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The Dashworth Brothers #1

The Earl's Unlikely Bride

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One summer to make her his…

After four failed seasons, Emily Hawkins is tired of following the rules. Aside from crossing swords with her lifelong enemy, Freddie Dashworth, she is an exemplary member of Society. But after all this time, she’s yet to find a husband and life with her over-bearing mother is becoming intolerable.
Freddie returns to his childhood home to help look after his orphaned niece. His neighbour, Emily, has been his nemesis for years. The infuriating miss is the only woman immune to his charms and there’s nothing he enjoys more than her disapproving glares. It’s a shame he can’t stop thinking about her, because she clearly despises him.
One minor indiscretion later and everything in Emily’s ordered world changes. The one person on her side appears to be Freddie but can she trust her former antagonist? And what will happen to her when she does?

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 10, 2025

8 people are currently reading
29 people want to read

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Ella Matthews

42 books63 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
Profile Image for ItaPixie.
1,273 reviews148 followers
July 11, 2025

The Earl's Unlikely Bride was such a sweet and engaging read I've finished it too quickly.

Emily Hawkins and Freddie Dashworth are neighbours since they were kids, but they are not friends, their relationship is founded on brash and sassy bantering every time they see each other. Now that they meet more often, something has changed: they feel the need to know each other better and to show their true selves to the other.

Freddie and Emily unexpectedly make a perfect pair, they complement each other really well. Throughout the story they grow fond of one another, helping each other being and appreciate their true self.
At times I felt bad for these two kind souls that have been vessed, but I've enjoyed to see them blooming when they are together.

Ella Matthews beautifully wrote such a nice slow burn romance, with adorable, delightful and swoon worthy characters.
I'm looking forward to next book in the series because I'm intrigued by the rest of the Dashworth brothers.

I highly recommend it, if you like historical romance with a lot of emotions and a touch of spiciness like I do.


Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.

Profile Image for Courtney Pityer.
653 reviews38 followers
June 26, 2025
This is the first book that I have read by Ella Matthews and I must say that I am very impressed by whatI read. This book was very good with its witty characters and interesting plot lines. I almost wished it had been a little longer so I could have gotten more time but oh well I was still happy otherwise. It is your classic trope of two childhood foes who end up havi g to marry to avoid scandal and eventually everything works out in the end.
In the beginning we are introduced to Freddie who has returned home to help oversee the upbringing of his orphaned neice. It is during this time that he runs into his old childhood foe and neighbor Emily who still despises him despite the length of time that has passed. The whole situation confuses him because no other women have resisted him charms before.
Emily however has her own problems. Her mother insists that she marries but with four failed seasons the prospects are very low. When reintroduced to her old foe Freddie the two end up in a compromising position and afterwards to avoid scandal end up having to marry. But in the end it is worth it because they come to care for each other.
I received an arc copy from Netgalley and all opinions are of my own.
Profile Image for Pam.
388 reviews53 followers
July 5, 2025
Authors who write for Mills & Boon/Harlequin Historical know how to do the job no matter where they're publishing! Thank you to Ella Matthews and NetGalley for the ARC.

Frederick Dashworth and his brothers have never been close. But after his second-oldest brother dies, leaving behind a 3-year-old niece and a clause in his will that his remaining three brothers must live in their family's London home for two years as her guardians, they have no choice but to get along. Luckily, they are all smitten with their niece, Charlotte, and would do anything for her. Their neighbor, Emily Hawkins, has had a contentious relationship with Freddie since they were small children. They constantly pick at each other and studious Emily is convinced Freddie is nothing but an unserious dilettante. That begins to change, however, as Emily watches Freddie with little Lotte and gets a chance to see behind his mask. Emily has to get married this year—she cannot spend another season under her abusive mother's thumb—but she and Freddie are too different to make it work so she must look elsewhere even though these two can't stay away from each other.

Ella Matthews knows how to write a book. She deployed one of my favorite tropes of all time in this novel and deployed it well. I am feral for "Man Becomes Guardian to Child He is Ill-Equipped to Raise" and then Ella went ahead and raised the stakes by giving us four men, including a taciturn duke. Sign me up! These men were all tripping over themselves to be the best they could be for Charlotte, but don't worry romance readers who don't love children in books. Lotte is mostly deployed to get Emily and Freddie alone.

I read this book in one sitting and I think that is because Ella Matthews built rich internal worlds for these characters. Freddie has dyslexia and has spent much of his life believing he is dumb, despite his other gifts. He has learned how to mask so well that no one knows what's wrong. Emily has spent her life being belittled by her mother because she wasn't the son her parents desperately longed for after two daughters. Both of these characters have fairly large self esteem issues and spend this book believing the worst of themselves. This gave Ella Matthews a lot to work with when it came to the internal conflict of their relationship.

There is very little I love in this world more than a hero who shows the heroine on every page that he is obsessed with her. Freddie is so clearly gone for Emily from page one. His brothers know, the general public knows, the reader knows. The only people who don't know are Emily and Freddie. This is some serious He Falls First stuff here.

I loved this book. It was truly a mix of all the things I enjoy in historical romance. 5 stars.
Profile Image for Lady Bea.
43 reviews17 followers
July 13, 2025
Oooohhhh Freddie and Emily are going to be on my top couple list!
Seriously, perfect book
Cute couple,
No intrigue with lovers or rivals,
A narcissistic mother, but one who is put in her place (it could have been more epic),
Four siblings who are trying to get back together after each of them had a hell of a time with a hateful aunt, to say the least.
MFC, who likes to build gardens and wooden benches, hehe, and who created a mask, a pretense because he thinks he's useless and hides for fear of someone discovering "his secret."
Freddie does everything he can to irritate Emely just to get some attention from her—hence the delightful exchange of barbs between the two.
FMC, who is a sweetheart, loves reading books, and sees MFC's potential, that he's more than just a frivolous aristocrat.
An adorable niece who charms all her uncles.

And other things I won't say to avoid spoilers. In short, I loved the story, I want to read about all the brothers and apparently there is a mystery involving the deceased brother. I hope the next volumes develop this narrative further.
Oh, and there's an epilogue, which is part of the author's newsletter. Very cute.
Profile Image for Julie - One Book More.
1,320 reviews236 followers
July 10, 2025
A wonderful opposites-attract, enemies-to-lovers historical romance, The Earl’s Unlikely Bride follows antagonistic neighbors Emily and Freddie, a pair that always seems at odds. A bluestocking who prefers to hide in a crowd, Emily believes she has nothing in common with the charming and roguish Freddie. He is a man who drives her to distraction with his teasing and taunting, but though it seems like they share a mutual dislike of each other, much more bubbles beneath the surface.
Emily and Freddie have such a fantastic love story, and I enjoyed watching them break down each other’s walls. They have great banter, and their progression from enemies to romantic interests was positively swoon-worthy. I love that Freddie fell first and that everyone else seemed to know how the couple felt about each other long before they themselves did.

Some of the other relationships in the story were also interesting to read about. Freddie and his brothers, who have never been close, are adjusting to caring for their young niece, and their relationships are evolving. I liked seeing these men who were always pulled apart reconnecting and forging strong sibling bonds as adults. Emily’s relationship with her mother is also one that stood out, but not for positive reasons. Her mother puts so much pressure on her, and the barrage of criticisms she continually hurls at Emily made me hate her. Emily is so lovely and intelligent, and to see her berated by someone who should be lifting her up was heartbreaking. I like that Emily slowly started standing up for herself and how Freddie supported her and gave her the confidence to speak her truth.

I thought this was a great start to The Dashworth Brothers series, and after meeting Freddie’s endearing siblings (and niece!), I can’t wait to read each of their stories!
446 reviews12 followers
October 7, 2025
This was a great start to ‘The Dashworth Brothers’ series, it was hard to put down! It is so great, I was amazed by the writing and I have added Ella Matthews to my favorite authors.
Emily and Freddie have a great chemistry together. Their story was incredibly well written; very realistic, touching and it always keeps you wanting to turn the page. You experience so many emotions while reading; love, joy, happiness, compassion, empathy, a bit of sadness, but overall happiness and love. All of the characters - primary and secondary - are realistic, lovable and relatable.
Emily is a gem, but she doesn’t have much self-esteem, dus to the fact that her mother always reminded her of the fact that she wasn’t good enough in her opinion. The result being not feeling worthy enough to stand up for herself. The same inner voice of not being good enough plagued Freddie albeit for whole different reasons. I liked that the author showed two people who behaved completely differently because of it, and how it shapes you as an adult. I liked that many readers will be able to relate, since one might withdraw whereas another might play the lackadaisical joker. I also liked it that they always tried to self reflect, and use these new point of views in the way the viewed others. Like how Freddie viewed his brothers. And especially Emily, who decided that enough was enough and she would fight for her happiness. You go, girl!
Freddie in turn was such a sweetheart! He was so incredibly kind and thoughtful! He did what he could to make Emily happy and I loved him for that. The bench and the cushions, the bookshelf.. I liked that he became more sensitive to and acutely aware of how she felt.
I liked the slow but realistic progress they made in their relationship; I liked that it wasn’t just smooth sailing from the beginning and that Freddie sometimes said the wrong things or that they both assumed something else than that was meant. But there clearly was love growing and they had such great banter. It was truly lovely, romantic journey to witness.
Freddie’s eldest brother, the duke, is some kind of enigma but there’s a hint he might be more like Freddie than he appears to be. And his other brothers - you can’t not feel for them and for what they went through! I really want to read more about them, get to know them better and find out if they will manage to strengthen their family bond.
I would have liked an epilogue but the book ends with the option to receive a bonus chapter. So I subscribed to Ella Matthews’ newsletter and downloaded it. And I have to say: I would have preferred this as part of the book instead of a separate download. Ella, your writing is so good, people will subscribe anyway! And if they’ll only want the bonus chapter, they ‘ll just unsubscribe after downloading it. So please add an epilogue instead.
The next book will be about Edward: ‘The Governess’ Unlikely Suitor’. I really can't wait to continue on with this series! This book is coming soon so I will keep on the lookout for it!
Content 411: This is not a clean book but I loved that the romance was based on honest emotions and not lust. I was happy to see that their first time came naturally and the timing wasn’t rushed. It was done in a tasteful way, although I was disappointed with the second scene. I’d skip that.
Thank you Netgalley and Ella Matthews for providing an advanced copy of this book. I voluntarily read and reviewed it; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Rixxyreadsss.
296 reviews2 followers
August 24, 2025
Officially on My Best Reads of 2025!

This one was surprisingly good! I went into this book with no high expectations at all so color me surprised when I just couldn't seem to stop turning the pages of this book. The author is very new to me but I am so glad to have discovered her now, her prose is really great, also has good writing style and knows how to write some real spicy scene. The plot seems cliche but nooo, it has some heart in it, not just all about romance. This book also has the found family trope and reconnecting with loved ones. I loved a particular side character, Lotte and she will be very relevant to the story.

The characters. Our MC's specifically. Freddie and Emily, the archenemies, they love to annoy each other and throw some not-so- harsh insults here and there. And they are absolutely each others' antithesis, totally opposites attract, there seems to be a thousand reasons why they shouldn't be together but of course this is romance y'all and that road to romance certainly took some time but the eventual payoff was just so satisfying.

I really loved both characters so much but more so Freddie and his brothers, I just want to hug Freddie at times, he really was so vulnerable and went through some bad shit as a child, his insecurities were justified. I felt so bad and sad for him, good thing that Emily chose understood and saw him for who he truly is though. This is the reason why I also loved Emily, though at first she may seem to not have a backbone when it comes to her selfish, wicked mother she is also someone who is empathetic, kind and understanding. I also loved that at the end she eventually stood up to her mother and that final scene with her? So satisfying.

The romance was very much of a slow burn and while I am someone who does not really enjoy the enemies-to-lovers trope, this book really impressed me and made me look forward to how this relationship will transition into something more and really, it was very romantic and satisfying! And oh, the benchhh! This also has the compromised trope but I'm not gonna spoil that cause' when that trope got introduced in this book that's when it truly took off. The spice was also so good!🔥They can't get enough of each other🤭.

I just really enjoyed this book and I will be looking forward to the next books in this series as I really want to know what will happen to the remaining brothers. I flew through this book while feeling giddy, sad, happy all at once! And if that is not a sign of a good book then Idk I guess. Gonna recommend this to people!
Profile Image for Tracy Emro.
2,124 reviews64 followers
July 16, 2025
Lord Frederick “Freddie” Dashworth and along with his two younger brothers are called to the home of their elder brother the Duke of Glanmore, to meet with a solicitor regarding their brother Sebastian who left England years ago for America. They are shocked to learn that Sebastian is dead and that he left behind a 3-year-old daughter, Charlotte. His will states that the brothers must all live together for 2 years and raise Charlotte, an heiress, at the end of the time, the solicitor will award guardianship to one of the brothers. If the brothers refuse to follow his instructions, Charlotte will be sent to live with their aunt – the woman that raised the brothers after their parents died. As the brothers are united in their hatred for their aunt, they agree to the terms – problem is none of them know anything about raising a child. When Freddie runs into his neighbor, Miss Emily Hawkins at the modiste, he is wary about asking for help, as they have been at odds all their lives, but since he caught her in the Duke’s garden, he is not above blackmailing her to help Charlotte. He just never expected to fall so hard for the one person who is completely immune to his charm.

Emily Hawkins is the youngest of three daughters and the only unmarried one, making her the sole focus of her overbearing mother. Emily strives to be the perfect debutante, but she hasn’t “taken” and her mother is relentless in her criticism of Emily. She escapes into the duke’s garden for a respite and is found by Freddie. She has always thought Freddie was lazy and entitled, but after seeing him with his niece and getting to know him better, she realizes how wrong she was about him. But when they are caught in a compromising situation, she worries that marriage to him may cost her more than her happiness.

As usual, Ms. Matthews delivers a well-written story with wonderful characters. I loved Freddie and Emily, they both have their own insecurities to overcome, but when they work together, they are a force to be reckoned with! The book is not quite the story I thought it was going to be, but I am hooked! I can’t wait to find out the mystery surrounding their brother Sebastian’s death and seeing the remaining brothers find the women who will help them heal from the trauma of their upbringing. Highly recommended!

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *
Profile Image for Connie.
2,497 reviews62 followers
July 10, 2025
London - 1819

Freddie Dashworth is one of 5 brothers, the eldest now being Tobian Dashworth, the Duke of Glanmore. The last duke was their older brother, Sebastian, who had moved to America to pursue some businesses but was killed along with his wife in an accident. They left behind a little daughter named Charlotte. She is now staying at Glanmore with her 4 uncles all of whom are totally smitten by her but have no idea how to care for her.

Next door is Miss Emily Hawkins who is an avid reader. She loves nothing more than to slip into the beautiful gardens of Glanmore with a book, settle down and read. However, Freddie always seems to tease her when he finds her which embarrasses and irritates her. But when he asks her to help with getting some new dresses together for Charlotte, she is happy to bring some from her nieces and promises to alter them for her. It’s amazing how Charlotte latches onto Emily and the duke invites her to come over anytime and enjoy their family’s massive library. With Emily at his home, Freddie finds himself falling for her but her mother seems to think the duke himself is perfect for her.

Tobias decides that Freddie should receive the title of Earl of Blackmore that had belonged to his brother Sebastian. But it is an incident shortly after that which occurs and seals the fate of Freddie and Emily.

This is a delightful book with well-written characters. I loved Freddie and his secret inability that he hides well. But he is otherwise very talented. Emily is a beautiful woman inside and out and she and Freddie make a wonderful couple. I’m so happy to find a new historical romance author and I look forward to reading more books by her. Enjoy!

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
4,135 reviews22 followers
October 16, 2025
This is a delightfully sharp Regency enemies-to-lovers romance full of wit, heart, and unexpected tenderness.

I absolutely devoured One Summer to Make Her His. It’s everything I want in a historical romance: sparkling banter, simmering tension, and characters you root for from the very first page.

Emily Hawkins is the kind of heroine you instantly admire — smart, spirited, and just a little bit fed up with society’s rules (and her overbearing mother). After four seasons and no suitable match, she's ready for something — or someone — to change. Enter Freddie Dashworth, her lifelong nemesis and the only man who can truly get under her skin.

Their dynamic is pure magic: full of history, heat, and hilariously snarky exchanges. I loved the way their relationship unfolded — slowly, believably, and with just enough scandal to keep the stakes deliciously high. Freddie, with his unexpected responsibilities and hidden depths, won me over just as thoroughly as he does Emily.

There’s a beautiful sense of growth in both characters, and the romance hits that sweet spot between steamy and swoony without ever losing its emotional core. And the “minor indiscretion” that changes everything? Let’s just say it had me turning pages late into the night.

If you love a Regency romance with strong heroines, charming rakes, and just the right amount of emotional angst, you’ll want to add this one to your shelf. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for whatever this author writes next!

I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Profile Image for Kirsty (BookBlogger).
2,032 reviews63 followers
July 9, 2025
The Earl’s Unlikely Bride by Ella Matthews

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

One summer to make her his…

After four failed seasons, Emily Hawkins is tired of following the rules. Aside from crossing swords with her lifelong enemy, Freddie Dashworth, she is an exemplary member of Society. But after all this time, she’s yet to find a husband and life with her over-bearing mother is becoming intolerable.

Freddie returns to his childhood home to help look after his orphaned niece. His neighbour, Emily, has been his nemesis for years. The infuriating miss is the only woman immune to his charms and there’s nothing he enjoys more than her disapproving glares. It’s a shame he can’t stop thinking about her, because she clearly despises him.

One minor indiscretion later and everything in Emily’s ordered world changes. The one person on her side appears to be Freddie but can she trust her former antagonist? And what will happen to her when she does?

My Opinion

The Earl’s Unlikely Bride is a sweet read. Ella Matthews has created some lovely characters and has written a delightful, slow-burn romance. I am not usually a fan of historical fiction, but with delights like The Earl’s Unlikely Bride is it difficult to see why. I cannot wait to see what Ella does next with this series.

Rating 4/5
Profile Image for Bridget Love to read Lewis.
2,440 reviews30 followers
July 5, 2025
We have an enemies to lawfully wed couple! We have Freddie aka Lord Frederick Dashworth aka Earl of Blackmore! Freddie inherited the title along with his niece Charlotte after his brother Sebastian early demise! Sebastian passed under somewhat suspicious circumstances! I am sure the other brothers stories will definitely show those developments!
We have witty banter between Freddie and one Miss Emily Hawkins beautiful, kind and intelligent with a shrew of a mother! Her mother makes you want to lock her in a closet and loose the key!
When Freddie and Emily just start to lay aside their differences they are compromised! Mrs Hawkins screeching could be heard halfway to Scotland! Freddie is secretly thrilled but neither wants to trap the other!
While they figure out their relationship Mrs Hawkins let ugly rumors swell in the Ton! Freddie became MY hero when he put that shrew in her place! There is lots of love and laughter as they find their way and keep to the will involving Charlotte Freddie’s niece!
You won’t put this one down! I stayed up way past my bedtime! Can’t wait for the next brother to fall head over heels! Bravo well done!
I received an ARC copy for my unbiased review!
Profile Image for Lida May Marie.
149 reviews3 followers
July 31, 2025
📚✨ BOOK REVIEW ✨📚
Title: The Earl’s Unlikely Bride
Series: The Dashworth Brothers, Book 1
Author: Ella Matthews
Genre: Historical Romance
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Spice Level: 🔥 Steamy / Open Door💡 Includes on-page intimacy with emotional depth. Not for closed-door readers.

📝 My Thoughts:
This book had everything I love in a historical romance. A brooding, secretly soft-hearted hero. A fiercely awkward but intelligent heroine. Witty banter, emotional tension, and a plot that blends family drama, guardianship, and slow-burn romance. And yes, it gets steamy.
Freddie and Emily are pure opposites: he's charming, carefree, hiding pain behind laughter. She's serious, bookish, hiding her heart behind rules. Watching them clash, connect, and slowly fall for one another was joyful, frustrating, and beautiful. The introduction of a surprise niece gives this story a found-family twist that adds heart and vulnerability to every scene.
The intimate moments are tender, character-driven, and well-earned. If you're into swoony tension that pays off, this one delivers. And the humor? Pitch-perfect. I laughed and teared up more than once.

💬 Heads-up for historical purists: The Duke's sons aren't addressed with the formal "Lord" titles, which is a slight deviation from traditional Regency accuracy. That said, the emotional truth of the story never falters.

💔 Potential Triggers: Parental neglect (past), emotional abuse, grief, and themes of loss.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Who Should Read This: Perfect for fans of found family, enemies to lovers, guardianship tropes, and emotional-but-steamy historicals. Think Tessa Dare with a little more ache. If you like your hero redeemable and your heroines strong beneath the surface, this one is for you.

🔖 Favorite Quote:
"He’d only known of her existence a little longer than it would normally take for him to eat a meal, but he already knew he would give his life to save hers." 💔

📌 Final Verdict: A heartfelt, witty, and steamy Regency romance about finding love in the most unlikely place and finally being seen for who you really are. Can’t wait to read the next Dashworth brother’s story!

#HistoricalRomance #BookReview #SpicyRomance #FoundFamily #OppositesAttract #BookishHeroine #EllaMatthews #EnemiesToLovers #TheEarlsUnlikelyBride #RomanceRecs #SteamyButSweet #RegencyRomance #ReadingEscape #BookstagramRomance
Profile Image for Pam Robertson.
1,443 reviews9 followers
July 11, 2025
Emily is a spirited and independently minded heroine who feels out of place in the marriage market of the Ton. She likes nothing more than to read her books and envies the broader education that aristocratic men received at the time. She has always sparred with Freddie, the boy next door, but failed to see beneath the sociable veneer that he has always presented to the world. Freddie has vulnerabilities which he wants to hide from society but he also has some amazing talents which he also keeps secret.
The easy dialogue between Emily and Freddie shows you how they actually have a lot of common ground which Emily in particular has failed to notice. The strict behaviour codes of the Ton means that often men and women cannot see each other clearly as so much of polite society masks what they are really thinking. This is an enjoyable read with some great characters. All the Dashworth brothers have potential for future stories which I look forward to reading.
In short: true love and firm friendships
Thanks to the publisher
6,129 reviews28 followers
July 11, 2025
She is most unlikely, indeed.

I really liked this book. It quite took me by surprise, as I usually do not like enemies to lovers, especially with a frivolous male lead. Freddie is the middle brother, who jokes and is frivolous. He doesn't know who he is, for which he puts the blame on his aunt who belittled him. Freddie isn't close to his four remaining brothers, but for two years, he has to live with them, as they just became guardians to their young niece.

Emily is smart, loves to read and is the good girl who has an overbearing mother. Freddie hated Emily at first sight since she was five and he was seven. She gets awkward around him and feels inferior so avoids him at all costs.

Freddie is that boy in school who pulls her pigtails to get Emily's attention. He knows he should avoid her but his body cannot leave her alone, so he does torment her mercilessly. Its only when he is introduced to his niece does he get the first clue he should do better.
Recommend.
Profile Image for Elaine - Splashes Into Books.
3,883 reviews136 followers
July 27, 2025
Unlikely encounters, a child in need,
A blue-stocking who enjoys to read....
Add in young men who don't know what to do
What a brilliant recipe to help love prove true!

This is a delightful historical romance
Where a battling verbal duo are given a chance
They've known each other for years
But every encounter launches verbal spears!

Emily's cantankerous mother always seems to frown
Unless she's happily bringing Emily down.
Emily does her best to follow every rule
But still her mother keeps being cruel.

Freddie was brought up in the home next door
And has returned to live there once more
His orphaned niece means he needs to stay
Looking after her with his brothers day to day.

I really enjoyed this book, so full of fun,
With secrets being kept by nearly everyone!
Great characters throughout and much more
Future books in this series I can't wait to explore!

For my copy of this book I say a huge thank you
As I share with you this, my honest review.
Profile Image for Brittany Anne.
56 reviews12 followers
August 22, 2025
If you love a sweet, historical romance with just a hint of spice, this book is a delightful choice. It’s the kind of story that makes your heart ache and smile at the same time. The slow-burn romance is tender and emotional, with two main characters who complement each other perfectly—even if they can’t see it themselves at first. While the miscommunication trope isn’t always my favorite, here it’s handled with care and adds to the emotional pull. The witty dialogue adds charm and keeps the pace, making the journey all the more enjoyable. Truly, Ella Mathews writing is well crafted and heartfelt, and I am looking forward to reading more by this author. (and more about the Dashwood brothers). 

Overall, this was a heartwarming and engaging read that any historical romance reader would enjoy. 

4🌟


Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for providing a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Michelle.
11 reviews
July 12, 2025
The Earl’s Unlikely Bride is a sweet and incredibly romantic novel. This enemies to lovers, slow burn story will have you engaged the whole way through and kicking your feet by the end of it! The banter between Emily and Freddie is unmatched as we get to see them explore their relationship through different stages as they go from neighbours who cannot quite get along, to something a bit more akin to friends as Emily helps them navigate the difficulties of Freddie’s brother’s unfortunate demise and the responsibilities passed on because of it. We watch the love blossom between them throughout this beautifully written historical romance which only serves to make me incredibly excited to read about all the other Dashworth brothers.

“You are the most beautiful woman in the room, in any room, in fact”

Copy kindly provided by the author and publisher through NetGalley.
Profile Image for Jane Hunt.
Author 3 books114 followers
July 14, 2025
Emily and Freddie's love story is the first in the Dashworth Brothers Regency romances. Emily is an intelligent young woman who escapes through reading. She longs for an education, but her family wants her to be married, so she hides in her neighbour's garden whenever she can. Freddie is one of the Dashworth brothers; he has known Emily since childhood, and they have always had a confrontational relationship. Freddie hides behind his cheerful clown persona because he doesn't think his true self is worth knowing. Although they outwardly appear to be opposites who have little in common, emotionally, they are similar, having had challenging upbringings. I like the banter the couple have, the way they bond over caring for Freddie's niece and the gentle romance. It's a lovely story and the perfect beginning to the Dashworth Brothers' series.
I received a copy of this book from the author.
Profile Image for Aspoon.
711 reviews2 followers
October 19, 2025
Firstly, I just hate that these 4/5 star reviews are coming from people who got a free copy of the book in exchange for their review. You can’t always trust them and I spend money on books partially based off reviews. If I see 4/5 stars with extremely long reviews, I will refuse to read them…they’re most likely bought.

Secondly, this book was a snooze fest. Soooooo many inner thoughts and barely full length in-depth dialogue. You will get one sentence of person to person dialogue and then 3 pages of inner thoughts and then they finish the dialogue with another sentence and then 4 pages of inner thoughts. Absurd! No witty banter, no real drama or sexual tension, no deep emotional feels IMO. The chemistry seemed forced and stilted. Thank goodness it only cost me $.99 cents so I can delete it.
Profile Image for Gmr.
1,251 reviews
July 4, 2025
Just finished! A great pick for Historical Romance fans and a wonderful release from this talented author. I ADORED both Freddie and Emily, through and through! They both had challenges (she, an overbearing mother that never saw her...he, an aunt that deserved solitude, as well as an unspoken one he struggled with on his own), but they came together (in a SPECTACULAR way!) to become the family they each always needed, the couple they didn't expect (because others saw it, just... not... them), and a beautiful example of love trumping all. ❤️ Can't wait for readers to get their hands on this one next week because trust me you won't want to miss it!


**eARC received for review; opinions are entirely my own
1,292 reviews11 followers
July 8, 2025
Two amazing protagonists with self worth issues and one little neice, makes this such a delightful book to read. Freddie and Emily are at each other's throat, but really everybody but them know that they make the perfect pair. When forced to marry after a compromising situation, they start to peel layers of their characters and find a deep abiding love and compatibility. And boy do they support and prop each other so well.

This is my first book by the author and I cannot wait to read the other Fashworth brothers stories.
Well written, good dialogue, good plotline and just engaging overall.

#TheEarlsUnlikelyBride #NetGalley
702 reviews
July 11, 2025
It's said that opposites attract and while this is true, it's also true that within that difference is a commonality that most people miss. This author hasn't missed it, as both Freddie and Emily have a hidden commonality even though their behavior of it is opposite. We get a wonderful opportunity to see two young people who seemingly have never gotten along, see each other in a more positive manner due to circumstances beyond their normal control. A fantastic story, with some historical values but more character depth giving a bit of a twist to the general historical romance books we may normally lean towards.
Profile Image for Fathi.
428 reviews
August 5, 2025
4.25⭐
Received a copy from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review
This was wonderful! Everything you want from an HR. Freddie and Emily were such likeable characters. Above all, the best thing was that this was short and sweet. The story didn't drag on needlessly.

My only minor issue was that the author kept repeating words and phrases too often. I feel like I'm nitpicking here, but I can only read "woolgathering" a certain number of times before it becomes annoying.

It's unfortunate that when I started this, I was coming out of an HR binge. However, after properly picking this up again, I could not put it down. Highly recommend it!
78 reviews
July 8, 2025
4.5/5 rounded to 5/5

I had never read any of this author's work before but I ATE this book up in one day. Something about it really scratched that regency era romance itch for me. The writing was way better than many regency era romance books and I will definitely be on the lookout for the next books in this series!

My one wish is that the book had been a little longer with maybe some more developed scenes/interactions with some of the side characters. Thank you to NetGalley for providing this as an arc!
Profile Image for Sarah.
576 reviews4 followers
August 4, 2025
Very sweet he fell first, frenemies to lovers with a dash of four men and a baby, horrible parent/childhood trauma, and setting up the next brother’s book. Really enjoyed the slice of life way of approaching the relationship and the slow building of the brothers’ dynamic. Also appreciated that there were no high stakes beyond characters making choices that aligned with their wishes - and that there were no major obstacles beyond MCs flawed beliefs about their own self-worth. Looking forward to read the rest!
Profile Image for Gaby.
190 reviews1 follower
July 9, 2025
Thank you to Netgalley and Ella Matthew’s for the ebook ARK of the book.

I don’t think I’ve ever fallen in love with two characters more than I have with Emily and Freddie. There chemistry was just so extraordinary and the way they speak about each other has my heart exploding 🥹 I can’t wait for the next book in the series and am excited to read the rest of the brothers books when they release! Also this book is an open door romance and has spice.
54 reviews
July 18, 2025
I loved meeting the Dashworth brothers who were brought together due to the death of a brother at the beginning of this book. They have such a fun dynamic which became interesting as the girl next door started to help them with the care of their niece. I really enjoyed the banter and slow burn of this book. I can’t wait to read the next book for the next Dashworth brother. Thank you to Ella Matthews and NetGalley for the ARC.
Profile Image for travelbug74.
181 reviews11 followers
July 27, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this light read. Both MC's were full fleshed out. I enjoyed how Freddie finally confided his secret to Emily and her reaction, or non-reaction, was perfect. These two were made for each other.

The ongoing investigation into the other brother is intriguing and makes me want to continue the series to see what happened.

I received an eARC from Netgalley in exchange for my honest reveiw.
Profile Image for Lyn D Rose .
1,113 reviews17 followers
October 15, 2025
This first book in the Dashworth Brothers series wad a delightful and well written enemies to lovers regency historical romance. it was a dramatic, witty, and enjoyable story that was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. I really enjoyed the character growth and the lovely ending. I highly recommend reading!
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