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The Notorious Briarwoods #7
The Earl's Absolutely Merry Match
Lady Perdita Briarwood knows the right man for her when she sees him. Still, she never imagined he would be a grumpy earl with tormented eyes and a penchant for barking at everyone. Drawn to his wounded heart, as she is drawn to all wounded things, Perdita surrenders to the power of his kiss. But can her spirit convince him that life is merry?
The Earl of Hythe is entirely disappointed by the world and the people who populate it. Frankly, after years of trying to fix things, he’s quite finished and ready to retire to the country and live as a hermit. But one final invitation to the Duke of Westleigh’s estate might very well change his life. When he meets Lady Perdita, she sparks a hope within him he fears long snuffed out. But dare he risk allowing his heart to be crushed by the world yet again?
The Earl of Hythe is entirely disappointed by the world and the people who populate it. Frankly, after years of trying to fix things, he’s quite finished and ready to retire to the country and live as a hermit. But one final invitation to the Duke of Westleigh’s estate might very well change his life. When he meets Lady Perdita, she sparks a hope within him he fears long snuffed out. But dare he risk allowing his heart to be crushed by the world yet again?
167 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 23, 2024
298 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 21, 2025
This is my 75th book by Eva Devon. I read one of her books in 2016 then didn't pick her up again until 2018 and I have been reading her ever since. She is one I consider a favorite author. I do have to say though, that I haven’t been a fan of this series, Not until book 4 and 5 when it got better but then I hated book 6 and DNF. So needless to say, this series has not been a favorite.
So again this didn’t really have any depth. Not much of a storyline. I felt nothing for the characters, Perdita and Gordon. Gordon sounded boring as hell. Just another weirdly written story. I skimmed most of it just to finish. Not sure why this series has been such a let down.
So again this didn’t really have any depth. Not much of a storyline. I felt nothing for the characters, Perdita and Gordon. Gordon sounded boring as hell. Just another weirdly written story. I skimmed most of it just to finish. Not sure why this series has been such a let down.
December 17, 2024
This is the seventh book in The Notorious Briarwoods series. I recommend that you read the others but, it can be read as a standalone.
Gordon, The Earl of Hythe, is invited to the Duke of Westleigh's estate for Christmas. Gordon lost his parents at a young age and never had a lot of love growing up. He meets Lady Perdita, the Duke's younger sister and she decides he is the one she is going to marry.
The chemistry and witty banter are wonderful between Perdita and Gordon from the moment they meet.
The secondary characters, her large family are wonderful and funny.
The story has a lot of emotions, some steamy scenes and some laugh out loud moments that keep you wanting more.
I can't wait for the next one in the series.
Gordon, The Earl of Hythe, is invited to the Duke of Westleigh's estate for Christmas. Gordon lost his parents at a young age and never had a lot of love growing up. He meets Lady Perdita, the Duke's younger sister and she decides he is the one she is going to marry.
The chemistry and witty banter are wonderful between Perdita and Gordon from the moment they meet.
The secondary characters, her large family are wonderful and funny.
The story has a lot of emotions, some steamy scenes and some laugh out loud moments that keep you wanting more.
I can't wait for the next one in the series.
December 21, 2024
The Briarwood family is a force to be reckoned with. They shake their collective fists at the rules and strict structure of the ton. They share a strong family bond and will move heaven and earth to see each other in a strong loving relationship. The tactics used to achieve this goal is not always a well thought out plan, it is sometimes just a feeling and a shove. This HEA was a shove. A shove from Leander, the Duke of Westerleigh, leaving his sister Perdita frustrated with him and the rest of the brothers.
The Earl of Hythe, Gordon Ripton, is one of the most pessimistic characters I've ever read. He needs a hug from the very beginning of the story and that need stays with him practically to the end. His world view is dismal. His faith in his fellow man is buried under what to him seems like an insurmountable mountain of bad choices, bad behavior and mistrust. He is convinced no one is truly kind, they are all just working an angle.
Lady Perdita Briarwood has been one of my favorite characters in this family. She is observant, quiet and extremely sharp. She doesn't mind people, but prefers animals as her main source of companionship. She has a dry sense of humor and adores her quirky family to bits. She, like her siblings, is always on the look for her "one." When she discovers Gordon in her brother's barn her senses go on high alert.
Gordon needs Perdita badly, he just doesn't know it. She brings a peace and sense of hope to him. She has the ability to calm his thoughts that he desperately needs. Gordon is an injured creature that Perdita wants to care for, nurture and awaken to the thought of hope. She recognizes he is her "one" and is willing to do the work with him.
Enter the brothers Briarwood! While their motives come from a place of deep love and devotion to their sister, they forget that not everyone has had the deep family connection and dedication the Briarwood's share. They see a situation where they can help a sibling find happiness and they barrel through like the proverbial bulls in A china shop. They see the finish line and pay little attention to actual race. This time Perdita calls them out and they have to stop and see their mistake and apologize.
Gordon and Perdita are amazing together, Gordon just has to be willing to reach for happiness and love. His life view makes these things seem unattainable and foreign. I feel badly that his life has been such a disappointing one. Of all the love interests for the Briarwood siblings Gordon needs this family the most. Once he accepts this he has endless chances to thrive.
Thank you Ms. Devon for this wonderful family and the love they bring with them. Thank you for the depth each character has and for the delightful surprises you bring from each of them. I look forward to reading more of this family and of the worlds you create.
The Earl of Hythe, Gordon Ripton, is one of the most pessimistic characters I've ever read. He needs a hug from the very beginning of the story and that need stays with him practically to the end. His world view is dismal. His faith in his fellow man is buried under what to him seems like an insurmountable mountain of bad choices, bad behavior and mistrust. He is convinced no one is truly kind, they are all just working an angle.
Lady Perdita Briarwood has been one of my favorite characters in this family. She is observant, quiet and extremely sharp. She doesn't mind people, but prefers animals as her main source of companionship. She has a dry sense of humor and adores her quirky family to bits. She, like her siblings, is always on the look for her "one." When she discovers Gordon in her brother's barn her senses go on high alert.
Gordon needs Perdita badly, he just doesn't know it. She brings a peace and sense of hope to him. She has the ability to calm his thoughts that he desperately needs. Gordon is an injured creature that Perdita wants to care for, nurture and awaken to the thought of hope. She recognizes he is her "one" and is willing to do the work with him.
Enter the brothers Briarwood! While their motives come from a place of deep love and devotion to their sister, they forget that not everyone has had the deep family connection and dedication the Briarwood's share. They see a situation where they can help a sibling find happiness and they barrel through like the proverbial bulls in A china shop. They see the finish line and pay little attention to actual race. This time Perdita calls them out and they have to stop and see their mistake and apologize.
Gordon and Perdita are amazing together, Gordon just has to be willing to reach for happiness and love. His life view makes these things seem unattainable and foreign. I feel badly that his life has been such a disappointing one. Of all the love interests for the Briarwood siblings Gordon needs this family the most. Once he accepts this he has endless chances to thrive.
Thank you Ms. Devon for this wonderful family and the love they bring with them. Thank you for the depth each character has and for the delightful surprises you bring from each of them. I look forward to reading more of this family and of the worlds you create.
January 6, 2025
Perdita's book. Perdita has a way with animals and loved to rescue damaged birds and animal and heal them before releasing them to go their way. So when one of the children let her rabbit out she spends a lot of time searching for it. Instead she finds Gordon, an Earl her brother has invited for Christmas, hiding in the barn with his falcon.
Jordan orphaned when young has spent his life helping those who need it, but no matter what he does it never improved thank to others greed. This has left Gordon almost in despair and thinking of retiring to his estate for good and maybe becoming a hermit, the world is too much.
But Perdita's brother has invited Gordon for a reason, he thinks that'll make an excellent match, after all Perdita helps mend wounded animals doesn't she?
Outside the fact that this all happened in days, so a little unrealistic, and the book not being proof read, , I enjoyed this book. I do love this Briarwood family.
But it did make me cry (not the ending or human related).
Jordan orphaned when young has spent his life helping those who need it, but no matter what he does it never improved thank to others greed. This has left Gordon almost in despair and thinking of retiring to his estate for good and maybe becoming a hermit, the world is too much.
But Perdita's brother has invited Gordon for a reason, he thinks that'll make an excellent match, after all Perdita helps mend wounded animals doesn't she?
Outside the fact that this all happened in days, so a little unrealistic, and the book not being proof read, , I enjoyed this book. I do love this Briarwood family.
But it did make me cry (not the ending or human related).
November 27, 2025
I enjoyed this historical romance story. All the characters were fun to read about. The main two characters were Lady Perdita Briarwood and Gorden, the Earl of Hythe.
Gorden, the Earl of Hythe is trying to face his fears of the world. He has been invited to the Duke of Westleigh's estate for the holidays. There he meets a Lady Perdita Briarwood. She is different than most young lady's that he has before. She has a crow as a pet and other animals too. Plus she mostly happy all the time. Lady Perdita has decided that he will be her husband, she even told him this.
This was a fun story to read. It had action and drama throughout. There were a few giggles and laughs within. All the pets within sounded cute and fun to have.
I saw this book under Kindle Unlimited and decided to try it. This is my honest, unbiased opinion.
Gorden, the Earl of Hythe is trying to face his fears of the world. He has been invited to the Duke of Westleigh's estate for the holidays. There he meets a Lady Perdita Briarwood. She is different than most young lady's that he has before. She has a crow as a pet and other animals too. Plus she mostly happy all the time. Lady Perdita has decided that he will be her husband, she even told him this.
This was a fun story to read. It had action and drama throughout. There were a few giggles and laughs within. All the pets within sounded cute and fun to have.
I saw this book under Kindle Unlimited and decided to try it. This is my honest, unbiased opinion.
December 31, 2024
Lady Perdita Briarwood animal lover extraordinaire has finally met her match but has she!?
We have Lord Gordon Ripton, Earl of Hythe who has his own falcon and brought him to the Christmas celebration!
This seems like an obvious match but is it! Gordon is very much a pessimist as he will look at the wrong in the world and try to make it right!
Yet he doesn’t really expect it to change. He lost his parents at such a young age he seems cold and a little impersonal expecting the worst never hoping for the best!
When an incident happens Gordon threatens to undo all the progress made during this Christmas season but allowing his heart to shrivel again!
Fear of love and emotions is a dangerous thing! Dare we hope he chooses love?
Bravo
We have Lord Gordon Ripton, Earl of Hythe who has his own falcon and brought him to the Christmas celebration!
This seems like an obvious match but is it! Gordon is very much a pessimist as he will look at the wrong in the world and try to make it right!
Yet he doesn’t really expect it to change. He lost his parents at such a young age he seems cold and a little impersonal expecting the worst never hoping for the best!
When an incident happens Gordon threatens to undo all the progress made during this Christmas season but allowing his heart to shrivel again!
Fear of love and emotions is a dangerous thing! Dare we hope he chooses love?
Bravo
December 29, 2024
I struggled with this one. Perdita was way too sunshine and Gordon didn’t know how to handle her and her family. At times I felt bad for him because for most of the story he was pushed to do things he didn’t want to. I hated how they just ignored his feelings and Perdita was the worst one because she thought she could heal him like one of the animals she usually cares for.
The romance between them felt forced. It’s like he had no choice other than to love her if he wanted some resemblance of peace. Even if he does admit that he does want to belong to the family it feels like he had no other option.
The romance between them felt forced. It’s like he had no choice other than to love her if he wanted some resemblance of peace. Even if he does admit that he does want to belong to the family it feels like he had no other option.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2025
Still love the Briarwoods………
Another great addition to the series. The Briarwoods aren’t like any other family in the aristocracy, and I love that about them. It makes the book so entertaining because they aren’t so stiff. It allows for the storylines to focus on emotions and the characters to be deep and well developed. The witty banter and family humor adds so much lightness as well. I really enjoy a romance that is light and about love while still covering serious issues.
If you like a novella with a bit of steam (not explicit at all), a couple meant for one another, a loving family, and a HEA with no villains, this is a great read for you.
Another great addition to the series. The Briarwoods aren’t like any other family in the aristocracy, and I love that about them. It makes the book so entertaining because they aren’t so stiff. It allows for the storylines to focus on emotions and the characters to be deep and well developed. The witty banter and family humor adds so much lightness as well. I really enjoy a romance that is light and about love while still covering serious issues.
If you like a novella with a bit of steam (not explicit at all), a couple meant for one another, a loving family, and a HEA with no villains, this is a great read for you.
Read
January 19, 2025a wonderful addition to the seties.
Gordon and Perdiat seemed to have fate taken from their hands upon the invitation of Gordon to Christmas with the Briarwoods. This story had some darker undertones to it compared to the rest of the seties. Gordon did not seem capable not emotional growth and appeared in a state of self imposed depression most of the time.. We see how Perdie's and the Briarwoods especially Perdie's work at showing Gordon self love. I l liked this story a great deal. Enjoy!
Gordon and Perdiat seemed to have fate taken from their hands upon the invitation of Gordon to Christmas with the Briarwoods. This story had some darker undertones to it compared to the rest of the seties. Gordon did not seem capable not emotional growth and appeared in a state of self imposed depression most of the time.. We see how Perdie's and the Briarwoods especially Perdie's work at showing Gordon self love. I l liked this story a great deal. Enjoy!
June 24, 2025
Perdita Grows Up
The oddest Briarwood, Perdita, has grown into a lovely young woman. She still roams the woods with her crow on a shoulder. Almost a Celtic wise woman already in her late teens, she meets and chooses for her mate-to-be a young, brooding earl who is convinced the world is too cruel to trust.
Naturally, that won't do for a Briarwood Christmas, and the game of love is afoot.
Full of Christmas cheer and the unflappable optimism of the Notorious Briarwoods. Good holiday story.
Highly recommend.
The oddest Briarwood, Perdita, has grown into a lovely young woman. She still roams the woods with her crow on a shoulder. Almost a Celtic wise woman already in her late teens, she meets and chooses for her mate-to-be a young, brooding earl who is convinced the world is too cruel to trust.
Naturally, that won't do for a Briarwood Christmas, and the game of love is afoot.
Full of Christmas cheer and the unflappable optimism of the Notorious Briarwoods. Good holiday story.
Highly recommend.
December 18, 2024
I enjoyed this romance very much, thought provoking story telling with shades of grey and wonderful light shining through. Gordon and Perdita are kindred souls, and the miracle of love weaves its magic with help from the Briarwood family. Perdita is joyful and optimistic with a calming nature. Gordon faces his fears, turning to love and opening up to his true self. Overall, a captivating journey of love and family and finding your place in it and taking the steps to find the joy and flourish.
January 4, 2025
A great read
I enjoyed reading about Gordon and Perdita, how they met to how they fell in love. She was always saving injured animals and nursing them back to healthy and she had met the Earl and saw how wounded he was so she decided to help. While she tried to help him she felt he was the one for her. I am glad in the end it was a very HEA. I highly recommend this book! ❤❤❤❤❤👍👍👍👍👍
I enjoyed reading about Gordon and Perdita, how they met to how they fell in love. She was always saving injured animals and nursing them back to healthy and she had met the Earl and saw how wounded he was so she decided to help. While she tried to help him she felt he was the one for her. I am glad in the end it was a very HEA. I highly recommend this book! ❤❤❤❤❤👍👍👍👍👍
January 25, 2025
Hilarious romance!
Poor Gordon is not prepared for Perdita or the rest of the Briarwoods. Many hilarious moments of him being adopted into the family and the chemistry between him and Perdita is the perfect heat to this Christmas time story. I have enjoyed each of the Briarwoods' stories and I love how the humor is wove into each one. A great read and highly recommend the series!
Poor Gordon is not prepared for Perdita or the rest of the Briarwoods. Many hilarious moments of him being adopted into the family and the chemistry between him and Perdita is the perfect heat to this Christmas time story. I have enjoyed each of the Briarwoods' stories and I love how the humor is wove into each one. A great read and highly recommend the series!
December 27, 2024
Freddie
What a joyous story!! From the very first Briarwood story you really see an outrageous family and you think wow no way could a family be like this but in your heart of hearts you so wish that more people in the real world was like them. Just have to say I do believe that Gordon and Perdita’s story was the very best ❤️❤️❤️
What a joyous story!! From the very first Briarwood story you really see an outrageous family and you think wow no way could a family be like this but in your heart of hearts you so wish that more people in the real world was like them. Just have to say I do believe that Gordon and Perdita’s story was the very best ❤️❤️❤️
March 28, 2025
Fantastic story about healing a heart!
I loved Perdita and Gordon’s story, not only because she is a healer like me, but because it’s so easy to get focused on the negative in our world and miss the joy. This story is about allowing and accepting love and joy to live one’s best life!
I loved Perdita and Gordon’s story, not only because she is a healer like me, but because it’s so easy to get focused on the negative in our world and miss the joy. This story is about allowing and accepting love and joy to live one’s best life!
May 19, 2025
Delightful
A truly delightful tale about family life, loss, and conquering through decelerating love. Doing ones duty isn't enough without love to draw all the broken pieces together. The eternal themes of family life and learning through finding love and and the challenges of reconciling the losses one faces in life.
A truly delightful tale about family life, loss, and conquering through decelerating love. Doing ones duty isn't enough without love to draw all the broken pieces together. The eternal themes of family life and learning through finding love and and the challenges of reconciling the losses one faces in life.
August 25, 2025
A Good Story
A lot of miracle happen over Christmas at Heron Hall. I liked Perdita as a character. I think we would all like to have such a connection with Nature and wildlife. I do question the use of some vocabulary - the use of ’infer’ when the term should be ‘imply’, for instance.
A lot of miracle happen over Christmas at Heron Hall. I liked Perdita as a character. I think we would all like to have such a connection with Nature and wildlife. I do question the use of some vocabulary - the use of ’infer’ when the term should be ‘imply’, for instance.
September 14, 2025
Have been looking forward to Perdita's story since first meeting her in one of her brother's stories. It did not disappoint! Loved it. How could a woman with a crow on her shoulder not match with an earl with a falcon on his? Never mind that crows and falcons are natural enemies. Perdita's magic wins out.
December 27, 2025
Love the notorious Briarwood family. There are 19 in the series and I started around number 5 and have already read the next one #8. The whole series is available on my Kindle unlimited, so next I will be going back to number one.The Duke invited a friend to spend Christmas with them, sure that this Earl was the "one" for his sister Perdita. He was right.
December 26, 2024
excellent Christmas love story
The Briarwood family stories are wonderful HEA but also great inspiration for finding the good in life I would recommend this book for everyone who enjoys life
The Briarwood family stories are wonderful HEA but also great inspiration for finding the good in life I would recommend this book for everyone who enjoys life
Read
December 27, 2024I had really high hopes for this book. It was good—actually, it was great—but it didn’t fully hit the mark for me. Still, I enjoyed it a lot! I’m loving the Briarwoods family so far and can’t wait to pick up the next book in the series.
January 19, 2025
A lovely story
Another really enjoyable story of the Briarwood family. Once you have been chosen to be a part of their family there is no point in fighting it. Just let us enjoy reading of your journey to HEA.
Another really enjoyable story of the Briarwood family. Once you have been chosen to be a part of their family there is no point in fighting it. Just let us enjoy reading of your journey to HEA.
April 10, 2025
good read
Being alone almost your entire life makes you learn to shelter your heart. Gordon was such a fellow until he met the Briarwoods youngest sister. His life would never be the same
Being alone almost your entire life makes you learn to shelter your heart. Gordon was such a fellow until he met the Briarwoods youngest sister. His life would never be the same
April 29, 2025
Beautiful Story!
Such unique characters--all the Briarwoods, but especially Perdita iand Gordon, and yet the combination made for a beautiful story more so developed around Christmas. A very good read indeed!
Such unique characters--all the Briarwoods, but especially Perdita iand Gordon, and yet the combination made for a beautiful story more so developed around Christmas. A very good read indeed!
June 1, 2025
The Earl’s Absolutely Merry Match
Il loved this story and the talented author brings the drama and fun to life .Like having a live theatre just for me💃🏻And,there is just enough of ups,downs, life lessons to balance it all out ❣️😉😱😻😢
Il loved this story and the talented author brings the drama and fun to life .Like having a live theatre just for me💃🏻And,there is just enough of ups,downs, life lessons to balance it all out ❣️😉😱😻😢
December 27, 2024
A lovely story.
A lovely novel full of fun and laughter with a bit of sadness thrown in.
A fitting romance for Perdita.
Well worth the read.
A lovely novel full of fun and laughter with a bit of sadness thrown in.
A fitting romance for Perdita.
Well worth the read.
December 28, 2024
I absolutely love this book
January 18, 2025
This book was crazy, but so much fun. It had a totally relatable MMC. There were a lot of amazing sentiments about happiness. I really enjoyed this book.
April 23, 2025
Very good read
The Briarwoods are match making again. Perdita and Gordon are opposites. But they are attracted to each other. Mild language. Strong characters. Great story
The Briarwoods are match making again. Perdita and Gordon are opposites. But they are attracted to each other. Mild language. Strong characters. Great story
July 17, 2025
I think I am done with this series and the earl was anything but merry.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews