Defying the Earl

Northcott Kinship #6

by Wendy May Andrews

These polar opposites are completely unsuited. Or so they thought…

Lady Beatrice Harrison is used to being overlooked and forgotten. So, she wasn’t entirely surprised when the man she fell for two years ago disappeared without a goodbye. But that doesn’t mean his rejection didn’t sting…or that she has any intention of giving him a second chance to break her heart now that he’s returned…

Nathan Lawrence never expected to inherit. But one terrible accident changed everything. Now, he must finish his last assignment for the Home Office before settling into his new life as an earl. Seeing Bea again wasn’t part of his plan. He has no business seeking her forgiveness. Unfortunately, that doesn’t stop him from wanting it…or her…

When Bea’s reputation is endangered by Nathan’s investigation, he doesn’t hesitate to protect her the only way he can—with a fake relationship. But is a little forced proximity (and plenty of romantic sparks) enough to lead them to a real happily ever after? Only if they’re finally willing to stop defying their hearts’ desires…

Defying the Earl, the next book in the Northcott Kinship series, is an uplifting, sweet and clean regency read featuring a cute meet-cute, a scandalous wager, fake relationship, friends to enemies to love romance. Download today and get ready to fall in love with Nathan and Beatrice.

Genres: Second Chance, Regency

205 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2023

About the author

Wendy May Andrews has been reading whatever she could get her hands on since the age of five. She has been writing for almost as long, although Tempting the Earl was the first story she was willing to share with anyone other than her mother. Since then, Wendy has published more than forty Sweet Historical Romance novels.

Wendy lives in Toronto with her own real-life hero. When not writing or reading, she loves traveling with her husband, wherever the mood takes them.

Reviews

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This gentle romance brings into focus the plight of women in the Regency era, where they are left destitute if the proper provision had not been made for them on the death of a family member. Although she had an inheritance that outshone the dowry of most young women, Lady Beatrice is nevertheless without funds until such time as she reaches her majority and is therefore at the mercy of distant relatives. Fortunately, she is taken in as a companion to two elderly ladies, who were more than able to ensure that she had a decent come-out, but it would seem that the novelty of having someone at their beck and call took precedence. Thus when Nathan Lawrence, the new Earl of Braxton, reappears on the scene, Bea is left feeling unsettled as she had previously thought that there was a promise of a future with him. When Nathan's unruly friends catch wind of the discord between them, they lose no time in challenging him to a dare. This, however, puts Bea in the spotlight and possibly unsavory advances from less-than-desirable characters. A fake relationship seems the only way around the problem. Bea is less than happy about the arrangement especially when she has a hard time trying to ignore her feelings for Nathan, whilst he would appear to be taking the situation rather lightly. It is only when Bea attracts the attention of other worthwhile suitors that Nathan comes to his sense and he has to make haste if he wants to win the lady. The novel, fortunately, comes to a happy conclusion. I received a copy of this romance as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Theresa Wachal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Affectionate Adorable Aunts provide Endearing Parental Support Roles

Beatrice is an orphan who has grown up without the support of a mother or grandmother. At the death of her grandfather, a cousin inherited her home, and she was rescued by the Aunts of a friend. However, her grandfather has left her a trust which she will inherit in two years. Then she can be independent.. She is keeping this a secret, because she does not want to be known as an heiress and pursued by fortune hunters. Even though one of the aunts is unmarried and the other is a widow, they have strong maternal instincts which provide Beatrice with a pleasant life posing as their companion. They treat her as a beloved daughter. When their nephew returns from America, Nathan discovers a misunderstanding has existed between him and Beatrice for two years. Charming character development presents an engaging storyline. In the delightful dialogue, the personalities of the four main characters are revealed. There is confusion, assertiveness, humor, banter, concern, intelligence, honesty, and intrigue that leads to conversations with empathy and romantic tenderness. The author reveals admirable interactions. It is well worth the time it takes for Nathan and Beatrice to recognize their mutual love. Regency romance is at its best in this book !

[Kim Power · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable

Andrews writes well and her characterisations are good, in the main. Braxton was a bit of a dill at times. He should know that if he kisses a young innocent she would see it as tantamount to a declaration and then to do it again two years later! Wish washy is the word I’m looking for. And it didn’t quite fit with his role as an agent of the Crown. I’d like to have seen more of the aunts. They hinted at hidden depths. Beatrice is a sweet character. She deserved better.
I dropped a star because of the anachronistic language and the Americanisms. Regency ladies did not eat Cookies. They ate biscuits. This is a beef of mine. If those who use UK/Australian English can adapt to Americanisms, the reverse should apply.

[Barbara Sachs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Defying the Earl is Thin on plot....

which led to a great deal of repetitive interior monologue. The characters were nice enough, the grammar and punctuation were almost perfect, and the writing technique was quite good despite some modernisms marring the historical atmosphere. If only this story had had more going on than just two people wondering over and over if they should be together. One possible agent for the crown angle wasn't developed, sadly, because it could have added some interesting developments. The whole wager idea was too weak to carry the full novel. 2 and a half stars

[Elsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Beatrice is biding her time until she can receive her inheritance. Most of the Ton assume she's a lowly companion, and she's fine with that for now. She's had her heart broken before and now just wants to live out her life as a single woman, if she can manage to avoid any proposals.
Nathan is suddenly back after inheriting the family estate. He's still adjusting to his new role and isn't ready to take on a wife as well. But his dear old aunties have more in mind for him. Will he be surprised to see their companion? Will old feelings be rekindled?
I love this series. It's fun and sweet and clean. This was an interesting idea of a Regency Lady trying to choose her own way.

[Jean Volk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Wendy May Andrews has done another wonderful story. I am a huge fan of Regency because of her writings! She is my favorite Regency author. If you like/love Regency, then you will like this story. This is the 7th book in the Northcott Kinship Series. They are standalone books, but I always like to read the series in order. :-) This is a sweet and clean story. This was my favorite book out of the series.

I was given an ARC from the author and not persuaded to leave a positive review.

[Samantha Ball · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet regency romance

Once I started this book, I didn't want to stop - it kept my interest throughout. It's a second chance, forced proximity, fake relationship story. The female MC, Beatrice, was delightful and a strong character and instantly likeable. The male MC, Nathan, took longer for me to connect with. By the time he came to his senses, my heart ached for him. The banter between these two was fun, and I loved Nathan's aunts.

A sweet regency romance that I'm very happy to recommend.

[Lori D · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet romance that will warm your heart.

Having met years ago and she had fallen for him.. But then he went away without a word.

Now she is waiting for her inheritance, but meanwhile is working as a companion.

He had left for his work with the crown. Now he has come into a title and sees her again. Could she ever forgive him?

Circumstances bring them together and they may just be able to find love again.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beatrice and Nathan

This is an interesting story with some interesting characters and enjoyable families. I enjoyed reading as Nathan tried to avoid falling in love or anything to do with marriage as he tried to fulfill his obligations to the country and king. I liked that Beatrice was hiding her background and lineage. I enjoyed reading as Nathan tried to fulfill his obligations and duties. And I liked how it all finally concluded in a satisfying way.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy this book. I liked the character of Lady Beatrice, she certainly made the best of her situation. I wasn’t quite so sure of Nathan Lawrence, Earl of Braxton, he did seem to think a bit of himself. He also didn’t seem to realise how he had affected Bea when they met two years ago. Isn’t it amazing that when another suitor comes on the scene, it can make others take note and jump into action! This is a sweet romance, kisses only. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Lynn Hyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Love Story

Taken in as a companion by older distant relatives, Bea is biding her time until she is eligible for her inheritance. Nathan has recently inherited his lordship and all that entails while entangling his life with Bea's once again. Interesting story of personal plans and goals and how they can quickly change. Loved the dialogs, bantering and happy ending.

[Connie Spencer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

Wow what a delightful story! I immensely enjoyed this book. It was a fun and easy read. Didn't have a lot to do with the Northcott family but it made sense with the storyline of the Northcott family. Great job!

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

nice read

Bea tris to hide from society as she has had a sensitive feeling iver what happened 2 years ago. Still she is forced to face up to the gentleman again and this time thanks to his aunts they find their hea

[Tonya Bryner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable