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The Lords of Worth #3
You're the Earl That I Want
THE EARL DOTH PROTEST . . .
For businessman Heath Hextall, inheriting an earldom has been a damnable nuisance. The answer: find a well-bred, biddable woman to keep his life in order and observe the required social niceties. But it's always been clear that Lady Josephine Somerhall is not that woman. Once a shy slip of a girl, Joss is now brilliant, beautiful chaos in a ball gown.
. . . BUT THE LADY KNOWS BEST
In her heart, Joss has always loved Heath, the one person she's always been able to count on. That doesn't mean she wants to marry him though. Without a husband, Joss can do as she pleases—and now, it pleases her to solve the mystery of an encoded file given to Heath by a dying man. It's put Heath in peril once, and Joss won't let that happen again. She'll do what she must to ensure the earl's safety. And to remind him that what she lacks in convention, she makes up for in passion.
For businessman Heath Hextall, inheriting an earldom has been a damnable nuisance. The answer: find a well-bred, biddable woman to keep his life in order and observe the required social niceties. But it's always been clear that Lady Josephine Somerhall is not that woman. Once a shy slip of a girl, Joss is now brilliant, beautiful chaos in a ball gown.
. . . BUT THE LADY KNOWS BEST
In her heart, Joss has always loved Heath, the one person she's always been able to count on. That doesn't mean she wants to marry him though. Without a husband, Joss can do as she pleases—and now, it pleases her to solve the mystery of an encoded file given to Heath by a dying man. It's put Heath in peril once, and Joss won't let that happen again. She'll do what she must to ensure the earl's safety. And to remind him that what she lacks in convention, she makes up for in passion.
348 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 25, 2015
190 people are currently reading
1225 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Bowen
20 books1,372 followersAward-winning author Kelly Bowen attended the University of Manitoba, earning a BSc & MSc in veterinary studies. She worked as a research scientist before realizing her dream to write historical fiction. Currently, Kelly lives with her family in Winnipeg, Canada.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
December 30, 2015
Not one of my friends has rated this below 4 stars, so I guess take what I say with a grain of salt and remember, different strokes for different folks :)
I really liked the second book in this series A Good Rogue is Hard to Find and I really did not like this one.
What pretty much killed it for me was the heroine. Look I love a good strong woman but I also like Historical romance. These two aspects can definitely co-exist but please don't put a contemporary woman in a historical setting, which I feel is what happened here. Joss was "cool girl" to the nth degree with can't understand why people would not get her, reads books so much she becomes an expert in everything (she was well traveled ((which now that I think about it, was that ever fully explained?)) but come on, I was just waiting for the "I read a medical book, now I can cure cancer"), and all around personality and actions made the hero look like a schlub. I found her incredibly annoying and towards the end of the book when she drops the line "What the hell, Hextall?" I just turned the page because I was immune to it all by then; normally such a line would have me at least muttering a "c'mon man!".
I've mentioned the schlub hero and frankly, don't have much to say about ol' Heath. He was aggressively pushed out of the story by Joss. He liked Joss but wanted a "normal" wife, he spends most of the book literally and figuratively dancing around with another woman who he thinks should be his wife and having Joss save his butt.
The suspense storyline of hidden treasure with villainous Frenchman was pretty fantastical and due to me employing some speed reading tactics, I'm not sure I connected all the dots.
One of the characters from A Good Rogue is Hard to Find, who also makes an appearance here, was my Best Secondary character of 2015, so I'll give the next Bowen book a chance. I just could not get over how much I loathed this heroine.
I really liked the second book in this series A Good Rogue is Hard to Find and I really did not like this one.
What pretty much killed it for me was the heroine. Look I love a good strong woman but I also like Historical romance. These two aspects can definitely co-exist but please don't put a contemporary woman in a historical setting, which I feel is what happened here. Joss was "cool girl" to the nth degree with can't understand why people would not get her, reads books so much she becomes an expert in everything (she was well traveled ((which now that I think about it, was that ever fully explained?)) but come on, I was just waiting for the "I read a medical book, now I can cure cancer"), and all around personality and actions made the hero look like a schlub. I found her incredibly annoying and towards the end of the book when she drops the line "What the hell, Hextall?" I just turned the page because I was immune to it all by then; normally such a line would have me at least muttering a "c'mon man!".
I've mentioned the schlub hero and frankly, don't have much to say about ol' Heath. He was aggressively pushed out of the story by Joss. He liked Joss but wanted a "normal" wife, he spends most of the book literally and figuratively dancing around with another woman who he thinks should be his wife and having Joss save his butt.
The suspense storyline of hidden treasure with villainous Frenchman was pretty fantastical and due to me employing some speed reading tactics, I'm not sure I connected all the dots.
One of the characters from A Good Rogue is Hard to Find, who also makes an appearance here, was my Best Secondary character of 2015, so I'll give the next Bowen book a chance. I just could not get over how much I loathed this heroine.
January 26, 2022
I like KB''s writing, dialogue is good and entertaining - but the mystery took the front seat to the romance.
It felt more like a historical mystery with some romance, rather than the other way around.
The romance part was good though :)
It felt more like a historical mystery with some romance, rather than the other way around.
The romance part was good though :)
September 16, 2016
Having enjoyed Kelly Bowen's last book - A Good Rogue is Hard to Find - I'd marked her down as a new author to watch and was keen to read more from her. In You're the Earl That I Want (and would somebody PLEASE STOP with the stupid, cutesy titles that aren't cute so much as they are irritating!), she concludes her Lords of Worth trilogy with another deftly-written, fast-paced, fun story featuring a couple of attractive protagonists, lively dialogue and slightly improbable plot.
Heath Hextall is a wealthy, self-made businessman with a finger in many different pies; shipping, textiles, manufacturing – but having recently and unexpectedly inherited an impoverished earldom, he now finds himself in the uncomfortable position of being neither fish nor fowl (pun unintentional!). As the Earl of Boden, he is firmly a member of the ton, but as a man who has made his wealth in trade, he is also someone the high sticklers of society look down upon. In the years since he inherited, Heath has worked hard to set the earldom to rights financially, and has now decided that it’s time he found himself a wife to look after his domestic concerns while he continues to oversee his business interests and run his estates. Given his background in trade and the scandals that have dogged his family, Heath knows exactly the sort of woman he wants to marry; “a pleasant, even-tempered soul who will accept my protection and the comforts I can provide her, and in exchange will expertly manage my household.” .
His friend, the Duke of Worth – to whom Heath makes this momentous pronouncement – can’t help but be amused by this statement, even though a few days later, he comes up with the perfect candidate in Lady Rebecca Dalton. In her third season, Lady Rebecca is intelligent, capable and courteous, and is, in Worth’s opinion, exactly what Heath is looking for.
Worth’s sister, Lady Josephine (Joss) Somerhall has recently returned from her travels abroad and Heath is immediately struck by her beauty, her vivacity and her lively mind. He remembers the little girl who dogged his footsteps and whom he used to tease during the summers he spent with the Sommerhalls, and who was sent away from home to relatives in Europe when she was just six years old. Joss is infuriating and entrancing – but, as Heath keeps having to remind himself – not for him. She’s a force of nature, a whirlwind in human form and not at all the restful, useful woman he has envisaged taking to wife.
Joss loved Heath when she was a girl, and fully expects that youthful infatuation to have died a death in the years of her absence, but her first sight of him – tall, blond and handsome – brings all those old feelings back in force and she has to admit to herself that she loves him still. She does, however, wonder where the fun-loving, teasing Heath Hextall has disappeared to, and where this slightly care-worn, serious man who has taken his place has come from.
I rather like the childhood-friends-to-lovers trope, and Ms Bowen does a good job with the way she has both Joss and Heath reassessing each other as grown-ups and realising that their childhood attachment has never really gone away. She gets away with having Joss being independent and unconventional because of the fact that she has lived most of her life away from the strictures of English society, and thankfully steers well clear of TSTL territory; Joss is intelligent and determined, but not stupid and her cleverness is demonstrated throughout the book rather than being something that is talked about but not borne out by her actions.
The rest of the story is given over to a rather implausible plot about some long-lost treasure and the revolutionary fanatics who would do anything to get their hands on it – but it’s fun and moves along at a good pace. The action sequences are well-written and the whole thing is adroitly handled and never allowed to get in the way of the love-story, which is tender and funny. Heath and Joss are well-matched and complement each other; his dependability counters her impulsiveness and her liveliness gives him back some of his youthful spirit of adventure.
The only false note struck in the book is that the obstacles stuck into the path of the romance are so contrived. Heath wants a boring wife; Joss likes her freedom so therefore they can’t be together. And that’s it. I understand that the path of true love needs a few bumps along the way, but that’s not even a bump worthy of the name!
I enjoyed meeting the redoubtable Lady Eleanor again, and the reminder about the audacious plans she carries out in order to help abused women add a more serious note to the book and serve to illustrate the severe inequalities that existed in the society of the time.
Overall, though, You’re the Earl That I Want is a light-hearted romp that strikes the right balance between the romance and adventure plot, and I enjoyed it very much. If you’re in the mood for an upbeat, lively read this summer, then I reckon this will fit the bill.
Heath Hextall is a wealthy, self-made businessman with a finger in many different pies; shipping, textiles, manufacturing – but having recently and unexpectedly inherited an impoverished earldom, he now finds himself in the uncomfortable position of being neither fish nor fowl (pun unintentional!). As the Earl of Boden, he is firmly a member of the ton, but as a man who has made his wealth in trade, he is also someone the high sticklers of society look down upon. In the years since he inherited, Heath has worked hard to set the earldom to rights financially, and has now decided that it’s time he found himself a wife to look after his domestic concerns while he continues to oversee his business interests and run his estates. Given his background in trade and the scandals that have dogged his family, Heath knows exactly the sort of woman he wants to marry; “a pleasant, even-tempered soul who will accept my protection and the comforts I can provide her, and in exchange will expertly manage my household.” .
His friend, the Duke of Worth – to whom Heath makes this momentous pronouncement – can’t help but be amused by this statement, even though a few days later, he comes up with the perfect candidate in Lady Rebecca Dalton. In her third season, Lady Rebecca is intelligent, capable and courteous, and is, in Worth’s opinion, exactly what Heath is looking for.
Worth’s sister, Lady Josephine (Joss) Somerhall has recently returned from her travels abroad and Heath is immediately struck by her beauty, her vivacity and her lively mind. He remembers the little girl who dogged his footsteps and whom he used to tease during the summers he spent with the Sommerhalls, and who was sent away from home to relatives in Europe when she was just six years old. Joss is infuriating and entrancing – but, as Heath keeps having to remind himself – not for him. She’s a force of nature, a whirlwind in human form and not at all the restful, useful woman he has envisaged taking to wife.
Joss loved Heath when she was a girl, and fully expects that youthful infatuation to have died a death in the years of her absence, but her first sight of him – tall, blond and handsome – brings all those old feelings back in force and she has to admit to herself that she loves him still. She does, however, wonder where the fun-loving, teasing Heath Hextall has disappeared to, and where this slightly care-worn, serious man who has taken his place has come from.
I rather like the childhood-friends-to-lovers trope, and Ms Bowen does a good job with the way she has both Joss and Heath reassessing each other as grown-ups and realising that their childhood attachment has never really gone away. She gets away with having Joss being independent and unconventional because of the fact that she has lived most of her life away from the strictures of English society, and thankfully steers well clear of TSTL territory; Joss is intelligent and determined, but not stupid and her cleverness is demonstrated throughout the book rather than being something that is talked about but not borne out by her actions.
The rest of the story is given over to a rather implausible plot about some long-lost treasure and the revolutionary fanatics who would do anything to get their hands on it – but it’s fun and moves along at a good pace. The action sequences are well-written and the whole thing is adroitly handled and never allowed to get in the way of the love-story, which is tender and funny. Heath and Joss are well-matched and complement each other; his dependability counters her impulsiveness and her liveliness gives him back some of his youthful spirit of adventure.
The only false note struck in the book is that the obstacles stuck into the path of the romance are so contrived. Heath wants a boring wife; Joss likes her freedom so therefore they can’t be together. And that’s it. I understand that the path of true love needs a few bumps along the way, but that’s not even a bump worthy of the name!
I enjoyed meeting the redoubtable Lady Eleanor again, and the reminder about the audacious plans she carries out in order to help abused women add a more serious note to the book and serve to illustrate the severe inequalities that existed in the society of the time.
Overall, though, You’re the Earl That I Want is a light-hearted romp that strikes the right balance between the romance and adventure plot, and I enjoyed it very much. If you’re in the mood for an upbeat, lively read this summer, then I reckon this will fit the bill.
September 30, 2015
Now this is what I call a worthwhile historical romance!!
The heroine is wonderful! So full of life and so determinate to do the right thig not only for herself for for others too! I just loved her!
The hero, Heath was great too! He's known Joss all her life, but he's still surprised with her actions! And that's wonderful to read! He's bewildered by her every time! I loved that!!
The backstory of their romance is interesting and well done, even if a little bt too fantastic, but still well executed!
This book is another example of an excellent writing and intelligent characters that are out of ordinary! Great book!
The heroine is wonderful! So full of life and so determinate to do the right thig not only for herself for for others too! I just loved her!
The hero, Heath was great too! He's known Joss all her life, but he's still surprised with her actions! And that's wonderful to read! He's bewildered by her every time! I loved that!!
The backstory of their romance is interesting and well done, even if a little bt too fantastic, but still well executed!
This book is another example of an excellent writing and intelligent characters that are out of ordinary! Great book!
August 18, 2015
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Summary
Heath Hextall considers being an Earl a pain and a bother and he would much prefer working on his business than dealing with members of the Ton. All he needs now is an amiable wife to take care of his domestic matters so that he can focus on his shipyard and his business affairs. Even though he is attempting to court a lovely and biddable but intelligent woman, except there is one problem: he can't stop thinking about one woman, Lady Josephine Somerhall. But Joss is not just any woman, she was a girl who played with him and her brother when they were kids and then she vanished one day, known to be a traveler and studying abroad. Now she has returned and has not changed one bit. Still wild and sassy smart, and keeping him on his toes. But suddenly Joss and Heath and brought into a mystery and a danger, when Heath's friend is killed with secret papers, enemies that are looking for what they know, secrets of the Templar and soon Joss and Heath will be in danger of their lives if they don't get down to the secret, that could lead to Bonaparte returning to France and taking over once again...
The Hero
Heath Hextall made a name for himself, he built up a ship yard business, loves his travels especially going back and forth between American and England. But when he became an Earl, his life changed, and he is struggling to maintain a balance of his responsibilities. Heath's household is falling apart, and he has decided what he needs is a wife to take care of the matters between butlers and maids so he doesn't have to. Heath is content with marrying a nice and lovely wife, one that he can be content with and won't drive him crazy like Lady Josephine. But Joss is the one woman he is constantly thinking about and can't stop thinking about. Heath was a great hero, at first he is a bit arrogant and conceited, but honorable and hard working. He isn't ashamed of what he has become or what he has built for himself, even though members of his class are very disapproving of it. He is protective of Joss which I loved, and I adored how he handles her at times.
The Heroine
Lady Josephine Somerhall has always cared for Heath ever since they were kids. She chased Heath and her brother around, always wanting to prove herself to this boy that won her heart, even if he didn't know the different between a frog and a toad. Then a situation developed with her father, and for her own safety and well being she was sent away from the home she loved and the boy she couldn't get enough of.
She has traveled many parts of the world and has become a highly educated woman with a spirited nature that has developed over the years. Now she works with her mother to help those unfortunate women who need aid from abusive situations. Josephine isn't your average heroine and I had quite a fun time with her character. She is passionate, fierce in her desires to help others, creative and cunning, loved the way her mind worked. I love how crafty she is and the way she handles any situation no matter how dangerous.
Plot and Story Line
You're The Earl I Want is a story that I immediately liked. Kelly Bowen has a talented way of creative beautiful stories that make this era come alive for me that not many authors can do for me. Every book I have read from this series just makes me yearn for more from this author. I love how each story has a unique situation with a level of intrigue and danger to it that mixes so well with the love story that she evenly balances out. In You're The Earl I Want we see a childhood sweethearts trope come alive. Both Heath and Joss have cared for each other. Joss knows exactly who she wants and its always been Heath. Heath, however, has always liked her, but he doesn't fully realize it until Joss comes back into his life.
Even though Joss has never really desired marriage, there is one person she wants more than anything...Heath. This was a unique set up because at the beginning we see how against marriage Joss is because Heath doesn't really see her as a potential wife and she KNOWS it. She isn't exactly biddable or passive. Quite the exact opposite. Joss is spirited and lively and brings passion to Heath. These two are brought into a world of mystery and danger. They need each other and start to work with each other to discover what is really going on and get to the bottom of this mystery that ended up with the death of one of Heath's friends. There were so many aspects of this book that I fell in love with but one of my favorites was seeing Heath and Joss reconnect with each other and discover a passion they have for each other. And honestly I love espionage in a romance, and Bowen's handles this aspect beautifully. It is a focus of the story, but it balances evenly with the love story that develops between Heath and Joss. We also see a small side plot of Heath's right-hand man. We also see how desperate certain supporters of Bonaparte were to bring him back to power after he was exiled. Interesting plot twist and loved the historical relevance come into play into this story. This was a story that is a must for historical lover, sweet and exciting.
The Cover
Such a lovely cover here. I love her peach dress with the yellow ribbon and holding a rose. Her expression is so mischievous and playful, and full of secrets. And I like the contrasts of the blue and green staircase in the background. This is definitely my favorite cover so far in this series.
Summary
Heath Hextall considers being an Earl a pain and a bother and he would much prefer working on his business than dealing with members of the Ton. All he needs now is an amiable wife to take care of his domestic matters so that he can focus on his shipyard and his business affairs. Even though he is attempting to court a lovely and biddable but intelligent woman, except there is one problem: he can't stop thinking about one woman, Lady Josephine Somerhall. But Joss is not just any woman, she was a girl who played with him and her brother when they were kids and then she vanished one day, known to be a traveler and studying abroad. Now she has returned and has not changed one bit. Still wild and sassy smart, and keeping him on his toes. But suddenly Joss and Heath and brought into a mystery and a danger, when Heath's friend is killed with secret papers, enemies that are looking for what they know, secrets of the Templar and soon Joss and Heath will be in danger of their lives if they don't get down to the secret, that could lead to Bonaparte returning to France and taking over once again...
The Hero
Heath Hextall made a name for himself, he built up a ship yard business, loves his travels especially going back and forth between American and England. But when he became an Earl, his life changed, and he is struggling to maintain a balance of his responsibilities. Heath's household is falling apart, and he has decided what he needs is a wife to take care of the matters between butlers and maids so he doesn't have to. Heath is content with marrying a nice and lovely wife, one that he can be content with and won't drive him crazy like Lady Josephine. But Joss is the one woman he is constantly thinking about and can't stop thinking about. Heath was a great hero, at first he is a bit arrogant and conceited, but honorable and hard working. He isn't ashamed of what he has become or what he has built for himself, even though members of his class are very disapproving of it. He is protective of Joss which I loved, and I adored how he handles her at times.
The Heroine
Lady Josephine Somerhall has always cared for Heath ever since they were kids. She chased Heath and her brother around, always wanting to prove herself to this boy that won her heart, even if he didn't know the different between a frog and a toad. Then a situation developed with her father, and for her own safety and well being she was sent away from the home she loved and the boy she couldn't get enough of.
"Then what the hell were you doing in my bed?"
"That is.."
He closed the distance between them in three steps. He reached down and tipped her chin up, forcing her eyes back to his. The dark desire he saw reflected in her gaze nearly undid him right there.
"I wanted.."
He dropped to a knee in front of her, his eyes level with her own. "What? You wanted what, Joss?"
"I wanted to feel what it would be like. To belong to you."
She has traveled many parts of the world and has become a highly educated woman with a spirited nature that has developed over the years. Now she works with her mother to help those unfortunate women who need aid from abusive situations. Josephine isn't your average heroine and I had quite a fun time with her character. She is passionate, fierce in her desires to help others, creative and cunning, loved the way her mind worked. I love how crafty she is and the way she handles any situation no matter how dangerous.
Plot and Story Line
You're The Earl I Want is a story that I immediately liked. Kelly Bowen has a talented way of creative beautiful stories that make this era come alive for me that not many authors can do for me. Every book I have read from this series just makes me yearn for more from this author. I love how each story has a unique situation with a level of intrigue and danger to it that mixes so well with the love story that she evenly balances out. In You're The Earl I Want we see a childhood sweethearts trope come alive. Both Heath and Joss have cared for each other. Joss knows exactly who she wants and its always been Heath. Heath, however, has always liked her, but he doesn't fully realize it until Joss comes back into his life.
I've been spending too much time looking for other things I thought I wanted. Things I thought were the right things and would make me happy. But they didn't. They never could. I want you, Josephine Somerhall. On whatever terms you wish. It's only ever been you.
Even though Joss has never really desired marriage, there is one person she wants more than anything...Heath. This was a unique set up because at the beginning we see how against marriage Joss is because Heath doesn't really see her as a potential wife and she KNOWS it. She isn't exactly biddable or passive. Quite the exact opposite. Joss is spirited and lively and brings passion to Heath. These two are brought into a world of mystery and danger. They need each other and start to work with each other to discover what is really going on and get to the bottom of this mystery that ended up with the death of one of Heath's friends. There were so many aspects of this book that I fell in love with but one of my favorites was seeing Heath and Joss reconnect with each other and discover a passion they have for each other. And honestly I love espionage in a romance, and Bowen's handles this aspect beautifully. It is a focus of the story, but it balances evenly with the love story that develops between Heath and Joss. We also see a small side plot of Heath's right-hand man. We also see how desperate certain supporters of Bonaparte were to bring him back to power after he was exiled. Interesting plot twist and loved the historical relevance come into play into this story. This was a story that is a must for historical lover, sweet and exciting.
I want you all the time, Josephine Somehall," he growled. "I want you from the second I wake up until the moment I work myself into a exhausted stupor that allows me to find sleep. I want you like this, naked and hot and sweaty, every time you're near me. every time you touch me. Every time you look at me. If I didn't have you, I would have lost my mind.
The Cover
Such a lovely cover here. I love her peach dress with the yellow ribbon and holding a rose. Her expression is so mischievous and playful, and full of secrets. And I like the contrasts of the blue and green staircase in the background. This is definitely my favorite cover so far in this series.
Overall View
You're The Earl I Want is a story that is a delightful romp with a dose of danger, hint of sensuality, a smidgen of mystery and quite a lot of rediscovering a love that has always existed between these two!! A STORY TO CRAVE!
I've
Got
My Duke To Keep Me Warm (1)
A Good Rogue Is Hard To Find (2)
A Lady's Guide To Skirting Scandal (2.5)
You're The Earl I Want (3)
February 13, 2017
“I’ve been spending too much time looking for other things I thought I wanted. Things I thought were the right things and would make me happy. But they didn’t. They never could.”
“Oh.” Her voice was barely audible. “But Lady Rebecca---”
“Has found her own happiness. I want you, Josephine Somerhall. On whatever terms you wish. It’s only ever been you.”
Ahh, so lovely *twirls*
Everything about this book worked for me: the heroine, the hero, their romance, even the madcap adventure plot about secret thousands years old treasure and renegade Bonapartists. But it was Joss and Heath’s electric chemistry and heart searing connection that tied it all together.
Heath, I just loved him. He was chivalrous to a fault, jaded by his newfound aristocratic existence and a bit of a stick in the mud, at least at first. The majority of his starchiness seemed to stem from his burdensome responsibilities as the newly minted earl, keeping his family’s business afloat (no pun intended) and ensuring the happiness of those he cared about most. Poor Heath never took the time to even consider his own happiness or wellbeing, that is until Joss torpedoed her way back into the equation, upending every carefully constructed aspect of Heath’s life in the process. Joss, with all her sparkling light and caution throwing was everything Heath didn’t want, but ultimately, exactly what he needed most.
Joss was easy to fall in love with as well. It was impossible not to, really. In her very first scene she checked the authenticity of a lord’s Ming vase in the middle of a crowded ballroom, boldly asked Heath to dance with her and chugged an entire glass of whiskey: MY KIND OF WOMAN. I also loved how brilliant Joss was, her particular knack for mathematics, ciphers and linguistics making her even more attractive. It was her inner thoughts that got me the most though. Especially when those thoughts were about Heath and how important he was to her. How he saw her and made her feel good about herself which was in stark contrast to her hellish home life. The fact that she never forgot Heath or the feelings he inspired in her and carried a little piece of him in her heart through all the years that followed slayed me to no end.
Obviously, Joss and Heath together were incredible. From their backstory starting in childhood, to the way that they understood and brought out the best in each other, and of course I can’t forget about those sexy times because they were awe inspiring. You just really got the sense that these two seemingly different individuals were at their very best when united as one and they gave me ALL THE FEELS so thanks very much for that Kelly Bowen.
The main plot meanwhile was pretty ridiculous and hard to believe most of the time as cranky Heath would attest to, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. It threw our leads together and the ever present danger looming throughout meant pretenses and denials were squashed fairly quickly which is always a good thing in my opinion. I guess my only gripe is that the high emotion that the previous two books’ plots had heaps of was somewhat missing from this one. The emotion was very much present when it came to the romance but I confess I did miss it from the main plot. Despite that, You’re the Earl that I Want (LOVE THAT TITLE BTW) still ended up being my favorite of the series, go figure.
January 10, 2017
3,5 stars!
While I enjoyed the other two books more, Joss made this book great for me.
I didn't care much for Heath at first, but as he stopped being so annoying and actually listened to Joss I began to warm up to him.
I didn't care much for the mystery but since it brought Joss and Heath together I tried to follow with an open mind lol.
I'm a sucker for the friends to lovers trope and while this one wasn't the best I've read, I did love how Heath stopped seeing the little girl he remembered Joss as, and started to realize what a great woman she had become. I didn't even mind the bit of noble idiocy of Joss's since she had some valid reasons not to want to get married.
All in all, I enjoyed the book, but not enough to say I loved it. Hence the 3,5 stars! I do appreciate the world that Kelly Bowen has built and how strong she portrays her women. I lived how they all came together in this book!
While I enjoyed the other two books more, Joss made this book great for me.
I didn't care much for Heath at first, but as he stopped being so annoying and actually listened to Joss I began to warm up to him.
I didn't care much for the mystery but since it brought Joss and Heath together I tried to follow with an open mind lol.
I'm a sucker for the friends to lovers trope and while this one wasn't the best I've read, I did love how Heath stopped seeing the little girl he remembered Joss as, and started to realize what a great woman she had become. I didn't even mind the bit of noble idiocy of Joss's since she had some valid reasons not to want to get married.
All in all, I enjoyed the book, but not enough to say I loved it. Hence the 3,5 stars! I do appreciate the world that Kelly Bowen has built and how strong she portrays her women. I lived how they all came together in this book!
August 29, 2017
A nice addition to this series.
I liked the heroine, Joss, who was brilliant, spoke many languages and could work out cryptic code- yep, she was even a good shot with pistols! The hero, Heath, was a bit of a stuffed shirt at first, but of course she brought him around and after some adventures and some neat, witty banter, we have our well-deserved HEA.
Only please, Ms Bowen, do not use "ass" for "arse"- I am immediately transported into modern-day America. Very confusing! Oh, and people do not "morph" into anything- same issue:)
Minor quibbles aside, very enjoyable read. I wish there were more in this series (the novella with Viola was not a fave for me, especially as I really didn't like her character at all.)
"He raised a brow. "If I'd really been trying to impress you, I would have drunk whatever was in that cup".
"Men drinking excessive quantities of unknown substances only impresses other men", Joss scoffed.
True dat!
I liked the heroine, Joss, who was brilliant, spoke many languages and could work out cryptic code- yep, she was even a good shot with pistols! The hero, Heath, was a bit of a stuffed shirt at first, but of course she brought him around and after some adventures and some neat, witty banter, we have our well-deserved HEA.
Only please, Ms Bowen, do not use "ass" for "arse"- I am immediately transported into modern-day America. Very confusing! Oh, and people do not "morph" into anything- same issue:)
Minor quibbles aside, very enjoyable read. I wish there were more in this series (the novella with Viola was not a fave for me, especially as I really didn't like her character at all.)
"He raised a brow. "If I'd really been trying to impress you, I would have drunk whatever was in that cup".
"Men drinking excessive quantities of unknown substances only impresses other men", Joss scoffed.
True dat!
August 21, 2017
4.25 Stars
I received a free eARC of this book from Forever via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have read two other stories in the Lords of Worth series and really enjoyed them. Kelly Bowen has a subtle writing style and an adept hand at characterization which appeals to me. So I had decent expectations for the final book in the series which allows the sexy Earl of Boden to finally get his happy ending.
Heath Hextall, Lord Boden, has been a side character for most of the series. His family started a profitable soapmaking business yet they have always been looked down on due to their involvement in trade. Then Heath's father inherits an earldom from a distant cousin and, when Heath takes over, he realizes that it is in dire straits. As a child, Heath is described as being adventurous and full of life, but the responsibilities of the title take a real toll on him. He feels like it is his duty to find a proper wife, but just can't get his best friend's sister out of his head.
Lady Josephine Somerhall "Joss" is the little sister of the Duke of Worth whose story was told in A Good Rogue is Hard to Find. She has been spending the past few years traveling on various adventures after being sent to Italy as a child. Her travels have helped her become a master at languages and puzzles. And she has been in love with Heath since she was little. Now she has returned to England and is trying to maneuver through society which is harder than she thought.
I really liked both of these characters. They are good, decent people who make mature decisions and aren't melodramatic about things going wrong. I admired Heath's devotion to duty and how it contrasted to his childhood desire to travel the world. I thought it was interesting how Kelly Bowen used Heath's shipping interests to showcase that aspect of his personality. And Joss was my favorite character in the entire book. She is an "unconventional lady" which is a common character type in romance, but I liked that she wasn't over-the-top about it. I also liked the fact that she wanted to help solve the big mystery, but wasn't stupid enough to go around town by herself at night.
Heath and Joss's romance was very sweet. They grew up together and had a nice bond that was easy to see in the flashbacks. Their reunion brought back all the fond memories with some physical attraction thrown in which was entertaining. These two worked well together on the mystery and it was obvious that they respected each other. I was not the biggest fan of Heath courting another women for some time, but it was (thankfully) taken care of and handled in a decent way.
Besides the romance, You're the Earl That I Want had a mystery subplot that was both outrageous and fun. It involved possible treasure, the mysterious Templar knights, corrupt officials, and, of course, Napoleon! While it was suspenseful and the characters found themselves in real danger at times, I felt like the author knew it was a bit over-the-top and just embraced it. I had a good time with it and that's all I ask out of subplots.
I thought this book tied up the series nicely and it made me want to go back read book one right away. The couples from the previous two full-length books made an appearance or two, but didn't take away the spotlight from the main couple. I especially enjoyed the ending and how it seemed to connect to events of the first book without spoiling everything. You're the Earl That I Want is an engrossing and well-written historical romance that I had a lot of fun with. I can't wait to see what Kelly Bowen does next!
I received a free eARC of this book from Forever via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have read two other stories in the Lords of Worth series and really enjoyed them. Kelly Bowen has a subtle writing style and an adept hand at characterization which appeals to me. So I had decent expectations for the final book in the series which allows the sexy Earl of Boden to finally get his happy ending.
Heath Hextall, Lord Boden, has been a side character for most of the series. His family started a profitable soapmaking business yet they have always been looked down on due to their involvement in trade. Then Heath's father inherits an earldom from a distant cousin and, when Heath takes over, he realizes that it is in dire straits. As a child, Heath is described as being adventurous and full of life, but the responsibilities of the title take a real toll on him. He feels like it is his duty to find a proper wife, but just can't get his best friend's sister out of his head.
Lady Josephine Somerhall "Joss" is the little sister of the Duke of Worth whose story was told in A Good Rogue is Hard to Find. She has been spending the past few years traveling on various adventures after being sent to Italy as a child. Her travels have helped her become a master at languages and puzzles. And she has been in love with Heath since she was little. Now she has returned to England and is trying to maneuver through society which is harder than she thought.
I really liked both of these characters. They are good, decent people who make mature decisions and aren't melodramatic about things going wrong. I admired Heath's devotion to duty and how it contrasted to his childhood desire to travel the world. I thought it was interesting how Kelly Bowen used Heath's shipping interests to showcase that aspect of his personality. And Joss was my favorite character in the entire book. She is an "unconventional lady" which is a common character type in romance, but I liked that she wasn't over-the-top about it. I also liked the fact that she wanted to help solve the big mystery, but wasn't stupid enough to go around town by herself at night.
Heath and Joss's romance was very sweet. They grew up together and had a nice bond that was easy to see in the flashbacks. Their reunion brought back all the fond memories with some physical attraction thrown in which was entertaining. These two worked well together on the mystery and it was obvious that they respected each other. I was not the biggest fan of Heath courting another women for some time, but it was (thankfully) taken care of and handled in a decent way.
Besides the romance, You're the Earl That I Want had a mystery subplot that was both outrageous and fun. It involved possible treasure, the mysterious Templar knights, corrupt officials, and, of course, Napoleon! While it was suspenseful and the characters found themselves in real danger at times, I felt like the author knew it was a bit over-the-top and just embraced it. I had a good time with it and that's all I ask out of subplots.
I thought this book tied up the series nicely and it made me want to go back read book one right away. The couples from the previous two full-length books made an appearance or two, but didn't take away the spotlight from the main couple. I especially enjoyed the ending and how it seemed to connect to events of the first book without spoiling everything. You're the Earl That I Want is an engrossing and well-written historical romance that I had a lot of fun with. I can't wait to see what Kelly Bowen does next!
October 16, 2016
As much as I want to like this book and think it can be a perfect romance novel for certain readers, since I don't like bashing authors that are currently alive and don't have a bestseller, the convenient plot devices are simply infuriating.
October 20, 2017
Appealing characters, a fast-moving plot, snappy dialogue, and a couple of childhood frienemies falling in love make this a very enjoyable read.
avoid
August 29, 2017See Kyra's review of this obnoxious 20/21 c heroine as a reminder not to read this.
Shudders!
Shudders!
August 25, 2015
Oh Joss your man takes things out of context, or you just get your wording mixed up, “I used a soap in my travels that was made with the flower and coconut oil combined. It was the most heavenly thing I’ve ever put against my bare skin. I immediately thought of you.” Heath stopped abruptly in the middle of the dance floor, and the dancers around them grumbled at the obstruction..." Heath and Joss were the perfect match, they complimented each other beautifully, I loved the back and forth banter:
“You should be naked right now.” He was yanking at the laces of her dress.
“You’re going to rip it.”
“Good.” His eyes were scorching.
“Gentlemen don’t rip the gowns off their ladies.”
This book had me from page one, I was intrigued through out the whole story.
June 23, 2016
I forgot to even update that I finished this book.
Ok. SO. I actually LOOOOOOVED Joss. She was an amazing heroine. The problem was that this book was entirely bogged down by plot plot plot that I didn't care for. I wished Joss and Heath had a more personal involvement in the plot, but it just seemed like they were on this adventure for the sake of a plot. So. Yeah. It sucks, because all the Joss/Heath parts where it was just them was brilliant, but everything else was so boring.
Ok. SO. I actually LOOOOOOVED Joss. She was an amazing heroine. The problem was that this book was entirely bogged down by plot plot plot that I didn't care for. I wished Joss and Heath had a more personal involvement in the plot, but it just seemed like they were on this adventure for the sake of a plot. So. Yeah. It sucks, because all the Joss/Heath parts where it was just them was brilliant, but everything else was so boring.
September 3, 2019
You’re the Earl That I Want was a phenomenal read featuring a fantastic romance and an amazing cast of characters.
Heath Hextall would rather be spending his time at his business, but after inheriting an earldom he has little choice but to attend society events. In Heath’s mind, finding a well-bred wife is the perfect solution as it will allow him to focus on his work while his wife handles the societal aspects of his life. But on the first night after making his decision, Heath runs into childhood friend Lady Josephine Somerhall who despite her beauty, does not meet his criteria. So why is it that Heath can think of no one but her? After the pair are drawn into a deadly mystery, the duo must work together to solve the mystery of an encoded file before they lose their lives as well as their hearts.
Joss was a precocious child which caused some difficulties for her due to her father which is why Joss was sent to stay with family in Italy when she was young. Once she was away from her father, Joss flourished and began traveling the world once she was old enough which led to her becoming a master of languages. Joss has little use for a husband as she believes one would only stifle her when she aims to be free to do as she pleases.
Heath resents his title and all of the rules that come along with it as it turned his simple life into something much more complicated. After two minor scandals surrounding his sisters as well as the work of digging the earldom out of debt, Heath is ready to get back to an easier life. I don’t necessarily agree with the reasons why Heath wanted to find a wife, but they were fitting to the time period.
Joss and Heath’s relationship gets off a bit of a rocky start after Joss causes a bit of a scene at a ball, something Heath is trying to avoid. Once the pair get involved in the mystery, their relationship quickly begins to heat up. One of the things I really liked about the pair working together was how it was Joss who cracked the mystery and how she pulled Heath along until he eventually took an active interest in what was happening. Joss always had a bit of a crush on Heath as he was the one person who always saw her as she truly was and never treated her differently because of it. I was happy to see that’s still the case after they become reacquainted. When the pair’s physical relationship starts, it’s incredibly steamy with some fantastic scenes.
The mystery in the book was engaging with an interesting backstory and a shadowy villain with intriguing motives. The mystery at times reminded me of the movie National Treasure as well as the book The Da Vinci Code which are some of my favorite things. It honestly never occurred to me that a plot like that would be something I would enjoy in a historical romance, but I have to say I loved it and hope to find more books with a similar plot. I really enjoyed the final showdown between the characters and the bad guys as it had the perfect amount of action. The ending was well done and wrapped everything up nicely.
You’re the Earl That I Want ended up being my favorite book in the Lords of Worth series and I’m looking forward to reading the author’s next series, Season for Scandal, soon.
Heath Hextall would rather be spending his time at his business, but after inheriting an earldom he has little choice but to attend society events. In Heath’s mind, finding a well-bred wife is the perfect solution as it will allow him to focus on his work while his wife handles the societal aspects of his life. But on the first night after making his decision, Heath runs into childhood friend Lady Josephine Somerhall who despite her beauty, does not meet his criteria. So why is it that Heath can think of no one but her? After the pair are drawn into a deadly mystery, the duo must work together to solve the mystery of an encoded file before they lose their lives as well as their hearts.
Joss was a precocious child which caused some difficulties for her due to her father which is why Joss was sent to stay with family in Italy when she was young. Once she was away from her father, Joss flourished and began traveling the world once she was old enough which led to her becoming a master of languages. Joss has little use for a husband as she believes one would only stifle her when she aims to be free to do as she pleases.
Heath resents his title and all of the rules that come along with it as it turned his simple life into something much more complicated. After two minor scandals surrounding his sisters as well as the work of digging the earldom out of debt, Heath is ready to get back to an easier life. I don’t necessarily agree with the reasons why Heath wanted to find a wife, but they were fitting to the time period.
Joss and Heath’s relationship gets off a bit of a rocky start after Joss causes a bit of a scene at a ball, something Heath is trying to avoid. Once the pair get involved in the mystery, their relationship quickly begins to heat up. One of the things I really liked about the pair working together was how it was Joss who cracked the mystery and how she pulled Heath along until he eventually took an active interest in what was happening. Joss always had a bit of a crush on Heath as he was the one person who always saw her as she truly was and never treated her differently because of it. I was happy to see that’s still the case after they become reacquainted. When the pair’s physical relationship starts, it’s incredibly steamy with some fantastic scenes.
The mystery in the book was engaging with an interesting backstory and a shadowy villain with intriguing motives. The mystery at times reminded me of the movie National Treasure as well as the book The Da Vinci Code which are some of my favorite things. It honestly never occurred to me that a plot like that would be something I would enjoy in a historical romance, but I have to say I loved it and hope to find more books with a similar plot. I really enjoyed the final showdown between the characters and the bad guys as it had the perfect amount of action. The ending was well done and wrapped everything up nicely.
You’re the Earl That I Want ended up being my favorite book in the Lords of Worth series and I’m looking forward to reading the author’s next series, Season for Scandal, soon.
June 25, 2022
I can't tell if this was just wrong book at the wrong time, or if it was the book itself. This was mostly fine, but I didn't really find myself invested in it at all.
August 25, 2015
*I received an ARC, in exchange for an honest review.*
After recently reading and reviewing the novella that precedes this book, I was really looking forward to seeing if the author could capture my attention with a full-length novel. Of course, it helped that the hero of this book was Heath, the brother of the novella’s heroine. Plus, the synopsis promised a lady solving a mystery using intelligence and independence. So of course I was definitely all-in. And luckily for me, “You’re the Earl That I want” didn’t disappoint.
As previously mentioned, Heath was the hero. He was honorable to a fault, and as he was an earl, Heath had many responsibilities. This meant that he was very serious, and wanted to make sure he married someone who wouldn’t cause a scandal. I did like Heath, because he was very loyal to those he considered himself responsible for, but I was definitely hoping he’d come out of his shell.
The woman to make him do just that was the heroine, Josephine. I really, really liked her. She was brilliant with languages, and the author definitely made this a part of her character, and not an afterthought. Josephine was a huge reader, as well. Really, I can’t resist a book lover in any type of story. It helped that she was very independent, and liked to do things her own way. I’m just such a huge fan of the capable, fiercely intelligent heroine. To add to all this, she was funny, and did her best to get Heath to laugh.
The plot of this book was part romance, and part mystery. There was, of course, the love story between Heath and Josephine, which I loved. Heath needed someone to keep him from being too serious, and to make his life happier. Josephine needed someone who would recognize her intelligence. Josephine had loved Heath since she was a young girl, but Heath had always seen her as nothing more than his best friend’s sister. And in this book, Heath was trying to find a wife who would be biddable, with a good reputation. Obviously, Josephine was neither of these things. I didn’t really like how the story got a bit convoluted with another woman that Heath saw as being the perfect wife. I also am not usually a fan of unrequited love being a part of any story. But I definitely got over these things. This was especially true because I knew what would happen with the woman that Heath was considering.
As for the mystery aspect, it was all about decoding documents that Heath was given by a dying Bow Street runner, and trying to figure out how to save whoever or whatever it was that people were hunting for. I found that element intriguing, although I was definitely more invested in the romance. I liked the historical aspect of what was going on, though. Plus, the fact that Heath promised to give the documents to the dying runner’s brother and stuck to that promise really helped flesh out his character.
In the end, I definitely recommend this book to historical romance lovers. I haven’t read the previous novels in the series, but we got little glimpses of the couples featured in them, and I definitely want to check them out now. As for this particular story, the heroin was fiercely intelligent and independent, while the hero was very loyal and chivalrous. The romance was really well-done, and the mystery was something different to what I’ve been reading in historical romances lately. With all that said, I think readers of this genre will find something to really like here.
After recently reading and reviewing the novella that precedes this book, I was really looking forward to seeing if the author could capture my attention with a full-length novel. Of course, it helped that the hero of this book was Heath, the brother of the novella’s heroine. Plus, the synopsis promised a lady solving a mystery using intelligence and independence. So of course I was definitely all-in. And luckily for me, “You’re the Earl That I want” didn’t disappoint.
As previously mentioned, Heath was the hero. He was honorable to a fault, and as he was an earl, Heath had many responsibilities. This meant that he was very serious, and wanted to make sure he married someone who wouldn’t cause a scandal. I did like Heath, because he was very loyal to those he considered himself responsible for, but I was definitely hoping he’d come out of his shell.
The woman to make him do just that was the heroine, Josephine. I really, really liked her. She was brilliant with languages, and the author definitely made this a part of her character, and not an afterthought. Josephine was a huge reader, as well. Really, I can’t resist a book lover in any type of story. It helped that she was very independent, and liked to do things her own way. I’m just such a huge fan of the capable, fiercely intelligent heroine. To add to all this, she was funny, and did her best to get Heath to laugh.
The plot of this book was part romance, and part mystery. There was, of course, the love story between Heath and Josephine, which I loved. Heath needed someone to keep him from being too serious, and to make his life happier. Josephine needed someone who would recognize her intelligence. Josephine had loved Heath since she was a young girl, but Heath had always seen her as nothing more than his best friend’s sister. And in this book, Heath was trying to find a wife who would be biddable, with a good reputation. Obviously, Josephine was neither of these things. I didn’t really like how the story got a bit convoluted with another woman that Heath saw as being the perfect wife. I also am not usually a fan of unrequited love being a part of any story. But I definitely got over these things. This was especially true because I knew what would happen with the woman that Heath was considering.
As for the mystery aspect, it was all about decoding documents that Heath was given by a dying Bow Street runner, and trying to figure out how to save whoever or whatever it was that people were hunting for. I found that element intriguing, although I was definitely more invested in the romance. I liked the historical aspect of what was going on, though. Plus, the fact that Heath promised to give the documents to the dying runner’s brother and stuck to that promise really helped flesh out his character.
In the end, I definitely recommend this book to historical romance lovers. I haven’t read the previous novels in the series, but we got little glimpses of the couples featured in them, and I definitely want to check them out now. As for this particular story, the heroin was fiercely intelligent and independent, while the hero was very loyal and chivalrous. The romance was really well-done, and the mystery was something different to what I’ve been reading in historical romances lately. With all that said, I think readers of this genre will find something to really like here.
January 25, 2016
I received an ARC of this book from the Publisher, via Netgalley, this does not affect my opinion of this book or the content of my review.
I broke a personal cardinal rule here, I started in the middle of a series. Now I didn’t realize it was a series when I requested it, the heroine just intrigued me so I grabbed it. But when I went to put it into Goodreads to track it, I definitely saw that it was a series. The heroine, “brilliant, beautiful chaos in a ball gown” still demanded I read her though (when the predominant description is intelligence-yeah, an author likely has her hooks into me for it), so I went for it.
And I am happy to say that this can indeed be read as a stand-alone. You can tell that there are books before it, and those stories are mentioned, but it didn’t feel like there was anything we missed regarding the two main protagonists, so I was satisfied with my choice to start here. I will say though, willful suspension of disbelief is an absolute requirement here, so if that isn’t something you can manage, this may not be the book for you.
Josephine “Joss” Summerhall is not your average English lady. She’s widely traveled, knows multiple languages and has worked as an interpreter, and she reads widely and has opinions on most any topic under the sun. She’s smart, almost fearless, and definitely relentless and dauntless. Which is hardly surprising with an eccentric mother who carries around live chickens. Don’t worry she has her reasons too, and she is the main reason I am so inclined to read the preceding books.
Heath Hextall however, far from being the teasing youth who put toads down her dress when she was younger, has turned into something of a stuffy prig and thinks he wants to find a nice, boring, respectable wife. Unfortunately for us, he remains wrong-headed for entirely too long, but I will admit that isn’t entirely his own fault, Joss helped keep that unsettled for entirely too long as well.
The book focuses mainly on their relationship and them learning what they thought they saw and knew of each other wasn’t entirely accurate, and the romance portions of it were quite sweet, even when you wanted to beat some sense into their heads.
Where willful suspension of disbelief comes in is with the mystery. That was some crazy sauce, and the shenanigans surrounding it were quite insane, particularly Joss’ parts in it. But if you are prepared to put that aside, then it was a fun, mysterious romp that has the potential to keep you entertained throughout. Just don’t take it too seriously and I think you’ll find it an enjoyable read.
https://burnsthroughherbookshelf.word...
I broke a personal cardinal rule here, I started in the middle of a series. Now I didn’t realize it was a series when I requested it, the heroine just intrigued me so I grabbed it. But when I went to put it into Goodreads to track it, I definitely saw that it was a series. The heroine, “brilliant, beautiful chaos in a ball gown” still demanded I read her though (when the predominant description is intelligence-yeah, an author likely has her hooks into me for it), so I went for it.
And I am happy to say that this can indeed be read as a stand-alone. You can tell that there are books before it, and those stories are mentioned, but it didn’t feel like there was anything we missed regarding the two main protagonists, so I was satisfied with my choice to start here. I will say though, willful suspension of disbelief is an absolute requirement here, so if that isn’t something you can manage, this may not be the book for you.
Josephine “Joss” Summerhall is not your average English lady. She’s widely traveled, knows multiple languages and has worked as an interpreter, and she reads widely and has opinions on most any topic under the sun. She’s smart, almost fearless, and definitely relentless and dauntless. Which is hardly surprising with an eccentric mother who carries around live chickens. Don’t worry she has her reasons too, and she is the main reason I am so inclined to read the preceding books.
Heath Hextall however, far from being the teasing youth who put toads down her dress when she was younger, has turned into something of a stuffy prig and thinks he wants to find a nice, boring, respectable wife. Unfortunately for us, he remains wrong-headed for entirely too long, but I will admit that isn’t entirely his own fault, Joss helped keep that unsettled for entirely too long as well.
The book focuses mainly on their relationship and them learning what they thought they saw and knew of each other wasn’t entirely accurate, and the romance portions of it were quite sweet, even when you wanted to beat some sense into their heads.
Where willful suspension of disbelief comes in is with the mystery. That was some crazy sauce, and the shenanigans surrounding it were quite insane, particularly Joss’ parts in it. But if you are prepared to put that aside, then it was a fun, mysterious romp that has the potential to keep you entertained throughout. Just don’t take it too seriously and I think you’ll find it an enjoyable read.
https://burnsthroughherbookshelf.word...
August 20, 2015
If you like an exciting story with superb characters and lots of action, this is for you!
Lady Josephine Somerhall is back from abroad after 10 years, and she sees her childhood friend Heath Hextall at a ball. Heath, now Earl of Boden, works hard at his business as well as rebuilding his earldom, but his reason for attending the ball is to find a wife: a sweet, gentle woman who will manage his household and not disturb his life. He has always loved Josephine – Joss – dearly but he would never even consider her as a potential wife: Joss is anything but the unassuming woman he seeks. She is thrilled to see Heath, but he has changed, he’s become too serious, he’s no fun anymore. After they leave the ball, Heath is trying to recover from the tsunami that is Joss. He happens upon a friend, Mr. Smythe a Bow Street Runner, who is mortally injured. The policeman gives Heath a folder and tells him to give it to Smythe’s brother. Joss happens to be passing by on her way home, and deems she can give Heathe a hand.
What a fabulous story! YOU’RE THE EARL THAT I WANT is super fast-paced, Joss is one of the best historical heroines I have ever seen: she is intelligent and learned, confident, fearless and extremely resourceful. In fact, Joss and Heath reminded me of some sort of Regency Avengers, the original Emma Peel and John Steed. The suspense starts early on, and I was glued to the page, I couldn’t wait to read what would happen next! What an exciting, thrilling, cleverly plotted story! Even the secondary characters are some of the most interesting I have met in a while, witness the fabulously eccentric dowager Duchess, Joss’ mother. YOU’RE THE EARL THAT I WANT is exquisitely written, the dialogues are superb, the chemistry between Joss and Heath palpable. What else more can I say; it’s just an amazing, brilliant, fun book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Lady Josephine Somerhall is back from abroad after 10 years, and she sees her childhood friend Heath Hextall at a ball. Heath, now Earl of Boden, works hard at his business as well as rebuilding his earldom, but his reason for attending the ball is to find a wife: a sweet, gentle woman who will manage his household and not disturb his life. He has always loved Josephine – Joss – dearly but he would never even consider her as a potential wife: Joss is anything but the unassuming woman he seeks. She is thrilled to see Heath, but he has changed, he’s become too serious, he’s no fun anymore. After they leave the ball, Heath is trying to recover from the tsunami that is Joss. He happens upon a friend, Mr. Smythe a Bow Street Runner, who is mortally injured. The policeman gives Heath a folder and tells him to give it to Smythe’s brother. Joss happens to be passing by on her way home, and deems she can give Heathe a hand.
What a fabulous story! YOU’RE THE EARL THAT I WANT is super fast-paced, Joss is one of the best historical heroines I have ever seen: she is intelligent and learned, confident, fearless and extremely resourceful. In fact, Joss and Heath reminded me of some sort of Regency Avengers, the original Emma Peel and John Steed. The suspense starts early on, and I was glued to the page, I couldn’t wait to read what would happen next! What an exciting, thrilling, cleverly plotted story! Even the secondary characters are some of the most interesting I have met in a while, witness the fabulously eccentric dowager Duchess, Joss’ mother. YOU’RE THE EARL THAT I WANT is exquisitely written, the dialogues are superb, the chemistry between Joss and Heath palpable. What else more can I say; it’s just an amazing, brilliant, fun book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 31, 2015
Potentially I think that this book held a foundation to be a grand romance and instead I can't help, but to feel disappointed by the finished product.
My biggest fault with this story is the bold fact that the hero and the heroine seemed to have switched places. I felt like Joss, the heroine was more of the hero than Heath really was. Joss took the lead in the relationship, she fought to protect Heath and the love that she possessed for him was real. This might have worked had this idea equally balanced against Heath's character, but instead it did the opposite in the fact that I do not believe that an Earl such as Heath would be so willing to allow a woman to lead in his life.
Also I felt like Heath didn't take the love that Joss had for him as seriously as she did. She was more than willingly to fight for him and yet I do not think that Heath was equally interested in doing the same with Joss. The romance was just a complete mess in this book and it made this book harder to like.
However there were moments that proved to be interesting such as the brief hints of mystery involving the encoding file as well as selective scenes that were different in comparison to fellow, historical novels.
So this book is one novel that I tend to have mixed feelings over. Had the romance been written differently I think I might have liked this book.
-This review was written as part of my Night Owl Reviews's profile. Copyrights belong to NOR. To read more of this review please click on the link that has provided.
https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Re...
My biggest fault with this story is the bold fact that the hero and the heroine seemed to have switched places. I felt like Joss, the heroine was more of the hero than Heath really was. Joss took the lead in the relationship, she fought to protect Heath and the love that she possessed for him was real. This might have worked had this idea equally balanced against Heath's character, but instead it did the opposite in the fact that I do not believe that an Earl such as Heath would be so willing to allow a woman to lead in his life.
Also I felt like Heath didn't take the love that Joss had for him as seriously as she did. She was more than willingly to fight for him and yet I do not think that Heath was equally interested in doing the same with Joss. The romance was just a complete mess in this book and it made this book harder to like.
However there were moments that proved to be interesting such as the brief hints of mystery involving the encoding file as well as selective scenes that were different in comparison to fellow, historical novels.
So this book is one novel that I tend to have mixed feelings over. Had the romance been written differently I think I might have liked this book.
-This review was written as part of my Night Owl Reviews's profile. Copyrights belong to NOR. To read more of this review please click on the link that has provided.
https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Re...
November 17, 2016
3.5 stars / C rating
Read a Tempting Teaser on Fiction Vixen: http://fictionvixen.com/tempting-teas...
Full review to come SOON!
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And now 1+ year later ... Yeah, accidentally forgot to come back to this, which probably speaks volumes in and of itself. Another thing is that I browsed review after review, trying to trigger a memory of what it was that I did and did not like about the book ... And nothing!!! And geez, I'm only 30, don't even have an excuse.
Okay, so I do remember Joss as being a strong heroine, which normally I like, though I think there may have been some things that annoyed me about her. I know, I should just stop now, I'm not being helpful.
Bowen is a good writer, as the teaser above shows, but obviously this book didn't do it for me. I do remember that I thought the whole childhood love thing was farfetched, because she was sent away when she was 6 years old, so how much could she have really been in love with Heath? Seems weird to me. And that she was this expert on everything seemed force, it was just too much.
Sorry peeps, that's all I got, and since I only gave it 3.5 stars, I don't feel like reading it again to be able to write a true review.
*This is a review of an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher
(Written November 16, 2016)
Read a Tempting Teaser on Fiction Vixen: http://fictionvixen.com/tempting-teas...
Full review to come SOON!
————————————————
And now 1+ year later ... Yeah, accidentally forgot to come back to this, which probably speaks volumes in and of itself. Another thing is that I browsed review after review, trying to trigger a memory of what it was that I did and did not like about the book ... And nothing!!! And geez, I'm only 30, don't even have an excuse.
Okay, so I do remember Joss as being a strong heroine, which normally I like, though I think there may have been some things that annoyed me about her. I know, I should just stop now, I'm not being helpful.
Bowen is a good writer, as the teaser above shows, but obviously this book didn't do it for me. I do remember that I thought the whole childhood love thing was farfetched, because she was sent away when she was 6 years old, so how much could she have really been in love with Heath? Seems weird to me. And that she was this expert on everything seemed force, it was just too much.
Sorry peeps, that's all I got, and since I only gave it 3.5 stars, I don't feel like reading it again to be able to write a true review.
*This is a review of an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher
(Written November 16, 2016)
September 9, 2015
Kelly Bowen has become an automatic buy for me. I have really enjoyed this series. This story features Joss, the Duke of Worth's sister, and his best friend Heath, Lord Boden. Joss is smart, independent and has been in love with Heath since she was 5. Heath tries to be a proper lord and avoid scandal but can't resist Joss. Along the way there is a murder, a mystery and a childhood love that survived through the years apart. Joss's mother, the Dowager Duchess of Worth (a wonderful secondary character) helps out when needed. I think you'll enjoy this book and the entire series.
December 2, 2025
4.5
One thing's for sure : Kelly Bowen's books are never boring. It's historical romance with a bad ass attitude. It's a love story fill with mysteries and adventure. Her heroines are strong and her heros have good heart, but her novels never feel the same or repetitive. And there's always a beautiful cover.
The Earl of Boden think he need a predictable and docile wife. A woman who'll manage his household and bear him children, someone who won't stir up trouble. Because for the last fourth years, his family been in the middle of scandal and he's tired of all this.
Josephine would certainly not make a biddable wife. She never care for the ton's opinion, she's unconventional, curious, fearless, well-educated and she lived almost all her life in different parts of the World.
Heath and Joss met when they were little kids. She was his friend's little sister, always following them everywhere, but even his mischievous attempts at getting rid of her didn't work.
"And when he'd lunged at her and dumped his fetid handful of horror down the front of her dress, she'd only gone very still, her eyes slitting into turquoise shards of disbelief.
She'd shrieked all right, but for all the wrong reasons.
Amphibians, she'd snapped in her tiny, indignant voice, had very sensitive skin and should never be manhandled in such a fashion. She'd dug the struggling creature out from the front of her sodden bodice and had cupped it in her hands with great care. Heath had stammered something about it being just a dumb frog. Her sharp eyes had narrowed even further, and she'd informed him that it wasn't a frog at all, but quite obviously a common toad."
One day the girl was sent away for her own good, to protect her from a violent father. Now she's back in town and Heath will be forced to admit she still drive him crazy, just not the same way.
When an injured and dying man jump in front of the Earl's horse, it's only the beginning of a mind-blowing journey where Heath and Joss will uncover a conspiracy and will concoct a plan to save a man's life.
"I don't believe this."
"Which part?"
"Mainly the part where I find myself standing in a damn closet, in the dark, conjecturing conspiracy theories with a body snatcher and a duke's sister."
Maybe the plot and conspiracy thing was a little too big or hard to believe at times, or the fact they goes to all these places without a chaperon and there's no rumors nor scandal about it, but it didn't stop me from having fun reading. What I feared was, with such an independent heroine who is so determined to never marry (she view it as imprisonment), she won't need the hero. But it was not like that. No, she doesn't need him to rescue her (in fact, it's her who rescued him one time or two), but she need him as a companion, a friend, a lover, a partner. She wants him in her life.
"Four days of not speaking to or seeing or touching Josephine Somerhall had furthered the illusion that he had conquered his irrational physical infatuation and need for her. Four seconds in her presence had shattered it."
The only thing that bother me is at the end, there was no longer any questions of his responsibilities, like they all magically disappear and he was free of all duty.
One thing's for sure : Kelly Bowen's books are never boring. It's historical romance with a bad ass attitude. It's a love story fill with mysteries and adventure. Her heroines are strong and her heros have good heart, but her novels never feel the same or repetitive. And there's always a beautiful cover.
The Earl of Boden think he need a predictable and docile wife. A woman who'll manage his household and bear him children, someone who won't stir up trouble. Because for the last fourth years, his family been in the middle of scandal and he's tired of all this.
Josephine would certainly not make a biddable wife. She never care for the ton's opinion, she's unconventional, curious, fearless, well-educated and she lived almost all her life in different parts of the World.
Heath and Joss met when they were little kids. She was his friend's little sister, always following them everywhere, but even his mischievous attempts at getting rid of her didn't work.
"And when he'd lunged at her and dumped his fetid handful of horror down the front of her dress, she'd only gone very still, her eyes slitting into turquoise shards of disbelief.
She'd shrieked all right, but for all the wrong reasons.
Amphibians, she'd snapped in her tiny, indignant voice, had very sensitive skin and should never be manhandled in such a fashion. She'd dug the struggling creature out from the front of her sodden bodice and had cupped it in her hands with great care. Heath had stammered something about it being just a dumb frog. Her sharp eyes had narrowed even further, and she'd informed him that it wasn't a frog at all, but quite obviously a common toad."
One day the girl was sent away for her own good, to protect her from a violent father. Now she's back in town and Heath will be forced to admit she still drive him crazy, just not the same way.
When an injured and dying man jump in front of the Earl's horse, it's only the beginning of a mind-blowing journey where Heath and Joss will uncover a conspiracy and will concoct a plan to save a man's life.
"I don't believe this."
"Which part?"
"Mainly the part where I find myself standing in a damn closet, in the dark, conjecturing conspiracy theories with a body snatcher and a duke's sister."
Maybe the plot and conspiracy thing was a little too big or hard to believe at times, or the fact they goes to all these places without a chaperon and there's no rumors nor scandal about it, but it didn't stop me from having fun reading. What I feared was, with such an independent heroine who is so determined to never marry (she view it as imprisonment), she won't need the hero. But it was not like that. No, she doesn't need him to rescue her (in fact, it's her who rescued him one time or two), but she need him as a companion, a friend, a lover, a partner. She wants him in her life.
"Four days of not speaking to or seeing or touching Josephine Somerhall had furthered the illusion that he had conquered his irrational physical infatuation and need for her. Four seconds in her presence had shattered it."
The only thing that bother me is at the end, there was no longer any questions of his responsibilities, like they all magically disappear and he was free of all duty.
September 11, 2015
Oh, Kelly Bowen, how I adore your books. Yay for me that You’re the Earl That I Want delivers with intrigue, chemistry and humor. Because we have the best friend’s little sister trope (love this one), a mystery that truly drives the plot, and of course, the infamous chickens. For those of you who have read prior books, you know what I’m talking about. For those who haven’t, all I can say without spoiling the reading experience, is that I love the chickens almost as much as the hero/heroine.
Heath Hextall, the Earl of Boden and best friend to the Duke of Worth, needs a wife. Someone who won’t add more chaos to his already reeling out of control, life. Someone dull and demure, who will abide by society’s standards. Someone absolutely not like Josephine (Joss) Somerhall, younger sister to his best friend. It’s been just about 20 years since she used to follow Heath and Will around like a puppy, and because Heath has eyes, he notices what a beauty she has become. More importantly, is her intelligence and gift for finding trouble. But this doesn’t bode well for Boden, because not only does she add chaos, but she’s off limits as Will’s younger sister. Nor does she want to marry.
The combination of Heath’s seriousness and Joss’ unconventional intelligence and zest for adventure make their heart story one that is a slow boil. I love how the tension builds and how they must work together in order to solve the mystery behind the death of one of Heath's acquaintances.
Which brings me to the mystery. Not only was the anticipation for when they would finally do the deed killing me, I was completely engrossed with trying to figure out the mystery and conspiracy behind the murder of Heath's friend. Ms. Bowen does such an excellent job of slowly unveiling pieces of the story that by the time our hero/heroine duo figure it out, I am glued to the pages, unable to put the book down.
Will there be another full-length novel in the series? (Pretty please?) Or will there be a new series? Either way, I can't wait to find out.
You can find the full post at heroes and heartbreakers.
my link text
Heath Hextall, the Earl of Boden and best friend to the Duke of Worth, needs a wife. Someone who won’t add more chaos to his already reeling out of control, life. Someone dull and demure, who will abide by society’s standards. Someone absolutely not like Josephine (Joss) Somerhall, younger sister to his best friend. It’s been just about 20 years since she used to follow Heath and Will around like a puppy, and because Heath has eyes, he notices what a beauty she has become. More importantly, is her intelligence and gift for finding trouble. But this doesn’t bode well for Boden, because not only does she add chaos, but she’s off limits as Will’s younger sister. Nor does she want to marry.
The feel of her hands sliding over his back under his evening coat had sent the same jolt of lust through him, though at that time, he’d attributed it to the residual effects of their narrow escape. She’d had her head against his chest, thank God, for had she looked up at him in that moment, he might have kissed her senseless and regretted it later. Because this was Joss, for pity’s sake. His best friend’s little sister. She’d been a child to be tolerated out of loyalty to Worth, and now, as a woman, she was to be respected and kept at an appropriate distance for the exact same reason. Not fantasized about as if she were some sort of courtesan ripe for conquest.
The combination of Heath’s seriousness and Joss’ unconventional intelligence and zest for adventure make their heart story one that is a slow boil. I love how the tension builds and how they must work together in order to solve the mystery behind the death of one of Heath's acquaintances.
Which brings me to the mystery. Not only was the anticipation for when they would finally do the deed killing me, I was completely engrossed with trying to figure out the mystery and conspiracy behind the murder of Heath's friend. Ms. Bowen does such an excellent job of slowly unveiling pieces of the story that by the time our hero/heroine duo figure it out, I am glued to the pages, unable to put the book down.
Will there be another full-length novel in the series? (Pretty please?) Or will there be a new series? Either way, I can't wait to find out.
You can find the full post at heroes and heartbreakers.
my link text
September 1, 2015
Posted on What I'm Reading
I have been reading You're the Earl That I Want by Kelly Bowen. This is a third book in The Lords of Worth series. The stories have been good and cleverly written. They really aren't your typical romance. In todays selection we find a girl who has been in love with her brother's best friend since she was little. If that wasn't all, we also find ourselves in the midst of danger, so lets get started.
Heath Hextall, the new Earl of Boden, he has decided he needs a wife. Not just any wife, but biddable, kind, quiet, who's not cause havoc in his life, pretty much a boring wife. He has asked his best friend to find him this woman. Of course, the Duke of Worth accepts this challenge. Now we know Hextall's main goal. However, it's thrown off course a bit with a murder and Josephine Somerhall (Joss).
Now Joss is an awesome heroine. She might be a bit on the wild side, but she has a good heart and clever. She has this ability to be able to do anything that she puts her mind to it. She also has this vulnerability, but she refuses to let anyone know, especially Hextall.
Why I liked You're The Earl That I Want? First off, we have two people that would complete each other, but one doesn't see it. Instead of letting it affect, she decides to press forward and help Hextall in solving the problem that landed in his lap. Poor Hextall, he's just too honorable at times, and letting the wait of the earldom weigh on him. Good thing he has Joss by his side. I liked the light (very light) suspense that was the story. All they are trying to figure out why Gavin Smythe was murder, but they find themselves in a bit of danger since they started to uncover something bigger than what they expected.
Overall, You're the Earl That I Want held my attention through the story. I found myself wanting to read a little more. I love the interaction between Joss and Hextall. I mean they were a fun couple. I was a little worry that Hextall might pick the wrong girl, but thank goodness it all worked for everyone. So, if You're the Earl That I Want sounds like something you might like, give it try.
Copy provided by the publisher
I have been reading You're the Earl That I Want by Kelly Bowen. This is a third book in The Lords of Worth series. The stories have been good and cleverly written. They really aren't your typical romance. In todays selection we find a girl who has been in love with her brother's best friend since she was little. If that wasn't all, we also find ourselves in the midst of danger, so lets get started.
Heath Hextall, the new Earl of Boden, he has decided he needs a wife. Not just any wife, but biddable, kind, quiet, who's not cause havoc in his life, pretty much a boring wife. He has asked his best friend to find him this woman. Of course, the Duke of Worth accepts this challenge. Now we know Hextall's main goal. However, it's thrown off course a bit with a murder and Josephine Somerhall (Joss).
Now Joss is an awesome heroine. She might be a bit on the wild side, but she has a good heart and clever. She has this ability to be able to do anything that she puts her mind to it. She also has this vulnerability, but she refuses to let anyone know, especially Hextall.
Why I liked You're The Earl That I Want? First off, we have two people that would complete each other, but one doesn't see it. Instead of letting it affect, she decides to press forward and help Hextall in solving the problem that landed in his lap. Poor Hextall, he's just too honorable at times, and letting the wait of the earldom weigh on him. Good thing he has Joss by his side. I liked the light (very light) suspense that was the story. All they are trying to figure out why Gavin Smythe was murder, but they find themselves in a bit of danger since they started to uncover something bigger than what they expected.
Overall, You're the Earl That I Want held my attention through the story. I found myself wanting to read a little more. I love the interaction between Joss and Hextall. I mean they were a fun couple. I was a little worry that Hextall might pick the wrong girl, but thank goodness it all worked for everyone. So, if You're the Earl That I Want sounds like something you might like, give it try.
Copy provided by the publisher
November 18, 2015
I specifically DIDN'T read the first two in this series because the blurbs and reviews hinted at them being over the top and ridiculous. And i honestly don't know why i expected this one to be any different. But then again, I'm a sucker for childhood friends become lovers romances. I just can't resist them.
I was immediately turned off by the hero. He seemed aloof and unlikable. Not in the likable, charming way, oh no. He was just plain... boring. In a group of friends that usually get into HILARIOUS (heavy sarcasm here) situations, he's the one that just ISN'T into that. He was the roll your eyes, "im too old for this shit" type of character and i just wasn't in the mood for that.
Mainly cause that's how I felt for what little of the book i did read. And having him there NOT being into this ridiculous shit kept reminding me time and again how very much IM not into it.
Then there was the grandma who walked around a formal ballroom in 1800's English society with a fucking CHICKEN under her arm. That's not eccentric. That's fucking crazy. That was ridiculous and that was OVER THE TOP. I wasn't having it. I skimmed the book till the end and i was so glad i did. I kept finding unbelievable situation after another, conversations that felt more modern than they should have for a historical romance, and the ignoring of societal norms in the 1800s simply so that the author can throw more "funny" situations our way.
Situations that weren't even funny to begin with.
They were more like that annoying kid in class that thinks he's funny but really it's a morning class, everyone is too tired for his shit, and he's holding everyone up to the point that we're all contemplating throwing him out the window. That's what it felt like. I felt like i was constantly waiting for the punchline so that the author could get on with the bloody story. And all this i got from from skipping a few chapters here and there.
Overall, i just wasn't in the mood for this trying too hard comedy skit masquerading as a historical romance. I just wasn't. I wanted a romance that was light-hearted but still emotional and that's definitely not what i got.
I was immediately turned off by the hero. He seemed aloof and unlikable. Not in the likable, charming way, oh no. He was just plain... boring. In a group of friends that usually get into HILARIOUS (heavy sarcasm here) situations, he's the one that just ISN'T into that. He was the roll your eyes, "im too old for this shit" type of character and i just wasn't in the mood for that.
Mainly cause that's how I felt for what little of the book i did read. And having him there NOT being into this ridiculous shit kept reminding me time and again how very much IM not into it.
Then there was the grandma who walked around a formal ballroom in 1800's English society with a fucking CHICKEN under her arm. That's not eccentric. That's fucking crazy. That was ridiculous and that was OVER THE TOP. I wasn't having it. I skimmed the book till the end and i was so glad i did. I kept finding unbelievable situation after another, conversations that felt more modern than they should have for a historical romance, and the ignoring of societal norms in the 1800s simply so that the author can throw more "funny" situations our way.
Situations that weren't even funny to begin with.
They were more like that annoying kid in class that thinks he's funny but really it's a morning class, everyone is too tired for his shit, and he's holding everyone up to the point that we're all contemplating throwing him out the window. That's what it felt like. I felt like i was constantly waiting for the punchline so that the author could get on with the bloody story. And all this i got from from skipping a few chapters here and there.
Overall, i just wasn't in the mood for this trying too hard comedy skit masquerading as a historical romance. I just wasn't. I wanted a romance that was light-hearted but still emotional and that's definitely not what i got.
August 28, 2015
http://openbooksociety.com/article/yo...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Una
Lady Josephine Summerhall is unusual for the time period. She doesn’t want to get married. As she puts it so eloquently she certainly doesn’t want a life where her main duties would be to plan the next meal, run the house and produce an heir and a spare. Joss as she is known to family and friends is well travelled, well educated, can speak many languages and can shoot when necessary. Joss has always loved Heath Hextall however when he inherits the earldom she also knows she does not want to marry him. When Joss and Heath become involved in a mystery involving an encoded file both work together to find the solution. Joss is determined to keep Heath safe and in doing so finds that she is becoming more and more attracted to him. He brings out a passion in her that cannot be extinguished. How can she keep Heath without the conventional marriage that is expected?
Inheriting the Earldom has been Heath Hexthalls worst nightmare. He knows to survive in society he will have to marry to keep his life in order. Meeting Josephine Somerhall at a ball he notices that she has grown into a beautiful and outspoken woman, certainly not wife material. Thrown together after the ball when he is given an encoded file from a dying man, Heath realizes that Joss has many abilities that will be useful. Reluctantly he uses her language abilities to help unravel the code. As they work together he realizes that he is falling in love with her. Knowing Joss is never going to agree to a conventional marriage Heath must think of a way to win her affection.
Kelly Bowen has again written a fast paced and easy to read historical novel. I loved the complexity of the characters and the flow of the story. It not only had the love story but a good mystery as well. An absolutely delightful summer read and I look forward to more Kelly Bowen books!
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Una
Lady Josephine Summerhall is unusual for the time period. She doesn’t want to get married. As she puts it so eloquently she certainly doesn’t want a life where her main duties would be to plan the next meal, run the house and produce an heir and a spare. Joss as she is known to family and friends is well travelled, well educated, can speak many languages and can shoot when necessary. Joss has always loved Heath Hextall however when he inherits the earldom she also knows she does not want to marry him. When Joss and Heath become involved in a mystery involving an encoded file both work together to find the solution. Joss is determined to keep Heath safe and in doing so finds that she is becoming more and more attracted to him. He brings out a passion in her that cannot be extinguished. How can she keep Heath without the conventional marriage that is expected?
Inheriting the Earldom has been Heath Hexthalls worst nightmare. He knows to survive in society he will have to marry to keep his life in order. Meeting Josephine Somerhall at a ball he notices that she has grown into a beautiful and outspoken woman, certainly not wife material. Thrown together after the ball when he is given an encoded file from a dying man, Heath realizes that Joss has many abilities that will be useful. Reluctantly he uses her language abilities to help unravel the code. As they work together he realizes that he is falling in love with her. Knowing Joss is never going to agree to a conventional marriage Heath must think of a way to win her affection.
Kelly Bowen has again written a fast paced and easy to read historical novel. I loved the complexity of the characters and the flow of the story. It not only had the love story but a good mystery as well. An absolutely delightful summer read and I look forward to more Kelly Bowen books!
September 8, 2015
This was my first book by Kelly Bowen and, based on this, I think I have found a new author. For fans of historical novels featuring clever, educated women and gritty mysteries.
Heath Hextall has gone from the son of a soap maker to the Duke of Boden after the unfortunate deaths of several relatives. Unfortunately both his father's soap business and the Dukedom were drowning in debt and old-fashioned ideas. He has spent much of his adult life rescuing both and it has taken over his life. So, he decides what he needs is a boring, respectable wife to manage his home - especially since most of his domestic staff have run off with each other, resigned or otherwise left his employ.
Hextall's best friend is the Duke of Worth. As children they were plagued by Worth's younger sister Josephine - even then she was bookish and delighted in explaining things to them in great detail. Hextall took great delight in tormenting Josephine - although it often backfired and she gave as good as she got.
However, after the age of six Josephine was sent abroad to live with relatives and Hextall hasn't seen her since. When they meet again at a ball Hextall thinks that Joss is everything he doesn't want in a wife - and she would rather be hung drawn and quartered than get married at all! Yet they definitely feel a physical attraction to each other.
On the way home from the ball Hextall runs into a badly wounded man - one who turns out to be a Bow Street Runner that he knows. The man entrusts certain documents to Hextall and warns him to guard them with his life - he also tells him that the men who attacked him will be back and may try to kill Hextall. Whilst Hextall is cradling the injured man in the street Joss's carriage pulls up. Soon Joss and Hextall are embroiled in a conspiracy involving mysterious secret societies, followers of Napoleon and secret codes.
I really enjoyed this story - it was low on angst and high on plot.
Heath Hextall has gone from the son of a soap maker to the Duke of Boden after the unfortunate deaths of several relatives. Unfortunately both his father's soap business and the Dukedom were drowning in debt and old-fashioned ideas. He has spent much of his adult life rescuing both and it has taken over his life. So, he decides what he needs is a boring, respectable wife to manage his home - especially since most of his domestic staff have run off with each other, resigned or otherwise left his employ.
Hextall's best friend is the Duke of Worth. As children they were plagued by Worth's younger sister Josephine - even then she was bookish and delighted in explaining things to them in great detail. Hextall took great delight in tormenting Josephine - although it often backfired and she gave as good as she got.
However, after the age of six Josephine was sent abroad to live with relatives and Hextall hasn't seen her since. When they meet again at a ball Hextall thinks that Joss is everything he doesn't want in a wife - and she would rather be hung drawn and quartered than get married at all! Yet they definitely feel a physical attraction to each other.
On the way home from the ball Hextall runs into a badly wounded man - one who turns out to be a Bow Street Runner that he knows. The man entrusts certain documents to Hextall and warns him to guard them with his life - he also tells him that the men who attacked him will be back and may try to kill Hextall. Whilst Hextall is cradling the injured man in the street Joss's carriage pulls up. Soon Joss and Hextall are embroiled in a conspiracy involving mysterious secret societies, followers of Napoleon and secret codes.
I really enjoyed this story - it was low on angst and high on plot.
October 20, 2015
Originally published on My Book Musings.
Reading about Heath and Joss made me feel comfortable, and like I was meeting up with friends I haven't seen in a long time. Weird, I know, but they made me feel that way.
I didn't myself attracted to Heath, but I did find him perfect for Joss. It was amusing for me how Heath and Joss viewed their childhood friendship differently. While Heath thought he had been mean to Joss and that she was pesky, Joss viewed him as somewhat of her refuge. This also served as one of the reasons why she had easily fallen for him.
Since they already had the basis of friendship behind them, their relationship and banter was easy and flowed naturally. I felt the love between the two characters in the end, although I do wonder at Heath's love for Joss because it primarily seemed to be based on lust. (I feel like almost all romance books now based on lust at first sight.) The heat between them was scorching, and their emotions were just visible right off the page.
You're the Earl that I Want is filled with old beloved characters. I am always amused by the Dowage Duchess of Worth's antics, and I wish she had more lines in this one. Luke and Joseph also make a lot of important appearances here, although I wish that cliffhanger about Joseph at the end of A Good Rogue is Hard to Find was expounded. I haven't forgotten it, Bowen!
The story revolves around a conspiracy and several murders that Heath and Joss find themselves involved in and didn't just walk away, even though their lives were in danger. I'm not sure if that conspiracy is actually true, but it was as incredible as it sounded. However, even with the all this mysteries and killings, Bowen still managed to keep the story light-hearted.
Reading about Heath and Joss made me feel comfortable, and like I was meeting up with friends I haven't seen in a long time. Weird, I know, but they made me feel that way.
I didn't myself attracted to Heath, but I did find him perfect for Joss. It was amusing for me how Heath and Joss viewed their childhood friendship differently. While Heath thought he had been mean to Joss and that she was pesky, Joss viewed him as somewhat of her refuge. This also served as one of the reasons why she had easily fallen for him.
Since they already had the basis of friendship behind them, their relationship and banter was easy and flowed naturally. I felt the love between the two characters in the end, although I do wonder at Heath's love for Joss because it primarily seemed to be based on lust. (I feel like almost all romance books now based on lust at first sight.) The heat between them was scorching, and their emotions were just visible right off the page.
You're the Earl that I Want is filled with old beloved characters. I am always amused by the Dowage Duchess of Worth's antics, and I wish she had more lines in this one. Luke and Joseph also make a lot of important appearances here, although I wish that cliffhanger about Joseph at the end of A Good Rogue is Hard to Find was expounded. I haven't forgotten it, Bowen!
The story revolves around a conspiracy and several murders that Heath and Joss find themselves involved in and didn't just walk away, even though their lives were in danger. I'm not sure if that conspiracy is actually true, but it was as incredible as it sounded. However, even with the all this mysteries and killings, Bowen still managed to keep the story light-hearted.
September 2, 2015
Kelly Bowen puts forth her 3rd tale in The Lords of Worth series, and it’s a wonderful mystery with a romance element.
Our hero Heath is someone that hails from a family of traders, and now that he’s an earl, it behooves him to get on with finding a proper wife and set up a nursery. To help him out with this monumental task, he engages his best friend and our heroine’s brother.
Our poor heroine Joss has been in love with our hero since in leading strings and she’s not so keen on the matrimonial institution. This young woman is a bluestocking and she’s proud of it!
As our hero Heath applies himself in finding a suitable match, he keeps running into
Joss and even though he finds her irritating, somehow both of them are realizing that there is an interesting and intriguing chemistry between them.
If you’re like me and like your romance to be entertaining as well as romantic, you’ll love this wonderful story, especially because within the plot resides a great mystery.
This was a fast and fun read and I highly recommend it to you.
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher
Our hero Heath is someone that hails from a family of traders, and now that he’s an earl, it behooves him to get on with finding a proper wife and set up a nursery. To help him out with this monumental task, he engages his best friend and our heroine’s brother.
Our poor heroine Joss has been in love with our hero since in leading strings and she’s not so keen on the matrimonial institution. This young woman is a bluestocking and she’s proud of it!
As our hero Heath applies himself in finding a suitable match, he keeps running into
Joss and even though he finds her irritating, somehow both of them are realizing that there is an interesting and intriguing chemistry between them.
If you’re like me and like your romance to be entertaining as well as romantic, you’ll love this wonderful story, especially because within the plot resides a great mystery.
This was a fast and fun read and I highly recommend it to you.
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher
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