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Earls Trip #2
Manic Pixie Dream Earl
Listening Length: 11 hours and 16 minutes
When not writing, poet Edward Astley, Viscount Featherfinch, spends his time fending off the young ladies of the ton—and some of its young men—and avoiding his cruel father. As heir to the earldom, Edward knows he must marry someday. Alas, he is already hopelessly in love with someone. Hopeless because not only is Miss Julianna Evans not a member of the aristocracy, she is employed. She is a magazine editor—the only one to publish his work. Also, in all their years of increasingly personal correspondence, they've never met.
Also, she thinks he's a woman. Named Euphemia.
Julianna is baffled. How can her soul mate not want to meet? Could it be that Euphemia is not the simple country girl she claims to be? Perhaps she's wealthy. After all, she's never cashed any of the bank drafts Julianna has sent. Perhaps Euphemia simply doesn't want rank to come between them. Well, no more. Having extracted the details of a trip Euphemia is planning, Julianna squanders her meager savings and surprises her at the scene.
He is very, very surprised. As is she.
Now the two will have to decide what is true, what is not, and whether the truest thing of all—love—just might be worth an earldom . . .
When not writing, poet Edward Astley, Viscount Featherfinch, spends his time fending off the young ladies of the ton—and some of its young men—and avoiding his cruel father. As heir to the earldom, Edward knows he must marry someday. Alas, he is already hopelessly in love with someone. Hopeless because not only is Miss Julianna Evans not a member of the aristocracy, she is employed. She is a magazine editor—the only one to publish his work. Also, in all their years of increasingly personal correspondence, they've never met.
Also, she thinks he's a woman. Named Euphemia.
Julianna is baffled. How can her soul mate not want to meet? Could it be that Euphemia is not the simple country girl she claims to be? Perhaps she's wealthy. After all, she's never cashed any of the bank drafts Julianna has sent. Perhaps Euphemia simply doesn't want rank to come between them. Well, no more. Having extracted the details of a trip Euphemia is planning, Julianna squanders her meager savings and surprises her at the scene.
He is very, very surprised. As is she.
Now the two will have to decide what is true, what is not, and whether the truest thing of all—love—just might be worth an earldom . . .
12 pages, Audio CD
First published May 27, 2025
191 people are currently reading
13749 people want to read
About the author
Jenny Holiday
31 books1,815 followersJenny Holiday is a USA Today-bestselling and RITA®-nominated author whose books have been featured in The New York Times, Entertainment Weekly, The Washington Post, and Buzzfeed. She grew up in Minnesota and started writing at age nine when her fourth-grade teacher gave her a notebook to fill with stories. When she's not working on her next book, she likes to hang out with her family, watch other people sing karaoke, and throw theme parties. Jenny lives in London, Ontario, Canada.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 375 reviews
June 25, 2025
The narrator was great but my attention kept slipping. Book one was SO fun and balanced heavier topics really well with some absurd scenarios and dynamic main characters. Book two, however, was slower and unfocused with main characters who were just too nice. There wasn’t a lot of plot happening between the MCs and I think that’s very reflected by the cover. Literally WHO are the main characters on that cover?? Is this a romance cover?? Because I just really think the couple should be easily distinguishable by a prospective reader.
Overall, it was cute and sometimes pulled at my heartstrings, but I was bored for a lot of it. It also felt like I’ve kinda read it before?? I will tune in for book three in hopes more do the charm from book one is back.
I received an ALC from the publisher. All opinions are honest and my own.
Overall, it was cute and sometimes pulled at my heartstrings, but I was bored for a lot of it. It also felt like I’ve kinda read it before?? I will tune in for book three in hopes more do the charm from book one is back.
I received an ALC from the publisher. All opinions are honest and my own.
January 26, 2025
First off, let's give props to whoever the cover artist and marketing team for this book are. Amazing cover and title - I would buy it just for those. I can't express how THRILLED I was to get this ARC from Kensington Publishers. I ADORED "Earls Trip." I read this in a little over one day. It was that compelling.
Secondly, if there is a mold for historical romance, Jenny Holiday has just shattered it. She's somehow turned the genre stereotypes on their head and mixed significant role reversal, bisexualism, a boys trip, a friends-to-lovers from different worlds trope, an age gap, a talking parrot (key comic relief!), an inheritance plot, and magazine publishing into one delicious literary soup. This might be the most unpredictable historical romance I've ever read! There was so much for the leads to overcome in this story and their path so twisty, that I actually thought they may NOT get a HEA. I wondered if maybe Holiday would stretch their story over a couple of books because there was just SO MUCH to unpack for these two to finally connect.
Edward "Effie" Featherfinch and Julianna Evans are pen pals. They've never met, and Julianna thinks Effie is short for "Euphemia" not Edward. Earls Trip 1822 takes the affable trio of bros to the seaside this time where Julianna has spontaneously decided to surprise her friend on vacation with their first meeting. It's hard to know what to say in this review because I don't want to give any of the "shocking" plot points away. Just add it to your TBR if you're ready to try something new.
Holiday didn't go for the low-hanging fruit at any point or take the easy route to resolution.
Well done, Jenny Holiday! I can't wait for the next book! Simon looks like he's going to get a cute upstairs-downstairs book nerd romance and I'm SUPER down for that.
Secondly, if there is a mold for historical romance, Jenny Holiday has just shattered it. She's somehow turned the genre stereotypes on their head and mixed significant role reversal, bisexualism, a boys trip, a friends-to-lovers from different worlds trope, an age gap, a talking parrot (key comic relief!), an inheritance plot, and magazine publishing into one delicious literary soup. This might be the most unpredictable historical romance I've ever read! There was so much for the leads to overcome in this story and their path so twisty, that I actually thought they may NOT get a HEA. I wondered if maybe Holiday would stretch their story over a couple of books because there was just SO MUCH to unpack for these two to finally connect.
Edward "Effie" Featherfinch and Julianna Evans are pen pals. They've never met, and Julianna thinks Effie is short for "Euphemia" not Edward. Earls Trip 1822 takes the affable trio of bros to the seaside this time where Julianna has spontaneously decided to surprise her friend on vacation with their first meeting. It's hard to know what to say in this review because I don't want to give any of the "shocking" plot points away. Just add it to your TBR if you're ready to try something new.
Holiday didn't go for the low-hanging fruit at any point or take the easy route to resolution.
Well done, Jenny Holiday! I can't wait for the next book! Simon looks like he's going to get a cute upstairs-downstairs book nerd romance and I'm SUPER down for that.
July 22, 2025
⭐⭐💫
2½ stars.
➕ What I liked :
LGBTQ rep.
The good and true friendship between the Earls.
Found family.
Epistolary vibes.
Some little parts here and there were a little funny.
Some of the sweet moments.
Interesting side characters.
➖ What I disliked:
Unconvincing romance and chemistry… and the romance needed more depth and development and page time.
The plot was just too underwhelming and dull.
Kind of uninteresting main characters...that also were rather flat…especially the heroine…. The Hero was a little interesting but still felt flat in some ways.
The heroes father.
Felt disjointed.
Dragged.
A little too much telling and not enough showing.
Felt a little too modern/anachronistic in some places in the story/plot.
(And Nothing of that was about the LGBTQ rep. .....
The parts that were too modern/anachronistic had to with so many other things but not the LGBTQ rep.)
June 16, 2025
Another delightful read from Jenny Holiday! This the second of the Earls Trip series, I found it as charming as the first, and I was glad to be back in this lovely little world with the earls (and earl-to-be). This one is Ted Lasso meets Bridgerton and while I can't speak to the Ted Lasso side of things, I can say that Holiday's Regency world is meticulously imagined and full of characters unafraid to share their emotions in a way that's refreshing and makes for a unique read. I liked how Holiday reinvented some well-known romance tropes. I really liked the last chapter and the epilogue, how the story all ties up in a way that is immensely satisfying for Effie and Jules, characters who feel unlike any other characters I've read before.
I am excited for the next installment of this series (or maybe installments? it seems like Olive is a character who might deserve her own book as well, if her story doesn't tie in with Simon's)! If you love Alexandra Vasti's historical romances and need books to read, then I think this series would be great for you.
I am excited for the next installment of this series (or maybe installments? it seems like Olive is a character who might deserve her own book as well, if her story doesn't tie in with Simon's)! If you love Alexandra Vasti's historical romances and need books to read, then I think this series would be great for you.
Read
May 19, 2025DNF at 61%. Great story and narrator. Explicit sex scene, characters were bisexual, profanity. I was very disappointed. I was blessed with an ARC and the opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
June 11, 2025
This is a well-written, entertaining, historical romance novel. It has wonderful characters, wit, humor, heartbreak, healing, loyal friends, a heartwarming romance, an unexpected twist or two, and a satisfying conclusion. I listened to the audio book, and the narrator, Mr. Harry Frost, who has a captivating voice, does an outstanding job voicing the characters in this delightful novel.
June 16, 2025
Manic Pixie Dream Earl (Earls Trip, #2) by Jenny Holiday
When not writing, poet Edward Astley, Viscount Featherfinch, spends his time fending off the young ladies of the ton—and some of its young men—and avoiding his cruel father. As heir to the earldom, Edward knows he must marry someday. Alas, he is already hopelessly in love with someone. Hopeless because not only is Miss Julianna Evans not a member of the aristocracy, she is employed. She is a magazine editor—the only one to publish his work. Also, in all their years of increasingly personal correspondence, they’ve never met.
Also, she thinks he’s a woman. Named Euphemia.
Rating: *****
Feels: Adorable, Humorous, Scandalized, Heart totally Warmed
Style: Romance, Regency Romance,
First published May 27, 2025: 353 pages, Kindle
This was just such an adorable, fun and heartwarming regency romp. The lgbtqia rep throughout paired with the strong sense of found family was just everything in this read. The way the MMC describes found family is the cutest thing ever. I loved the way the themes of finding yourself, setting boundaries, following your dreams and of course true love (!!!) were explored in this read. The regency setting really pulled this together in the cutest way possible. I read this book before the first in the series and it worked perfect as a stand alone. I can’t wait to see what all the Earls get up to !!!
Favorite quote: He had so much love in his heart. If this was what love felt like, love was exhausting. "I have come to understand that for me, a bond of friendship is a precondition for love."
This book has:
Friends to Lovers
Cinnamon Roll MMC
Regency Vibes
Forced Proximity
Found Family
Mistaken Identity
LGBTQIA Friendly
Thank you to Hambright PR, and NetGalley for this gifted eARC
When not writing, poet Edward Astley, Viscount Featherfinch, spends his time fending off the young ladies of the ton—and some of its young men—and avoiding his cruel father. As heir to the earldom, Edward knows he must marry someday. Alas, he is already hopelessly in love with someone. Hopeless because not only is Miss Julianna Evans not a member of the aristocracy, she is employed. She is a magazine editor—the only one to publish his work. Also, in all their years of increasingly personal correspondence, they’ve never met.
Also, she thinks he’s a woman. Named Euphemia.
Rating: *****
Feels: Adorable, Humorous, Scandalized, Heart totally Warmed
Style: Romance, Regency Romance,
First published May 27, 2025: 353 pages, Kindle
This was just such an adorable, fun and heartwarming regency romp. The lgbtqia rep throughout paired with the strong sense of found family was just everything in this read. The way the MMC describes found family is the cutest thing ever. I loved the way the themes of finding yourself, setting boundaries, following your dreams and of course true love (!!!) were explored in this read. The regency setting really pulled this together in the cutest way possible. I read this book before the first in the series and it worked perfect as a stand alone. I can’t wait to see what all the Earls get up to !!!
Favorite quote: He had so much love in his heart. If this was what love felt like, love was exhausting. "I have come to understand that for me, a bond of friendship is a precondition for love."
This book has:
Friends to Lovers
Cinnamon Roll MMC
Regency Vibes
Forced Proximity
Found Family
Mistaken Identity
LGBTQIA Friendly
Thank you to Hambright PR, and NetGalley for this gifted eARC
May 19, 2025
Thank you NetGalley and Tantor Audio for this ALC!
Only Jenny Holiday can make me read historical romance! I had such a blast with this story even though I did not read book #1.
Edward, a nobleman and secret poet, falls in love through letters with Julianna, an editor who believes he's a woman named Euphemia. When she surprises him on a trip to finally meet, both are stunned by the truth. Now they must navigate mistaken identities, class differences, and whether love is worth risking everything for.
Listening speed: 1.75X
Narrated by the incredible Harry Frost, what a treat! His rich voice and dreamy English accent brought this quirky story to life in the best way. Even if historical romance isn’t usually your thing, I highly recommend this one, it was charming, witty, and such a delight from start to finish!
Only Jenny Holiday can make me read historical romance! I had such a blast with this story even though I did not read book #1.
Edward, a nobleman and secret poet, falls in love through letters with Julianna, an editor who believes he's a woman named Euphemia. When she surprises him on a trip to finally meet, both are stunned by the truth. Now they must navigate mistaken identities, class differences, and whether love is worth risking everything for.
Listening speed: 1.75X
Narrated by the incredible Harry Frost, what a treat! His rich voice and dreamy English accent brought this quirky story to life in the best way. Even if historical romance isn’t usually your thing, I highly recommend this one, it was charming, witty, and such a delight from start to finish!
September 1, 2025
This was so much fun. And I’ll just come out and say it, if this was made a show, I’d watch it before Bridgerton. Effie and Julianna were a wonderful love story to read and honestly I got lost in it enough I forgot I was reading it instead of watching a really good show. I’m bursting for the next installment where we get Simon’s story 🤞🏼 and dare I ask for Olive’s too? Thank you to the author and publisher for the free copy via giveaway! You’ve solidified yet another ardent fan.
June 2, 2025
Manic Pixie Dream Earl by Jenny Holiday
Earls Trip series #2. Historical romance, romantic comedy. Can be read as a stand-alone but because of the men’s friendships, probably better as part of the series.
It’s another year for the boys annual trip and once again, Edward Astley, Viscount Featherfinch, is not packed or ready to go. At least he’s dressed this year. Effie’s bought a printing press though it’s broken and he hasn’t fully decided what to do with it. Oh, sure, he knows the dream would be to give it to the love of his life, Julianna, but he’s never actually met her. She wouldn’t recognize him either as he signs his letters and columns with a female name rather than his own. Until they see each other on the street and know each other instantly, without ever having met.
He’s of the aristocracy. She is not. Even if he doesn’t want to be Earl, he doesn’t actually have a choice. She manages a magazine. He writes poem and an advice column.
What’s next for them?
🎧 I was able to alternate between an ebook and audiobook which is narrated by Harry Frost. He also did the first book in the series. The audiobook helps to bring the distinct personalities to the surface so the reader knows exactly when it’s Effie, or one of the boys or someone else. Effie’s head is often in the clouds but we can hear his wonder and concern and frustrations in his own life. I prefer to read the two formats together so I do listen at 1.5 or slightly higher to more closely match my reading and conversational speed. This performance seems perfect at regular and my faster preference.
This story didn’t go as expected and I loved it for that very reason. A great romance and solution for Effie. Next up is Simon and I’m looking forward to reading his romance.
Delicious and delightful.
4.5
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher RBMedia.
Earls Trip series #2. Historical romance, romantic comedy. Can be read as a stand-alone but because of the men’s friendships, probably better as part of the series.
It’s another year for the boys annual trip and once again, Edward Astley, Viscount Featherfinch, is not packed or ready to go. At least he’s dressed this year. Effie’s bought a printing press though it’s broken and he hasn’t fully decided what to do with it. Oh, sure, he knows the dream would be to give it to the love of his life, Julianna, but he’s never actually met her. She wouldn’t recognize him either as he signs his letters and columns with a female name rather than his own. Until they see each other on the street and know each other instantly, without ever having met.
He’s of the aristocracy. She is not. Even if he doesn’t want to be Earl, he doesn’t actually have a choice. She manages a magazine. He writes poem and an advice column.
What’s next for them?
🎧 I was able to alternate between an ebook and audiobook which is narrated by Harry Frost. He also did the first book in the series. The audiobook helps to bring the distinct personalities to the surface so the reader knows exactly when it’s Effie, or one of the boys or someone else. Effie’s head is often in the clouds but we can hear his wonder and concern and frustrations in his own life. I prefer to read the two formats together so I do listen at 1.5 or slightly higher to more closely match my reading and conversational speed. This performance seems perfect at regular and my faster preference.
This story didn’t go as expected and I loved it for that very reason. A great romance and solution for Effie. Next up is Simon and I’m looking forward to reading his romance.
Delicious and delightful.
4.5
I received a copy of this from NetGalley and publisher RBMedia.
July 5, 2025
I find Jenny Holiday's style unique in sea of wonderful historical romances. She has a way of heaping humor and puns on early, so you find yourself laughing your way through the initial part of the book, but then the deeper story emerges and you root for her characters as they work their way to their happily ever after.
In Manic Pixie Dream Earl, the three earls we met in the first book in the series are about to embark on their annual Earl's Trip. Edward Featherfinch, Effie, is the sensitive poet of the group and he's relieved to be leaving London, where he fends off advanced from men and women of the ton (there's a funny scene with siblings that was cringe-worthy!). He's never felt much for anyone except the magazine editor he works for, with whom he has only corresponded for the last five years. Though the term "demi" wasn't around back then, Effie fits the current definition. He isn't attracted to anyone until he has a deeper relationship with them.
Julianna is the magazine editor who thinks she's been corresponding with another woman. Knowing her friend Effie is going to Brighton on a holiday, Effie uses precious funds to make the trip there and escape the frustrating situation at the magazine. While her late father intended for Julianna to run the magazine after him, a step-brother has control and exerts it. The magazine is an interesting secondary plot throughout the book.
One of the most beautiful parts of this series is the unconditional acceptance that the three earls have for each other. The other two thought Effie was gay, but happily and kindly advise him when he comes to them about advancing his relationship with Julianna.
The third act breakup in this one really got me, but we get our happily ever after in time.
This was beautiful done and the ALC narrator was fantastic.
Reviews are for readers. I received an advanced copy on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
In Manic Pixie Dream Earl, the three earls we met in the first book in the series are about to embark on their annual Earl's Trip. Edward Featherfinch, Effie, is the sensitive poet of the group and he's relieved to be leaving London, where he fends off advanced from men and women of the ton (there's a funny scene with siblings that was cringe-worthy!). He's never felt much for anyone except the magazine editor he works for, with whom he has only corresponded for the last five years. Though the term "demi" wasn't around back then, Effie fits the current definition. He isn't attracted to anyone until he has a deeper relationship with them.
Julianna is the magazine editor who thinks she's been corresponding with another woman. Knowing her friend Effie is going to Brighton on a holiday, Effie uses precious funds to make the trip there and escape the frustrating situation at the magazine. While her late father intended for Julianna to run the magazine after him, a step-brother has control and exerts it. The magazine is an interesting secondary plot throughout the book.
One of the most beautiful parts of this series is the unconditional acceptance that the three earls have for each other. The other two thought Effie was gay, but happily and kindly advise him when he comes to them about advancing his relationship with Julianna.
The third act breakup in this one really got me, but we get our happily ever after in time.
This was beautiful done and the ALC narrator was fantastic.
Reviews are for readers. I received an advanced copy on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 1, 2025
Another really great (and fun) Earls Trip Regency romance that sees bluestocking Julianna Evans, a women’s magazine editor falling for her advice columnist/poet who she knows as Euphemia but who is actually Edward Astley, the virgin Viscount Featherfinch who has also been her correspondent and friend for years.
When Julianna tracks Ephie down on his annual trip with his friends the two finally get a chance to meet in real life. I loved how the author writes queer characters so beautifully and realistically (he's demisexual and she's bisexual) as well as two characters who want to defy societal conventions (ie marriage and children).
Jenny Holiday puts a new spin on classic tropes with this dual POV, reverse age gap, virgin hero, mistaken identity love story and I was here for it! Excellent on audio narrated by Harry Frost with the BEST found family and bromance vibes!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review! I can't wait to see what happens in the next book of the series and highly recommend it for fans of authors like Joanna Lowell, Cat Sebastian or Erica Ridley!!
When Julianna tracks Ephie down on his annual trip with his friends the two finally get a chance to meet in real life. I loved how the author writes queer characters so beautifully and realistically (he's demisexual and she's bisexual) as well as two characters who want to defy societal conventions (ie marriage and children).
Jenny Holiday puts a new spin on classic tropes with this dual POV, reverse age gap, virgin hero, mistaken identity love story and I was here for it! Excellent on audio narrated by Harry Frost with the BEST found family and bromance vibes!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review! I can't wait to see what happens in the next book of the series and highly recommend it for fans of authors like Joanna Lowell, Cat Sebastian or Erica Ridley!!
November 13, 2025
Won in a goodreads giveaway. Thank you to the publishers!
I did not enjoy this. I didn’t fully realize how much of a “modern” feeling it was going to have to it. Way too much, imo. I read historical/regency romance because I like to see how the stories play out while following closely to the social norms of the time (obviously, not fully. That’d be depressing). I read contemporary to read stories that follow today’s social norms. I do not want a “historical” romance that follows contemporary social norms. It just feels like it’s trying too hard to be woke. I will say, I did overall enjoy Julianna’s chapters, for the most part. Effie’s were insufferable, especially when he was having conversations with “the boys”. I found myself skipping through a majority of this book.
I did not enjoy this. I didn’t fully realize how much of a “modern” feeling it was going to have to it. Way too much, imo. I read historical/regency romance because I like to see how the stories play out while following closely to the social norms of the time (obviously, not fully. That’d be depressing). I read contemporary to read stories that follow today’s social norms. I do not want a “historical” romance that follows contemporary social norms. It just feels like it’s trying too hard to be woke. I will say, I did overall enjoy Julianna’s chapters, for the most part. Effie’s were insufferable, especially when he was having conversations with “the boys”. I found myself skipping through a majority of this book.
June 22, 2025
Loved the Regency setting so much. Read something from that era after so long and felt good. Concept of penpals? Love it.
Loved Juliana, Effie and supporting characters so much. I haven't read the first one in the series but it stands as a good standalone.
The third act breakup was not it in my opinion. I don't like them that much, nonetheless, I enjoyed reading this book.
Tropes:
Friends to lovers
Regency setting
Found family
Mistaken Identity
Forced Proximity
Thank you so much @hambright pr for the ARC! ❤️
Loved Juliana, Effie and supporting characters so much. I haven't read the first one in the series but it stands as a good standalone.
The third act breakup was not it in my opinion. I don't like them that much, nonetheless, I enjoyed reading this book.
Tropes:
Friends to lovers
Regency setting
Found family
Mistaken Identity
Forced Proximity
Thank you so much @hambright pr for the ARC! ❤️
June 24, 2025
Just when I thought I was deep in my reading flop era, ✨Manic Pixie Dream Earl by Jenny Holiday✨ came along and rescued me with a cravat and a quill. I read this regency romcom joy-bomb in a single day and loved every chaotic, cozy, swoony second of it. 😍
It’s clever. It’s heartwarming. It’s delightfully ridiculous in the best “wait what do you mean my pen pal is actually a Viscount named Edward who pretended to be a woman named Euphemia” kind of way. Juliana’s growth was such a joy to watch, and Effie? He is everything. Loud, colorful, thoughtful, and not your standard brooding love interest. I adored his heart, his self-awareness, and his fabulously chaotic energy. The banter? Iconic. The vibes? Immaculate. 💕🎩
📖 A regency-era poet disguises himself as a woman to get published. His editor and longtime pen pal surprises him IRL. Cue confusion, scandal, emotional damage, and one unforgettable journey to love. 😮💌🫣
👙 Friends-to-lovers
👩🏼❤️💋👨🏼 Mistaken identity
💌 Love letters
🍩 Cinnamon roll hero
✨ Cross-class romance
👑 Regency era
🖋️ Bridgerton meets Ted Lasso with a dash of the Hangover
🙏 Huge thank you to @kensingtonbooks @hambright_pr @btc_books , and @holymolyjennyholi for this gifted copy! 💝 My first official one and I was absolutely blown away by this amazing story! Thank you for trusting me with this beautifully unhinged masterpiece! 🥹✨
It’s clever. It’s heartwarming. It’s delightfully ridiculous in the best “wait what do you mean my pen pal is actually a Viscount named Edward who pretended to be a woman named Euphemia” kind of way. Juliana’s growth was such a joy to watch, and Effie? He is everything. Loud, colorful, thoughtful, and not your standard brooding love interest. I adored his heart, his self-awareness, and his fabulously chaotic energy. The banter? Iconic. The vibes? Immaculate. 💕🎩
📖 A regency-era poet disguises himself as a woman to get published. His editor and longtime pen pal surprises him IRL. Cue confusion, scandal, emotional damage, and one unforgettable journey to love. 😮💌🫣
👙 Friends-to-lovers
👩🏼❤️💋👨🏼 Mistaken identity
💌 Love letters
🍩 Cinnamon roll hero
✨ Cross-class romance
👑 Regency era
🖋️ Bridgerton meets Ted Lasso with a dash of the Hangover
🙏 Huge thank you to @kensingtonbooks @hambright_pr @btc_books , and @holymolyjennyholi for this gifted copy! 💝 My first official one and I was absolutely blown away by this amazing story! Thank you for trusting me with this beautifully unhinged masterpiece! 🥹✨
June 30, 2025
“I am getting a woman who can give me everything. I am getting a woman who changed the color of the sky…I am getting a woman on a beach under a chartreuse sky.” (freaking made me tear up 🤧)
I had a really fun time reading this historical romance. I loved the relationship the MMC had with his friends as well as the slow burn romance he developed with the FMC. I also loved how the MMC and FMC communicated via letters. I can’t explain why exactly I loved it so much but I just did.
I did find the book’s pacing to be a bit slow. I felt like the book could have done better with some more action or least a few plot twists.
Thank you so much Hambright PR for the gifted book!
I had a really fun time reading this historical romance. I loved the relationship the MMC had with his friends as well as the slow burn romance he developed with the FMC. I also loved how the MMC and FMC communicated via letters. I can’t explain why exactly I loved it so much but I just did.
I did find the book’s pacing to be a bit slow. I felt like the book could have done better with some more action or least a few plot twists.
Thank you so much Hambright PR for the gifted book!
December 14, 2025
4.5 stars. Obsessed with this series. More soft boys pleaseeeee.
May 21, 2025
3 stars ⋆✴︎˚｡⋆
genuinely so surprised by this. i didn’t think I’d like this as much as I did.
I do feel like this novel had a bad habit of talking about events that happen to characters when it would have been more influential to actually witness them along with the characters even if it was just a memory.
the narrator harry frost did an amazing job at performing this novel, he kept it captivating and engaging.
genuinely so surprised by this. i didn’t think I’d like this as much as I did.
I do feel like this novel had a bad habit of talking about events that happen to characters when it would have been more influential to actually witness them along with the characters even if it was just a memory.
the narrator harry frost did an amazing job at performing this novel, he kept it captivating and engaging.
June 21, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC
Manic Pixie Dream Earl is a fun and adventurous historical romance. It kicks off with the meeting between poet Edward "Effie" and he's editor Julianna. The latter believes Effie to be a woman is throughly surprised when encountering a handsome earl. So trouble and romance ensues. I really enjoyed the found family and the warm humor in the book. The romance was sweet and I liked how headstrong Julianna was. It's dual POV which I think serves the story right. I liked that Julianna was a working woman and there was no fuss about it. Moreover I applaud the lqbtq representation and that the author chose to drop some unnecessary drama. Do read if you like tropes such as;
Friends to lovers
Mistaken identities
Forced proximity
Found family
Cinnamon roll MMC
LGBTQ rep
Regency romance
Humor
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Manic Pixie Dream Earl is a fun and adventurous historical romance. It kicks off with the meeting between poet Edward "Effie" and he's editor Julianna. The latter believes Effie to be a woman is throughly surprised when encountering a handsome earl. So trouble and romance ensues. I really enjoyed the found family and the warm humor in the book. The romance was sweet and I liked how headstrong Julianna was. It's dual POV which I think serves the story right. I liked that Julianna was a working woman and there was no fuss about it. Moreover I applaud the lqbtq representation and that the author chose to drop some unnecessary drama. Do read if you like tropes such as;
Friends to lovers
Mistaken identities
Forced proximity
Found family
Cinnamon roll MMC
LGBTQ rep
Regency romance
Humor
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
September 25, 2025
Manic Pixie Dream Earl delivered exactly what the title promised: chaos, charm, and a hero that was incredibly, emotionally earnest.
Edward “Featherfinch” Astley wrote poetry under the pen name Euphemia to avoid his trash-fire of a father and stumbled into an epistolary situationship with Julianna Evans—a working-class editor who thought her literary soulmate was a woman. Naturally, when she showed up unannounced to meet “Euphemia,” things went sideways faster than a drunken Viscount at a regency pub crawl.
Jenny Holiday absolutely nailed the tone—equal parts swoony romance, ridiculous misunderstanding, and buddy comedy with a delightful trio of supportive aristocratic himbos. Edward was all soft heart and anxious vibes; Julianna was pragmatic, sharp, and ready to burn the patriarchy (politely, with excellent manners). Their chemistry sparkled, even when they were fumbling through some confusion, social scandal, and emotional unmasking.
It lost a star only because the third-act drama leaned a tad too hard into “just talk to each other, please,” but honestly, I was too busy giggling at the Shakespearean levels of mistaken identity and swooning over love letters to mind too much.
Bring tea and tissues—this one hits the funny bone and the feels.
Edward “Featherfinch” Astley wrote poetry under the pen name Euphemia to avoid his trash-fire of a father and stumbled into an epistolary situationship with Julianna Evans—a working-class editor who thought her literary soulmate was a woman. Naturally, when she showed up unannounced to meet “Euphemia,” things went sideways faster than a drunken Viscount at a regency pub crawl.
Jenny Holiday absolutely nailed the tone—equal parts swoony romance, ridiculous misunderstanding, and buddy comedy with a delightful trio of supportive aristocratic himbos. Edward was all soft heart and anxious vibes; Julianna was pragmatic, sharp, and ready to burn the patriarchy (politely, with excellent manners). Their chemistry sparkled, even when they were fumbling through some confusion, social scandal, and emotional unmasking.
It lost a star only because the third-act drama leaned a tad too hard into “just talk to each other, please,” but honestly, I was too busy giggling at the Shakespearean levels of mistaken identity and swooning over love letters to mind too much.
Bring tea and tissues—this one hits the funny bone and the feels.
June 20, 2025
Thanks to Hambright and Jenny Holiday for the complimentary ebook!
It is Earls Trip 1822! Edward Astley, Viscount Featherfinch, or Effie as he is known, and his friends are headed to Brighton for their annual boys' trip. But unlike last year there will be absolutely no women along for the ride... or so they think. Despite the joy of Earls Trip, Effie is in a funk. He is in love with his editor, Julianna Evans, from the ladies' magazine he writes for. But there are a few problems. He and Julianna have never met, she's ten years older than him, she's a commoner, and she thinks he's a woman. That's right. Effie has always signed his letters with his nickname and Julianna assumed it was short for "Euphemia" and now Effie is in too deep to correct her. But when problems cascade for Julianna with publishing the next issue of the magazine, she makes an impulsive decision to follow her dear friend to Brighton for holiday. Hopefully she can find Effie and surprise her. But it's Julianna who ends up being surprised.
I love Jenny Holiday's contemporary romances but I didn't love the first book in this series so I was nervous going into Manic Pixie Dream Earl. Happily, I ended up loving this book. I think my problem with book one was that it started off with a lot of plot and then the action died so the pacing felt uneven. That was not at all the case here. I felt like the book was very evenly paced and kept me interested.
My favorite part of this novel was the inherent conflict due to our main characters' social classes. Effie is part of the aristocracy, even if he wants nothing to do with his terrible father and the title. Because of primogeniture, he cannot outrun his duty to the estates and parliament. Julianna is decidedly upper working class. She only owns two dresses, is employed and has no real savings to speak of. It's 1822. This is not the time of massive upward social mobility that we'll see later in the 19th century. This is the reign of King George IV and the country is still reeling from the upheaval of the Napoleonic Wars. It is not done that the heir to an earldom would marry a commoner, much less a woman 10 years older than him who has a job. Julianna recognizes that Effie needs a different kind of wife and takes steps to protect herself that make sense for any other nobleman, but don't factor in the life that Effie really wants.
This is a Romance with the capital "R." I struggled with Earls Trip because it didn't feel like romance novel at times. That is not the case here. The romance is evident in every paragraph of this book. I especially loved how Jenny handled the act three break up because while it was long– this book felt old school in that respect– it was still so rooted in the romance of it all. Effie's real desires for his life were awakened by his relationship with Julianna and her fears were all uncovered by her connection to Effie. I loved it.
Also of note, both of our main characters are queer. In today's language Julianna would most likely be classified as bisexual, Effie would probably be described as pan and he would also be classed as demi if he were in a contemporary romance.
Loved this book! I am giving it 4.5 stars.
It is Earls Trip 1822! Edward Astley, Viscount Featherfinch, or Effie as he is known, and his friends are headed to Brighton for their annual boys' trip. But unlike last year there will be absolutely no women along for the ride... or so they think. Despite the joy of Earls Trip, Effie is in a funk. He is in love with his editor, Julianna Evans, from the ladies' magazine he writes for. But there are a few problems. He and Julianna have never met, she's ten years older than him, she's a commoner, and she thinks he's a woman. That's right. Effie has always signed his letters with his nickname and Julianna assumed it was short for "Euphemia" and now Effie is in too deep to correct her. But when problems cascade for Julianna with publishing the next issue of the magazine, she makes an impulsive decision to follow her dear friend to Brighton for holiday. Hopefully she can find Effie and surprise her. But it's Julianna who ends up being surprised.
I love Jenny Holiday's contemporary romances but I didn't love the first book in this series so I was nervous going into Manic Pixie Dream Earl. Happily, I ended up loving this book. I think my problem with book one was that it started off with a lot of plot and then the action died so the pacing felt uneven. That was not at all the case here. I felt like the book was very evenly paced and kept me interested.
My favorite part of this novel was the inherent conflict due to our main characters' social classes. Effie is part of the aristocracy, even if he wants nothing to do with his terrible father and the title. Because of primogeniture, he cannot outrun his duty to the estates and parliament. Julianna is decidedly upper working class. She only owns two dresses, is employed and has no real savings to speak of. It's 1822. This is not the time of massive upward social mobility that we'll see later in the 19th century. This is the reign of King George IV and the country is still reeling from the upheaval of the Napoleonic Wars. It is not done that the heir to an earldom would marry a commoner, much less a woman 10 years older than him who has a job. Julianna recognizes that Effie needs a different kind of wife and takes steps to protect herself that make sense for any other nobleman, but don't factor in the life that Effie really wants.
This is a Romance with the capital "R." I struggled with Earls Trip because it didn't feel like romance novel at times. That is not the case here. The romance is evident in every paragraph of this book. I especially loved how Jenny handled the act three break up because while it was long– this book felt old school in that respect– it was still so rooted in the romance of it all. Effie's real desires for his life were awakened by his relationship with Julianna and her fears were all uncovered by her connection to Effie. I loved it.
Also of note, both of our main characters are queer. In today's language Julianna would most likely be classified as bisexual, Effie would probably be described as pan and he would also be classed as demi if he were in a contemporary romance.
Loved this book! I am giving it 4.5 stars.
May 25, 2025
Title: Manic Pixie Dream Girl
Author: Jenny Holiday
Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5
Format: ALC via NetGalley
Narrator: Harry Frost – once I adjusted to the accent, I loved his performance!
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and author for this advanced listeners copy in exchange for my honest review.
Manic Pixie Dream Earl was my first regency romance—and now I get it. I’m fully converted.
I didn’t read the first book in the series (Earl’s Trip), so it took me a little while to get my bearings—maybe 30 minutes to figure out who was who and how the voices fit together—but once I did, I was all in. From the second chapter on, I was totally hooked.
Effie and Julianna are an absolute delight. Effie has golden retriever energy in the best way: he’s excitable, warm, and full of color. Jules is more reserved, composed, and emotionally buttoned-up, making her a perfect foil. The dynamic feels like a fresh take on grumpy/sunshine—more like guarded/sunburst—and I was shipping them by chapter two.
There’s pansexual rep across the board, and Holiday does a great job of including queer characters without it being a “queer romance”. And Archie and Simon! Oh! These soft, sensitive male friends aren’t sidelined or stereotyped and truly care for Effie, and Jules since Effie cares so much for her. I also really loved the “fake marriage” trope and, of course, the pillow fight that made me giggle. They’re so cute. Oh, and she’s older! And if you’re into the “he falls first” trope? This one nails it. I’m surprised that Holiday managed to fit so many cute tropes into the book without making it feel forced; it just felt fun.
The regency setting is classic, but the story itself feels modern and emotionally relevant. Jenny Holiday balances historical charm with today’s emotional intelligence in a way that just works.
Audiobook Notes:
Narrator Harry Frost is fantastic—there was an initial adjustment period with his accent and tone (since I’m American). This might be the case for you too, especially if you’re new to regency, but his performance adds so charm once you adjust.
Final Thoughts:
This was such a fun, flirty, and full-hearted read that I immediately bought the audiobook of Earl’s Trip after finishing. Fingers crossed Simon gets his own book next—he deserves it.
Author: Jenny Holiday
Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5
Format: ALC via NetGalley
Narrator: Harry Frost – once I adjusted to the accent, I loved his performance!
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and author for this advanced listeners copy in exchange for my honest review.
Manic Pixie Dream Earl was my first regency romance—and now I get it. I’m fully converted.
I didn’t read the first book in the series (Earl’s Trip), so it took me a little while to get my bearings—maybe 30 minutes to figure out who was who and how the voices fit together—but once I did, I was all in. From the second chapter on, I was totally hooked.
Effie and Julianna are an absolute delight. Effie has golden retriever energy in the best way: he’s excitable, warm, and full of color. Jules is more reserved, composed, and emotionally buttoned-up, making her a perfect foil. The dynamic feels like a fresh take on grumpy/sunshine—more like guarded/sunburst—and I was shipping them by chapter two.
There’s pansexual rep across the board, and Holiday does a great job of including queer characters without it being a “queer romance”. And Archie and Simon! Oh! These soft, sensitive male friends aren’t sidelined or stereotyped and truly care for Effie, and Jules since Effie cares so much for her. I also really loved the “fake marriage” trope and, of course, the pillow fight that made me giggle. They’re so cute. Oh, and she’s older! And if you’re into the “he falls first” trope? This one nails it. I’m surprised that Holiday managed to fit so many cute tropes into the book without making it feel forced; it just felt fun.
The regency setting is classic, but the story itself feels modern and emotionally relevant. Jenny Holiday balances historical charm with today’s emotional intelligence in a way that just works.
Audiobook Notes:
Narrator Harry Frost is fantastic—there was an initial adjustment period with his accent and tone (since I’m American). This might be the case for you too, especially if you’re new to regency, but his performance adds so charm once you adjust.
Final Thoughts:
This was such a fun, flirty, and full-hearted read that I immediately bought the audiobook of Earl’s Trip after finishing. Fingers crossed Simon gets his own book next—he deserves it.
June 24, 2025
⭐ 4.25
🌶️ 1.5
🥵 Spicy chapters: 9, 10, 11
📚 Tropes/Themes: demisexual rep? Bi/pan MCs, epistolary, he falls first and harder, reverse age gap, right person wrong time,
👀 Dual POV 1st person
💔 Triggers: discussions of past CA, animal cruelty
🛍️ Available: Now
💬 This is the second book in the Earl's trip series, and it is technically a standalone, you could probably read it without reading the first one but I think you would do yourself a big disservice if you didn't read about Archie and Clementine first.
I really enjoyed this book, but it definitely put me through the emotional ringer. Like, I liked Archie a lot but I ADORE Effie and I really hate what Julianna does to him 😭😭 I mean, it's a romance, so you know it's an eta. And I am mostly happy with how things resolved but I don't know the way she treats him just made me so mad even if I understand it.
I really got pulled in and invested in this story, even to the point where I had to put it down and walk away because I was so frustrated but what was happening. I promise it's like the good kind of frustration- because the book is so engaging- but yeah, my poor little heart 🥺.
Definitely read this, definitely read the first book, and definitely have a box of tissues handy.
Ok I'm ready for Simon's book now, thx 🤣
🌶️ 1.5
🥵 Spicy chapters: 9, 10, 11
📚 Tropes/Themes: demisexual rep? Bi/pan MCs, epistolary, he falls first and harder, reverse age gap, right person wrong time,
👀 Dual POV 1st person
💔 Triggers: discussions of past CA, animal cruelty
🛍️ Available: Now
💬 This is the second book in the Earl's trip series, and it is technically a standalone, you could probably read it without reading the first one but I think you would do yourself a big disservice if you didn't read about Archie and Clementine first.
I really enjoyed this book, but it definitely put me through the emotional ringer. Like, I liked Archie a lot but I ADORE Effie and I really hate what Julianna does to him 😭😭 I mean, it's a romance, so you know it's an eta. And I am mostly happy with how things resolved but I don't know the way she treats him just made me so mad even if I understand it.
I really got pulled in and invested in this story, even to the point where I had to put it down and walk away because I was so frustrated but what was happening. I promise it's like the good kind of frustration- because the book is so engaging- but yeah, my poor little heart 🥺.
Definitely read this, definitely read the first book, and definitely have a box of tissues handy.
Ok I'm ready for Simon's book now, thx 🤣
June 25, 2025
This novel was such fun!! It’s been a while since I’ve read a Regency romance, and MPDE takes a whimsical turn with the genre.
Effie doesn’t want to inherit the earldom. He’d rather write poems and paint. Julianna wants to be in full control of her magazine but her useless stepbrother holds the reins. Both of them are constrained by the societal expectations of the period. However, Holiday has written this cute story through a progressive lens, giving both Effie and Julianna a supportive environment. I’m all for this subversion of the norm! Effie coming clean to Julianna that he’s been using a female pseudonym to write the advice column for her magazine could’ve gone sideways upon their first meeting. The ruse has already cemented a deep friendship. Now meeting in person they’ve discovered kindred spirits in each other, and it’s opened the floodgates for more.
Highlights:
* Regency romance, dual POV
* Sexually fluid FMC & MMC
* Female agency
* Spice, open door, inexperienced MMC, experienced FMC
* Silly banter, whimsical tone
* Supportive friends
Be aware of: childhood trauma (abuse & animal abuse) not on page but memory
I also listened to the audiobook in tandem with reading. The narrator, Harry Frost’s take on Effie wasn’t what expected but it works. He delivers the story excellently, providing the right whimsy to the already fun storyline. Holiday’s story is a delight, and I enjoyed her livening up the Regency era!
Thanks to @hambright_pr for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Effie doesn’t want to inherit the earldom. He’d rather write poems and paint. Julianna wants to be in full control of her magazine but her useless stepbrother holds the reins. Both of them are constrained by the societal expectations of the period. However, Holiday has written this cute story through a progressive lens, giving both Effie and Julianna a supportive environment. I’m all for this subversion of the norm! Effie coming clean to Julianna that he’s been using a female pseudonym to write the advice column for her magazine could’ve gone sideways upon their first meeting. The ruse has already cemented a deep friendship. Now meeting in person they’ve discovered kindred spirits in each other, and it’s opened the floodgates for more.
Highlights:
* Regency romance, dual POV
* Sexually fluid FMC & MMC
* Female agency
* Spice, open door, inexperienced MMC, experienced FMC
* Silly banter, whimsical tone
* Supportive friends
Be aware of: childhood trauma (abuse & animal abuse) not on page but memory
I also listened to the audiobook in tandem with reading. The narrator, Harry Frost’s take on Effie wasn’t what expected but it works. He delivers the story excellently, providing the right whimsy to the already fun storyline. Holiday’s story is a delight, and I enjoyed her livening up the Regency era!
Thanks to @hambright_pr for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 25, 2025
I LOVED this book! I loved Jules and I adored Effie. Why are they both just so adorable. I love how they became friends and then fell in love through poems and correspondence where they felt free to be their true selves. I love my adorable demisexual Effie and how he accepts himself fully. I love bisexual queen Jules and how she knows what she wants and is adamant about being her own boss no matter what she has to give up and no matter what obstacles are in her way. I LOVED the friend group; they were funny, tender, absolutely solid in their friendship and acceptance of each other no matter what, and how easily they embraced Jules. They are all down for whatever shenanigans each other wants and don't blink an eye at any situation. I love how tender Effie and Jules are for each others feelings, they are flawed, but so real and don't shame or try to hide things from each other (once they meet) no matter how embarrassing it might seem. I love the writing, a mix of laugh out loud to tender to spicy (and sometimes all mixed together) moments. I cannot wait for more of this series!
Note: I listened to the audiobook and it was perfect in setting the tone and atmosphere and showing these lighthearted and tender characters.
Thanks to the publisher for a free copy; my thoughts and review are my own.
Note: I listened to the audiobook and it was perfect in setting the tone and atmosphere and showing these lighthearted and tender characters.
Thanks to the publisher for a free copy; my thoughts and review are my own.
August 16, 2025
I enjoyed being back with Simon, Archie, and Effie on another Earls Trip! I was very excited to read about Effie after seeing his personality develop in the first book. However, Julianna was not my favorite FMC. I felt like she was infringing on the guys’ trip, that she wasn’t a great fit for Effie, and that she was just not very fun overall. I did really enjoy the found family (and actual family) elements in this book, and wish we would’ve gotten a bit more of that side of the story. The ending was very sweet though and I’m now excited for Simon’s book, too!
June 19, 2025
Book 2 in the author's Regency Era Earls Trip series is even more of a blast than the first one, starting with that fab title and cover that immediately grabbed me, as did the story featuring lovable poet Edward Astley, Viscount Featherfinch, who writes undercover for a woman's magazine and is secretly in love with its editor Julianna Evans. Fans of Bridgerton and Ted Lasso will adore it!
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June 25, 2025Jenny Holiday continues to be a fave. This book is great!
July 4, 2025
Queer content: female lead is bisexual, male lead is pan and demi. None of those terms are used, but that's clearly what the author had in mind.
June 22, 2025
This book was an absolute delight from start to finish! Jenny Holiday strikes the perfect balance of wit, heart, and slow-burn romance in this beautifully written opposites-attract story.
Set in the charming world of British high society meets quirky Canadian chaos, Manic Pixie Dream Earl brings together a buttoned up, brooding aristocrat and a free-spirited whirlwind of a woman and the result is pure magic. Their chemistry is electric, their banter is sharp, and underneath all the humor is a deep, emotional core that completely sneaks up on you.
It's thoughtful, cozy, a little messy (in the best way), and just full of heart. If you love romantic comedies that make you laugh and feel all the feels, this one's for you.
This was my first Jenny Holiday book and it was hilarious and fun.
✨Think: Mr. Darcy meets a romcom heroine
with glitter in her veins.
Perfect for fans of Bridgeton with a modern twist.
Thank You Hambright PR + Netgallery for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. 💕📚☕️
Set in the charming world of British high society meets quirky Canadian chaos, Manic Pixie Dream Earl brings together a buttoned up, brooding aristocrat and a free-spirited whirlwind of a woman and the result is pure magic. Their chemistry is electric, their banter is sharp, and underneath all the humor is a deep, emotional core that completely sneaks up on you.
It's thoughtful, cozy, a little messy (in the best way), and just full of heart. If you love romantic comedies that make you laugh and feel all the feels, this one's for you.
This was my first Jenny Holiday book and it was hilarious and fun.
✨Think: Mr. Darcy meets a romcom heroine
with glitter in her veins.
Perfect for fans of Bridgeton with a modern twist.
Thank You Hambright PR + Netgallery for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. 💕📚☕️
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