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Prelude to a Kiss #2
The Earl I Adore
Sophie Wembley is about to discover two hard truths: When planning a rushed betrothal, one must not be picky; and when the perfect earl happens by, one must not be shy.…
After receiving word that her sister has eloped, even ever-optimistic Sophie has trouble staying positive. She needs to secure her future before the scandal destroys her prospects, although she doesn’t relish the idea of a hasty marriage. But her longtime crush has just shown up for the summer festival in Bath. He may be the key to avoiding disgrace and getting a happily ever after…if she can bring herself to pursue him.
John “Evan” Fairfax, Earl of Evansleigh, is one of the most popular bachelors in the ton. However, his easygoing ways hide a dark past he’s determined to keep secret. Evan has always kept acquaintances at arm’s length for self-preservation, but there’s something irresistible about Sophie…and her seductive charms may well sway the confirmed bachelor to seize a chance at love.
After receiving word that her sister has eloped, even ever-optimistic Sophie has trouble staying positive. She needs to secure her future before the scandal destroys her prospects, although she doesn’t relish the idea of a hasty marriage. But her longtime crush has just shown up for the summer festival in Bath. He may be the key to avoiding disgrace and getting a happily ever after…if she can bring herself to pursue him.
John “Evan” Fairfax, Earl of Evansleigh, is one of the most popular bachelors in the ton. However, his easygoing ways hide a dark past he’s determined to keep secret. Evan has always kept acquaintances at arm’s length for self-preservation, but there’s something irresistible about Sophie…and her seductive charms may well sway the confirmed bachelor to seize a chance at love.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2015
44 people are currently reading
958 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
March 10, 2015
If there was such a thing as YA- adult historical romance, this book would be the first on the list. It's incredibly light and fluffy, I like stories with a little more depth and edge. The heroine, hero, and storyline was all wallpaper and I never felt their relationship. If looking for a easy clean historical, the writing is pretty good here, just expect a little modern wording. I'm not sure if this author's writing style is for me.
February 24, 2016
As many reviewers have said, this is a very fluffy, sweet romance. Erin Knightley has carved our a nice niche for herself in the romance world and is one of the few that writes historical romance without sex scenes (and it isn't inspirational romance). This was the first full length novel I have read of Knightley's and it certainly won't be my last.
If you like edgier romance, this definitely isn't for you. But if you are in the mood for something uncomplicated and richly romantic, this may be a solid fit. Sophie and Evan were adorable. They are two nice people trying to make the most of their situation. Sophie's sister has just eloped, throwing the family into chaos. Once news reaches the ton, Sophie's chances for marriage are reduced to virtually nothing. As a result of these extreme circumstances, the normally shy and reserved Sophie gets up the guts to approach the Earl of Evansleigh, the only man she has ever been drawn to. What Sophie doesn't know is that Evan has no plans to marry. Ever. As a reader you find out bits and pieces of why he is so against it, despite his obvious attraction to Sophie.
The story has many romantic moments and while there are embarrassing times for the characters, there really isn't much angst. I will warn you though, Evan does act pretty stupid. He was really dreamy for most of the book, but his stubbornness causes some unnecessary pain and humiliation for the heroine towards the end so be prepared for that. However, Sophie is an irrepressible, forgiving, and lovable heroine so she does end up winning the day.
I have not read the first book in the series yet, but the characters from it make an appearance here and I did not feel like I was behind because I skipped to this one. The other characters in later books of this series, May (Sophie's best friend) and Viscount Derington also make an appearance and I am looking forward to their stories.
Overall, I really enjoyed this and cannot wait to get my hands on the other books. The story takes place in Bath and includes a music festival and opera. It was romantic, cute, and clean. A nice change of pace and one I will revisit again.
If you like edgier romance, this definitely isn't for you. But if you are in the mood for something uncomplicated and richly romantic, this may be a solid fit. Sophie and Evan were adorable. They are two nice people trying to make the most of their situation. Sophie's sister has just eloped, throwing the family into chaos. Once news reaches the ton, Sophie's chances for marriage are reduced to virtually nothing. As a result of these extreme circumstances, the normally shy and reserved Sophie gets up the guts to approach the Earl of Evansleigh, the only man she has ever been drawn to. What Sophie doesn't know is that Evan has no plans to marry. Ever. As a reader you find out bits and pieces of why he is so against it, despite his obvious attraction to Sophie.
The story has many romantic moments and while there are embarrassing times for the characters, there really isn't much angst. I will warn you though, Evan does act pretty stupid. He was really dreamy for most of the book, but his stubbornness causes some unnecessary pain and humiliation for the heroine towards the end so be prepared for that. However, Sophie is an irrepressible, forgiving, and lovable heroine so she does end up winning the day.
I have not read the first book in the series yet, but the characters from it make an appearance here and I did not feel like I was behind because I skipped to this one. The other characters in later books of this series, May (Sophie's best friend) and Viscount Derington also make an appearance and I am looking forward to their stories.
Overall, I really enjoyed this and cannot wait to get my hands on the other books. The story takes place in Bath and includes a music festival and opera. It was romantic, cute, and clean. A nice change of pace and one I will revisit again.
March 26, 2015
Setting: Regency England
3 1/2 Stars
Steam Factor: Mild
When Sophie Wembley's sister elopes with the Estate manager's son, Sophie's mother is adamant: Sophie will be betrothed before the scandal even breaks out. But Sophie only wants "John "Evan" Fairfax, the Earl of Evansleigh and nobody else.
Evan, a confirmed bachelor enjoys his friendship with Sophie, but Sophie wants more than just friendship between them. When Sophie's interfering mother sets things in motion, Evan has a decision to make. But first he must deal with the dark secret that lies in his past in order to move forward with the woman he has come to love. This is the second book to the "Prelude to a Kiss" blending recurring characters from her first book that I won and reviewed on Goodreads. Again the author brings the love of music between the hero and heroine, as well as a dark family secret.
I really enjoyed the first book, and this one was good too, but somehow it just didn't wow me enough to give it a 4.
3 1/2 Stars
Steam Factor: Mild
When Sophie Wembley's sister elopes with the Estate manager's son, Sophie's mother is adamant: Sophie will be betrothed before the scandal even breaks out. But Sophie only wants "John "Evan" Fairfax, the Earl of Evansleigh and nobody else.
Evan, a confirmed bachelor enjoys his friendship with Sophie, but Sophie wants more than just friendship between them. When Sophie's interfering mother sets things in motion, Evan has a decision to make. But first he must deal with the dark secret that lies in his past in order to move forward with the woman he has come to love. This is the second book to the "Prelude to a Kiss" blending recurring characters from her first book that I won and reviewed on Goodreads. Again the author brings the love of music between the hero and heroine, as well as a dark family secret.
I really enjoyed the first book, and this one was good too, but somehow it just didn't wow me enough to give it a 4.
January 2, 2015
Thank you to SIGNET ECLIPSE and Netgalley for providing a review copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Earl I Adore was a sweet read about a woman who finds herself in desperate need of a husband before scandal tarnishes her family and the Earl she falls in love with only to learn he is determined not to marry.
I enjoyed both of the main characters in this book. Sophie and John were likable and honorable, and they had amazing chemistry! The dialogue and banter made this book shine. They were intelligent characters who were aware of how silly the hierarchy surrounding them was, and they enjoyed teasing just to get reactions from one another.
Sophie knows she needs a husband, so she decides to take matters into her own hands. This was just one of the things I liked about her character. She wasn’t going to sit around and hope for something to happen. After thinking on the issue, she sets a plan in motion to land the Earl of Evansleigh, the only man she thinks she could love. This was another thing I loved about Sophie; when it came time to choose a husband, it was never his fortune that came into play. Sophie chose a man who was kind. She was clumsy and cheerful, ever the peacemaker, and she was a charming heroine. This was in spite of her family, as her mother and sisters were self-centered.
John never planned to take a wife. His childhood has scarred him to the point that he wants to spare anyone the same fate, and his cousin is a perfectly respectable heir to the family’s title. But John didn’t count on Sophie entering his life and turning it upside down. John loved his family, and after his father’s death and his mother’s inability to deal with it, he took responsibility for his sister. He was a gentleman with no intention of leading Sophie on, but it was impossible to avoid; she was drawn to him simply for who he was.
The pacing of this story was perfect. John and Sophie seized any opportunity to be alone, so there was plenty of time for them to get to know each other and make their love credible to the reader. Not only was there physical attraction, but Sophie and John were genuinely interested in each other on an intellectual level. I liked that they challenged one another enough to get the other thinking.
Sophie’s friends, who she met through her love of music, were a fantastic addition to the story. It was her friend May who encouraged and helped plot her pursuit of the Earl, and I can’t wait to see the antics in store in her book! She’s sure to be a spitfire! John’s sister, Julia, showed the reader how compassionate John was, and there was a nice side story that included her and forced John to recognize his own feelings and rethink the way he intended to live his life.
While I really liked this story, I did have a few issues with it. First of all, the heroine describes herself as short and plump, and the cover does not match this description of her at all. Second, there was a moment in the book where life changing information was presented to one of our main characters, and I felt the reaction was too tame for the situation. Thus, the ending felt a bit rushed, but it was satisfying enough. I just would have liked it to be a bit more fleshed out.
Overall, The Earl I Adore was a sweet, satisfying read, and if you’re a fan of historical romance, I think you’ll enjoy this one. This is an author I’ll definitely be reading more of!
This review was originally posted at Badass Book Reviews.
The Earl I Adore was a sweet read about a woman who finds herself in desperate need of a husband before scandal tarnishes her family and the Earl she falls in love with only to learn he is determined not to marry.
I enjoyed both of the main characters in this book. Sophie and John were likable and honorable, and they had amazing chemistry! The dialogue and banter made this book shine. They were intelligent characters who were aware of how silly the hierarchy surrounding them was, and they enjoyed teasing just to get reactions from one another.
Sophie knows she needs a husband, so she decides to take matters into her own hands. This was just one of the things I liked about her character. She wasn’t going to sit around and hope for something to happen. After thinking on the issue, she sets a plan in motion to land the Earl of Evansleigh, the only man she thinks she could love. This was another thing I loved about Sophie; when it came time to choose a husband, it was never his fortune that came into play. Sophie chose a man who was kind. She was clumsy and cheerful, ever the peacemaker, and she was a charming heroine. This was in spite of her family, as her mother and sisters were self-centered.
John never planned to take a wife. His childhood has scarred him to the point that he wants to spare anyone the same fate, and his cousin is a perfectly respectable heir to the family’s title. But John didn’t count on Sophie entering his life and turning it upside down. John loved his family, and after his father’s death and his mother’s inability to deal with it, he took responsibility for his sister. He was a gentleman with no intention of leading Sophie on, but it was impossible to avoid; she was drawn to him simply for who he was.
The pacing of this story was perfect. John and Sophie seized any opportunity to be alone, so there was plenty of time for them to get to know each other and make their love credible to the reader. Not only was there physical attraction, but Sophie and John were genuinely interested in each other on an intellectual level. I liked that they challenged one another enough to get the other thinking.
Sophie’s friends, who she met through her love of music, were a fantastic addition to the story. It was her friend May who encouraged and helped plot her pursuit of the Earl, and I can’t wait to see the antics in store in her book! She’s sure to be a spitfire! John’s sister, Julia, showed the reader how compassionate John was, and there was a nice side story that included her and forced John to recognize his own feelings and rethink the way he intended to live his life.
While I really liked this story, I did have a few issues with it. First of all, the heroine describes herself as short and plump, and the cover does not match this description of her at all. Second, there was a moment in the book where life changing information was presented to one of our main characters, and I felt the reaction was too tame for the situation. Thus, the ending felt a bit rushed, but it was satisfying enough. I just would have liked it to be a bit more fleshed out.
Overall, The Earl I Adore was a sweet, satisfying read, and if you’re a fan of historical romance, I think you’ll enjoy this one. This is an author I’ll definitely be reading more of!
This review was originally posted at Badass Book Reviews.
October 17, 2016
I don't usually read books about white cis het gentiles in England, but someone said "oboe playing heroine" (and they might have also mentioned opera being a big part of the background) and I guess I couldn't get the idea out of my mind!
Anyway, here's a brief list of what I liked about it:
-It had opera in it, mostly them watching opera, but:
-A lot of the most romantic parts of the story involved the hero singing opera at the heroine (from what he was singing, though, it sounds like he's a tenor... too bad.... :P )
-Heroine is a musician, plus, she plays OBOE, not something conventional for Regencies like piano
-Her friends are also musicians
-She talks "too much" and too openly so she was really relatable because I, too, say stupid shit when I run my mouth
-I love her optimism/determination to put a positive spin on things
-There was a consent issue at the heart of some of the most difficult decisions; there was a moment when she could have had things go "her way" but only as a result of taking it without his consent, and she stepped back and rejected the moment without flinching.
-There were a number of times I expected something cringeworthy to happen -- she didn't know his sister was his sister and I expected a gigantic "he's got a girlfriend already!" misunderstanding, for example, but this wasn't the only one -- and that wasn't how the author chose to structure the book. I am very grateful.
I don't read that many Regencies but it does seem more Austen-influenced than the other ones I've read (which had heroes who were either queer or Jewish or both, so that kind of makes sense. I mean, this might be my first completely cisgender heterosexual gentile Regency romance not by Jane Austen. So maybe they're all a little derivative of her? Because of course, she didn't invent the culture. Young gentlewomen being pressured by obnoxious moms to get married nownownow were probably all too common in that environment.)
So I think this novel is best aimed at someone who loves the world Jane Austen writes about but wish it had either more short chubby talkative girls, more opera-singing heroes, or more musician heroes and heroines in general. Me, I'm still waiting for my Jane Austen Flavored Tale Where The Girls End Up Together. I mean, another thing that really made this one feel like Austen was the period-literature-consistent lack of sex. Having that option in my f/f (or m/m, when that happens, which is rare) reading just as I do in my m/f gives me some dignity as a queer woman.
Oh, wait, I think I just remembered another reason I'm so besotted with Daughter of Mystery, given that other than taking place in Central Europe instead of England it's literally all of the above. And my family is from Central Europe, not England, so technically that's even better. Although I am greedy and want more. Good thing the third book comes out next month and contains opera and musicians just like The Earl I Adore did ;-)
Anyway! Yes, so this book is cute. Warning for some period-appropriate ableism inasmuch as the hero Also, the cover is a colossal fail because come on, where's our short, chubby, irrepressibly-haired heroine?? :P
Anyway, here's a brief list of what I liked about it:
-It had opera in it, mostly them watching opera, but:
-A lot of the most romantic parts of the story involved the hero singing opera at the heroine (from what he was singing, though, it sounds like he's a tenor... too bad.... :P )
-Heroine is a musician, plus, she plays OBOE, not something conventional for Regencies like piano
-Her friends are also musicians
-She talks "too much" and too openly so she was really relatable because I, too, say stupid shit when I run my mouth
-I love her optimism/determination to put a positive spin on things
-There was a consent issue at the heart of some of the most difficult decisions; there was a moment when she could have had things go "her way" but only as a result of taking it without his consent, and she stepped back and rejected the moment without flinching.
-There were a number of times I expected something cringeworthy to happen -- she didn't know his sister was his sister and I expected a gigantic "he's got a girlfriend already!" misunderstanding, for example, but this wasn't the only one -- and that wasn't how the author chose to structure the book. I am very grateful.
I don't read that many Regencies but it does seem more Austen-influenced than the other ones I've read (which had heroes who were either queer or Jewish or both, so that kind of makes sense. I mean, this might be my first completely cisgender heterosexual gentile Regency romance not by Jane Austen. So maybe they're all a little derivative of her? Because of course, she didn't invent the culture. Young gentlewomen being pressured by obnoxious moms to get married nownownow were probably all too common in that environment.)
So I think this novel is best aimed at someone who loves the world Jane Austen writes about but wish it had either more short chubby talkative girls, more opera-singing heroes, or more musician heroes and heroines in general. Me, I'm still waiting for my Jane Austen Flavored Tale Where The Girls End Up Together. I mean, another thing that really made this one feel like Austen was the period-literature-consistent lack of sex. Having that option in my f/f (or m/m, when that happens, which is rare) reading just as I do in my m/f gives me some dignity as a queer woman.
Oh, wait, I think I just remembered another reason I'm so besotted with Daughter of Mystery, given that other than taking place in Central Europe instead of England it's literally all of the above. And my family is from Central Europe, not England, so technically that's even better. Although I am greedy and want more. Good thing the third book comes out next month and contains opera and musicians just like The Earl I Adore did ;-)
Anyway! Yes, so this book is cute. Warning for some period-appropriate ableism inasmuch as the hero Also, the cover is a colossal fail because come on, where's our short, chubby, irrepressibly-haired heroine?? :P
February 13, 2017
After a family scandal forces Sophie Wembley to land a husband AND FAST, she finds the perfect candidate in the Earl of Evansleigh, whom she's secretly adored from afar for years. Unfortunately, Sophie's usual chatterbox tendencies and easygoing nature fly out the window whenever the handsome earl is around. If she can't even hold a conversation with the man, how will she ever get him to marry her? Worse still is that Evan has no desire to marry and sees Sophie as just a friend. All it took was a few chapters before I knew this premise would slay me, and it did. Several times over in fact.
Sophie was one of the most likable and endearing heroines I've ever come across. Her no filter honesty, sweetness and charm was hard not to love, a fact Evan could certainly attest to. Evan was a darling in his own right and noble to a fault. But he too was irresistible, even in his most stubborn moments. I loved Sophie and Evan's natural rapport that only seemed to deepen over time and that they could be their true selves around each other. Sophie brought light and hopefulness into Evan's secretly bleak existence.
Archery lessons, Evan whispering translations of Italian love songs in Sophie's ear, lakeside serenades. And that's just a few of the many swoon worthy moments that happen throughout this book. Erin Knightley manages to inject just the right amount of heat and passion into her words so that I was about ready to self combust waiting, yearning for every look, touch and kiss the heroine and hero shared. But the breathless anticipation of the buildup made each moment all the more sweeter. At this point, I think it's safe to say that I'll read anything Erin writes.
Sophie was one of the most likable and endearing heroines I've ever come across. Her no filter honesty, sweetness and charm was hard not to love, a fact Evan could certainly attest to. Evan was a darling in his own right and noble to a fault. But he too was irresistible, even in his most stubborn moments. I loved Sophie and Evan's natural rapport that only seemed to deepen over time and that they could be their true selves around each other. Sophie brought light and hopefulness into Evan's secretly bleak existence.
Archery lessons, Evan whispering translations of Italian love songs in Sophie's ear, lakeside serenades. And that's just a few of the many swoon worthy moments that happen throughout this book. Erin Knightley manages to inject just the right amount of heat and passion into her words so that I was about ready to self combust waiting, yearning for every look, touch and kiss the heroine and hero shared. But the breathless anticipation of the buildup made each moment all the more sweeter. At this point, I think it's safe to say that I'll read anything Erin writes.
January 24, 2022
3.5 stars
I must say I enjoyed this one more than Charity’s book mainly because the chemistry between John and Sophie was great. Their conversations interested me and I felt they got along really well. It was a friends to lovers type of story and I adore the amount of interactions they had with each other.
John and Sophie were both very likeable characters, the supporting characters were great, and the pacing was well done, except for the rushed last chapter. Unlike the previous book where Hugh made a decision that he thought would be good for Charity & did not share his reasons for doing so, in this book, John opens up about his father. I liked that he did not keep it a secret from Sophie and wanted her to make a choice. He allowed her to choose.
As much as i enjoyed this book, I felt the bonding they had wasn’t deep enough. John has suffered his whole life because of his father and his own unwillingness to marry, but I felt the issue was very quickly swept away.
Also, it would be better if the author expanded on why Sophie has been in love with John for 2 years for me to better relate why she was in love with him. It was only briefly mentioned why she loved him, so Sophie’s love was already developed from the start which took some fun away from the story.
A very charming and wonderful read to pass the time.
I must say I enjoyed this one more than Charity’s book mainly because the chemistry between John and Sophie was great. Their conversations interested me and I felt they got along really well. It was a friends to lovers type of story and I adore the amount of interactions they had with each other.
John and Sophie were both very likeable characters, the supporting characters were great, and the pacing was well done, except for the rushed last chapter. Unlike the previous book where Hugh made a decision that he thought would be good for Charity & did not share his reasons for doing so, in this book, John opens up about his father. I liked that he did not keep it a secret from Sophie and wanted her to make a choice. He allowed her to choose.
As much as i enjoyed this book, I felt the bonding they had wasn’t deep enough. John has suffered his whole life because of his father and his own unwillingness to marry, but I felt the issue was very quickly swept away.
Also, it would be better if the author expanded on why Sophie has been in love with John for 2 years for me to better relate why she was in love with him. It was only briefly mentioned why she loved him, so Sophie’s love was already developed from the start which took some fun away from the story.
A very charming and wonderful read to pass the time.
October 8, 2018
I read this in one long afternoon while traveling, and I could not have asked for a better airport read. The lightest and fluffiest of books, it was easy and breezy and gave my the regency-era romantic fluttering I was looking for.
March 6, 2015
A cute historical romance with an interesting plot but while the heroine was kind she was way too meek. When she wasn't fumbling about she let others walk all over her and before long I was skimming a lot. Sophie learns she must marry quickly and sets out to seduce Earl Evan who she has secretly desired for months.
January 9, 2015
This was a very enjoyable book. The heroine has been in love with the Earl for awhile. The Earl believes he should never fall in love, but really enjoys the heroine's company. To find out the whys read the book! I don't write plot spoilers, but this was a good read.
January 19, 2015
Sophie was a character I adored when she was introduced in the first book of the series as a secondary character. She is rather a sunny little magpie with a love of music and a desire to have those around her happy. Her friends treasure her and want her to be happy too. Now that Sophie is in a jam caused by the unsuitable runaway match her sister made, May and Charity are there to help her scheme a bit to make the man of her dreams notice her. She has to land a marriage proposal from her Earl in the two weeks she has before word trickles out about her family's scandal. It would actually help if she could avoid stumbling over her own feet and manage to unlock her tongue.
Evan lives almost a half-life as he moves through society avoiding the close contact that will encourage people to get at his personal side. He has a dark secret to protect that could ruin his family and he will protect it at all cost even his own happiness. His world gets turned upside down by the unexpected arrival of his sister and the disastrous impression and situation he keeps imposing on nice little Miss Sophie Wembley. He finds her a breath of fresh air and for once in his life he lets his guard down to make a friend only he soon realizes that Miss Sophie has more than friendship on her mind. His family secret forbids anything more so he is forced to cut off her hopes and his own even though she tries to tell him and his sister that happiness and love are worth the risk.
"Do you know, I don't look at it that way? I don't think I could ever regret falling in love with him." It didn't make sense, she knew, especially after the awkwardness of yesterday. But even so, she meant what she said.
"But he hurt you," Julia said, confusion knitting her brow.
"Not on purpose. Anytime we fall in love, there will always be risk. Romeo and Juliet taught us that much," she said with a fleeting smile crossing her lips. "I'm teasing, of course, but every great love story on earth started with risk.
Even the ones that worked out have no guarantees. Look at Lord Cadgwith's brother who died much too soon, leaving behind a young wife and infant. If his widow had known his fate, would she still have married him? If she loved him, then I would think yes...The way I look at it- or at least the way I'm trying to look at it- is that even if my gamble didn't pay off, at least I tried. At least I know that I put all my cards on the table, even if my hand lost." pp.199-200 Sophie and Julia from The Earl I Adore
Sophie was a heroine that I could completely get behind. This girl took the lemons and used them to garnish her cocktail in her own sweet, sunny way. She was a pleasure and joy to read her thoughts and point of view. She was tough and honorable to the core no matter what happened that was out of her control. She was facing her family's ruin, she had a few hideously embarrassing moments, she was forced to push past her comfort zone again and again and she really did take the gamble and put it all on the line like she said in the above quote. My heart just broke for her and I wanted this dear girl to have her own slice of happiness.
Evan, too, deserved something good. He had the right motives for his actions and back in the day his reason made a sad sort of sense to forfeit any real chance of normal life and loving. If there was anything worse than the kind of scandal Sophie faced, it was the kind Evan faced. The secret is kept for much of the book though I had my suspicions early on. And just as I suspected his secret, I also suspected how the final barrier would be removed and I was right. That being said, getting to know this tender man who was made to enjoy life and live in the sun with a lady like Sophie even though he was forced to stay at hands' length, was engaging enough to keep me from being impatient or disappointed. He came across as cruel because of the stance he had to take, but I did understand. I was glad to have his perspective trading off with Sophie's so I didn't end up hating him for it.
Now the real cruel players were people that weren't villains who committed atrocious crimes so much as people that were just petty, selfish, short-sighted, thoughtless and mean-spirited. It's amazing the evil these lesser sins can stir up. There were a couple of people that are lucky I couldn't slip through the pages and apply my hand to the back of their heads. Let me just say, I love you, Mom. So glad you are nothing like Sophie's mom. ;)
To wrap it all up neatly, for me, this was even more appealing than the first book in the series- which by the way can be read out of order if you don't mind a few earlier character pass-throughs. As a rarity, I was more in love with the heroine than the hero, but their romance had me swallowing down my sadness and feeling the burn of some tears. There was humor, nice dialogue, heartbreaking and heartwarming scenes in this sweet historical romance. I think historical romance lovers will adore Sophie and Evan as much as I did.
My thanks to Penguin Group and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
Evan lives almost a half-life as he moves through society avoiding the close contact that will encourage people to get at his personal side. He has a dark secret to protect that could ruin his family and he will protect it at all cost even his own happiness. His world gets turned upside down by the unexpected arrival of his sister and the disastrous impression and situation he keeps imposing on nice little Miss Sophie Wembley. He finds her a breath of fresh air and for once in his life he lets his guard down to make a friend only he soon realizes that Miss Sophie has more than friendship on her mind. His family secret forbids anything more so he is forced to cut off her hopes and his own even though she tries to tell him and his sister that happiness and love are worth the risk.
"Do you know, I don't look at it that way? I don't think I could ever regret falling in love with him." It didn't make sense, she knew, especially after the awkwardness of yesterday. But even so, she meant what she said.
"But he hurt you," Julia said, confusion knitting her brow.
"Not on purpose. Anytime we fall in love, there will always be risk. Romeo and Juliet taught us that much," she said with a fleeting smile crossing her lips. "I'm teasing, of course, but every great love story on earth started with risk.
Even the ones that worked out have no guarantees. Look at Lord Cadgwith's brother who died much too soon, leaving behind a young wife and infant. If his widow had known his fate, would she still have married him? If she loved him, then I would think yes...The way I look at it- or at least the way I'm trying to look at it- is that even if my gamble didn't pay off, at least I tried. At least I know that I put all my cards on the table, even if my hand lost." pp.199-200 Sophie and Julia from The Earl I Adore
Sophie was a heroine that I could completely get behind. This girl took the lemons and used them to garnish her cocktail in her own sweet, sunny way. She was a pleasure and joy to read her thoughts and point of view. She was tough and honorable to the core no matter what happened that was out of her control. She was facing her family's ruin, she had a few hideously embarrassing moments, she was forced to push past her comfort zone again and again and she really did take the gamble and put it all on the line like she said in the above quote. My heart just broke for her and I wanted this dear girl to have her own slice of happiness.
Evan, too, deserved something good. He had the right motives for his actions and back in the day his reason made a sad sort of sense to forfeit any real chance of normal life and loving. If there was anything worse than the kind of scandal Sophie faced, it was the kind Evan faced. The secret is kept for much of the book though I had my suspicions early on. And just as I suspected his secret, I also suspected how the final barrier would be removed and I was right. That being said, getting to know this tender man who was made to enjoy life and live in the sun with a lady like Sophie even though he was forced to stay at hands' length, was engaging enough to keep me from being impatient or disappointed. He came across as cruel because of the stance he had to take, but I did understand. I was glad to have his perspective trading off with Sophie's so I didn't end up hating him for it.
Now the real cruel players were people that weren't villains who committed atrocious crimes so much as people that were just petty, selfish, short-sighted, thoughtless and mean-spirited. It's amazing the evil these lesser sins can stir up. There were a couple of people that are lucky I couldn't slip through the pages and apply my hand to the back of their heads. Let me just say, I love you, Mom. So glad you are nothing like Sophie's mom. ;)
To wrap it all up neatly, for me, this was even more appealing than the first book in the series- which by the way can be read out of order if you don't mind a few earlier character pass-throughs. As a rarity, I was more in love with the heroine than the hero, but their romance had me swallowing down my sadness and feeling the burn of some tears. There was humor, nice dialogue, heartbreaking and heartwarming scenes in this sweet historical romance. I think historical romance lovers will adore Sophie and Evan as much as I did.
My thanks to Penguin Group and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
January 8, 2015
‘The Earl I Adore’ honestly blew my mind. Soon I completely fell in love with the Summer Music Festival, in which this book mostly takes place, and I didn’t want to stop reading. The main character Sophie Wembley is easy to love. She is a hopeless romantic and really wants to marry a man she loves and not just because it’s the correct thing to do. Sophie is passionate, she loves talking and often says too much, especially since woman in that time weren’t really allowed to say everything, and she is also shy. Sophie has had a longtime crush on the gorgeous Earl of Evansleigh, John ‘Evan’ Fairfax but unfortunately every time she sees him, she doesn’t know what to say.
After Sophie’s sister disgraces the family by eloping, Sophie is forced to find a man to marry soon. That is, if she wants to save her families legacy and name. When Sophie learns the Earl is in town she and her friends decide it’s time for Sophie to try to pursue him. It will be the last chance for Sophie to marry a man she loves. But shy Sophie isn’t sure if she’s able to be charming and seductive. And the Earl doesn’t even seem to notice Sophie. Fortunately this changes after the Earl tries to escape a dance with a really obnoxious woman.
This book is very well written and it never gets boring. I loved the Earl. Even though he is one of the most popular bachelors in town he isn’t arrogant about it. He really is just a very nice and loveable guy. But nobody knows the reason behind the Earl bachelors status. The Earl has a big secret and he always kept people at arm’s length. But Sophie is different than other girls out there, and soon the Earl starts to notice her more.
I loved the romance in this book. I really couldn’t stop reading because I just really wanted to know if Sophie and the Earl would be together. I’ve read other Regency Romance books, but only a view where able to really grab me. This one really did. I loved it and I just didn’t want it to end.
I would recommend this book to every other Regency Romance lover out there, but also to people who haven’t ever read a Regency Romance. This book is all you could ever want in a romance book and not boring at all. I loved the dances, the balls and the parties and I really recommend it. I can’t wait to read more books by Erin Knightley.
After Sophie’s sister disgraces the family by eloping, Sophie is forced to find a man to marry soon. That is, if she wants to save her families legacy and name. When Sophie learns the Earl is in town she and her friends decide it’s time for Sophie to try to pursue him. It will be the last chance for Sophie to marry a man she loves. But shy Sophie isn’t sure if she’s able to be charming and seductive. And the Earl doesn’t even seem to notice Sophie. Fortunately this changes after the Earl tries to escape a dance with a really obnoxious woman.
This book is very well written and it never gets boring. I loved the Earl. Even though he is one of the most popular bachelors in town he isn’t arrogant about it. He really is just a very nice and loveable guy. But nobody knows the reason behind the Earl bachelors status. The Earl has a big secret and he always kept people at arm’s length. But Sophie is different than other girls out there, and soon the Earl starts to notice her more.
I loved the romance in this book. I really couldn’t stop reading because I just really wanted to know if Sophie and the Earl would be together. I’ve read other Regency Romance books, but only a view where able to really grab me. This one really did. I loved it and I just didn’t want it to end.
I would recommend this book to every other Regency Romance lover out there, but also to people who haven’t ever read a Regency Romance. This book is all you could ever want in a romance book and not boring at all. I loved the dances, the balls and the parties and I really recommend it. I can’t wait to read more books by Erin Knightley.
January 14, 2015
http://openbooksociety.com/article/th...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Una
This is historical fiction at its best and tells the story of Sophie, who because of a family scandal, must find a husband fast or be a spinster for life. She has her heart set on the Earl of Evansleigh who up to this time had only danced with her once. The story shows how scandal could ruin a family and remove them from elite society with disastrous results. Despite her attempts the Earl seems content with just being friends. Sophie and her friends do all that is possible to set up the relationship leading to some humorous events. When the scandal is finally found out and Sophie has not secured a marriage she returns to the family home discouraged and under the knowledge that she will never see her Earl again.
Evan finds Sophie easy to talk to and quite pleasing to look at but he has a past family secret that keeps him from committing to marriage. As he gets to know Sophie he realizes that she has besotted him and also he realizes he is in love with her. When the answer to the secret comes out he pursues Sophie at her home but, the scandal is upon the family and he knows Sophie is suffering because of it. How will he deal with the scandal and make Sophie his wife?
The story is an easy read and is just the type of book you want when you just want to lose yourself in a story. I look forward to reading more of Erin Knightly books in the future.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Una
This is historical fiction at its best and tells the story of Sophie, who because of a family scandal, must find a husband fast or be a spinster for life. She has her heart set on the Earl of Evansleigh who up to this time had only danced with her once. The story shows how scandal could ruin a family and remove them from elite society with disastrous results. Despite her attempts the Earl seems content with just being friends. Sophie and her friends do all that is possible to set up the relationship leading to some humorous events. When the scandal is finally found out and Sophie has not secured a marriage she returns to the family home discouraged and under the knowledge that she will never see her Earl again.
Evan finds Sophie easy to talk to and quite pleasing to look at but he has a past family secret that keeps him from committing to marriage. As he gets to know Sophie he realizes that she has besotted him and also he realizes he is in love with her. When the answer to the secret comes out he pursues Sophie at her home but, the scandal is upon the family and he knows Sophie is suffering because of it. How will he deal with the scandal and make Sophie his wife?
The story is an easy read and is just the type of book you want when you just want to lose yourself in a story. I look forward to reading more of Erin Knightly books in the future.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
November 28, 2015
If you love traditional regency romances like Pride and Prejudice or Emma, I predict you love The Earl I Adore. I believe I detected a hint of inspiration from both of these romances, but with more than enough originality to keep the novel fresh.
The heroine, Sophie, was adorable. I love less-than-perfect heroines, especially diminutive ones with curves who play the oboe. I had to ignore the cover because she didn't look at all like the image of the woman I had in mind. The earl was a bit too perfect, even with his family secret, but he was genuinely sweet and charming. The story was written from both the hero and the heroine's POV, but the heroine definitely had the starring role. Perhaps that's another reason the book reminded me so much of a traditional regency.
The supporting characters were good. If you've ever seen the A&E production of Pride and Prejudice, Sophie's mother could have been Elizabeth Bennet's mother's long lost twin. She was that manipulative. My understanding is that the cadre of friends surrounding Sophie play the leading role in other novels. I'm eager to read some of those stories, especially May's.
I picked up The Earl I Adore because I was looking for a clean romance. So much of what I end up reading is "steamy" at a minimum because that seems to be what's most available. (Don't you wish sites like Amazon allowed you to search by heat level?) However, I was in the mood for something that wasn't so explicit, and I wanted to see how other authors write clean romances without losing the sizzle that makes a romance a romance.
I suspect I'll pick up another novel by Erin Knightly in the near future. My understanding is that despite her suggestive covers, her other books are also a breath of fresh air in the steamy romance world.
The heroine, Sophie, was adorable. I love less-than-perfect heroines, especially diminutive ones with curves who play the oboe. I had to ignore the cover because she didn't look at all like the image of the woman I had in mind. The earl was a bit too perfect, even with his family secret, but he was genuinely sweet and charming. The story was written from both the hero and the heroine's POV, but the heroine definitely had the starring role. Perhaps that's another reason the book reminded me so much of a traditional regency.
The supporting characters were good. If you've ever seen the A&E production of Pride and Prejudice, Sophie's mother could have been Elizabeth Bennet's mother's long lost twin. She was that manipulative. My understanding is that the cadre of friends surrounding Sophie play the leading role in other novels. I'm eager to read some of those stories, especially May's.
I picked up The Earl I Adore because I was looking for a clean romance. So much of what I end up reading is "steamy" at a minimum because that seems to be what's most available. (Don't you wish sites like Amazon allowed you to search by heat level?) However, I was in the mood for something that wasn't so explicit, and I wanted to see how other authors write clean romances without losing the sizzle that makes a romance a romance.
I suspect I'll pick up another novel by Erin Knightly in the near future. My understanding is that despite her suggestive covers, her other books are also a breath of fresh air in the steamy romance world.
January 9, 2015
Sophie Wembley is a young woman who enjoys playing the oboe and has such fun when she joins up with her friends, May, who plays the zither, and Charity who plays the piano. They are gathered together in Somerset to enjoy the annual Music Festival.
When Sophie learns that her sister has eloped, her future takes a turn downhill. In addition to her dowry being less than she thought, it appears that her current season may quickly be ending. However, her mother is now pushing her to find a husband as soon as possible. Sophie does not want to settle for just finding a man to marry her, she wants to find a man with whom she can share a deep love. One man she has had an attraction to for some time is John Fairfax, the Earl of Evansleigh, known as Evan.
Sophie has always been very shy and nervous around Evan. When she manages to trip on her skirts and fall while dancing with him, she is mortified. Evan visits her often and is very solicitous of her as she heals from her sprained ankle. As they get to know one another better, Sophie realizes she is deeply in love with Evan. However, Evan appears to be somewhat aloof but a complete gentleman. Sophie can’t understand why Evan is so nice to her but appears to want nothing more than friendship. Yet, we find that Evan is indeed attracted to her but for a secret in his past that he keeps well hidden, he has decided to never allow himself to wed.
Great story and characters. Sophie is a sweet and kind gal who has a mother one would gladly push off a bridge. While the reader may get aggravated at Evan for being so distant, do stick with the story because it will all be revealed.
When Sophie learns that her sister has eloped, her future takes a turn downhill. In addition to her dowry being less than she thought, it appears that her current season may quickly be ending. However, her mother is now pushing her to find a husband as soon as possible. Sophie does not want to settle for just finding a man to marry her, she wants to find a man with whom she can share a deep love. One man she has had an attraction to for some time is John Fairfax, the Earl of Evansleigh, known as Evan.
Sophie has always been very shy and nervous around Evan. When she manages to trip on her skirts and fall while dancing with him, she is mortified. Evan visits her often and is very solicitous of her as she heals from her sprained ankle. As they get to know one another better, Sophie realizes she is deeply in love with Evan. However, Evan appears to be somewhat aloof but a complete gentleman. Sophie can’t understand why Evan is so nice to her but appears to want nothing more than friendship. Yet, we find that Evan is indeed attracted to her but for a secret in his past that he keeps well hidden, he has decided to never allow himself to wed.
Great story and characters. Sophie is a sweet and kind gal who has a mother one would gladly push off a bridge. While the reader may get aggravated at Evan for being so distant, do stick with the story because it will all be revealed.
October 15, 2015
I was lucky enough to be sent an ARC of this book for an honest review.
Where to begin? Hmmm... well I'll start with the fact that I've read all of Erin Knightley's books. While they are all wonderful, none have come close to the first that I read, More Than A Stranger. I was very surprised that I loved this book more than her first. This was surprising to me because the synopsis really had me thinking it wouldn't be all that good.
Boy am I glad I was wrong! I couldn't put this book down. I think that it's mainly because of Sophie. She's just so NORMAL! She gets tongue-tied when she's around the man she's been crushing on for the last two years. She trips occasionally. When she's comfortable around people she sometimes cannot stop talking. She was an absolute delight to read about.
Evan was the perfect gentleman. He's hiding a dark family secret and rarely lets anyone too close. He lets his guard down around Sophie though. He is so sweet and never seems to get mad. Until he DOES get mad and it was a sight to see. I like that Evan describes Sophie's beauty as one in motion. It's her expressions and mannerisms when she's just being herself that set her apart from the rest.
As for the romance, the two fit together so perfectly. When you read Erin Knightley's books you can always expect a Happily Ever After. This one had me smiling for hours after I finished. But the journey to get there was somewhat unexpected. As always, I cannot wait to read more! July cannot come fast enough!
Where to begin? Hmmm... well I'll start with the fact that I've read all of Erin Knightley's books. While they are all wonderful, none have come close to the first that I read, More Than A Stranger. I was very surprised that I loved this book more than her first. This was surprising to me because the synopsis really had me thinking it wouldn't be all that good.
Boy am I glad I was wrong! I couldn't put this book down. I think that it's mainly because of Sophie. She's just so NORMAL! She gets tongue-tied when she's around the man she's been crushing on for the last two years. She trips occasionally. When she's comfortable around people she sometimes cannot stop talking. She was an absolute delight to read about.
Evan was the perfect gentleman. He's hiding a dark family secret and rarely lets anyone too close. He lets his guard down around Sophie though. He is so sweet and never seems to get mad. Until he DOES get mad and it was a sight to see. I like that Evan describes Sophie's beauty as one in motion. It's her expressions and mannerisms when she's just being herself that set her apart from the rest.
As for the romance, the two fit together so perfectly. When you read Erin Knightley's books you can always expect a Happily Ever After. This one had me smiling for hours after I finished. But the journey to get there was somewhat unexpected. As always, I cannot wait to read more! July cannot come fast enough!
July 8, 2015
I may be getting a bit tired of the Erin Knightley formula.
That said, I really enjoyed Sophie and Evan's interactions, and I loved the idea of them becoming really good friends first, even if Evan took a while to admit he wanted far more from Sophie than just friendship. EK really excels at writing H/h one-on-one conversations and it really helps when the characters are developed so well to offset the lack of an overly-detailed plot.
And, wow, is it just me, or was anyone else gobsmacked by Sophie's mom turning into a pantomime villain and pretty much almost forcing her daughter into marriage? I mean I've read other engineered compromising situations before but CHRIST this woman was insane.
I enjoyed the continued novelty of the Bath setting, and I'm really looking forward to May's story too.
And wow, is this series overloaded with entirely-too-angsty men or what?! I felt like Evan's issues were made a mountain of with excessive hinting at his "dark" secrets and then the resolution and fallout were dealt with in like one scene. SO not worth the excessive angst him and his sister inflicted on themselves. And I didn't much care for his sister, either, I should add.
Ultimately, though, it's the H/h's conversations that made this book worth reading, as well as the friendship between Charity, Sophie and May. (Also, props for the John Hughes-esque reunion/proposal scene :D)
That said, I really enjoyed Sophie and Evan's interactions, and I loved the idea of them becoming really good friends first, even if Evan took a while to admit he wanted far more from Sophie than just friendship. EK really excels at writing H/h one-on-one conversations and it really helps when the characters are developed so well to offset the lack of an overly-detailed plot.
And, wow, is it just me, or was anyone else gobsmacked by Sophie's mom turning into a pantomime villain and pretty much almost forcing her daughter into marriage? I mean I've read other engineered compromising situations before but CHRIST this woman was insane.
I enjoyed the continued novelty of the Bath setting, and I'm really looking forward to May's story too.
And wow, is this series overloaded with entirely-too-angsty men or what?! I felt like Evan's issues were made a mountain of with excessive hinting at his "dark" secrets and then the resolution and fallout were dealt with in like one scene. SO not worth the excessive angst him and his sister inflicted on themselves. And I didn't much care for his sister, either, I should add.
Ultimately, though, it's the H/h's conversations that made this book worth reading, as well as the friendship between Charity, Sophie and May. (Also, props for the John Hughes-esque reunion/proposal scene :D)
November 8, 2014
Sophie Wembley’s sister has eloped and set the course for their family to be ruined. Sophie has only one hope to make a good match and that is to snare an eligible bachelor before anyone learns of her sister’s actions. There is only one person that she has her cap set for and that is Lord John “Evan” Fairfax, Earl of Evansleigh.
Sophie was adorable. She was clumsy, smart, and wore her heart on her sleeve. I cheered her on as she tried to win Evan’s affections. I was so proud of her to take the initiative and pursue him. I loved her philosophy on life to live life fully with no regrets and forgive as we go along the way. I found her to be a very wise and witty character.
Evan is a bachelor with no plans to marry. His family has a dark secret. The only way to keep the secret under wraps is remain single. He and his sister have made a pact not to ever marry. However, he is arrested by the gentle nature of Sophie. Despite his pact with his sister he is drawn to Sophie. I liked Evan’s character because he showed such fierce loyalty to his family. He genuinely liked Sophie and did not want to hurt her.
I was a little disappointed that the plot sort of tied up “the secret” so nice and tidy, but overall I really enjoyed reading this book. I will definitely read more works by this author.
Reviewed by Michelle for Cocktails and Books
Sophie was adorable. She was clumsy, smart, and wore her heart on her sleeve. I cheered her on as she tried to win Evan’s affections. I was so proud of her to take the initiative and pursue him. I loved her philosophy on life to live life fully with no regrets and forgive as we go along the way. I found her to be a very wise and witty character.
Evan is a bachelor with no plans to marry. His family has a dark secret. The only way to keep the secret under wraps is remain single. He and his sister have made a pact not to ever marry. However, he is arrested by the gentle nature of Sophie. Despite his pact with his sister he is drawn to Sophie. I liked Evan’s character because he showed such fierce loyalty to his family. He genuinely liked Sophie and did not want to hurt her.
I was a little disappointed that the plot sort of tied up “the secret” so nice and tidy, but overall I really enjoyed reading this book. I will definitely read more works by this author.
Reviewed by Michelle for Cocktails and Books
November 16, 2014
The version of the book I read was an ARC that I won in a contest.
Good read. I like the heroine, Sophie Wembley, and her friends. I love all the music discussed. Seriously? An oboe player? I've always thought of that instrument as waterfowlish. Oboe players are amazing in that they can coax music with a double reed. Still, at least it's easier to haul around than a bassoon (yes, I spent way too many years in orchestra in my youth).
Some bits seemed a bit modern ("Her new normal." - would that phrase be used back then?) and frankly, I was almost rooting for them NOT to get together at the end just to spite her mother. Calling Sophie a trollop for sharing a kiss and threatening to kick her out? Sheesh. Actually, all the main older women in this book were not looked upon kindly: her scheming mother, his fragile mother, and the Warden (May's aunt). I also had doubts about the hero and his belief that Sophie will be fine, married to some farmer in her home village or something. What? Well, at least he can sing opera. That's quite a talent, enough to make many a woman swoon. And how he demonstrated his love was so very sweet.
All in all, a good read.
Good read. I like the heroine, Sophie Wembley, and her friends. I love all the music discussed. Seriously? An oboe player? I've always thought of that instrument as waterfowlish. Oboe players are amazing in that they can coax music with a double reed. Still, at least it's easier to haul around than a bassoon (yes, I spent way too many years in orchestra in my youth).
Some bits seemed a bit modern ("Her new normal." - would that phrase be used back then?) and frankly, I was almost rooting for them NOT to get together at the end just to spite her mother. Calling Sophie a trollop for sharing a kiss and threatening to kick her out? Sheesh. Actually, all the main older women in this book were not looked upon kindly: her scheming mother, his fragile mother, and the Warden (May's aunt). I also had doubts about the hero and his belief that Sophie will be fine, married to some farmer in her home village or something. What? Well, at least he can sing opera. That's quite a talent, enough to make many a woman swoon. And how he demonstrated his love was so very sweet.
All in all, a good read.
July 16, 2015
The Earl I Adore
I received a digital copy from Berkley in exchange for an honest review. The Earl I Adore is a great book. I think Sophie and John are a great pair even with their individual quirks that through the story seem to keep them apart even as they both find their way together. The Earl I Adore is a more modernized historical romance which I like because the heroine isn't a complete idiot and isn't totally incapable of thinking for herself. The story has great heart and quite a few funny moments and more than a few frustrating issues that added to the hilarity and my own need to have the h/h find their HEA together. Erin Knightley is an author that has written a great story.
I received a digital copy from Berkley in exchange for an honest review. The Earl I Adore is a great book. I think Sophie and John are a great pair even with their individual quirks that through the story seem to keep them apart even as they both find their way together. The Earl I Adore is a more modernized historical romance which I like because the heroine isn't a complete idiot and isn't totally incapable of thinking for herself. The story has great heart and quite a few funny moments and more than a few frustrating issues that added to the hilarity and my own need to have the h/h find their HEA together. Erin Knightley is an author that has written a great story.
May 5, 2015
More like ~4-4.5!!
This was such an endearing book, the characters were so loveable and genuine. You could tell by the words that they were falling for each other as they started to become better friends. Sophie was such a sweetheart with no mean bone in her body, and Evan was a genuinely nice person. It was so great to read characters like this.
And their scenes were adorable!!! Learning archery, talking about music, him singing to her, just every encounter with them was magic.
This was such an endearing book, the characters were so loveable and genuine. You could tell by the words that they were falling for each other as they started to become better friends. Sophie was such a sweetheart with no mean bone in her body, and Evan was a genuinely nice person. It was so great to read characters like this.
And their scenes were adorable!!! Learning archery, talking about music, him singing to her, just every encounter with them was magic.
January 18, 2015
A lovely romance story. I already loved the first book in this series (the baron next door) and I'm looking forward to the next book.
In this book Sophie Wembley finds her match. She has already been in love with him from the first time she saw him. The earl of Evansleigh doesn't want to marry, and has his reasons for it.
In this book Sophie Wembley finds her match. She has already been in love with him from the first time she saw him. The earl of Evansleigh doesn't want to marry, and has his reasons for it.
May 16, 2015
Perfect! Read my full review http://devastatingreads.blogspot.ca/2...
October 19, 2020
this was such a quick paced read! I loved it!!
August 4, 2019
This story is everything I could have asked for in a Regency Romance. No, it was so much more than that! It was everything I could have ever asked for but make it times a hundred more. That is how lovely this story is! My heart feels so full reading this beautiful, melancholy and heartwarming love story between Sophie and Evan who is also knows as the Earl.
Their romance was limited yet it would still move the readers' hearts since Evan has a certain circumstance that wouldn't allow him to let people get too close to him. He has a dark past surrounding him, the actions he make, choices and so much more. To him, it feels like a burden that he couldn't possibly unload until the truth reveals itself, soon enough.
Sophie is a very interesting character who tries so hard to live by how society wants any woman to be. There is so much restrictions during their time that would be very silly if it were still around on this day and age. Yet, she still remained favourable to me, strong and bold to defy against what is right for her and to fight for the one she loves.
There was never a moment while I was reading this story that I felt bored or actually wanted to put the book down. I wanted to bask in the atmosphere of the then days—the regency era, the beautiful Bath and also how much more romantic a loving gesture could be. This story is just so amazing as a whole and I'm so glad that a friend recommended me this story and that I finally decided to pick it up.
I cannot recommend you this book enough! It will melt your hearts, even really cold ones and make it as one piece again. This story is somewhat worthy to be up there amongst other classic love stories that we are so familiar with. Its time we make room for a story like this and let others rejoice on how a good romance story is a perfect read for the days that you feel hopeless. Let this shine and be the one to comfort you and let it simmer deep down in your hearts that true love exists. It is only just a matter of time until it arrives, whether we expect it to or not.
Their romance was limited yet it would still move the readers' hearts since Evan has a certain circumstance that wouldn't allow him to let people get too close to him. He has a dark past surrounding him, the actions he make, choices and so much more. To him, it feels like a burden that he couldn't possibly unload until the truth reveals itself, soon enough.
Sophie is a very interesting character who tries so hard to live by how society wants any woman to be. There is so much restrictions during their time that would be very silly if it were still around on this day and age. Yet, she still remained favourable to me, strong and bold to defy against what is right for her and to fight for the one she loves.
There was never a moment while I was reading this story that I felt bored or actually wanted to put the book down. I wanted to bask in the atmosphere of the then days—the regency era, the beautiful Bath and also how much more romantic a loving gesture could be. This story is just so amazing as a whole and I'm so glad that a friend recommended me this story and that I finally decided to pick it up.
I cannot recommend you this book enough! It will melt your hearts, even really cold ones and make it as one piece again. This story is somewhat worthy to be up there amongst other classic love stories that we are so familiar with. Its time we make room for a story like this and let others rejoice on how a good romance story is a perfect read for the days that you feel hopeless. Let this shine and be the one to comfort you and let it simmer deep down in your hearts that true love exists. It is only just a matter of time until it arrives, whether we expect it to or not.
March 1, 2025
3.5/5 - If you prefer your romance stories to be clean (without getting into religious leaning publications), or you want to recommend this for your teen, this would be up your alley. The couple's big milestone before the third act was a passionate kiss, and there wasn't anything graphic beyond one or two very ambiguous references to more adult things. It did allow the characters to focus on emotional developments rather than physical reactions, which seems to be lacking in a lot of popular romance books.
Sophie is described as perpetually optimistic and sunny. I don't have a lot of complaints about her character except for at the very end when everything seems to be against her, she still holds this inhuman optimism that I found unrealistic.
Evan doesn't really know she exists until he needs to get away from a creepy lady at a ball and asks Sophie to dance, which is her dream come true. There's no insta-love for him, so we see his full emotional arc from being cordial, to becoming friendly, to realizing he wants more than that. I didn't understand how he could accept Sophie so easily, though, considering how pushy and obvious her mother was.
Evan's sister, Julia, got a little B plot which went in the complete opposite direction from what I expected. It kind of felt like the author was setting her up for something more troubling but somewhere in the middle of the story made a very different choice the lighten the ending (along with Sophie's quick acceptance of a really tough situation).
Overall, this story was refreshing.
*side note: Once again the cover does not accurately portray our main girl. In the book she is basically described as curvy: "short" and "plump". Despite the cover, I didn't notice any fat-phobia in the story from the main character or any of the side characters (including the mean ones).
Sophie is described as perpetually optimistic and sunny. I don't have a lot of complaints about her character except for at the very end when everything seems to be against her, she still holds this inhuman optimism that I found unrealistic.
Evan doesn't really know she exists until he needs to get away from a creepy lady at a ball and asks Sophie to dance, which is her dream come true. There's no insta-love for him, so we see his full emotional arc from being cordial, to becoming friendly, to realizing he wants more than that. I didn't understand how he could accept Sophie so easily, though, considering how pushy and obvious her mother was.
Evan's sister, Julia, got a little B plot which went in the complete opposite direction from what I expected. It kind of felt like the author was setting her up for something more troubling but somewhere in the middle of the story made a very different choice the lighten the ending (along with Sophie's quick acceptance of a really tough situation).
Overall, this story was refreshing.
*side note: Once again the cover does not accurately portray our main girl. In the book she is basically described as curvy: "short" and "plump". Despite the cover, I didn't notice any fat-phobia in the story from the main character or any of the side characters (including the mean ones).
December 17, 2017
This book had quite a lot of cliches, but most of them had a fun twist to them!
You've got a heroine (Sophie) who is smart and spinsterish, with a huge crush on a guy who's never looked twice at her (Evan). Evan is a charming and handsome earl, with no wish to get married EVER. All that my itself is pretty generic. The interesting part is where the author takes them. Sophie pursues Evan, rather than the other way around, and is actually pretty bad at it. She's too nervous to really do anything; she only winds up in Evan's orbit because he pulls some strings for his own reasons .
Together, Sophie and Evan make a really cute couple. Sophie is attracted to Evan because of his kindness. Evan comes to love Sophie for her mind. It is really refreshing to read a story where the two characters become actual friends before they become lovers.
You've got a heroine (Sophie) who is smart and spinsterish, with a huge crush on a guy who's never looked twice at her (Evan). Evan is a charming and handsome earl, with no wish to get married EVER. All that my itself is pretty generic. The interesting part is where the author takes them. Sophie pursues Evan, rather than the other way around, and is actually pretty bad at it. She's too nervous to really do anything; she only winds up in Evan's orbit because he pulls some strings for his own reasons .
Together, Sophie and Evan make a really cute couple. Sophie is attracted to Evan because of his kindness. Evan comes to love Sophie for her mind. It is really refreshing to read a story where the two characters become actual friends before they become lovers.
May 20, 2020
This is the second book I've read by Erin Knightley, and I enjoyed it very much. She always provides a good story line and really helps the reader get to know her characters in depth. I particularly like the author's emphasis on the story and character relationships, while subtly bringing out their physical attraction for each other. The book was a page turner for me as I tried to figure out Evan's secret and reason for getting allowing himself to be in a relationship with Sophie, and I was so glad when they finally got together in such a creative and sweet way. Thanks for writing such good books, Ms. Knightly!
August 16, 2022
While well written the last 50 pages where just unbearable. If you want to use genetics of insanity as an argument, as it was for the time period, the you can’t just ignore the fact when it suits you! You don’t want to risk insanity in your children because your father had it? Makes sense. You then find out that your fathers brother was your actual father and so therefore no insanity in the genes? Unless of course the “father” and uncle had also been fathered by different people….
I really loved the first 75% of the book….what a waste
I really loved the first 75% of the book….what a waste
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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