What do you think?
Rate this book
The Wild Wynchesters #5
Hot Earl Summer
Bold, curvy Elizabeth Wynchester loves cuddling hedgehogs almost as much as she adores vanquishing villains with the sharp blade concealed inside her cane. Despite others’ opinions about her body and gender, nothing will stop her from seeing justice done. When her next mission drops her at the dastardly Earl of Densmore’s castle, she’s prepared to duel like gentlemen—only to be locked inside! Her trusty sword cannot defeat the castle’s hidden traps… or protect her heart from the devilishly handsome rogue guarding the keep.
When reclusive inventor Stephen Lenox agreed to impersonate his cousin for a few days, he didn’t expect the earl to vanish altogether. Nor could Stephen predict mounting death threats… or the arrival of a beguiling, blade-wielding spinster who declares herself his new bodyguard. As the earl’s enemies lay siege to the castle, Stephen fights his way past Elizabeth’s defenses. She’ll share his bed, but when the adventure concludes, she vows to sever their affair. Unless he can somehow convince a swashbuckling siren to surrender her heart…
Action adventure meets Regency romance in this feminist romp.
When reclusive inventor Stephen Lenox agreed to impersonate his cousin for a few days, he didn’t expect the earl to vanish altogether. Nor could Stephen predict mounting death threats… or the arrival of a beguiling, blade-wielding spinster who declares herself his new bodyguard. As the earl’s enemies lay siege to the castle, Stephen fights his way past Elizabeth’s defenses. She’ll share his bed, but when the adventure concludes, she vows to sever their affair. Unless he can somehow convince a swashbuckling siren to surrender her heart…
Action adventure meets Regency romance in this feminist romp.
368 pages, Paperback
First published August 6, 2024
About the author
Erica Ridley
140 books2,226 followersGet freebies and 99¢ deals at: https://ridley.vip
Erica Ridley is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of historical romance novels, including THE DUKE HEIST, featuring the Wild Wynchesters. Why seduce a duke the normal way, when you can accidentally kidnap one in an elaborately planned heist?
In the 12 Dukes of Christmas series, enjoy witty, heartwarming Regency romps nestled in a picturesque snow-covered village. After all, nothing heats up a winter night quite like finding oneself in the arms of a duke!
Two popular series, the Dukes of War and Rogues to Riches, feature roguish peers and dashing war heroes who find love amongst the splendor and madness of Regency England.
When not reading or writing romances, Erica can be found eating couscous in Morocco, zip-lining through rainforests in Costa Rica, or getting hopelessly lost in the middle of Budapest.
Erica Ridley is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of historical romance novels, including THE DUKE HEIST, featuring the Wild Wynchesters. Why seduce a duke the normal way, when you can accidentally kidnap one in an elaborately planned heist?
In the 12 Dukes of Christmas series, enjoy witty, heartwarming Regency romps nestled in a picturesque snow-covered village. After all, nothing heats up a winter night quite like finding oneself in the arms of a duke!
Two popular series, the Dukes of War and Rogues to Riches, feature roguish peers and dashing war heroes who find love amongst the splendor and madness of Regency England.
When not reading or writing romances, Erica can be found eating couscous in Morocco, zip-lining through rainforests in Costa Rica, or getting hopelessly lost in the middle of Budapest.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 354 reviews
April 25, 2024
quite possibly one of the best historical romance titles of all time
there’s a castle siege going on but these two manage to make it sexy and i’m here for it
when everyone showed up like the chaotic family they are (kuni is outfitted with daggers, jacob brought multiple animals, and adrian has A PORTABLE FORGE)….like this family cannot get more iconic.
Follow me on Instagram
there’s a castle siege going on but these two manage to make it sexy and i’m here for it
when everyone showed up like the chaotic family they are (kuni is outfitted with daggers, jacob brought multiple animals, and adrian has A PORTABLE FORGE)….like this family cannot get more iconic.
Follow me on Instagram
August 8, 2024
3.7 Stars
One Liner: A bit silly and OTT but entertaining
Elizabeth Wynchester loves nothing more than an opportunity to stab the guilty with her sword. She is bold, beautiful, smart, and competent despite the unknown reason for her joints to jam at random. When Elizabeth’s mission takes her to the castle of Earl of Densmore, she realizes she needs more than a sword to complete the mission.
Stephen Lennox loves tinkering with machinations. He has invented too many of them and continues to do so. After all, machines are more reliable than humans. However, when he agrees to take the place of his cousin, the Earl of Densmore, for a while, Stephen comes face to face with a woman who truly understands him.
Elizabeth and Stephen are similar yet different. However, before they explore their feelings, they need to sort out the case of the hidden/ missing will and put a criminal in his place.
The story comes in the third-person POV of Elizabeth and Stephen.
My Thoughts:
After enjoying the previous book in the series and loving Elizabeth in that one, I knew I had to read this. I understand her urge to stab anything/ anyone that annoys her. Naturally, people don’t let us act on it, but one can dream!
The dual POV does what it should and gives us the backstories of the main characters. Both of them present a façade to the public to hide their vulnerabilities. While Elizabeth is kinda sunshine, she is also grumpy (with loads of delightful bloodlust). She loves that the MMC builds murder machines (even if not all are meant to… you know… pop off a person).
There is insta-lust (obv) but there is also some friendship, banter, and the case, which keeps things interesting. I enjoyed the puzzle parts.
The villain is pretty much a 2D cartoonish man though we can see glimpses of his cunningness and evilness. Not sure if he’ll appear again but in this one, he is more like a comic villain than a real one.
The FMC is curvy and has Fibromyalgia. This is my second book where the FMC has this condition. However, this book is historical, so no one knows what her condition is called and why it affects people. I like how the whole aspect is incorporated into the plot and her character arc.
Stephen is well-written, and there were instances when I liked him more than Elizabeth. Somehow, his vulnerability comes out more clearly. I empathized with his loneliness and sense of wanting to belong.
There’s some filler which at times results in uneven pacing. There’s a 3rd act breakup, but no miscommunication. This one was bound to happen, so I was okay with it.
The battle scenes are nice but lighthearted. This aligns with the book’s overall tone but it may not work for everyone.
The Wynchester family scenes are always fun to read. I missed Tickletums, the hedgehog. He barely got any space. Ugh! So not fair as I was hoping to meet the cutie again. The book ends with a teeny lead to the next one. I know Jacob’s book will be lovely with all those animals and… Tickletums!
To summarize, Hot Earl Summer is a lighthearted and fun read that also deals with some important themes like acceptance, found family, loneliness, finding love, etc. It is moderately paced and enjoyable if you like historical romances with a modern touch.
Thank you, NetGalley, and Forever (Grand Central Publishing), for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #HotEarlSummer
One Liner: A bit silly and OTT but entertaining
Elizabeth Wynchester loves nothing more than an opportunity to stab the guilty with her sword. She is bold, beautiful, smart, and competent despite the unknown reason for her joints to jam at random. When Elizabeth’s mission takes her to the castle of Earl of Densmore, she realizes she needs more than a sword to complete the mission.
Stephen Lennox loves tinkering with machinations. He has invented too many of them and continues to do so. After all, machines are more reliable than humans. However, when he agrees to take the place of his cousin, the Earl of Densmore, for a while, Stephen comes face to face with a woman who truly understands him.
Elizabeth and Stephen are similar yet different. However, before they explore their feelings, they need to sort out the case of the hidden/ missing will and put a criminal in his place.
The story comes in the third-person POV of Elizabeth and Stephen.
My Thoughts:
After enjoying the previous book in the series and loving Elizabeth in that one, I knew I had to read this. I understand her urge to stab anything/ anyone that annoys her. Naturally, people don’t let us act on it, but one can dream!
The dual POV does what it should and gives us the backstories of the main characters. Both of them present a façade to the public to hide their vulnerabilities. While Elizabeth is kinda sunshine, she is also grumpy (with loads of delightful bloodlust). She loves that the MMC builds murder machines (even if not all are meant to… you know… pop off a person).
There is insta-lust (obv) but there is also some friendship, banter, and the case, which keeps things interesting. I enjoyed the puzzle parts.
The villain is pretty much a 2D cartoonish man though we can see glimpses of his cunningness and evilness. Not sure if he’ll appear again but in this one, he is more like a comic villain than a real one.
The FMC is curvy and has Fibromyalgia. This is my second book where the FMC has this condition. However, this book is historical, so no one knows what her condition is called and why it affects people. I like how the whole aspect is incorporated into the plot and her character arc.
Stephen is well-written, and there were instances when I liked him more than Elizabeth. Somehow, his vulnerability comes out more clearly. I empathized with his loneliness and sense of wanting to belong.
There’s some filler which at times results in uneven pacing. There’s a 3rd act breakup, but no miscommunication. This one was bound to happen, so I was okay with it.
The battle scenes are nice but lighthearted. This aligns with the book’s overall tone but it may not work for everyone.
The Wynchester family scenes are always fun to read. I missed Tickletums, the hedgehog. He barely got any space. Ugh! So not fair as I was hoping to meet the cutie again. The book ends with a teeny lead to the next one. I know Jacob’s book will be lovely with all those animals and… Tickletums!
To summarize, Hot Earl Summer is a lighthearted and fun read that also deals with some important themes like acceptance, found family, loneliness, finding love, etc. It is moderately paced and enjoyable if you like historical romances with a modern touch.
Thank you, NetGalley, and Forever (Grand Central Publishing), for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #HotEarlSummer
August 12, 2024
Hot Earl Summer by Erica Ridley
The Wild Wynchesters series #5. Historical romance with a unique family and plenty of humor. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series.
Bold and curvy Elizabeth Wynchester loves her trusty sword and vanquishing villains. Her family knows her occasional physical limitations and are totally behind her taking on the mission of finding a will somewhere inside the dastardly Earl of Densmore’s castle and handing it over to the orphans. Finding the castle covered in hidden traps, she’s calls on her Beth the berserker motivation to get past the rogue guarding the keep. She’ll find that will if it means breaking doors and making someone bleed.
Reclusive inventor and tinkerer Stephen Lenox agreed to impersonate his cousin for a few days inside his castle. Three months later, his cousin hasn’t returned and he has multiple people demanding to take possession of the castle which he is mostly trying to ignore other that setting plenty of traps and setting up listening posts around the turrets. When a beautiful and curvy woman starts using a double axe on his castle door, he knows his hiding time is up. She explains her quest for the orphanage and agrees to help repel the neighboring war games threat but she may not be able to keep her hands off him. Those abdominal muscles she accidentally exposed with her trusty sword are lick worthy!
Oh those rascally Wynchesters. They all have their unique skill sets and they are taking on more cases for the underdog.
Fast action, plenty of humor, sexy longings and absurd costumes all lend itself to total acceptance for this do-good family. Don’t miss a single episode. They bring color and joy to life that you won’t be able to resist.
“Did you just say ‘measure the viscosity’? I have never heard a phrase more erotic. Prepare to lose your virginity.”
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
The Wild Wynchesters series #5. Historical romance with a unique family and plenty of humor. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series.
Bold and curvy Elizabeth Wynchester loves her trusty sword and vanquishing villains. Her family knows her occasional physical limitations and are totally behind her taking on the mission of finding a will somewhere inside the dastardly Earl of Densmore’s castle and handing it over to the orphans. Finding the castle covered in hidden traps, she’s calls on her Beth the berserker motivation to get past the rogue guarding the keep. She’ll find that will if it means breaking doors and making someone bleed.
Reclusive inventor and tinkerer Stephen Lenox agreed to impersonate his cousin for a few days inside his castle. Three months later, his cousin hasn’t returned and he has multiple people demanding to take possession of the castle which he is mostly trying to ignore other that setting plenty of traps and setting up listening posts around the turrets. When a beautiful and curvy woman starts using a double axe on his castle door, he knows his hiding time is up. She explains her quest for the orphanage and agrees to help repel the neighboring war games threat but she may not be able to keep her hands off him. Those abdominal muscles she accidentally exposed with her trusty sword are lick worthy!
Oh those rascally Wynchesters. They all have their unique skill sets and they are taking on more cases for the underdog.
Fast action, plenty of humor, sexy longings and absurd costumes all lend itself to total acceptance for this do-good family. Don’t miss a single episode. They bring color and joy to life that you won’t be able to resist.
“Did you just say ‘measure the viscosity’? I have never heard a phrase more erotic. Prepare to lose your virginity.”
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.
July 15, 2024
3.5⭐️ | TikTok | IG |
A cute, quirky, and totally fun romp.
This is the fifth book in an interconnected series about the Wynchesters - a found family of misfits who stand up and fight against injustices, for those who can’t fight for themselves (read: stand up for the little guy, in sometimes morally gray ways).
You absolutely do NOT need to have read the previous books in the series, this was my first and the author provides plenty of context to fill you in on the vital information you need from previous books.
What I loved…
- curvy FMC who is stabby (I love of take no crap FMC)
- disability rep - our FMC has chronic pain and I LOVED seeing her be a badass despite it!
- found family to the max! I loved getting to meet all the Wynchesters without feeling like I was missing too much by not having read the previous books!
- Nerdy inventor MMC with drool-worthy abs bc he stress exercises? I ate that up!
What I didn’t love…
- pace was a little too slow for a rom-com, the battle scene alone was enough to make me want to skip a few pages.
- I thought there was a significant lack of chemistry between our MCs
Thank you NetGalley and Forever (Grand Publishing) for sending this book (eARC) for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
A cute, quirky, and totally fun romp.
This is the fifth book in an interconnected series about the Wynchesters - a found family of misfits who stand up and fight against injustices, for those who can’t fight for themselves (read: stand up for the little guy, in sometimes morally gray ways).
You absolutely do NOT need to have read the previous books in the series, this was my first and the author provides plenty of context to fill you in on the vital information you need from previous books.
What I loved…
- curvy FMC who is stabby (I love of take no crap FMC)
- disability rep - our FMC has chronic pain and I LOVED seeing her be a badass despite it!
- found family to the max! I loved getting to meet all the Wynchesters without feeling like I was missing too much by not having read the previous books!
- Nerdy inventor MMC with drool-worthy abs bc he stress exercises? I ate that up!
What I didn’t love…
- pace was a little too slow for a rom-com, the battle scene alone was enough to make me want to skip a few pages.
- I thought there was a significant lack of chemistry between our MCs
Thank you NetGalley and Forever (Grand Publishing) for sending this book (eARC) for review consideration. All opinions are my own.
September 21, 2024
4.5 stars rounded up
Another rollicking caper with the Wild Wynchesters!! I've been waiting for Elizabeth's story and this did not disappoint. If you're new to the series, Elizabeth is a hilariously bloodthirsty swordswoman who is also disabled dealing with chronic pain and joint issues that occasionally sideline her. But she hates to be seen as weak and has a larger than life personality.
In Hot Earl Summer, she is sent off to help a client by herself. An ancient castle is under contention- an old woman says her sister was going to leave it to her so she could start an orphanage, but her will is missing. Meanwhile, the womans wayward nephew gambled the deed of the estate away to a local Earl who is a puffed up misogynist running battle reenactments. And locked up in the castle refusing to let anyone in is the nephew in question. Except that when Elizabeth fights her way into the castle, she discovers he is NOT in fact the nephew but rather a cousin who looks similar. Stephen is a quirky tinker and inventor who was instructed by his cousin to keep the castle safe. It quickly becomes clear that there is chemistry between Elizabeth and Stephen as they work together to follow clues to find the missing document, and defend against the invading Earl who thinks the castle should belong to him.
If this sounds a bit wild and convoluted, it is but in a fun way. It's a wonderfully entertaining caper that also has a heartfelt romance between two people who are very much themselves. I adore the dynamic between Elizabeth and Stephen and this book had me laughing on many occasions. I've loved this series and look forward to reading about the final Wynchester sibling! I received a copy of this book for review from the publisher, all opinions are my own.
Another rollicking caper with the Wild Wynchesters!! I've been waiting for Elizabeth's story and this did not disappoint. If you're new to the series, Elizabeth is a hilariously bloodthirsty swordswoman who is also disabled dealing with chronic pain and joint issues that occasionally sideline her. But she hates to be seen as weak and has a larger than life personality.
In Hot Earl Summer, she is sent off to help a client by herself. An ancient castle is under contention- an old woman says her sister was going to leave it to her so she could start an orphanage, but her will is missing. Meanwhile, the womans wayward nephew gambled the deed of the estate away to a local Earl who is a puffed up misogynist running battle reenactments. And locked up in the castle refusing to let anyone in is the nephew in question. Except that when Elizabeth fights her way into the castle, she discovers he is NOT in fact the nephew but rather a cousin who looks similar. Stephen is a quirky tinker and inventor who was instructed by his cousin to keep the castle safe. It quickly becomes clear that there is chemistry between Elizabeth and Stephen as they work together to follow clues to find the missing document, and defend against the invading Earl who thinks the castle should belong to him.
If this sounds a bit wild and convoluted, it is but in a fun way. It's a wonderfully entertaining caper that also has a heartfelt romance between two people who are very much themselves. I adore the dynamic between Elizabeth and Stephen and this book had me laughing on many occasions. I've loved this series and look forward to reading about the final Wynchester sibling! I received a copy of this book for review from the publisher, all opinions are my own.
November 11, 2024
Another delightful addition to the Wild Wynchesters series. I have greatly enjoyed every book in this series so far, and this one didn't disappoint.
This time around, it's Elizabeth's turn to fall in love. Hot Earl Summer is an action-packed adventure of a historical romance filled with humor and quirky characters. It was just the right amount of whimsy and just the right amount of spice.
There's only one more Wynchester sibling left, and I'm looking forward to it, but also a little sad to be saying goodbye to this beautiful and wonderfully bonkers family.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This time around, it's Elizabeth's turn to fall in love. Hot Earl Summer is an action-packed adventure of a historical romance filled with humor and quirky characters. It was just the right amount of whimsy and just the right amount of spice.
There's only one more Wynchester sibling left, and I'm looking forward to it, but also a little sad to be saying goodbye to this beautiful and wonderfully bonkers family.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
May 26, 2024
This is a historical romcom that is at times ridiculous and other times sweet, but a delightful romp regardless. Part of the Wynchester series that follows a diverse group of siblings, this book can standalone or be seen as the penultimate story of each sibling finding love.
The Wynchesters are hired by a woman who planned to turn a castle into an orphanage and school. The castle had been left to her in a Countess’ will that went missing. The new Earl lost the castle in a card game after his mother’s death. Finding the will should prove the Earl couldn’t wager the castle.
With the Wynchesters busier than ever with jobs, sword-wielding Elizabeth Wynchester, travels to the castle alone to find the will. She arrives to find the Earl has fled and his cousin, investor Stephen, is holding down the fort. Elizabeth and Stephen have to find the will and hold off the man who thinks he won the castle from the Earl. Between Elizabeth’s fighting skill and Stephen’s machines, they plan to defend the castle. Of course, they fall in love along the way.
The writing is funny and outrageous at times. I was thoroughly entertained! There were many touching moments, too. We see two characters used to being alone navigating being in a relationship and articulating needs and boundaries.
The varied personalities and talents of the Wynchesters are on display in the finale scene and in a few chapters after. We also see Elizabeth’s disability described throughout and there are touching scenes with Stephen figuring out how to support her.
The epilogue lets us see the happily ever after and sets up the last sibling’s book.
The Wynchesters are hired by a woman who planned to turn a castle into an orphanage and school. The castle had been left to her in a Countess’ will that went missing. The new Earl lost the castle in a card game after his mother’s death. Finding the will should prove the Earl couldn’t wager the castle.
With the Wynchesters busier than ever with jobs, sword-wielding Elizabeth Wynchester, travels to the castle alone to find the will. She arrives to find the Earl has fled and his cousin, investor Stephen, is holding down the fort. Elizabeth and Stephen have to find the will and hold off the man who thinks he won the castle from the Earl. Between Elizabeth’s fighting skill and Stephen’s machines, they plan to defend the castle. Of course, they fall in love along the way.
The writing is funny and outrageous at times. I was thoroughly entertained! There were many touching moments, too. We see two characters used to being alone navigating being in a relationship and articulating needs and boundaries.
The varied personalities and talents of the Wynchesters are on display in the finale scene and in a few chapters after. We also see Elizabeth’s disability described throughout and there are touching scenes with Stephen figuring out how to support her.
The epilogue lets us see the happily ever after and sets up the last sibling’s book.
May 17, 2024
Erica Ridley has penned her best tale yet in the witty wacky Wynchester histrom series! Oooooh do I love characters Elizabeth, curvy and courageous and a swashbuckler to boot, and inventor Stephen Lenox, whom she swears to protect as enemies descend upon the castle of the Earl of Densmore. (Stephen is the Earl's cousin whom he agreed to impersonate briefly.) As danger looms, can spinster Elizabeth protect not only him, but herself as handsome Stephen threatens to invade HER heart? Swoon!
August 21, 2024
Book #5 The Wild Wynchesters series.
Erica Ridley is phenomenal. Every book in this series is entertaining and hilarious and the Wynchester family are just that, “WILD and completely UNPREDICTABLE!!” Book 5 features our heroine Elizabeth Wynchester. She’s that zany, pirate-esqe sword donning, hedgehog loving spinster that is a fighter, not a lover.. she has no time for that. Until this odd duck meets our hero.. Stephen Lenox, a highly intelligent scientist + inventor who prefers his solitude to people. The Winchesters are asked to solve a case involving a missing “will” that will prove their client Miss Oak is the rightful owner of Castle Harbrook. The castle + property was to be turned into an orphanage and school, but her sister died before it came to fruition. Miss Oaks nephew gambled the castle away to his despicable neighbor who is now trying to siege it by using “reenactment troops.” The nephew’s disappeared, leaving his cousin Stephen there as a ruse to deal with the mess. Elizabeth is sent to Castle Harbrook to find the will, and meets Stephen with his inventive traps. Chaos ensues, followed by, of course, love. Both work together to find clues leading to where the will is hidden. Spicy and fun. Can’t wait for the final book. ❥ 4 stars — Pub. 8/6/24
Erica Ridley is phenomenal. Every book in this series is entertaining and hilarious and the Wynchester family are just that, “WILD and completely UNPREDICTABLE!!” Book 5 features our heroine Elizabeth Wynchester. She’s that zany, pirate-esqe sword donning, hedgehog loving spinster that is a fighter, not a lover.. she has no time for that. Until this odd duck meets our hero.. Stephen Lenox, a highly intelligent scientist + inventor who prefers his solitude to people. The Winchesters are asked to solve a case involving a missing “will” that will prove their client Miss Oak is the rightful owner of Castle Harbrook. The castle + property was to be turned into an orphanage and school, but her sister died before it came to fruition. Miss Oaks nephew gambled the castle away to his despicable neighbor who is now trying to siege it by using “reenactment troops.” The nephew’s disappeared, leaving his cousin Stephen there as a ruse to deal with the mess. Elizabeth is sent to Castle Harbrook to find the will, and meets Stephen with his inventive traps. Chaos ensues, followed by, of course, love. Both work together to find clues leading to where the will is hidden. Spicy and fun. Can’t wait for the final book. ❥ 4 stars — Pub. 8/6/24
August 6, 2024
⭐️: 4
🌶️: 2
⚔️ regency
🏰 forced proximity
⚔️ booby traps
🏰 sword fighting
⚔️ chronic pain representation
A fun, quick read for lovers of historical romance. The characters were lovable but silly- Elizabeth is a sword wielding badass and Stephen is a recluse tinker with deep pockets. The antics they got up to kept me on my toes and needing to see what happened next!
This is book number 5 in The Wild Wynchesters series but can easily be read as a standalone (I did, unintentionally).
🌶️🌶️ = open door, minimal detail
♥︎ Many thanks to Forever Publishing and Erica Ridley for the eARC of Hot Earl Summer!
🌶️: 2
⚔️ regency
🏰 forced proximity
⚔️ booby traps
🏰 sword fighting
⚔️ chronic pain representation
A fun, quick read for lovers of historical romance. The characters were lovable but silly- Elizabeth is a sword wielding badass and Stephen is a recluse tinker with deep pockets. The antics they got up to kept me on my toes and needing to see what happened next!
This is book number 5 in The Wild Wynchesters series but can easily be read as a standalone (I did, unintentionally).
🌶️🌶️ = open door, minimal detail
♥︎ Many thanks to Forever Publishing and Erica Ridley for the eARC of Hot Earl Summer!
August 25, 2025
A little bit silly and a lot of fun, Hot Earl Summer was a romp of a historical romcom read. It’s lighthearted and action packed, with a cast of characters I totally fell for. I’d very happily be adopted into the Wynchester family.
what to expect:
• found vigilante family
• they’re trapped in a castle together
• castle siege
• inventor x swordswoman
• curvy bi fmc
• chronic pain rep (fmc)
• tickletums the hedgehog
Read
October 28, 20243.5! Kind of silly in a way that bugged me, but very solid disability rep and I do enjoy the background characters in this family!
July 20, 2024
Reviewed for
Wit and Sin
Elizabeth Wynchester – aka Beth the Berserker – meets a most unexpected match in Hot Earl Summer . The most brash and impulsive of the Wynchester siblings always hoped to find love with a dashing warrior but it’s a brilliant tinker with unexpectedly delicious ab muscles who claims her heart.
Elizabeth swings her sword first and asks questions later. When she’s sent on a mission to find a will and prevent a villain from taking over a castle meant to be an orphanage, she’s ready to battle her way to victory. But the Earl of Densmore she comes to demand aid from is actually the man’s cousin, inventor Stephen Lenox. Stephen’s cousin had asked him to impersonate him for a few days but instead he finds himself trapped for months, fending off the enemy with clever traps. When Elizabeth arrives and decides to be his bodyguard, Stephen can’t help but fall for the beautiful warrior.
Over the course of the series I admit Elizabeth has been my least favorite Wynchester; she was just a bit too over the top for me. Erica Ridley changed my opinion on Elizabeth in this book – I loved seeing beneath the surface to what made Elizabeth tick. She’s bold and likes to charge headfirst into battle, yes. But there’s much more to her than “Beth the Berserker.” Ridley does a solid job of creating a heroine with chronic pain and a disability that can knock even the strongest warrior down. Elizabeth is a warrior at all times and I liked that she set boundaries and acknowledged what she needed, taking the time to rest and recover. Elizabeth isn’t perfect and she does make mistakes, but it makes her an interesting heroine. Stephen is a recluse more at home among his extravagant inventions than people, but he’s swept off his feet by Elizabeth. I loved how sweet and kind he is and how he practically swoons over how brave and strong Elizabeth is. The two of them have a lovely dynamic that’s fun, sweet, and sensual.
It wouldn’t be a Wild Wynchesters story without the entire family but I liked that Ridley kept the focus on Elizabeth and Stephen. The Wynchesters all play a part, never fear, and their unique talents along with how they all come together plays a part in Hot Earl Summer . You don’t have to have read the previous four books in order to enjoy this one, but it’s fun to check in with past protagonists. All in all, Hot Earl Summer is a charming romp with bold and clever characters, a very dramatic villain who must be defeated, and a sweet happily ever after.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Elizabeth Wynchester – aka Beth the Berserker – meets a most unexpected match in Hot Earl Summer . The most brash and impulsive of the Wynchester siblings always hoped to find love with a dashing warrior but it’s a brilliant tinker with unexpectedly delicious ab muscles who claims her heart.
Elizabeth swings her sword first and asks questions later. When she’s sent on a mission to find a will and prevent a villain from taking over a castle meant to be an orphanage, she’s ready to battle her way to victory. But the Earl of Densmore she comes to demand aid from is actually the man’s cousin, inventor Stephen Lenox. Stephen’s cousin had asked him to impersonate him for a few days but instead he finds himself trapped for months, fending off the enemy with clever traps. When Elizabeth arrives and decides to be his bodyguard, Stephen can’t help but fall for the beautiful warrior.
Over the course of the series I admit Elizabeth has been my least favorite Wynchester; she was just a bit too over the top for me. Erica Ridley changed my opinion on Elizabeth in this book – I loved seeing beneath the surface to what made Elizabeth tick. She’s bold and likes to charge headfirst into battle, yes. But there’s much more to her than “Beth the Berserker.” Ridley does a solid job of creating a heroine with chronic pain and a disability that can knock even the strongest warrior down. Elizabeth is a warrior at all times and I liked that she set boundaries and acknowledged what she needed, taking the time to rest and recover. Elizabeth isn’t perfect and she does make mistakes, but it makes her an interesting heroine. Stephen is a recluse more at home among his extravagant inventions than people, but he’s swept off his feet by Elizabeth. I loved how sweet and kind he is and how he practically swoons over how brave and strong Elizabeth is. The two of them have a lovely dynamic that’s fun, sweet, and sensual.
It wouldn’t be a Wild Wynchesters story without the entire family but I liked that Ridley kept the focus on Elizabeth and Stephen. The Wynchesters all play a part, never fear, and their unique talents along with how they all come together plays a part in Hot Earl Summer . You don’t have to have read the previous four books in order to enjoy this one, but it’s fun to check in with past protagonists. All in all, Hot Earl Summer is a charming romp with bold and clever characters, a very dramatic villain who must be defeated, and a sweet happily ever after.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
July 14, 2024
I am happily welcoming this book to the top 5 of my ‘favorite books of all time’ list.
Review to come, but 1000000 stars
.
.
.
1 day later:
Ok so I finished Hot Earl Summer yesterday and haven’t been able to think of anything else.
This is the 5th book in The Wild Wynchesters series by Erica Ridley, but can absolutely be read as a standalone (as I did). This book is a regency historical romance (Bridgerton besties, assemble) and it focuses on Elizabeth Wynchester.
As part of an amazingly talented and selfless family, Elizabeth is tasked with a solo mission to help an older woman locate the last will and deed of her late sister and her castle. When Elizabeth arrives to the castle, she’s surprised to see that the Earl who is meant to be home has absconded and left his reclusive cousin, Stephen, in his place. Stephen is witty, inventive, and… sturdy 😉. He’s spent his whole life tinkering with inventions and being ostracized because of it. As a result, he’s put up metaphorical walls that he’s sure no one can break down. Until Elizabeth comes barreling into his life. She’s always up for a challenge and… seems to be happily wielding battle axes?
So right off the bat, Elizabeth is probably my favorite FMC of all time. She is such a badass and I want nothing more than to be her bestie. She has a disability (I’m thinking RA) and the rep is incredible. She doesn’t let her disability define her, but she also takes the time she needs to recover and frequently checks in with herself, which I loved seeing. Stephen is an absolute golden retriever. He wants nothing more than to make others happy. He’s caring, kind, and looks at Elizabeth as if she hung the moon and stars. Their dynamic is perfection; filled with humor, passion, and trust.
I have 38276419 more amazing things to say about this book, which includes some of the best highlights I’ve ever highlighted in the history of highlighting.
I laughed, I cried (happy tears), I immediately added the rest of the series to my tbr/wishlist.
Hot Early Summer is out August 6th and you definitely won’t want to miss this one!
💙 Thank you so much to Forever for the gifted copy
Review to come, but 1000000 stars
.
.
.
1 day later:
Ok so I finished Hot Earl Summer yesterday and haven’t been able to think of anything else.
This is the 5th book in The Wild Wynchesters series by Erica Ridley, but can absolutely be read as a standalone (as I did). This book is a regency historical romance (Bridgerton besties, assemble) and it focuses on Elizabeth Wynchester.
As part of an amazingly talented and selfless family, Elizabeth is tasked with a solo mission to help an older woman locate the last will and deed of her late sister and her castle. When Elizabeth arrives to the castle, she’s surprised to see that the Earl who is meant to be home has absconded and left his reclusive cousin, Stephen, in his place. Stephen is witty, inventive, and… sturdy 😉. He’s spent his whole life tinkering with inventions and being ostracized because of it. As a result, he’s put up metaphorical walls that he’s sure no one can break down. Until Elizabeth comes barreling into his life. She’s always up for a challenge and… seems to be happily wielding battle axes?
So right off the bat, Elizabeth is probably my favorite FMC of all time. She is such a badass and I want nothing more than to be her bestie. She has a disability (I’m thinking RA) and the rep is incredible. She doesn’t let her disability define her, but she also takes the time she needs to recover and frequently checks in with herself, which I loved seeing. Stephen is an absolute golden retriever. He wants nothing more than to make others happy. He’s caring, kind, and looks at Elizabeth as if she hung the moon and stars. Their dynamic is perfection; filled with humor, passion, and trust.
I have 38276419 more amazing things to say about this book, which includes some of the best highlights I’ve ever highlighted in the history of highlighting.
I laughed, I cried (happy tears), I immediately added the rest of the series to my tbr/wishlist.
Hot Early Summer is out August 6th and you definitely won’t want to miss this one!
💙 Thank you so much to Forever for the gifted copy
August 11, 2024
A goofy, over-the-top farce with the volume dialed up to 11. Which seems absurd to complain about, given how I just read and loved Something Extraordinary—surely if anything is dialed up to 11 it’s the Tarletons. But Alexis Hall grounds his farce with deep emotion and intimacy, using it to scratch away at the actual farce of a society that dictates such rigid, preposterous roles.
I feel Erica Ridley wanting to do something similar, but it stays at the superficial level, with ripped abs and lust at first sight and a relationship that’s just as conventional as you please, apart from a heroine with a sword. I applaud the found family and the chronic disability rep, but without deeper character work, this veers into cartoonish and (she winces) boring territory for me.
I feel Erica Ridley wanting to do something similar, but it stays at the superficial level, with ripped abs and lust at first sight and a relationship that’s just as conventional as you please, apart from a heroine with a sword. I applaud the found family and the chronic disability rep, but without deeper character work, this veers into cartoonish and (she winces) boring territory for me.
August 10, 2024
Genre: Historical Romance
Format: Physical
4.25🌟 - I enjoyed it!
Thank you @booksparks and @readforeverpub for the #gifted copy for #SRC2024 #gamesetread!
I sat down to read this at the pool one afternoon and devoured it in one sitting! I was so easily swept away in this world and immediately started watching Pride and Prejudice when I got home 😂.
This had great representation! The FMC is curvy and has chronic pain/disability which our MMC was the most supportive and accepting of! This was such a silly and entertaining rom-com, and I had the best time reading.
This is the 5th in the series of interconnected stand-alones (similar to Bridgerton), but can absolutely be read without reading the whole series!
Format: Physical
4.25🌟 - I enjoyed it!
Thank you @booksparks and @readforeverpub for the #gifted copy for #SRC2024 #gamesetread!
I sat down to read this at the pool one afternoon and devoured it in one sitting! I was so easily swept away in this world and immediately started watching Pride and Prejudice when I got home 😂.
This had great representation! The FMC is curvy and has chronic pain/disability which our MMC was the most supportive and accepting of! This was such a silly and entertaining rom-com, and I had the best time reading.
This is the 5th in the series of interconnected stand-alones (similar to Bridgerton), but can absolutely be read without reading the whole series!
August 7, 2026
This was such a fun quirky read!! Hot Earl Summer is the perfect continuation to the Wild Wynchester Series, but it can be read as a stand alone. I loved Elizabeth! 🫶🩵 she’s the perfect cute, curvy, sassy FMC! She didn’t take crap from anyone and I adored that! All of characters in this book are so zany I loved it!
This was so fun definitely recommend if you’re looking for something with fun Pride and Prejudice vibes
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was so fun definitely recommend if you’re looking for something with fun Pride and Prejudice vibes
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
September 13, 2024
This series is honestly so fun, and such a lovely & diverse addition to historical romance. I especially loved the disability rep in this! Elizabeth refers to how she’s feeling each day with percentages, for example she’ll say, “I’m operating at 50%”, which again I LOVED. Also Stephen is very much a tease and has such strong golden retriever energy. He starts purposefully not wearing a shirt to tease her at one point because he knows how much she likes him. Their banter was honesty so funny to me. Lastly, they both don’t want kids and I demand more of this vibe in romance books. Happy endings don’t always include children, and we need more representation of this.
Now, I will say the plot was a little unhinged and camp for me, so it wasn’t my FAV, but I still loved this book and would def recommend!
Now, I will say the plot was a little unhinged and camp for me, so it wasn’t my FAV, but I still loved this book and would def recommend!
August 4, 2024
4.5⭐️
I bulldozed through this book. I absolutely loved it!! Which surprises me a bit because, TBH, Elizabeth was not my favorite Wynchester. In fact, she made me roll my eyes a lot in the other books. BUT……the more I learned about her back story and why she is the way she is, I just fell in love with her.
The whole book is just funny and cooky. Stephen and Elizabeth’s interactions are hilarious! Watching those two fall in love was an complete delight!!
The book explains the previous books and the characters well that it could definitely be read as a stand alone.
I bulldozed through this book. I absolutely loved it!! Which surprises me a bit because, TBH, Elizabeth was not my favorite Wynchester. In fact, she made me roll my eyes a lot in the other books. BUT……the more I learned about her back story and why she is the way she is, I just fell in love with her.
The whole book is just funny and cooky. Stephen and Elizabeth’s interactions are hilarious! Watching those two fall in love was an complete delight!!
The book explains the previous books and the characters well that it could definitely be read as a stand alone.
June 1, 2024
Oh my gosh, BETH THE BERSERKER!!! Ok. I know I say this about every Wynchester book, but this one is my favorite. Elizabeth, in all her bloody glory!! Stephen in all his tinkering glory!! Brilliant, full of fun and action and love....and family. I loved every moment.
July 21, 2024
{3.5 stars}
Thanks to Forever and Grand Central Publishing for gifted access via Netgalley. All opinions below are my own.
I've enjoyed reading the Wynchester's series. They are a found family of individuals who love getting justice by any means necessary. They are quirky and a bit violent but all in the name of doing the right thing. This story focuses on Elizabeth who suffers from chronic illness and lives her days in percentages of how she feels. When their mission is focused on solving a series of clues a woman left for her husband as to the location of her will, Elizabeth takes the lead. She goes out to the castle and finds Steven housesitting for his missing cousin. Steven is also mega quirky and focuses his time tinkering with Rube Goldberg type machines. Together they try to solve the mystery all the while holding off the Lord who claims he won the castle in a bet.
There is fun banter and silly clues to solve as they work. You know how everything is going to end up and yet the quirky how is the mystery. This is definitely another fun read that's perfect for summer if you don't mind a little dueling in the middle of your stories!
Thanks to Forever and Grand Central Publishing for gifted access via Netgalley. All opinions below are my own.
I've enjoyed reading the Wynchester's series. They are a found family of individuals who love getting justice by any means necessary. They are quirky and a bit violent but all in the name of doing the right thing. This story focuses on Elizabeth who suffers from chronic illness and lives her days in percentages of how she feels. When their mission is focused on solving a series of clues a woman left for her husband as to the location of her will, Elizabeth takes the lead. She goes out to the castle and finds Steven housesitting for his missing cousin. Steven is also mega quirky and focuses his time tinkering with Rube Goldberg type machines. Together they try to solve the mystery all the while holding off the Lord who claims he won the castle in a bet.
There is fun banter and silly clues to solve as they work. You know how everything is going to end up and yet the quirky how is the mystery. This is definitely another fun read that's perfect for summer if you don't mind a little dueling in the middle of your stories!
June 26, 2025
"I know I'm not easy to get close to. But if you really want to fight this war, then go ahead. Try your best to win."
Oh, how I truly adore this series and family. Hot Earl Summer is the fifth book and all about our bloodthirsty lady, Elizabeth. She's bolder than most people with a disability, and she would rather solve all her problems with a duel than words. And yet, she becomes somewhat different when she runs into Stephen.
"The irregular beating of my heart beneath. It skips every time I see you. I never want to look away. Unless the reason is because I have closed my eyes to kiss you."
Now the romance between these two was so freaking adorable. I loved how easy it was for them to understand the other. Then when things got hot, they made it hotter. Also, the notes she would send to her own family with "updates" on the mission were mostly about him. Gah! I loved these two so much.
"He's a thinker.
Your least favorite activity," Tommy said with authority."
In the end, another mission was complete. A long-ass duel with Mr. Reddington was entertaining. And we got another marriage and family reunion. Now let's see who is pretending to be her brother Jacob in the next book.
June 18, 2024
Thank you Erica and NetGalley for the ARC! I had a great time reading.
soooo castle drama and plans falling apart but make it MOUTH WATERINGLY SEXY WOW. This was so so so cute
The Wynchesters are hired by a woman who planned to turn a castle into an orphanage and school. The castle had been left to her in a Countesses will that went missing...isn't it just ironic that the new Earl lost the castle in a card game after his mother’s death... Finding the will should prove the Earl couldn’t wager the castle....
Seriously this was such a fun historical romance. I will be reading all of Erica's books!
soooo castle drama and plans falling apart but make it MOUTH WATERINGLY SEXY WOW. This was so so so cute
The Wynchesters are hired by a woman who planned to turn a castle into an orphanage and school. The castle had been left to her in a Countesses will that went missing...isn't it just ironic that the new Earl lost the castle in a card game after his mother’s death... Finding the will should prove the Earl couldn’t wager the castle....
Seriously this was such a fun historical romance. I will be reading all of Erica's books!
October 11, 2024
3.5! This was pretty fun! We’ve got a curvy FMC with chronic joint pain and a MMC who is better with numbers and machines than he is with humans, as well as a good old fashioned siege!
This was my first dive into the Wild Wynchesters series, and I did love how chaotic the family was! Elizabeth’s fear of her sister’s baby was so incredibly real.
My main issue with this book was just the pacing. It felt a bit slower than what I was used to and so I didn’t get through it as fast as I have some of my more recent reads. However, it was still enjoyable!
Thank you to Netgalley and Forever Publishing!
This was my first dive into the Wild Wynchesters series, and I did love how chaotic the family was! Elizabeth’s fear of her sister’s baby was so incredibly real.
My main issue with this book was just the pacing. It felt a bit slower than what I was used to and so I didn’t get through it as fast as I have some of my more recent reads. However, it was still enjoyable!
Thank you to Netgalley and Forever Publishing!
July 29, 2026
It took me two years but I managed to FINALLY finish the 5th Wynchester adventure. This one features Elizabeth, the curvy, cane using swordsmith who lives with chronic pain and is sent to find a missing will at Harbrook castle where she runs into Stephen, the anxious inventor who is posing as his cousin the Earl. There was so much swashbuckling in this one! I loved the end when all the Wynchesters come together to defend the castle and have to fight off a literal invading army. The disability rep is excellent as ever, with Elizabeth and her ailments and Stephen's anxiety. I'm still annoyed this book never got an audio edition but it was worth the time to physically read. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and physical copy in exchange for my honest review.
Favorite quote:
"Her body occasionally failed her. Yes...But she didn't want to be defined by her disability."
Favorite quote:
"Her body occasionally failed her. Yes...But she didn't want to be defined by her disability."
August 20, 2024
Berserker Beth!
Another delightful Wynchester story. This time Beserker Beth takes on a case trying to find a lost Will to a disused castle. Arminia, wife to the Earl of Densmore, left Harbrook Castle to her sister to turn into an orphanage.
Unfortunately the current heir has gambled away the castle (which he has no right to) to a pratt of a Viscount’s son, Richard Reddington who keeps on re-inacting battles from the past. He wants the castle.
The Earl of Delamere has fled leaving his look alike, marvellously inventive, cousin Stephen Lenox to hold the fort um castle.
Beth of course becomes involved and what follows is hilarious, eye rolling repartee, and Circque de Soleil action.
A fun read!
A Forever (Grand Central Pub.) ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
Another delightful Wynchester story. This time Beserker Beth takes on a case trying to find a lost Will to a disused castle. Arminia, wife to the Earl of Densmore, left Harbrook Castle to her sister to turn into an orphanage.
Unfortunately the current heir has gambled away the castle (which he has no right to) to a pratt of a Viscount’s son, Richard Reddington who keeps on re-inacting battles from the past. He wants the castle.
The Earl of Delamere has fled leaving his look alike, marvellously inventive, cousin Stephen Lenox to hold the fort um castle.
Beth of course becomes involved and what follows is hilarious, eye rolling repartee, and Circque de Soleil action.
A fun read!
A Forever (Grand Central Pub.) ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
June 10, 2024
I loved it! However I think for a more enjoyable read, you need to read the first books in the series. It's a little confusing at the beginning with all the characters that make up the family unit. It took me some time to catch-up on who was who and the background story of the family. The rest was good, love him. She got on my nerves a little bit - she is really explosive.
August 2, 2024
Elizabeth Wynchester adores vanquishing villains with the sharp blade concealed inside her cane. Her latest mission takes her to the Earl of Densmore’s castle, she’s to find a will & the deeds to the castle so that Miss Oaks can open her orphanage but she didn’t expect to meet reclusive inventor Stephen Lenox. Stephen agreed to impersonate his cousin for a few days, he didn’t expect the earl to vanish altogether. Time is running out for Elizabeth to complete her mission but that will mean leaving Stephen.
The fifth Wynchester to find love & another fast paced book with plenty of humour. I loved both Stephen & Elizabeth their chemistry sizzled. The villain whilst being nasty has delusions of grandeur & is also a comical figure. I love the Wynchesters who are always there for each other & once again they rally to help Elizabeth. A captivating romance which I thoroughly enjoyed
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The fifth Wynchester to find love & another fast paced book with plenty of humour. I loved both Stephen & Elizabeth their chemistry sizzled. The villain whilst being nasty has delusions of grandeur & is also a comical figure. I love the Wynchesters who are always there for each other & once again they rally to help Elizabeth. A captivating romance which I thoroughly enjoyed
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
January 15, 2024
Before Reading: DO I KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THIS BOOK ASIDE FROM THE SUMMARY AND MY PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE OF THE WYNCHESTERS??
IS THIS STILL ONE OF MY MOST ANTICIPATED BOOKS OF THIS YEAR BECAUSE I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR ELIZABETH'S STORY 4 FOR-FRICK'N-EVER?!?!?!
------------------
I finally read the book. and was severely disappointed.
this book didn't feel like a real story. it supposedly took place over weeks, but because of how rushed their scenes were- they started flirting from the start- there was no real conflict or drama. Erica Ridley was trying to push the same "she has to leave your life" scenario she did in Nobody's Princess, but the problem is, a in the previous book, Kuni had actual problems. a country across the sea where her loyalties lie, or in England, with the new love of her life?
Elizabeth didn't want to move in with him five miles from her family's house
and then told him he should move into her family's house with her instead.
the family with around ~10 people in the same mansion, so they only get one large room to do whatever they want.
how could she think anyone would be okay with that?
if my boyfriend asked me to move into his house with his mom, uncle, dad, siblings, cousins, and the like, I'd tell him to shove it. because no matter how welcoming they are, they aren't family yet. not to me.
and they weren't to Stephen.
this whole book was Stephen having no personality beyond Elizabeth and bending over backwards for a woman who didn't bother to extend the same courtesy till the last two chapters.
fyi, super bad taste to tell your whole family about your sex life with someone and tell them it's okay to talk about in front of the person you did it with. Elizabeth wrote letters to her family, including portions where she mentioned "his muscular chest" and his "big--" yeah. her family then brought it up in front of Stephen when they FIRST MET. what the hell? you can tease me about fucking your brother when I like you, not when I barely know you. Elizabeth embarrassed Stephen, but it was brushed over as a cute introduction to the family when it wasn't.
honestly, I can't even fucking cap anymore.
this author has been degrading her work for a while now to make it more palatable to a mainstream audience, and in doing so, is destroying the very charm her books once held.
this was slow paced, and it felt so, so boring to read.
I could barely make it through- I honestly didn't quit just because I wanted to meet the rouge, Densmore (I think that was how it was spelled?).
her older books, especially in the "12 Dukes of Christmas" "Too Wanton to Wed" "Too Wicked to Kiss" and "Kissed by Magic"
they were all masterpieces, but, because Erica Ridley is going mainstream, she needs to make sure none of her heros or heroines are cancelable. that means, no miscommunication (even for a few chapters), no writing dialogue without consulting a therapist or something, and no giving her characters actual character.
the thing about characters is that there is no way to be universally liked, unless you're Aelin Ashyrver Galathynius, in which case, I worship her.
that's what makes characters people. they're selfish and clumsy and naive and gullible and hopeful and kind and generous, and every other adjective I'm too lazy to search a thesaurus for. if not every person will be universally liked, neither will characters.
I personally hope she goes back to writing characters the way she did, because I'm genuinely sad watching talent get torn apart for TikTok trends and general audiences.
this one wasnt a fave. won't read again.
IS THIS STILL ONE OF MY MOST ANTICIPATED BOOKS OF THIS YEAR BECAUSE I'VE BEEN WAITING FOR ELIZABETH'S STORY 4 FOR-FRICK'N-EVER?!?!?!
------------------
I finally read the book. and was severely disappointed.
this book didn't feel like a real story. it supposedly took place over weeks, but because of how rushed their scenes were- they started flirting from the start- there was no real conflict or drama. Erica Ridley was trying to push the same "she has to leave your life" scenario she did in Nobody's Princess, but the problem is, a in the previous book, Kuni had actual problems. a country across the sea where her loyalties lie, or in England, with the new love of her life?
Elizabeth didn't want to move in with him five miles from her family's house
and then told him he should move into her family's house with her instead.
the family with around ~10 people in the same mansion, so they only get one large room to do whatever they want.
how could she think anyone would be okay with that?
if my boyfriend asked me to move into his house with his mom, uncle, dad, siblings, cousins, and the like, I'd tell him to shove it. because no matter how welcoming they are, they aren't family yet. not to me.
and they weren't to Stephen.
this whole book was Stephen having no personality beyond Elizabeth and bending over backwards for a woman who didn't bother to extend the same courtesy till the last two chapters.
fyi, super bad taste to tell your whole family about your sex life with someone and tell them it's okay to talk about in front of the person you did it with. Elizabeth wrote letters to her family, including portions where she mentioned "his muscular chest" and his "big--" yeah. her family then brought it up in front of Stephen when they FIRST MET. what the hell? you can tease me about fucking your brother when I like you, not when I barely know you. Elizabeth embarrassed Stephen, but it was brushed over as a cute introduction to the family when it wasn't.
honestly, I can't even fucking cap anymore.
this author has been degrading her work for a while now to make it more palatable to a mainstream audience, and in doing so, is destroying the very charm her books once held.
this was slow paced, and it felt so, so boring to read.
I could barely make it through- I honestly didn't quit just because I wanted to meet the rouge, Densmore (I think that was how it was spelled?).
her older books, especially in the "12 Dukes of Christmas" "Too Wanton to Wed" "Too Wicked to Kiss" and "Kissed by Magic"
they were all masterpieces, but, because Erica Ridley is going mainstream, she needs to make sure none of her heros or heroines are cancelable. that means, no miscommunication (even for a few chapters), no writing dialogue without consulting a therapist or something, and no giving her characters actual character.
the thing about characters is that there is no way to be universally liked, unless you're Aelin Ashyrver Galathynius, in which case, I worship her.
that's what makes characters people. they're selfish and clumsy and naive and gullible and hopeful and kind and generous, and every other adjective I'm too lazy to search a thesaurus for. if not every person will be universally liked, neither will characters.
I personally hope she goes back to writing characters the way she did, because I'm genuinely sad watching talent get torn apart for TikTok trends and general audiences.
this one wasnt a fave. won't read again.
May 16, 2024
Regency era rom-com, LGBTQ+ supporting cast, and Ehlers-Danlos representation in the strong sword-wielding FMC Elizabeth Wynchester. That's what readers can expect from this witty and silly historical romantic comedy that gives Inspector Gadget meets Bridgerton. Fans of Ali Hazelwood's STEMinist romance novels will find a similarly compelling nerdy romantic male lead in this book in the form of Stephen Lenox, a mathematician, inventor, and scientist. And although this book is the fifth in the series Hot Earl Summer can be easily picked up and read as a stand alone without any prior knowledge of the series. A fun read for anyone looking for a regency rom-com with a colorful cast!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in consideration of an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in consideration of an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 354 reviews