What do you think?
Rate this book
The Country House Romantic Mysteries #2
Beguiling the Earl
A gentleman spy courts danger with a determined wallflower...
Samuel Langford, Earl of Bentham, enjoys his reputation as a rake, even if his devil-may-care attitude is carefully cultivated. Miss Patricia Leaver finds him exasperating, although he is as good a friend to her as her brother is. The three of them have been allies for years, and their closeness allows them a freedom of expression that is rare between men and women of the ton.
So when Samuel is called upon to apprehend a jewel thief, it seems the most natural thing in the world to embroil Patricia in his cunning ruse. She is enthusiastic at the prospect of an adventure. But Dominic, her brother, is less than overjoyed at the proposal, especially as it requires a fake engagement that could leave Patricia at the mercy of society gossips.
When the escapade rapidly escalates into danger on the high seas, all three have reason to question the wisdom of this undertaking. As Samuel and Patricia play out their deception, they soon recognise that their feelings are deeper than mere friendship, which is reinforced when Samuel's life is hanging in the balance.
Patricia must decide if she can truly bear to love a confirmed rake, and Samuel will need every weapon in his arsenal to convince her of his fidelity. The earl is thoroughly beguiled, and he needs his lady to be equally enchanted.
But to do that, he must first stay alive...
The Country House Romantic Mysteries Persuading the Earl Beguiling the Earl Captivating the Earl
Samuel Langford, Earl of Bentham, enjoys his reputation as a rake, even if his devil-may-care attitude is carefully cultivated. Miss Patricia Leaver finds him exasperating, although he is as good a friend to her as her brother is. The three of them have been allies for years, and their closeness allows them a freedom of expression that is rare between men and women of the ton.
So when Samuel is called upon to apprehend a jewel thief, it seems the most natural thing in the world to embroil Patricia in his cunning ruse. She is enthusiastic at the prospect of an adventure. But Dominic, her brother, is less than overjoyed at the proposal, especially as it requires a fake engagement that could leave Patricia at the mercy of society gossips.
When the escapade rapidly escalates into danger on the high seas, all three have reason to question the wisdom of this undertaking. As Samuel and Patricia play out their deception, they soon recognise that their feelings are deeper than mere friendship, which is reinforced when Samuel's life is hanging in the balance.
Patricia must decide if she can truly bear to love a confirmed rake, and Samuel will need every weapon in his arsenal to convince her of his fidelity. The earl is thoroughly beguiled, and he needs his lady to be equally enchanted.
But to do that, he must first stay alive...
The Country House Romantic Mysteries Persuading the Earl Beguiling the Earl Captivating the Earl
228 pages, Paperback
Published September 28, 2023
About the author
Audrey Harrison
144 books137 followersAudrey Harrison was born about two hundred years too late. She wants to belong to a time when men were men and women were dressed in gowns and could float, simper and sigh.
In the real world she has always longed to write, writing a full manuscript when she was fourteen years old. Work, marriage and children got in the way as they do and it was only when an event at work landed her in hospital that she decided to take stock. One Voluntary Redundancy later, she found that the words and characters came to the forefront and the writing began in earnest.
Her ideal would be to write Regency Romances, but more modern characters are insisting on being heard, hence the release of’ ‘A Very Modern Lord’, a contemporary romance.
So, although at home more these days, the housework is still neglected and tea is still late on the table, but she has an understanding family, who usually shake their heads at her and sigh. That is a sign of understanding, isn’t it?
In the real world she has always longed to write, writing a full manuscript when she was fourteen years old. Work, marriage and children got in the way as they do and it was only when an event at work landed her in hospital that she decided to take stock. One Voluntary Redundancy later, she found that the words and characters came to the forefront and the writing began in earnest.
Her ideal would be to write Regency Romances, but more modern characters are insisting on being heard, hence the release of’ ‘A Very Modern Lord’, a contemporary romance.
So, although at home more these days, the housework is still neglected and tea is still late on the table, but she has an understanding family, who usually shake their heads at her and sigh. That is a sign of understanding, isn’t it?
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
September 28, 2023
Samuel Langford, Earl of Bentham, enjoys his poor reputation as a rake. Miss Patricia Leaver finds him exasperating, although he is as good a friend both her & her brother Dominic. The three of them have been allies for years, and their closeness allows them a freedom of expression that is rare between men and women of the ton. So when Samuel, who is working with Bow Street is called upon to apprehend a jewel thief, he embroils Patricia in his cunning ruse, which she’s happy to do. Dominic is less than overjoyed at the proposal, especially as it requires a fake engagement that could leave Patricia at the mercy of society gossips. When the escapade rapidly escalates into danger on the high seas, all three have reason to question the wisdom of this undertaking.
A well written interesting & enjoyable romance. The characters have depth & I really liked the trio. I really liked both Sam & Patricia & enjoyed their escapades, which included pirates. A good mix of mystery & romance, which I always enjoy. Patricia had loved Sam for years but he had to convince her he could be the husband she deserved especially when he had such a bad reputation. The second book in the series & it’s easily read on its own
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
A well written interesting & enjoyable romance. The characters have depth & I really liked the trio. I really liked both Sam & Patricia & enjoyed their escapades, which included pirates. A good mix of mystery & romance, which I always enjoy. Patricia had loved Sam for years but he had to convince her he could be the husband she deserved especially when he had such a bad reputation. The second book in the series & it’s easily read on its own
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
September 24, 2023
In the quest for family, acceptance & belonging!
BEGUILING THE EARL enticed with the excitement of being taken to places I didn't expect to go, intrigued with a mystery to unpick and thief to outsmart and captivated with a blossoming romance and the awakening of an unconscious love to get lost in. All under the fun filled cloak of a meddling grandmama, an interfering self-centred mother and a dash of character defining spying that evoked an air of lingering danger, ready to strike from the shadows and up the ante.
I loved the relationship between the three best friends, Samuel, Patricia and her happy-go-lucky brother, Dominic, that the romance evolved around. The dependency and teasing comraderie that was bartered between them coupled with the protective support and instinctual devotion that made façades crumble and unwarranted. That added joy, wit, an absorbing warmth and the suspense of a charged element hanging over their friendship, the closely guarded secret that Patricia longed to reveal, but was fearful she would lose the one person who was receptive to her needs as she was for his, her love for Samuel.
So, by the time it became clear, in order to solve a spate of high-value necklace thefts, a fake engagement was needed to be their cover...I was already hooked, invested and ever hopeful Samuel would awaken to a mutual longing of delicious portions...and I wasn't disappointed.
I do love a fake engagement especially when close proximity and new found intimacy breeds a whole torment of swirling emotions that spark jealousy, alters perspectives, shifts affections into fascination and love and just plain confuses the sanity out of them, in so many fun and emotionally character changing ways. As a maelstrom of intense emotions from the ache of rejection and the insecurity of not being good enough conflicts with the bubbling of desire and heady yearning, which not only had the power to make me laugh, smile and blush with the sweetness of their infatuation but made me come to care about their fate and happiness too. As I too panged with frustration, missed chances and the want of them to be courageous enough to take the risk to confess all and face their vulnerabilities.
A well written tale unfolds with well rounded characters at its heart, that have me eager to see where we will be taken next...a fun, engaging and witty read! I'm really enjoying this series so far!
~I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own~
BEGUILING THE EARL enticed with the excitement of being taken to places I didn't expect to go, intrigued with a mystery to unpick and thief to outsmart and captivated with a blossoming romance and the awakening of an unconscious love to get lost in. All under the fun filled cloak of a meddling grandmama, an interfering self-centred mother and a dash of character defining spying that evoked an air of lingering danger, ready to strike from the shadows and up the ante.
I loved the relationship between the three best friends, Samuel, Patricia and her happy-go-lucky brother, Dominic, that the romance evolved around. The dependency and teasing comraderie that was bartered between them coupled with the protective support and instinctual devotion that made façades crumble and unwarranted. That added joy, wit, an absorbing warmth and the suspense of a charged element hanging over their friendship, the closely guarded secret that Patricia longed to reveal, but was fearful she would lose the one person who was receptive to her needs as she was for his, her love for Samuel.
So, by the time it became clear, in order to solve a spate of high-value necklace thefts, a fake engagement was needed to be their cover...I was already hooked, invested and ever hopeful Samuel would awaken to a mutual longing of delicious portions...and I wasn't disappointed.
I do love a fake engagement especially when close proximity and new found intimacy breeds a whole torment of swirling emotions that spark jealousy, alters perspectives, shifts affections into fascination and love and just plain confuses the sanity out of them, in so many fun and emotionally character changing ways. As a maelstrom of intense emotions from the ache of rejection and the insecurity of not being good enough conflicts with the bubbling of desire and heady yearning, which not only had the power to make me laugh, smile and blush with the sweetness of their infatuation but made me come to care about their fate and happiness too. As I too panged with frustration, missed chances and the want of them to be courageous enough to take the risk to confess all and face their vulnerabilities.
A well written tale unfolds with well rounded characters at its heart, that have me eager to see where we will be taken next...a fun, engaging and witty read! I'm really enjoying this series so far!
~I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own~
February 19, 2024
Miss Patricia Leaver, her brother Dominic and Samuel Langford, now the Earl of Bentham, have been a threesome of best friends. What Patricia and Dominic don't know is Samuel does some work for Bow Street. Necklaces are missing and Samuel will need a partner to catch the thief. Patricia volunteers to be his partner in a fake engagement. Only to convince everyone of their engagement, they must pretend to be in love. It's not too difficult because they really are. Tangled emotions and misunderstandings threaten their happiness, when the unexpected happens. Not short on adventure. The second book in the series is my second read by this author.
A clean romance with kisses.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
A clean romance with kisses.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
November 19, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this novel and this is my freely given opinion.
This is a second story in the series, but can be read as a stand alone story.
Samuel Langford, the Earl of Bentham, has a very poor reputation. Not just because of his mother's antics and affairs, along with the whispers questioning his paternity, but as a rake with many conquests under his belt. He is tolerated by society, but not necessarily welcomed with open arms, despite his good looks, title, and wealth. It doesn't matter though, since he has no intentions of wedding any time soon, having been soured on marriage after witnessing the failure of his parents' union.
But he is very thankful for his two best friends, Dominic and Patricia Leaver. Patricia especially sees and connects with the real Samuel, not just the aloof, uncaring rakish facade he presents to the rest of the world. But despite even the closeness he shares with them, he still has a hidden secret - that he has been working with Bow Street, using his connections to the Ton, to help solve crimes. He is used to working alone, but has just been brought in to investigate jewelry thefts amongst aristocracy, and has to work with a female partner. When he rejects Bow Street's less than worthy options, he turns to his friends to help, revealing his secret to them.
Patricia Leaver loves Samuel, as more than a friend. But she is sure she would never be to his taste, being too told frequently that she is too tall and not attractive. But she does wish him to be happy and wants to help him find a worthy wife, love and happiness. She knows about his uncertainties and fears because of what his parents put him through, not being raised in a loving and stable household like she and her brother were. When she finds out about his work for Bow Street, she also thinks nothing of helping him in that as well. They enact a ruse where they are betrothed and lure the thief with Samuel's extravagant gift of jewelry to Patricia.
During their foray conspiring together, Patricia and Samuel develop a greater closeness, and he realizes that he feels far more for Patricia than friendship, but is uncertain about being worthy of her. Patricia likewise is lacking confidence in being able to attract and keep Samuel. As they unveil the thief, their relationship is thrown into further turmoil as their lives are put in danger.
This is a more sweet story with closed door sensuality, but it has themes I do love, such as friends to lovers, and adding the spice of emotional turmoil/uncertainty and a dash of danger. Again, I quite enjoy the secondary relationships in this story, including the great grandmother character, Enid Leavers, and the brother Dominic. who suffers his own heartbreak.
Very enjoyable story, with likeable well fleshed out main, relatable characters.
4.25 stars out of 5
This is a second story in the series, but can be read as a stand alone story.
Samuel Langford, the Earl of Bentham, has a very poor reputation. Not just because of his mother's antics and affairs, along with the whispers questioning his paternity, but as a rake with many conquests under his belt. He is tolerated by society, but not necessarily welcomed with open arms, despite his good looks, title, and wealth. It doesn't matter though, since he has no intentions of wedding any time soon, having been soured on marriage after witnessing the failure of his parents' union.
But he is very thankful for his two best friends, Dominic and Patricia Leaver. Patricia especially sees and connects with the real Samuel, not just the aloof, uncaring rakish facade he presents to the rest of the world. But despite even the closeness he shares with them, he still has a hidden secret - that he has been working with Bow Street, using his connections to the Ton, to help solve crimes. He is used to working alone, but has just been brought in to investigate jewelry thefts amongst aristocracy, and has to work with a female partner. When he rejects Bow Street's less than worthy options, he turns to his friends to help, revealing his secret to them.
Patricia Leaver loves Samuel, as more than a friend. But she is sure she would never be to his taste, being too told frequently that she is too tall and not attractive. But she does wish him to be happy and wants to help him find a worthy wife, love and happiness. She knows about his uncertainties and fears because of what his parents put him through, not being raised in a loving and stable household like she and her brother were. When she finds out about his work for Bow Street, she also thinks nothing of helping him in that as well. They enact a ruse where they are betrothed and lure the thief with Samuel's extravagant gift of jewelry to Patricia.
During their foray conspiring together, Patricia and Samuel develop a greater closeness, and he realizes that he feels far more for Patricia than friendship, but is uncertain about being worthy of her. Patricia likewise is lacking confidence in being able to attract and keep Samuel. As they unveil the thief, their relationship is thrown into further turmoil as their lives are put in danger.
This is a more sweet story with closed door sensuality, but it has themes I do love, such as friends to lovers, and adding the spice of emotional turmoil/uncertainty and a dash of danger. Again, I quite enjoy the secondary relationships in this story, including the great grandmother character, Enid Leavers, and the brother Dominic. who suffers his own heartbreak.
Very enjoyable story, with likeable well fleshed out main, relatable characters.
4.25 stars out of 5
September 24, 2023
*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
A fake engagement/relationship is at the heart of so many romance novels that I was worried there would be very little new Audrey Harrison could bring to it, but thankfully that was not the case. I liked that the fake engagement wasn't to put off married-minded mothers and their daughters, but actually served the purpose of helping to solve the case Samuel had been assigned. I also liked that here it was used as the kick-in-the-pants Samuel needed in order to realize that the perfect woman for him was right in front of him (and had been for some time). I did get frustrated with him when his feelings were hurt by something Patricia had said and he refused to let her explain and apologize. But I did like that Patricia wouldn't let it drop and continued to try to talk to him. And I will say that I was with Patricia in how she had interpreted what he had said to his mother about marriage not being just about looks. I get where he was coming from, but his mother had just said Patricia wasn't attractive so that comment could only have hurt her feelings. As a side note, I would have liked just a little more of a resolution between Samuel and his mother. She kind of redeems herself (a tiny little bit) with her actions at the end, but then he just ships her off to the dower house and she is never spoken of again. As for the mystery part of the story, although it is solved several chapters from the end it did add some extra drama with the ship-chase scenes and rescue. Overall, this was a thoroughly entertaining read! So far the author is 2/2 on writing fantastic books for this series, I can't wait to see what she writes next!
A fake engagement/relationship is at the heart of so many romance novels that I was worried there would be very little new Audrey Harrison could bring to it, but thankfully that was not the case. I liked that the fake engagement wasn't to put off married-minded mothers and their daughters, but actually served the purpose of helping to solve the case Samuel had been assigned. I also liked that here it was used as the kick-in-the-pants Samuel needed in order to realize that the perfect woman for him was right in front of him (and had been for some time). I did get frustrated with him when his feelings were hurt by something Patricia had said and he refused to let her explain and apologize. But I did like that Patricia wouldn't let it drop and continued to try to talk to him. And I will say that I was with Patricia in how she had interpreted what he had said to his mother about marriage not being just about looks. I get where he was coming from, but his mother had just said Patricia wasn't attractive so that comment could only have hurt her feelings. As a side note, I would have liked just a little more of a resolution between Samuel and his mother. She kind of redeems herself (a tiny little bit) with her actions at the end, but then he just ships her off to the dower house and she is never spoken of again. As for the mystery part of the story, although it is solved several chapters from the end it did add some extra drama with the ship-chase scenes and rescue. Overall, this was a thoroughly entertaining read! So far the author is 2/2 on writing fantastic books for this series, I can't wait to see what she writes next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2023
BEGUILING THE EARL
This book only received 2.5 STARS from me because they were too many times were I considered not even finishing the book due to my frustration with unrealistic dialogue. While I thought the book started with good character development, and I enjoyed all the main characters so many of their behaviors made no sense based on their personalities. The grandmother, Enid, who was so nice and reasonable in the first book seemed completely unreasonable for most of the book once she learned of Patricia’s “fake betrothal.” It wasn’t until the end that it was all explained. Patricia, who was supposed to be so level headed and such a staunch supporter of Samuel, seemed really quick to always misinterpret his feelings and intentions without ever discussing it with him or giving him the benefit of the doubt even though all her good friends kept telling her how they observed him looking at her with longing and love in his eyes. Patricia and Samuel were both really good characters, and their relationship and bond was well developed, but then their thoughts and actions often contradicted that bond. They were both described too well for all the self deprecating thoughts. It was too much and annoying. The plot twist with Juliet also seemed so extendemos as well. Dominic seemed more clearheaded then to just fall head over heels with someone so quickly with no real good explanation. Also, how did he not recognize any of the red flags that everyone else saw and why didn’t they give him a heads up if they suspected considering how close they all were. I’m glad there was ultimately a happy ending, but I almost didn’t get to it because my frustration almost had me stopping the book before I finished.
This book only received 2.5 STARS from me because they were too many times were I considered not even finishing the book due to my frustration with unrealistic dialogue. While I thought the book started with good character development, and I enjoyed all the main characters so many of their behaviors made no sense based on their personalities. The grandmother, Enid, who was so nice and reasonable in the first book seemed completely unreasonable for most of the book once she learned of Patricia’s “fake betrothal.” It wasn’t until the end that it was all explained. Patricia, who was supposed to be so level headed and such a staunch supporter of Samuel, seemed really quick to always misinterpret his feelings and intentions without ever discussing it with him or giving him the benefit of the doubt even though all her good friends kept telling her how they observed him looking at her with longing and love in his eyes. Patricia and Samuel were both really good characters, and their relationship and bond was well developed, but then their thoughts and actions often contradicted that bond. They were both described too well for all the self deprecating thoughts. It was too much and annoying. The plot twist with Juliet also seemed so extendemos as well. Dominic seemed more clearheaded then to just fall head over heels with someone so quickly with no real good explanation. Also, how did he not recognize any of the red flags that everyone else saw and why didn’t they give him a heads up if they suspected considering how close they all were. I’m glad there was ultimately a happy ending, but I almost didn’t get to it because my frustration almost had me stopping the book before I finished.
March 29, 2024
The majority of the story is clean. There is some closed door at the end.
A couple who had been long-term friends having a fake engagement to try and catch a thief. Typically they have both been in love with each other but did not realise (him) she did not want to say (her), and then they both realise. Reviewed thefts were a bit different. Apparently nobody knew jewels had been taken initially. This seemed slightly odd, as Ivan sure ladies maids would take very good care of them, and they would probably be locked away. When Samuel was attacked I was surprised they did not immediately suspect Miss Barbuda. She had said she was always armed with a knife, the steam was high pitched, and she did not come down the next day. Also given her father's reputation I think Bow Street would immediately seen her version of him did not fit reality and.....!
I was also not convinced when Samuel went to th docks himself. Again I think he would have had some Runners with him. Then when the two ships fought what actually happened? They bargained of Fearlesses men but do not have control of Fearless? That is a bit muddled. The Colonel is sailing to the nearest port, Dover, but watching Fearless as it is damaged so also has to make the nearest port, assumed to be Dover. If the Barbosa's wished to disappear Calais would also be very close. They had wealth elsewhere so..... Okay they maybe wanted the real necklace as well but they ran a big chance of getting killed. There were some Americanism's as well.ie sap.
The story was alright but 3.5 stars, not quite 4.
A couple who had been long-term friends having a fake engagement to try and catch a thief. Typically they have both been in love with each other but did not realise (him) she did not want to say (her), and then they both realise. Reviewed thefts were a bit different. Apparently nobody knew jewels had been taken initially. This seemed slightly odd, as Ivan sure ladies maids would take very good care of them, and they would probably be locked away. When Samuel was attacked I was surprised they did not immediately suspect Miss Barbuda. She had said she was always armed with a knife, the steam was high pitched, and she did not come down the next day. Also given her father's reputation I think Bow Street would immediately seen her version of him did not fit reality and.....!
I was also not convinced when Samuel went to th docks himself. Again I think he would have had some Runners with him. Then when the two ships fought what actually happened? They bargained of Fearlesses men but do not have control of Fearless? That is a bit muddled. The Colonel is sailing to the nearest port, Dover, but watching Fearless as it is damaged so also has to make the nearest port, assumed to be Dover. If the Barbosa's wished to disappear Calais would also be very close. They had wealth elsewhere so..... Okay they maybe wanted the real necklace as well but they ran a big chance of getting killed. There were some Americanism's as well.ie sap.
The story was alright but 3.5 stars, not quite 4.
September 25, 2023
4.5 stars
This is the second book in the series . I noticed I liked the first one. This one is nice as well. Patricia and her brother, Dominic are good friends with Sam. He has a poor reputation as a rake probably because his mother was always having affairs and let Sam's father down badly. Sam is also working for Bow St on the side, trying to sort out who is stealing jewels. Two new people turn up. Julia who Dominic falls for and Frederick who says he's a relative of Patricia's family. Patricia and Sam decide to have a fake engagement in the hope of luring the theif out with an opulent Diamond necklace. Sam starts to realise that he really liked Patricia. Patricia has always been in love with Sam but willing to sacrifice her feelings if he can find a HEA with someone else.
It all gets a bit complicated, including the east india company, pirates, sailors, hard done bu londoners. I was disappointed that at the last moment Patricia seemed to be getting cold feet again. IMO this was a bit unnecesary. It's a clean read and this might put me off continuing with the series as I like a bit more passion.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This is the second book in the series . I noticed I liked the first one. This one is nice as well. Patricia and her brother, Dominic are good friends with Sam. He has a poor reputation as a rake probably because his mother was always having affairs and let Sam's father down badly. Sam is also working for Bow St on the side, trying to sort out who is stealing jewels. Two new people turn up. Julia who Dominic falls for and Frederick who says he's a relative of Patricia's family. Patricia and Sam decide to have a fake engagement in the hope of luring the theif out with an opulent Diamond necklace. Sam starts to realise that he really liked Patricia. Patricia has always been in love with Sam but willing to sacrifice her feelings if he can find a HEA with someone else.
It all gets a bit complicated, including the east india company, pirates, sailors, hard done bu londoners. I was disappointed that at the last moment Patricia seemed to be getting cold feet again. IMO this was a bit unnecesary. It's a clean read and this might put me off continuing with the series as I like a bit more passion.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 26, 2023
This is the second book in The Country House Romantic Mysteries. Samuel, Patricia, and Dominic are best friends and allies. The trio have been close for years and have a very unique bond. A bond which allows Samuel and Patricia to carry on a ruse of a fake engagement in order for Samuel to catch a jewel thief. As the ruse plays out, they begin to realize they have deep feelings for each other
But Samuel is a well-known rake, so how can Patricia trust him with her heart. Samuel will have to find a way to convince Patricia he and his heart belong only to her, and he must do that while trying to stay alive.
The story pulled me in from the start and kept my interest till the end. Filled with danger, intrigue, and romance, the story kept me engaged all the way through. The romance between Samuel and Patricia was lovely and they had amazing chemistry. Although the book is part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone. A captivating addition to the series!
I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
But Samuel is a well-known rake, so how can Patricia trust him with her heart. Samuel will have to find a way to convince Patricia he and his heart belong only to her, and he must do that while trying to stay alive.
The story pulled me in from the start and kept my interest till the end. Filled with danger, intrigue, and romance, the story kept me engaged all the way through. The romance between Samuel and Patricia was lovely and they had amazing chemistry. Although the book is part of a series, it can easily be read as a standalone. A captivating addition to the series!
I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
December 11, 2023
4.25 STARS
The h is witty, clever and knows what she wants, which is the H. She has loved him forever, but knows she is nothing like the women he has been with. The h/H are best friends along with her brother, so there's a familiarity. They go from friendship to something more and the pace was believable.
The H hasn't had a good homelife. His mother cheated all the time, when his father was alive and he didn't want that type of marriage.
Many hiccups along the way to HEA. Mostly by the h not believing the H would be faithful. Near the end I felt she had a personality change from how she handled things in the beginning, but then switched back again.
Her brother fells for someone which was hard to believe since this was off page their interaction. I did enjoy their grandma who was no-ones fool. Great dialogue that was enjoyable.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, standalone, HEA, romance and bedroom door almost shut. Story gets suspenseful near the end, violence, nasty villains, twit
The h is witty, clever and knows what she wants, which is the H. She has loved him forever, but knows she is nothing like the women he has been with. The h/H are best friends along with her brother, so there's a familiarity. They go from friendship to something more and the pace was believable.
The H hasn't had a good homelife. His mother cheated all the time, when his father was alive and he didn't want that type of marriage.
Many hiccups along the way to HEA. Mostly by the h not believing the H would be faithful. Near the end I felt she had a personality change from how she handled things in the beginning, but then switched back again.
Her brother fells for someone which was hard to believe since this was off page their interaction. I did enjoy their grandma who was no-ones fool. Great dialogue that was enjoyable.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, standalone, HEA, romance and bedroom door almost shut. Story gets suspenseful near the end, violence, nasty villains, twit
September 26, 2023
Samuel Langford, Earl of Bentham has a reputation as a rake. Many in the "Ton" believe he is too much like his mother. Luckily he has two very good friends, who know him better.
Our hero is working with the Bow Street runners . Unfortunately his latest mission needs a partner.
Miss Patricia Leaver is not interested in marriage. Her height and intelligence make her undesirable. Luckily her brother and his best friend have always included her in their adventures. This one looks to be very exciting.
This historical romance has a good mystery to solve and even takes us on an adventure and battle on the high seas. Lots of fun with unusual characters. Although this is part of a series, each book can be read on it's own.
Great fun.
Our hero is working with the Bow Street runners . Unfortunately his latest mission needs a partner.
Miss Patricia Leaver is not interested in marriage. Her height and intelligence make her undesirable. Luckily her brother and his best friend have always included her in their adventures. This one looks to be very exciting.
This historical romance has a good mystery to solve and even takes us on an adventure and battle on the high seas. Lots of fun with unusual characters. Although this is part of a series, each book can be read on it's own.
Great fun.
June 21, 2024
Best Friends to Lovers
I loved Samuel and Patricia’s story. They have been friends for along time and she has been in love with Samuel for quite awhile. Samuel was not only an Earl but also worked undercover for Bow Street. When asked to help find a jewel thief, he turns to Patricia and Dominic for assistance. Patricia readily agrees but it takes some effort to convince her brother.
Patricia and Samuel pretend they are engaged and she realizes she wishes it were true. But during the investigation Samuel realizes he actually has loved her all along and wants the fake engagement permanent.
A wonderful story with not only a strong and wonderful woman by his side but a love to last forever.
I loved Samuel and Patricia’s story. They have been friends for along time and she has been in love with Samuel for quite awhile. Samuel was not only an Earl but also worked undercover for Bow Street. When asked to help find a jewel thief, he turns to Patricia and Dominic for assistance. Patricia readily agrees but it takes some effort to convince her brother.
Patricia and Samuel pretend they are engaged and she realizes she wishes it were true. But during the investigation Samuel realizes he actually has loved her all along and wants the fake engagement permanent.
A wonderful story with not only a strong and wonderful woman by his side but a love to last forever.
January 11, 2024
Beguiling the Earl is a fun if completely implausible story about an earl who works for the Crown and the woman he loves (though he doesn't quite realize it), whom he brings into an undercover operation to try and catch a jewel thief. The story carries the duo through ballrooms and pirate ships as their fake engagement becomes all too real for each of them. It is easy to read and enjoyable in that certain fluffy way.
3.5 stars rounded to 4. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary ARC of this book. The opinions herein are my own.
3.5 stars rounded to 4. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary ARC of this book. The opinions herein are my own.
April 12, 2024
Historical Romantic Adventure
Samuel and Patricia are friends. They are missing what is before their eyes. They are in love, so what it will take for them to recognize it?
There is a jewel thief in the ton, and Samuel is on a mission to find this blackguard. He involves Patricia in his scheme, and they pretend to be engaged. Soon, Samuel will face deadly peril.
I enjoyed this story. It is a historical romantic adventure that kept me turning the pages. Patricia and Samuel are both stubborn, but nothing like facing death can make one realize to embrace life with all its glory.
Samuel and Patricia are friends. They are missing what is before their eyes. They are in love, so what it will take for them to recognize it?
There is a jewel thief in the ton, and Samuel is on a mission to find this blackguard. He involves Patricia in his scheme, and they pretend to be engaged. Soon, Samuel will face deadly peril.
I enjoyed this story. It is a historical romantic adventure that kept me turning the pages. Patricia and Samuel are both stubborn, but nothing like facing death can make one realize to embrace life with all its glory.
October 12, 2023
This was a fun romance by Audrey Harrison. I have enjoyed quite a few of her Regency-type romances. I liked the idea of two people who have been friends for a long time finding out that they can mean more to each other. The plot involves Samuel, Earl of Bentham, working with the Bow Street runners to catch a jewel thief. There is lots of action and romance involved. A very good story.
January 24, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. It had everything: a delicious naval officer who becomes a marquis, a worthy heroine, a vicious aunt and a multitude of interesting side characters. It was fast paced and held my attention to the very last page. I was sorry it ended, it would have been good to read more of their story.
November 19, 2023
I had so much fun reading this book! Patricia is the best female character in all the historical romance books I have read. I love the fact that she is so much more inteligent than her bethroted and that is one of the things that he likes about her. I hope to read more from you.
October 1, 2025
This one started out a bit boring for me but then it got really exciting with kidnapping, criminals on the run, ships blasting and a murderous woman. Of course, the romance is good too. I prefer the book cover with the couple rather than the one it shows here.
Read
March 10, 2024Eh sure
March 21, 2025
Just like the first book of this series I could not put it down! Absolutely loved this love story! Cannot wait to read the next one!
September 14, 2024
Great book with endearing characters who start as friends and end up falling in love while solving some mysteries.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews