but since they just met each other and are trying to get to know each other while also finding their footing in a new personal world order, it makes total sense for that conversation to be nearly impossible to have. Plus they're both virgins trying to figure out what the heck happens in the marriage bed, adding a fraught overlay to any frank discussion they might want to have.
Anyhow, this is a great debut that made us like things we usually go out of our way to avoid. Check it out.
14-Word Summaries:
Meg: Needed: One wife to serve as good influence on sisters. Beauty preferred but unnecessary.
Laine: Emmeline knows Sebastian better than he knows himself even though they were complete strangers.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
September 1, 2023
The author's first book and it has won me over! Seriously, when I know there's a virgin MMC… I sigh!!!! I love my libertines that just looking at the young lady makes them all hot and uncomfortable, but when I find out that our hero has never been with any woman before and that they are the first and last of each one, it makes my heart go tight with love and all silly.
I thought it was cool that the first few times were strange (not to mention horrible) for her, but he comes to his senses and goes to seek advice from her brother and so, both Sebastian and Emmeline find out together.
And talking about the brother: I already need his book! I found him mature and not flighty as some younger brothers are portrayed in other books by other authors.
Belinda for me is an unknown! Will her love interest be Alex?
The younger sisters are cute and I also wait for their books with fingers crossed.
Now, the mother… What a *************************!
And the worst, I know there are several Viviennes in real life, but what a petty and selfish woman.
I just found some of the imams' attitudes towards Sebastian to be very severe and exaggerated. He was no saint, but he assumed the failed title of earl at 16 and always thought he was doing what was good for the family. As the author wrote "unfeeling"
And all this creation and responsibility that he assumed had a direct impact on his marriage, which led to "suffering" for both him and the beautiful and sweet Emmeline.
As for Emmeline, she has the opposite of family. They are close, with brothers who love and respect each other and she loves her sister-in-law, who completed the Hart family. (I thought it was so cute when she announces that she accepted the marriage proposal they all hug!)
I know this review was huge and I didn't even ponder everything otherwise I'll tell too much about the book. I can only end by saying that you should give this story a chance. I will definitely keep an eye on this author and her future releases.
I received an arc for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I thought it was cool that the first few times were strange (not to mention horrible) for her, but he comes to his senses and goes to seek advice from her brother and so, both Sebastian and Emmeline find out together.
And talking about the brother: I already need his book! I found him mature and not flighty as some younger brothers are portrayed in other books by other authors.
Belinda for me is an unknown! Will her love interest be Alex?
The younger sisters are cute and I also wait for their books with fingers crossed.
Now, the mother… What a *************************!
And the worst, I know there are several Viviennes in real life, but what a petty and selfish woman.
I just found some of the imams' attitudes towards Sebastian to be very severe and exaggerated. He was no saint, but he assumed the failed title of earl at 16 and always thought he was doing what was good for the family. As the author wrote "unfeeling"
And all this creation and responsibility that he assumed had a direct impact on his marriage, which led to "suffering" for both him and the beautiful and sweet Emmeline.
As for Emmeline, she has the opposite of family. They are close, with brothers who love and respect each other and she loves her sister-in-law, who completed the Hart family. (I thought it was so cute when she announces that she accepted the marriage proposal they all hug!)
I know this review was huge and I didn't even ponder everything otherwise I'll tell too much about the book. I can only end by saying that you should give this story a chance. I will definitely keep an eye on this author and her future releases.
I received an arc for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 11, 2023
First of all, this book felt fresh and different and unusual from the get-go and I loved it.
Sebastian is a wonderful hero; a hurt, repressed, starchy, virginal white knight who gets it so profoundly wrong so often, but his heart is always in the right place. Even if he's terrified and occassionally selfishly self-preserving.
Our heroine has a spine of steel and a heart of gold. She is attractive to Sebastian because of all the reasons she was disqualifing herself from the marriage mart and it's glorious.
This sparkling debut kept me guessing and I powered through this book as I was so desperate to see their HEA.
Sebastian and his siblings have been apart for 10 years as he's worked hard to be the Earl that everyone needs, at the cost of being an Earl that nobody likes. He needs a wife who can cultivate a familiy and Emmaline has raised her siblings through difficult times. Sebastian sees her value when she cant. He offers her a marriage of convenience and a chance to have a family, rather than a cottage on the estate of her brother. She takes it and then realises she has married a man who is an utter closed book and terrifed of love.
There is terrible sex in this book. Two ignorant virgins fumble about without communicating and its painful and wonderful and such a change from romance novels where everyone seems to have an innate knowledge of sex and their lover's preferences. In this story, the lovers have to get over themselves and their hang ups and figure out how to make the other happy. They get there in the end and its fabulous.
There's a brilliant cast of side characters and family members, who add to the story beautifully.
I knocked 1 star off because I had hoped that our FMC's arc would have matched the MMCs more evenly. I also had hoped for little more bravery and self awareness from our heroine with regards to her own sexuality. But the way Britt has written her, it all makes sense and this is purely a preference from me. There's also a bit where the heroine runs away and I personally really don't like that device in romance, but again, it makes sense, it fits the characters and the narratives and its just a personal preference.
I would strongly recommend this book to historical romance fans and lovers of men learning that they were wrong.
Sebastian is a wonderful hero; a hurt, repressed, starchy, virginal white knight who gets it so profoundly wrong so often, but his heart is always in the right place. Even if he's terrified and occassionally selfishly self-preserving.
Our heroine has a spine of steel and a heart of gold. She is attractive to Sebastian because of all the reasons she was disqualifing herself from the marriage mart and it's glorious.
This sparkling debut kept me guessing and I powered through this book as I was so desperate to see their HEA.
Sebastian and his siblings have been apart for 10 years as he's worked hard to be the Earl that everyone needs, at the cost of being an Earl that nobody likes. He needs a wife who can cultivate a familiy and Emmaline has raised her siblings through difficult times. Sebastian sees her value when she cant. He offers her a marriage of convenience and a chance to have a family, rather than a cottage on the estate of her brother. She takes it and then realises she has married a man who is an utter closed book and terrifed of love.
There is terrible sex in this book. Two ignorant virgins fumble about without communicating and its painful and wonderful and such a change from romance novels where everyone seems to have an innate knowledge of sex and their lover's preferences. In this story, the lovers have to get over themselves and their hang ups and figure out how to make the other happy. They get there in the end and its fabulous.
There's a brilliant cast of side characters and family members, who add to the story beautifully.
I knocked 1 star off because I had hoped that our FMC's arc would have matched the MMCs more evenly. I also had hoped for little more bravery and self awareness from our heroine with regards to her own sexuality. But the way Britt has written her, it all makes sense and this is purely a preference from me. There's also a bit where the heroine runs away and I personally really don't like that device in romance, but again, it makes sense, it fits the characters and the narratives and its just a personal preference.
I would strongly recommend this book to historical romance fans and lovers of men learning that they were wrong.
January 6, 2025
Regency romance with a difference.
The Earl of Greydon wants to marry to have someone to chaperone his sister.
He asks his chosen woman and she says yes. That’s the beginning of an agonizing time for all
The Earl of Greydon wants to marry to have someone to chaperone his sister.
He asks his chosen woman and she says yes. That’s the beginning of an agonizing time for all
October 2, 2023
She’d raised her younger siblings after her mother’s death and when her father, a vicar, unexpectedly inherited a viscountcy and died soon after, she stood by her brother and helped him. Family meant everything to her, and now, at twenty-four, she feared her chance for marriage and a family of her own had passed her by.
So, when the handsome but practical Earl of Greydon offered tall and slightly plump Emmeline Hart a marriage of convenience, she accepted him in a heartbeat. Seemingly perfect at first, he turned out rather overbearing and distant. But then she glimpses his hidden warmth and kindness, and soon her heart begins to yearn for something he’s not willing to offer…
Honourable, dependable and respectable, Sebastian Grey, is everything his father wasn’t. He never would be. Emotion, desire and passion only led to disaster and neglect. Only, in his dedication to restoring the nearly bankrupt earldom he inherited at sixteen, he too had neglected his family and now, a decade later, he couldn’t find his way back home.
Thinking marriage to a sensible and biddable spinster the solution to all his family troubles, he soon discovers his kind and caring wife is more beddable than expected. Something more than friendship stirs his heart, but he would not give in. He shouldn’t. He couldn’t… could he?
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
This book is a dysfunctional family fairytale, and I loved it! It’s witty, original and utterly captivating.
Always meaning well, and more often than not putting his foot in it, Sebastian is the emotionally stunted, buttoned-up, virginal, and overall adorable hero of this tale - even if he acts like an arse sometimes. Terrified of his own emotions yet convinced he’s right, he often forgets to consider his better half and her feelings. Lucky for him, his wife Emmeline has a heart of gold, a spine of steel and the patience of an angel. She’s confident he’ll get there, even if it’s with a little push and some tough love.
While she finds the marriage bed less than transcendent - not at all what her sister-in-law promised - he, vexed by her lack of enthusiasm, turns to his younger brother for some pointers. Add his eccentric mother and determined young lover, his wilful sisters and her lovingly meddling siblings, and you have a uniquely colourful and entertaining set of side characters. Together they stumble and struggle through the unconventional first months of this union, and it’s one hell of a ride!
Yes, this was an excellent and refreshing debut, and I can’t wait to read more from this author! Highly recommended to all HistRom fans looking for something fun, slightly steamy and wonderfully different!
So, when the handsome but practical Earl of Greydon offered tall and slightly plump Emmeline Hart a marriage of convenience, she accepted him in a heartbeat. Seemingly perfect at first, he turned out rather overbearing and distant. But then she glimpses his hidden warmth and kindness, and soon her heart begins to yearn for something he’s not willing to offer…
Honourable, dependable and respectable, Sebastian Grey, is everything his father wasn’t. He never would be. Emotion, desire and passion only led to disaster and neglect. Only, in his dedication to restoring the nearly bankrupt earldom he inherited at sixteen, he too had neglected his family and now, a decade later, he couldn’t find his way back home.
Thinking marriage to a sensible and biddable spinster the solution to all his family troubles, he soon discovers his kind and caring wife is more beddable than expected. Something more than friendship stirs his heart, but he would not give in. He shouldn’t. He couldn’t… could he?
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
This book is a dysfunctional family fairytale, and I loved it! It’s witty, original and utterly captivating.
Always meaning well, and more often than not putting his foot in it, Sebastian is the emotionally stunted, buttoned-up, virginal, and overall adorable hero of this tale - even if he acts like an arse sometimes. Terrified of his own emotions yet convinced he’s right, he often forgets to consider his better half and her feelings. Lucky for him, his wife Emmeline has a heart of gold, a spine of steel and the patience of an angel. She’s confident he’ll get there, even if it’s with a little push and some tough love.
While she finds the marriage bed less than transcendent - not at all what her sister-in-law promised - he, vexed by her lack of enthusiasm, turns to his younger brother for some pointers. Add his eccentric mother and determined young lover, his wilful sisters and her lovingly meddling siblings, and you have a uniquely colourful and entertaining set of side characters. Together they stumble and struggle through the unconventional first months of this union, and it’s one hell of a ride!
Yes, this was an excellent and refreshing debut, and I can’t wait to read more from this author! Highly recommended to all HistRom fans looking for something fun, slightly steamy and wonderfully different!
October 10, 2023
3.25 stars. I liked this book, it's quick reading, but I didn't love it. Much of the plot hinges on repetitive angst, and I struggled to warm up to certain characters, in particular the MMC's mom and sister. I understood their desire to rebel, but their behavior was self-centered and not OK.
I wanted to like the MMC, Sebastian. He's a guy who had his life completely disrupted when he turned sixteen and has deprived himself of familial and romantic bonds in his desire to be an upstanding member of the Ton. But he had his character arc a bit too late and was too frequently a complete jerk. The brother, Edward, was more mature and far more charming.
The MFC, Emmaline, was sweet, but passive for the most part. I felt she needed to make Sebastian grovel a lot more, and I just didn't care for the plot machination that brought them back together.
There were scenes with family members that clicked. Unfortunately , I just didn't sense much chemistry between the MC's. The love scenes start off slow burn, but get steamier before the emotional bond between Emmaline and Sebastian develops, and so there is a mechanical sense to the proceedings.
A nitpick that kept this from being a 3.5 star read for me: occasional anachronistic behavior and language. The expression to "wow" someone wasn't used until the twentieth century. And how would a virgin who was raised as a lady and knew nothing about sex until months into marriage know a slang word used to describe a certain male body part?
Overall, this isn't a bad book. It reads very quickly. I just felt it could have been punched up with a bit more of a substantial plot and characters who weren't so routinely self-absorbed.
I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary review. Opinions are my own. Thanks to the author and Book Sirens for this opportunity.
I wanted to like the MMC, Sebastian. He's a guy who had his life completely disrupted when he turned sixteen and has deprived himself of familial and romantic bonds in his desire to be an upstanding member of the Ton. But he had his character arc a bit too late and was too frequently a complete jerk. The brother, Edward, was more mature and far more charming.
The MFC, Emmaline, was sweet, but passive for the most part. I felt she needed to make Sebastian grovel a lot more, and I just didn't care for the plot machination that brought them back together.
There were scenes with family members that clicked. Unfortunately , I just didn't sense much chemistry between the MC's. The love scenes start off slow burn, but get steamier before the emotional bond between Emmaline and Sebastian develops, and so there is a mechanical sense to the proceedings.
A nitpick that kept this from being a 3.5 star read for me: occasional anachronistic behavior and language. The expression to "wow" someone wasn't used until the twentieth century. And how would a virgin who was raised as a lady and knew nothing about sex until months into marriage know a slang word used to describe a certain male body part?
Overall, this isn't a bad book. It reads very quickly. I just felt it could have been punched up with a bit more of a substantial plot and characters who weren't so routinely self-absorbed.
I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary review. Opinions are my own. Thanks to the author and Book Sirens for this opportunity.
March 8, 2025
It’s been awhile since I’ve read a book in one sitting. I thought I was going to get more sunshine x sunshine, two golden retriever characters but Sebastian had BAGGAGE which definitely needed to be worked though
October 17, 2023
It took me awhile to come around for Sebastian. I felt for him, truly. He had built up so many walls and clung to his structure with such a tight grip that I had difficulty loving him. Emmeline tried so hard, and he constantly let her down. I know what you’re thinking, if I don’t like the hero how can this be a positive. But here’s the thing, I love a good redemption arc! And Sebastian’s epiphany was exactly the thing I needed to fall head over heels for this Earl. He truly had his priorities straight in his plan to win her back and I loved that! Emmeline is all about family, it’s who she is at her core and that was the only path forward. This story is written with a surprising amount of realism that can easily be missed when reading historical. The emotions felt, the reactions and the uncertainties truly speak to a weakness that is engrained in every one of us. We are forever our own worst critics, and that self-doubt can be an impossible hill to climb. I felt both Emmeline and Sebastian faced their personal hills with admirable strength and resilience. They each faced a battle of self-discovery before they could truly embrace their emotions and in the end, they came together in a spectacular fashion to create their own family and continue to build on that. These are some difficult aspects to marry together in a perfect blend and I am supremely impressed that Britt Belle was able to achieve such harmony in her writing style in her debut novel. I look forward to peering closer into the future of the Greyson siblings.
December 29, 2024
This book is a bloody delight.
If we break it down, much of the plot hinges on communication (or a lack thereof), but it doesn’t feel like that. Both Emmeline and Sebastian have their reasons for behaving the way they do, and when we realise that their marriage of convenience begins with nothing more than an understanding of each other’s reputation, we can forgive them much.
This is a classic Historical Romance that both pays homage to the genre and works as a marvellous example of it. I can’t wait to see what else the author has in store.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
If we break it down, much of the plot hinges on communication (or a lack thereof), but it doesn’t feel like that. Both Emmeline and Sebastian have their reasons for behaving the way they do, and when we realise that their marriage of convenience begins with nothing more than an understanding of each other’s reputation, we can forgive them much.
This is a classic Historical Romance that both pays homage to the genre and works as a marvellous example of it. I can’t wait to see what else the author has in store.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 2, 2023
A quick and enjoyable read!
Marriage of convenience is one of my favorite tropes, especially in historical romance, so I was really excited to pick this book up.
I really liked the heroine, Emmeline. She was incredibly kind and forgiving (more than other people would have been in her situation) and I empathized with her.
Unfortunately, I had less patience than her when it came to the hero, Sebastian. I know emotionally constipated heroes always been and always will be popular, but I just didn't think he groveled enough for how he treated the heroine for the majority of the book. He was also a virgin in the beginning of the story, which isn't a crime in itself, obviously, but the fact that for a good while in the beginning he absolutely didn't care about her pleasure in the marriage bed only his, kind of is. As an adult I don't really find inexperience combined with ignorance charming or romantic, so this kind of dampened my view on their whole relationship.
Some of the word choices and expressions didn't really fit the era we were in, but they were far and few between, so they didn't take me out of the story.
Despite my criticisms, I think this is a very solid debut that will charm a lot of readers!
*Thank you to the author and BookSirens for the advanced reader copy! All opinions are my own.*
Marriage of convenience is one of my favorite tropes, especially in historical romance, so I was really excited to pick this book up.
I really liked the heroine, Emmeline. She was incredibly kind and forgiving (more than other people would have been in her situation) and I empathized with her.
Unfortunately, I had less patience than her when it came to the hero, Sebastian. I know emotionally constipated heroes always been and always will be popular, but I just didn't think he groveled enough for how he treated the heroine for the majority of the book. He was also a virgin in the beginning of the story, which isn't a crime in itself, obviously, but the fact that for a good while in the beginning he absolutely didn't care about her pleasure in the marriage bed only his, kind of is. As an adult I don't really find inexperience combined with ignorance charming or romantic, so this kind of dampened my view on their whole relationship.
Some of the word choices and expressions didn't really fit the era we were in, but they were far and few between, so they didn't take me out of the story.
Despite my criticisms, I think this is a very solid debut that will charm a lot of readers!
*Thank you to the author and BookSirens for the advanced reader copy! All opinions are my own.*
August 30, 2023
Sebastian Albert Grey was 16 when his father died and he became the sixth “Earl of Greydon”, with all the duties and responsibilities that entailed.
His parents had been so wrapped up in each other that Sebastian was ill prepared to manage the Estate of Greydon Hall.
He had no idea of how to read a ledger, and all he knew about the estate’s finances was that there was no money!!
His Uncle, Lord Blanche, takes Sebastian under his wing, and becomes his Mentor, removing him to live with his aunt and uncle in London, whilst tutoring him in everything he needs to know, including how to make money with investments.
Sebastian stays in London for 10 years, all the while becoming more and more of a distant figure in the lives of his younger siblings.
So begins the Story of Sebastian and Emmeline, their reasons for rushing into matrimony, and their personal expectations of that marriage.
It’s a rocky road, but is very well written and easy to follow, with tentative steps being taken by both.
The question is whether Sebastian can let go of his controlling ways, upon which he has relied since his father died, and to learn about his feelings, and how to love Emmeline, and allow her to really be his helpmate as he strives to reconnect with his family.
I found this story gripping in a “will they, won’t they” kind of way. It is Steamy and sweet at the same time, and more than a few tears were shed by this reader.
If you love Regency Romances, I highly recommend this first time novel by the author, and I look forward to reading more of her work.
I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
His parents had been so wrapped up in each other that Sebastian was ill prepared to manage the Estate of Greydon Hall.
He had no idea of how to read a ledger, and all he knew about the estate’s finances was that there was no money!!
His Uncle, Lord Blanche, takes Sebastian under his wing, and becomes his Mentor, removing him to live with his aunt and uncle in London, whilst tutoring him in everything he needs to know, including how to make money with investments.
Sebastian stays in London for 10 years, all the while becoming more and more of a distant figure in the lives of his younger siblings.
So begins the Story of Sebastian and Emmeline, their reasons for rushing into matrimony, and their personal expectations of that marriage.
It’s a rocky road, but is very well written and easy to follow, with tentative steps being taken by both.
The question is whether Sebastian can let go of his controlling ways, upon which he has relied since his father died, and to learn about his feelings, and how to love Emmeline, and allow her to really be his helpmate as he strives to reconnect with his family.
I found this story gripping in a “will they, won’t they” kind of way. It is Steamy and sweet at the same time, and more than a few tears were shed by this reader.
If you love Regency Romances, I highly recommend this first time novel by the author, and I look forward to reading more of her work.
I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
August 25, 2023
A heartfelt regency romance with plenty of laughs
An amazing debut—I loved the exploration of intimacy between the two main characters. It made for a rollercoaster of emotions!
Emmeline and Sebastian couldn’t have been more different but they embark on a rushed marriage of convenience that left me at times shaking my head and wanting to scold them while equally cheering them on.
An amazing debut—I loved the exploration of intimacy between the two main characters. It made for a rollercoaster of emotions!
Emmeline and Sebastian couldn’t have been more different but they embark on a rushed marriage of convenience that left me at times shaking my head and wanting to scold them while equally cheering them on.
September 30, 2023
What a delight! The cover caught my eye first, it’s so fun yet classic and tasteful- and the book delivered on its promise!
Brit Belle has crafted a charming debut full of feeling and memorable characters. I love an emotionally reluctant hero and a forthright heroine and this story delivers. It’s a fun take on a marriage of convenience with a hero who desperately does NOT want passion- but surprise surprise, that is not how passion works.
The side characters are full of life and heart as well. I especially loved Belinda and Alex and hope they get their own stories going forward!
In all this was a very enjoyable fall read along classic lines of Regency romance with relatable characters and a ton of heart.
Brit Belle has crafted a charming debut full of feeling and memorable characters. I love an emotionally reluctant hero and a forthright heroine and this story delivers. It’s a fun take on a marriage of convenience with a hero who desperately does NOT want passion- but surprise surprise, that is not how passion works.
The side characters are full of life and heart as well. I especially loved Belinda and Alex and hope they get their own stories going forward!
In all this was a very enjoyable fall read along classic lines of Regency romance with relatable characters and a ton of heart.
October 10, 2023
I enjoyed the characters of Emmeline & Earl Sebastian. It was a very good story. I enjoyed the storyline and characters in this book. It definitely was a roller coaster of emotions. It had plenty of good ole romance moments too. This was a very good debut by the Author & look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
July 5, 2025
3.75 stars
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September 15, 2023The Earl Was Wrong
This had me laugh out loud and honestly such a cute story! It's swoon, enemy to lover, and overall perfect love story.
This had me laugh out loud and honestly such a cute story! It's swoon, enemy to lover, and overall perfect love story.
September 5, 2023
It was a deliciously angst read, but unfortunately, the resolution was less than satisfactory.
I feel like Sebastian didn't grovel enough and didn't really show his hand when it came to winning back Emmeline.
Their relationship had way too many downs and not enough ups.
Vivienne and Belinda (his mother and sister) were particularly annoying.
Overall, it was a nice read if you're in the mood for a book made of 90% angst and 10% light romance.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I feel like Sebastian didn't grovel enough and didn't really show his hand when it came to winning back Emmeline.
Their relationship had way too many downs and not enough ups.
Vivienne and Belinda (his mother and sister) were particularly annoying.
Overall, it was a nice read if you're in the mood for a book made of 90% angst and 10% light romance.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 2, 2023
I really enjoyed this story and fell in love with the characters. Plenty of heat and the story did not go in a way I expected, which I deeply appreciate. I look forward to the next installment in the series, because I want to read more about the Greydon family.
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.
December 15, 2023
The Earl Was Wrong by Britt Bell contains all the elements needed to create a magnificent regency concoction! As the eldest son of an earl, Sebastian should have had an idyllic childhood. Instead, he watched his passionately self-absorbed parents love each other to such a degree that they had no room to consider the well being of their children. His father dies unexpectedly when Sebastian is sixteen and he inherits a crumbling estate, four younger siblings and a scandalous mother. He leaves home to learn how to manage his responsibilities under the tutelage of his very proper uncle and for ten years he lives a loveless and barren existence…. learning to conduct himself better than his father but never reaching out to the family he left behind. In trying to introduce his resistant and willful sister to polite society, he determines that he needs a wife to help him navigate family life. His attention falls on kindhearted Emmeline; she is the noble daughter of a vicar and appears to be just what he needs! Emmeline had resigned herself to gentle spinsterhood and is taken aback when the handsome earl appears to be interested in her. They enter a marriage of convenience, and it is a case of the blind leading the blind. Emmeline and Sebastian are both innocent and he feels that he is unlovable so how can he know how to win the love of his wife, and does he even want her love? Sebastian was broken by the experiences in his life and while Emmeline was nurturing and supportive, will Sebastian allow himself to accept her expansive heart? I really enjoyed this story; it contained many of the basics of regency romances but with a bit of heat and passion. I liked Sebastian’s siblings and hope that Edward gets his own story.
January 8, 2024
He is the product of a couple so passionately in love to the exclusion and neglect of their children. So his life was not to be ruled by love. She, on the other hand, was the product of love that was so inclusive and encompassing, and the only one who could show him the error of his ways. Lovely, emotional, steamy and passionate tale. Excellent 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
March 4, 2025
Reread 3/3/25 before sequel. Holds up to my original review below:
Excellent angst-filled debut with startlingly flawed and vulnerable characters. The romance and steam are there but the book makes you work for it! Looking forward to reading about Edward and Belinda!
Excellent angst-filled debut with startlingly flawed and vulnerable characters. The romance and steam are there but the book makes you work for it! Looking forward to reading about Edward and Belinda!
October 20, 2023
It's been a while since a book has been titled so appropriately. If you are curious what this book is about, just take a look at the title. The earl was wrong, is wrong, and continues to be wrong SO MANY times throughout the book. He does redeem himself but good lord. (And I say all of this in a good way, a wonderful way.)
Sebastian aka Lord Graydon might just be the most beautiful idiot in all of London (a legit note I made as reading). His younger sister is completely out of control and is lucky she hasn't been caught in a compromising position yet. His mother is completely self-absorbed and cannot spare a moment for any of her five children bc she is too busy banging whatever twenty-something man comes her way (which now that I type it out sounds like it might be nice if he knows what he's doing or is willing to learn. I digress....). So when he laments to his bestie Adam, a commoner (gasp!), Adam jokes that Sebastian should marry. And since Sebastian doesn't have a sense of humor--he lost it about ten years ago when he inherited the title and all its impoverished lands and had to grow up overnight--he agrees and finds himself a bride ASAP.
He literally chooses the first woman he sees per his aunt's recommendation: Miss Emmeline Hart. His ears perk up when he hears that she is "sensible and reliable" and has assisted in raising her younger siblings, as well as assisted her brother when he inherited his viscountcy. Man, if only it were this easy to pull a husband! (Except I'm not sensible and only mildly reliable so....) But even more importantly, bc she is 24, she's seen as desperate which might work in Sebastian's favor bc he is disgustingly handsome and that would intimidate us only mildly attractive women sitting on the shelf. Much like Babe the Pig (that'll do), Emmeline will do bc all Seb wants is a wife who will form relationships with his siblings and make them happy (and behave) and keep his mother from scandalizing the entire family even more. He refuses love and does not want passion bc he saw it consume his parents to the detriment of their children and their standing in society. (They sounded like a really devoted, horny couple. But like, in a bad way.)
This is possibly the beginning of the reader seeing how wrong Seb gets it. (Not even counting how he tries to manage his sister.) There's also the time I call him a "turd," when I note that "he is such an ass," shout "YES YOU ARE THE COMMON DENOMINATOR! You are the problem!" [this was when he was starting (!!) to think he was the problem.
For romance reasons, they agree to consummate the marriage in one of the most awkward, and likely realistic, sex scenes between two people with zero experience. Egads. It's painful. But despite all that Sebastian is a goner for the sex. He understands why it makes people crazy and tries (weakly) not to give in to these urges. However, it is in the boudoir that Sebastian starts to feel something, though he doesn't admit it to himself. Instead he lashes out and shows us his jealousy. He cannot explain it as it is so out of character for him. But we know. And we just sit here and eat popcorn as we watch him fall. He continues to go to Emmeline's bed and eventually realizes he's terrible at it and she's not into it at all. It's a literal starfish moment. So we reach a turning point when Seb does something SHOCKING (to me, at least) and I note: "Thank you jesus for getting some help. Maybe you're not the idiot I think you are." This is where we finally see Seb and Emmeline become closer and start to let the walls come down.
Of course it's not all gravy from here and Seb continues to take a few steps forward and then a giant fall backwards on his ass. And while he's terrible with people and emotions, he's actually kinda sweet in a weird way. He's just very scared and dealing with family trauma that he doesn't realize he needs to deal with. This book feels a lot more about Seb and his moronic tendencies but it's also about a woman discovering who she is away from her family and finding herself in her new role of wife and the expectation vs. the reality. Emmeline must decide what she truly wants and how to demand it. Bc what she knows she wants is love. And while he may be an idiot, she wants love from Sebastian. Sebastian has the ability to provide a level of security and independence for Emmeline that she didn't think she'd ever have and we discover that Emmeline provides a safe place for Seb to find himself again as a man, a husband, and an earl.
All this said, I need book two now and request it be Belinda and Adam. Please and thank you.
Sebastian aka Lord Graydon might just be the most beautiful idiot in all of London (a legit note I made as reading). His younger sister is completely out of control and is lucky she hasn't been caught in a compromising position yet. His mother is completely self-absorbed and cannot spare a moment for any of her five children bc she is too busy banging whatever twenty-something man comes her way (which now that I type it out sounds like it might be nice if he knows what he's doing or is willing to learn. I digress....). So when he laments to his bestie Adam, a commoner (gasp!), Adam jokes that Sebastian should marry. And since Sebastian doesn't have a sense of humor--he lost it about ten years ago when he inherited the title and all its impoverished lands and had to grow up overnight--he agrees and finds himself a bride ASAP.
He literally chooses the first woman he sees per his aunt's recommendation: Miss Emmeline Hart. His ears perk up when he hears that she is "sensible and reliable" and has assisted in raising her younger siblings, as well as assisted her brother when he inherited his viscountcy. Man, if only it were this easy to pull a husband! (Except I'm not sensible and only mildly reliable so....) But even more importantly, bc she is 24, she's seen as desperate which might work in Sebastian's favor bc he is disgustingly handsome and that would intimidate us only mildly attractive women sitting on the shelf. Much like Babe the Pig (that'll do), Emmeline will do bc all Seb wants is a wife who will form relationships with his siblings and make them happy (and behave) and keep his mother from scandalizing the entire family even more. He refuses love and does not want passion bc he saw it consume his parents to the detriment of their children and their standing in society. (They sounded like a really devoted, horny couple. But like, in a bad way.)
This is possibly the beginning of the reader seeing how wrong Seb gets it. (Not even counting how he tries to manage his sister.) There's also the time I call him a "turd," when I note that "he is such an ass," shout "YES YOU ARE THE COMMON DENOMINATOR! You are the problem!" [this was when he was starting (!!) to think he was the problem.
For romance reasons, they agree to consummate the marriage in one of the most awkward, and likely realistic, sex scenes between two people with zero experience. Egads. It's painful. But despite all that Sebastian is a goner for the sex. He understands why it makes people crazy and tries (weakly) not to give in to these urges. However, it is in the boudoir that Sebastian starts to feel something, though he doesn't admit it to himself. Instead he lashes out and shows us his jealousy. He cannot explain it as it is so out of character for him. But we know. And we just sit here and eat popcorn as we watch him fall. He continues to go to Emmeline's bed and eventually realizes he's terrible at it and she's not into it at all. It's a literal starfish moment. So we reach a turning point when Seb does something SHOCKING (to me, at least) and I note: "Thank you jesus for getting some help. Maybe you're not the idiot I think you are." This is where we finally see Seb and Emmeline become closer and start to let the walls come down.
Of course it's not all gravy from here and Seb continues to take a few steps forward and then a giant fall backwards on his ass. And while he's terrible with people and emotions, he's actually kinda sweet in a weird way. He's just very scared and dealing with family trauma that he doesn't realize he needs to deal with. This book feels a lot more about Seb and his moronic tendencies but it's also about a woman discovering who she is away from her family and finding herself in her new role of wife and the expectation vs. the reality. Emmeline must decide what she truly wants and how to demand it. Bc what she knows she wants is love. And while he may be an idiot, she wants love from Sebastian. Sebastian has the ability to provide a level of security and independence for Emmeline that she didn't think she'd ever have and we discover that Emmeline provides a safe place for Seb to find himself again as a man, a husband, and an earl.
All this said, I need book two now and request it be Belinda and Adam. Please and thank you.
September 29, 2023
Thanks to Booksirens for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.
Sebastian Grey, the Earl of Greydon was thrust suddenly into his role of Earl for a failing estate quite suddenly at the age of 16. He was wholly unprepared for the role, considering his parents never had time for their estate or children, being too wrapped up in their love for each other. Luckily his uncle stepped in to help train him for his duties, but that involved taking him away from his siblings and his mourning mother, and living in London with his aunt and uncle. Sebastian grew up to be the opposite of his passionate, selfish parents, but as such became overly somber and too concerned with propriety. After 10 years apart, he has reunited with his mother and sister Belinda, in the hopes of giving her a Season and marrying her off, with their mother chaperoning.
Except nothing is going as he hoped. His mother is engaged in scandalous flirts and affairs, and gives no oversight to Belinda who seems determined to fall into scandal herself, engaging with various attached men. Sebastian determines that what he needs is a sober, sensible, biddable spinster who will be grateful to become his countess, and take over the duties of wrangling his domestic duties, such as dealing with his wayward family.
With things wrapped up neat and tidy in his head, Sebastian goes forth and finds himself a spinster, Emmeline. She is the daughter of a vicar, who suddenly inherited an unexpected title. To help her family, Emmeline has put her own dreams for a family aside to raise her siblings and help her father and later her brother with their managing their duties. On the shelf at 24, she never thoughts she would have a chance for a family on her own and resigned to a future in a cottage on her brother's estate, when she was approached by Sebastian with his marriage bargain.
He thinks he has arranged a practical arrangement for a convenient caregiver for his home, and family, but soon realizes that things are not as easy as he hopes. Sebastian is a clueless ape when it comes to dealing with messy things such as another persons emotions, being emotionally suppressed himself for so long, and not willing to deal with his own, let alone anyone else's. But he is forced to come to the realization that his relationship with Emmeline is not neat, simple, or convenient, especially when he starts to feel more for her than he expected, and Emmaline certainly is hoping for more than a marriage of convenience. She came from a big, loving, exuberant family, and is hoping on having that in her future as well.
This has the themes of marriage of convenience, with an emotionally frozen and clueless man who inadvertently hurts those who cares for. Emmaline gives her all to her new family, only to be hurt frequently by Sebastian's inability to communicate and be open with her. Almost losing her makes him realize that he has to open up emotionally, and perhaps love is not the debilitating thing he thought it was.
This was a good debut story and I absolutely would love to see more from this author. I found the dynamics and characters interesting. I have to say that I did not like the quite narcissistic attitude of their mother, but she was definitely an interesting character and her dynamic with her family was fascinating.
4 stars out of 5
Sebastian Grey, the Earl of Greydon was thrust suddenly into his role of Earl for a failing estate quite suddenly at the age of 16. He was wholly unprepared for the role, considering his parents never had time for their estate or children, being too wrapped up in their love for each other. Luckily his uncle stepped in to help train him for his duties, but that involved taking him away from his siblings and his mourning mother, and living in London with his aunt and uncle. Sebastian grew up to be the opposite of his passionate, selfish parents, but as such became overly somber and too concerned with propriety. After 10 years apart, he has reunited with his mother and sister Belinda, in the hopes of giving her a Season and marrying her off, with their mother chaperoning.
Except nothing is going as he hoped. His mother is engaged in scandalous flirts and affairs, and gives no oversight to Belinda who seems determined to fall into scandal herself, engaging with various attached men. Sebastian determines that what he needs is a sober, sensible, biddable spinster who will be grateful to become his countess, and take over the duties of wrangling his domestic duties, such as dealing with his wayward family.
With things wrapped up neat and tidy in his head, Sebastian goes forth and finds himself a spinster, Emmeline. She is the daughter of a vicar, who suddenly inherited an unexpected title. To help her family, Emmeline has put her own dreams for a family aside to raise her siblings and help her father and later her brother with their managing their duties. On the shelf at 24, she never thoughts she would have a chance for a family on her own and resigned to a future in a cottage on her brother's estate, when she was approached by Sebastian with his marriage bargain.
He thinks he has arranged a practical arrangement for a convenient caregiver for his home, and family, but soon realizes that things are not as easy as he hopes. Sebastian is a clueless ape when it comes to dealing with messy things such as another persons emotions, being emotionally suppressed himself for so long, and not willing to deal with his own, let alone anyone else's. But he is forced to come to the realization that his relationship with Emmeline is not neat, simple, or convenient, especially when he starts to feel more for her than he expected, and Emmaline certainly is hoping for more than a marriage of convenience. She came from a big, loving, exuberant family, and is hoping on having that in her future as well.
This has the themes of marriage of convenience, with an emotionally frozen and clueless man who inadvertently hurts those who cares for. Emmaline gives her all to her new family, only to be hurt frequently by Sebastian's inability to communicate and be open with her. Almost losing her makes him realize that he has to open up emotionally, and perhaps love is not the debilitating thing he thought it was.
This was a good debut story and I absolutely would love to see more from this author. I found the dynamics and characters interesting. I have to say that I did not like the quite narcissistic attitude of their mother, but she was definitely an interesting character and her dynamic with her family was fascinating.
4 stars out of 5
November 24, 2023
3 stars
tropes: marriage of convenience, virgin heroine, virgin hero, historical romance
Honestly, this book has so many tropes that I love but also so many missed opportunities that I would consider giving it an even worse rating.
If you think about the book overall, there are many realistic aspects, but some things, however realistic they may be, just leave a sour taste in my mouth after reading them. That being said, if the book didn't have both his and her perspectives, I woldn't even consider it romance.
The book is about the marriage of convenience between hot earl Sebastian and family-minded spinster Emmeline. Sebastian wants someone who can take charge of his younger siblings, and Emmeline has experience with that. Emmeline isn't particularly looking to marry, but when she gets the opportunity to get hitched to a hot young earl and have a family of her own, she doesn't think twice (litterally ).They married after their second conversation, or should I say first, because they exchanged three words the first time they met? I wanted to like the MMC, Sebastian. He's a guy who had his life completely disrupted when he turned sixteen and has deprived himself of familial and romantic bonds in his desire to be an upstanding member of the Ton. But he had his character arc a bit too late and was too frequently a complete jerk. The brother, Edward, was more mature and far more charming.
The MFC, Emmaline, was sweet but passive for the most part. I felt she needed to make Sebastian grovel a lot more, and I just didn't care for the plot machination that brought them back together.
So they got married within the first 50 pages, and then she stayed away from him for another 50. We got more cute and overall more relationship development between his brother Edward and Emmeline than between the male and female leads. The entire book is about miscommunication, fighting, and him not knowing how to express his feelings. I get that he spent all his life (adult and teenage) away from his family, or overall all familial affection, but maybe the book should have been longer and even slower burning romance for us to feel connected to characters. Emmeline's conffesion came out of nowhere; she just blurted words out, and it just felt like it was necessary for the plot. Even after she left him, his realization that he was fond of her was just that realization of fondness and that he needed to mend relationships with his family.
The overall book was short for what was tried to be accomplished. She should have made him grovel more because he really fucked up several times, and even at the end, he had not expressed anything; he just said sorry and wrote a letter. As that was enough, she came back immediately.
Good points were writing, i guess. It was easy to follow. I liked how their first time was really bad since they were both virgins, but then again later tht image was also ruined because he hadn't even thought of trying to educate himself.
Overall, this isn't a bad book. It reads very quickly. I just felt it could have been punched up with a bit more of a substantial plot and characters who weren't so routinely self-absorbed.
tropes: marriage of convenience, virgin heroine, virgin hero, historical romance
Honestly, this book has so many tropes that I love but also so many missed opportunities that I would consider giving it an even worse rating.
If you think about the book overall, there are many realistic aspects, but some things, however realistic they may be, just leave a sour taste in my mouth after reading them. That being said, if the book didn't have both his and her perspectives, I woldn't even consider it romance.
The book is about the marriage of convenience between hot earl Sebastian and family-minded spinster Emmeline. Sebastian wants someone who can take charge of his younger siblings, and Emmeline has experience with that. Emmeline isn't particularly looking to marry, but when she gets the opportunity to get hitched to a hot young earl and have a family of her own, she doesn't think twice (litterally ).They married after their second conversation, or should I say first, because they exchanged three words the first time they met? I wanted to like the MMC, Sebastian. He's a guy who had his life completely disrupted when he turned sixteen and has deprived himself of familial and romantic bonds in his desire to be an upstanding member of the Ton. But he had his character arc a bit too late and was too frequently a complete jerk. The brother, Edward, was more mature and far more charming.
The MFC, Emmaline, was sweet but passive for the most part. I felt she needed to make Sebastian grovel a lot more, and I just didn't care for the plot machination that brought them back together.
So they got married within the first 50 pages, and then she stayed away from him for another 50. We got more cute and overall more relationship development between his brother Edward and Emmeline than between the male and female leads. The entire book is about miscommunication, fighting, and him not knowing how to express his feelings. I get that he spent all his life (adult and teenage) away from his family, or overall all familial affection, but maybe the book should have been longer and even slower burning romance for us to feel connected to characters. Emmeline's conffesion came out of nowhere; she just blurted words out, and it just felt like it was necessary for the plot. Even after she left him, his realization that he was fond of her was just that realization of fondness and that he needed to mend relationships with his family.
The overall book was short for what was tried to be accomplished. She should have made him grovel more because he really fucked up several times, and even at the end, he had not expressed anything; he just said sorry and wrote a letter. As that was enough, she came back immediately.
Good points were writing, i guess. It was easy to follow. I liked how their first time was really bad since they were both virgins, but then again later tht image was also ruined because he hadn't even thought of trying to educate himself.
Overall, this isn't a bad book. It reads very quickly. I just felt it could have been punched up with a bit more of a substantial plot and characters who weren't so routinely self-absorbed.
November 8, 2023
First of all, our earl was wrong about a lot of things.
Sebastian, our MMC was forced to become an earl at such a young age that he had to leave his family behind and move to London. This distance between them has persisted for ten long years and you could clearly see that from their interactions as well. Even though Seb had good intentions, his siblings only view it as abandonment.
I liked the complex family dynamics and sibling drama a lot, and also found it ridiculous how Seb thinks that his only solution to solving it is marriage😂 (evn though it's Alex who suggests it).
Honestly, as ridiculous as it is, that's one of the best decisions he ever made.
Emmeline, our FMC is the kindest and smartest soul ever. She had taken care of her siblings after her mother's death and also handled the finances in her family, which has left her a spinster. So she's more glad to marry Seb, as he asks her to only take care of his family in exchange for her hand...from there ensues a plot of self discovery and immense passion...
Seb definitely has a different idea of love and he doesn't want to give in to passion after marriage (evn before that, he didn't)...but our man cannot stop falling for Emmeline more! As much as he tries to control his actions, he cannot stay away from her bed🤣😂 The first few encounters of them in bed are really awkward but they slowly start to feel more than just a mere duty to beget an heir. And Seb starts to question himself whether he feels love or mere passion or both for Emmeline.
My only gripe is that I found certain parts to be repetitive but it didn't take away my interest at all. Sebastian was a bit annoying when he pushed Emmeline away and he was also super strict with himself, but I understood his actions and sympathized with him bcoz it was so apparent what left him scarred like that. (I'm not gonna mention his father... but his mother only cares about herself no matter what she says at the end)
To see Sebastian change a lot and mend his relationships with his siblings, and also vow to love Emmeline was so heartwarming at the end. (The letter scene has my whole heart... I didn't think Seb would pour out his heart like that🥺)
The author also had done an incredible job in making all the characters seen different and round, so you can't help falling for them. I already love Edward a lot and cannot wait for his book!! And I kinda took a liking to Belinda towards the end because I understand how she feels (my asexual heart goes out to her💜) I hope she gets her love story too and finds happiness!!
Overall I'd highly recommend the book for historical romance lovers who also like sibling relationships in their books.
I did not expect to devour this book this fast!! I had a great time reading it and am definitely looking forward to the author's upcoming works.
Thanks to the author and BookSirens for sending me the e-book in exchange for an honest review.
Sebastian, our MMC was forced to become an earl at such a young age that he had to leave his family behind and move to London. This distance between them has persisted for ten long years and you could clearly see that from their interactions as well. Even though Seb had good intentions, his siblings only view it as abandonment.
I liked the complex family dynamics and sibling drama a lot, and also found it ridiculous how Seb thinks that his only solution to solving it is marriage😂 (evn though it's Alex who suggests it).
Honestly, as ridiculous as it is, that's one of the best decisions he ever made.
Emmeline, our FMC is the kindest and smartest soul ever. She had taken care of her siblings after her mother's death and also handled the finances in her family, which has left her a spinster. So she's more glad to marry Seb, as he asks her to only take care of his family in exchange for her hand...from there ensues a plot of self discovery and immense passion...
Seb definitely has a different idea of love and he doesn't want to give in to passion after marriage (evn before that, he didn't)...but our man cannot stop falling for Emmeline more! As much as he tries to control his actions, he cannot stay away from her bed🤣😂 The first few encounters of them in bed are really awkward but they slowly start to feel more than just a mere duty to beget an heir. And Seb starts to question himself whether he feels love or mere passion or both for Emmeline.
My only gripe is that I found certain parts to be repetitive but it didn't take away my interest at all. Sebastian was a bit annoying when he pushed Emmeline away and he was also super strict with himself, but I understood his actions and sympathized with him bcoz it was so apparent what left him scarred like that. (I'm not gonna mention his father... but his mother only cares about herself no matter what she says at the end)
To see Sebastian change a lot and mend his relationships with his siblings, and also vow to love Emmeline was so heartwarming at the end. (The letter scene has my whole heart... I didn't think Seb would pour out his heart like that🥺)
The author also had done an incredible job in making all the characters seen different and round, so you can't help falling for them. I already love Edward a lot and cannot wait for his book!! And I kinda took a liking to Belinda towards the end because I understand how she feels (my asexual heart goes out to her💜) I hope she gets her love story too and finds happiness!!
Overall I'd highly recommend the book for historical romance lovers who also like sibling relationships in their books.
I did not expect to devour this book this fast!! I had a great time reading it and am definitely looking forward to the author's upcoming works.
Thanks to the author and BookSirens for sending me the e-book in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2023
Britt Belle makes a fine entrée into romance with this debut! I think a lot of your feelings about this book will hedge on its hero, Sebastian. That’s because Sebastian isn’t just out of touch with his feelings; he’s slammed up barricades so high around them that he doesn’t even realize the prison he’s made for himself. You’re either going to accept his journey to awareness or be completely frustrated with the actions he takes. For me, I loved his journey.
He's matched well by his heroine, Emmeline. She’s grounded, someone who understands and works well with others and with her emotions. But at 24, she’s old for a debutante, and she doesn’t entertain great hopes for a marriage. So when Sebastian suddenly proposes (literally the day after they meet), she listens to his practical reasons for marriage and accepts both them and him.
Both Emmeline and Sebastian have been deeply affected by the death of a parent and the dangerous financial straits that’s left them in. For Sebastian, that meant throwing himself into learning to be an earl and rescue his family finances. For Emmeline, that meant caring for her younger siblings while her brother dealt with being unexpectedly thrust into a title. The true difference between them is that Emmeline’s family is, well, normal, while Sebastian’s is decidedly not.
I was fascinated by Sebastian’s family—his flighty and seemingly unfeeling brother, his flirtatious sister and estranged brother, even his youngest siblings. Frankly put, they’re a complete mess, and I hope Belle intends to explore them further, especially Belinda and Edward. Only parts of their actions are explained in The Earl Was Wrong, and I found myself wanting to know more and understand them better.
But the heart of this book is the growing relationship between Sebastian and Emmeline, and there are more than a few twists and turns on their journey to a true relationship. I’m a sucker for a marriage of convenience, and Belle has crafted a winning one with The Earl Was Wrong. Seeing this earl learn that he was wrong not only about his convenient wife but about many things about his family made this one charming read.
He's matched well by his heroine, Emmeline. She’s grounded, someone who understands and works well with others and with her emotions. But at 24, she’s old for a debutante, and she doesn’t entertain great hopes for a marriage. So when Sebastian suddenly proposes (literally the day after they meet), she listens to his practical reasons for marriage and accepts both them and him.
Both Emmeline and Sebastian have been deeply affected by the death of a parent and the dangerous financial straits that’s left them in. For Sebastian, that meant throwing himself into learning to be an earl and rescue his family finances. For Emmeline, that meant caring for her younger siblings while her brother dealt with being unexpectedly thrust into a title. The true difference between them is that Emmeline’s family is, well, normal, while Sebastian’s is decidedly not.
I was fascinated by Sebastian’s family—his flighty and seemingly unfeeling brother, his flirtatious sister and estranged brother, even his youngest siblings. Frankly put, they’re a complete mess, and I hope Belle intends to explore them further, especially Belinda and Edward. Only parts of their actions are explained in The Earl Was Wrong, and I found myself wanting to know more and understand them better.
But the heart of this book is the growing relationship between Sebastian and Emmeline, and there are more than a few twists and turns on their journey to a true relationship. I’m a sucker for a marriage of convenience, and Belle has crafted a winning one with The Earl Was Wrong. Seeing this earl learn that he was wrong not only about his convenient wife but about many things about his family made this one charming read.
October 9, 2023
I'm a sucker for a good marriage-of-convenience story, so when I learned about this book on Bookstagram, I had to read it.
As the title might suggest, Sebastian, Lord Greydon, is one of the most profoundly clueless husbands I have ever encountered in historical romance. His parents were emotionally neglectful, and after his father's death, he was taken from his family and reared by a responsible but emotionally distant uncle. After 10 years away from his siblings, he attempts to take charge of his family just as he has taken charge of the estate's finances. But everything goes profoundly wrong, because Sebastian has no idea how to be a loving and supportive family member.
Sebastian decides that a wife might help him manage his siblings, so he decides to marry. He goes about finding a wife as cluelessly as you might expect: proposing to the first eligible and attractive girl he bumps into at a ball. Fortunately for him, the woman to whom he proposes, Emmeline, DOES know what it means to be part of a family. Their marriage starts off as a disaster, but slowly begins to change Sebastian's life.
The result is a story that is by turns frustrating, funny, and sweet. It might win the award for the most hilariously/horrifically awkward wedding night scene I've ever read. (They're both virgins and equally clueless.)
If I have any complaints, it's that it takes Sebastian so long to start turning around. When he does change, he does so almost all at once. I would have liked to see a more gradual character arc, with him growing over time rather than being forced to confront all his different failures when something unexpected (to him) happens. Apart from that, though, this was a fun ride. The ending left me wondering about the fate of some of Sebastian's siblings, so if Brit Belle wrote a series about the family, I'd read it.
Disclaimer: I received a digital ARC from the author (thanks!) but this is my honest review.
As the title might suggest, Sebastian, Lord Greydon, is one of the most profoundly clueless husbands I have ever encountered in historical romance. His parents were emotionally neglectful, and after his father's death, he was taken from his family and reared by a responsible but emotionally distant uncle. After 10 years away from his siblings, he attempts to take charge of his family just as he has taken charge of the estate's finances. But everything goes profoundly wrong, because Sebastian has no idea how to be a loving and supportive family member.
Sebastian decides that a wife might help him manage his siblings, so he decides to marry. He goes about finding a wife as cluelessly as you might expect: proposing to the first eligible and attractive girl he bumps into at a ball. Fortunately for him, the woman to whom he proposes, Emmeline, DOES know what it means to be part of a family. Their marriage starts off as a disaster, but slowly begins to change Sebastian's life.
The result is a story that is by turns frustrating, funny, and sweet. It might win the award for the most hilariously/horrifically awkward wedding night scene I've ever read. (They're both virgins and equally clueless.)
If I have any complaints, it's that it takes Sebastian so long to start turning around. When he does change, he does so almost all at once. I would have liked to see a more gradual character arc, with him growing over time rather than being forced to confront all his different failures when something unexpected (to him) happens. Apart from that, though, this was a fun ride. The ending left me wondering about the fate of some of Sebastian's siblings, so if Brit Belle wrote a series about the family, I'd read it.
Disclaimer: I received a digital ARC from the author (thanks!) but this is my honest review.
October 26, 2023
Sebastian became earl when he was 16, and having been largely neglected by his parents, he is completely unprepared for the monumental task of running an estate. He is whisked off to London to learn what he needs to know, and for about a decade, that’s where he stays. Until, as the well-meaning, all-knowing patriarch of his family, he decides that it is time for his sister to enter society and start doing the proper thing of finding an appropriate husband. Unfortunately, he didn’t think to consult his family first, and after years of neglect, they have no intention of nicely playing along with his plans. So, to ease his worries and solve his problems, Sebastian finds a nice, sensible woman, proposes, and leaves it to her to sort them out.
This is a highly entertaining and novel approach of The Earl was Wrong, a surprising and thoroughly entertaining debut from Britt Belle. For a good part of this story, I wanted to punch Sebastian in the face, at other times, I wanted to give him a hug. He is sooo well meaning, and soooo misguided, and when he comes to the realisation that He Was Wrong, his lack of emotional IQ to fix things feels so genuine and realistic. Such as it is with all of us in life, we often lack the appropriate words at the right moment.
Emmeline, kind without being a doormat, aching for love but refusing to accept a facsimile of it, is the perfect counter. In her attempts to understand her husband, she learns about herself. The sex is excruciatingly, believably bad at the start, and as they learn and grow, things get better. This is romance with full heart. I laughed out loud so many times but was also fully gripped by Sebastian and Emmeline’s journey to their happily ever after.
When I didn’t want to punch him in the face.
Which was often.
Well done, Britt Belle, on a fabulous debut.
This is a highly entertaining and novel approach of The Earl was Wrong, a surprising and thoroughly entertaining debut from Britt Belle. For a good part of this story, I wanted to punch Sebastian in the face, at other times, I wanted to give him a hug. He is sooo well meaning, and soooo misguided, and when he comes to the realisation that He Was Wrong, his lack of emotional IQ to fix things feels so genuine and realistic. Such as it is with all of us in life, we often lack the appropriate words at the right moment.
Emmeline, kind without being a doormat, aching for love but refusing to accept a facsimile of it, is the perfect counter. In her attempts to understand her husband, she learns about herself. The sex is excruciatingly, believably bad at the start, and as they learn and grow, things get better. This is romance with full heart. I laughed out loud so many times but was also fully gripped by Sebastian and Emmeline’s journey to their happily ever after.
When I didn’t want to punch him in the face.
Which was often.
Well done, Britt Belle, on a fabulous debut.
October 20, 2023
What a surprisingly delightful debut book! Couldn't believe this was the very first book from the author since her words seems to flow so effortlessly and the storytelling, with a lot of angst and steam was definitely my jam.Though, this book is quite frustrating to read at times cause' yeah this is one of those books that has tons of miscommunication on it and the MMC might be such an arse at times however, I also loved starchy heroes who becomes unstarched from the FMC sooner or later and damn, Sebastian's redemption arc was, for me, still worth the wait.
Hated the H's mother, quite selfish, scandalous and likes to keep secrets from her children. Ugh, she and Belinda were really frustrating on the first few pagess. However, the fmc! She's the best thing in this book. She was so kind, resilient and forgiving. I loved how she loved and accepted him and his many flaws. Sometimes, I kinda really feel like giving the H a whack in the head because he's really so clueless in his marriage and he really tends to push his loved ones away....but yes these MC's are BOTH Virgins and it was also quite refreshing to read two people on a marriage who both lack experience and really fumbles (the wedding night was so.horrrible but it was honestly quite funny, tho a bit awkward)
However, I loved the H's slow realization about how was doing everything wrong in his life. His redemption arc was one of the best I read. Once he settled to fix his relationships then he really did everything he can to finally make it ip to them and lessed his controlling nature. This book is also surprisingly quite steamy but this other than that, the plot was really solid as well and of course, I loved that ending! What a nice, enjoyable read.
Hated the H's mother, quite selfish, scandalous and likes to keep secrets from her children. Ugh, she and Belinda were really frustrating on the first few pagess. However, the fmc! She's the best thing in this book. She was so kind, resilient and forgiving. I loved how she loved and accepted him and his many flaws. Sometimes, I kinda really feel like giving the H a whack in the head because he's really so clueless in his marriage and he really tends to push his loved ones away....but yes these MC's are BOTH Virgins and it was also quite refreshing to read two people on a marriage who both lack experience and really fumbles (the wedding night was so.horrrible but it was honestly quite funny, tho a bit awkward)
However, I loved the H's slow realization about how was doing everything wrong in his life. His redemption arc was one of the best I read. Once he settled to fix his relationships then he really did everything he can to finally make it ip to them and lessed his controlling nature. This book is also surprisingly quite steamy but this other than that, the plot was really solid as well and of course, I loved that ending! What a nice, enjoyable read.
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