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Daughters of Scandal #1
Ruined By The Wrong Earl
Ruining her reputation…
Is harder than she thinks!
Nora Magarian attends a house party with one goal—ruin her reputation. The aspiring scientist doesn’t need a husband. Certainly not the strict older baron she’s betrothed to. So, when the opportunity for scandal knocks, Nora enters the bedroom of a notorious rake. Until she’s discovered…in the wrong man’s bed!
Bluestocking Nora is not the countess that Devon Hawkley, the Earl of Ralston, needs. Still, propriety demands he propose, and he’s intrigued by his bold seductress. It’s an engagement neither wanted, but could their unexpected connection mean this is the best mistake they’ve ever made?
Is harder than she thinks!
Nora Magarian attends a house party with one goal—ruin her reputation. The aspiring scientist doesn’t need a husband. Certainly not the strict older baron she’s betrothed to. So, when the opportunity for scandal knocks, Nora enters the bedroom of a notorious rake. Until she’s discovered…in the wrong man’s bed!
Bluestocking Nora is not the countess that Devon Hawkley, the Earl of Ralston, needs. Still, propriety demands he propose, and he’s intrigued by his bold seductress. It’s an engagement neither wanted, but could their unexpected connection mean this is the best mistake they’ve ever made?
283 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2026
About the author
Tina Gabrielle
28 books421 followersAmazon best-selling author Tina Gabrielle is an attorney and mechanical engineer whose love of reading for pleasure helped her get through years of academia. She often picked up a romance and let her fantasies of knights in shining armor and lords and ladies carry her away.
Tina’s books have been Barnes & Noble top picks, and her first book, "Lady Of Scandal," was nominated as best first historical romance by Romantic Times Book Reviews. Tina loves to hear from readers. Please visit her website to learn about upcoming releases and to join her newsletter and enter to win free monthly contests and giveaways. www.tinagabrielle.com
Tina’s books have been Barnes & Noble top picks, and her first book, "Lady Of Scandal," was nominated as best first historical romance by Romantic Times Book Reviews. Tina loves to hear from readers. Please visit her website to learn about upcoming releases and to join her newsletter and enter to win free monthly contests and giveaways. www.tinagabrielle.com
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 28, 2026
As a half egyptian woman, I always enjoy reading this author's books. I loved most of this book, I liked seeing them grow in their attraction, support, and eventually love of one another. Seeing them take interest and do things for a each other was so sweet. The incorporation of middle eastern food made me hungry for sure. I LOVED when he advocated for her scientific endeavors. That is my favorite part which makes the third act break up so disappointing. Why can't the last big event be them vs the bad not each other? Especially in such a loving and sweet relationship?
5/6 stars
5/6 stars
Did Not Finish
September 26, 2026This felt pretty standard. This didn't break any new ground, felt like a very generic historical romance, with characters that felt more like cardboard cutouts than actual people. Perhaps I read too many historical romances, and have read these types of tropes often, so if I'm going to experience something I've experienced many times before, it needs to feel unique in some way.
I finally opted to DNF when there was something quite upsetting related, following immediately by the desire to kiss. Really??? Not my cup of tea. 🤣
Content warnings: descriptions of gore, death of child (off page), cheating (before story begins)
I finally opted to DNF when there was something quite upsetting related, following immediately by the desire to kiss. Really??? Not my cup of tea. 🤣
Content warnings: descriptions of gore, death of child (off page), cheating (before story begins)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Nora Margarian has no desire to marry, especially to a baron thirty years older. Her interest is biology and conchology, the study of shells. He would never let her pursue her work. The only option is to ruin her reputation without having to marry. She meets the perfect rake. Whoops! It's the wrong room. Devon Hawkley, the Earl of Ralston makes the right decision. He offers for Nora. They both have mixed feelings for each other, but one kiss becomes the basis of their relationship. Very emotional with anticipation and some heartache.
Descriptive sex. I definitely want to read Book 2.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from Netgalley.
Descriptive sex. I definitely want to read Book 2.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book from Netgalley.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review may contain minor spoilers.
Thank you to netgalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Overall Rating: 3.5 Stars
Spice Level: 3.5
Perspective: Dual POV, Third Person
Tropes:
• Marriage of Convenience
• Grumpy Sunshine
• Slow Burn
Nora is an aspiring scientist who wants to remain unmarried to be free to realize her ambitions. Her mother has set her up to marry a much older baron that believes a woman’s only goal in life is to produce heirs. Desperate to escape the clutches of the baron, Nora arranges to be caught in bed with a notorious rake that has no intention of doing the honorable thing once scandal breaks out. After sneaking into a gentleman’s bedroom and getting caught, she is horrified to discover that she has ended up in bed with the wrong Earl.
Ralston has one thing on his mind at all times, his political career and more importantly, his proposed bill to reform child labor. With the fight for his bill fast approaching, the last thing he needs is a distraction. Much to his displeasure, he finds himself in the middle of a potential scandal that could ruin everything he has worked for. In his attempt to do the honorable thing and salvage his political ambitions, he offers a marriage of convenience to Nora. Nora will fulfill her social duties as a countess to bolster his political career and in return he will support her scientific dreams.
I loved this couples support for the other. Almost immediately after their rushed engagement, they were in each other’s corners. Ralston spared no expense for anything related to Nora’s scientific studies, and Nora did what she could to support Ralston while he was working hard to get his bill passed.
They really seemed to enjoy each other’s company and I enjoyed reading it. I loved the spicy scenes but was just as happy to read about them spending a quiet afternoon on the couch in a library, sharing with each other the interesting tidbits out of the material they were reading. Their slow build up to falling in love was really believable and most interactions between them were just delightful.
I hated Ralston’s first name. I get why he insisted on Nora using it once they got more familiar, but it did not appeal to me. Compared to Ralston, it was super boring and bland, and it reminded me of that scene in Easy A where she says that George is not a name you want to scream during climax. Ralston’s first name is just as unsexy in my opinion.
I hate a miscommunication trope and that was what the third-act drama relied heavily on. I did not like how Ralston reacted to his perceived betrayal. It was out of character and ruined all his character growth throughout the story. Even knowing his past, it didn’t make sense how badly he treated Nora. He did not grovel enough. The make-up after the awful treatment was super rushed and didn’t seem nearly as heartfelt as a lot of their previous interactions.
The epilogue was very short and disappointing. It could be omitted and not be missed. We did not learn anything we didn’t already know or could reasonably assume, and there was no further delightful interaction between the main characters. I was disappointed in the last quarter of the book. Especially with how strong the first three-quarters were written. If the last bit of the book had been written with the same tone and care for the characters as the rest of it, this book would have gotten 5 stars.
Thank you to netgalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Overall Rating: 3.5 Stars
Spice Level: 3.5
Perspective: Dual POV, Third Person
Tropes:
• Marriage of Convenience
• Grumpy Sunshine
• Slow Burn
Nora is an aspiring scientist who wants to remain unmarried to be free to realize her ambitions. Her mother has set her up to marry a much older baron that believes a woman’s only goal in life is to produce heirs. Desperate to escape the clutches of the baron, Nora arranges to be caught in bed with a notorious rake that has no intention of doing the honorable thing once scandal breaks out. After sneaking into a gentleman’s bedroom and getting caught, she is horrified to discover that she has ended up in bed with the wrong Earl.
Ralston has one thing on his mind at all times, his political career and more importantly, his proposed bill to reform child labor. With the fight for his bill fast approaching, the last thing he needs is a distraction. Much to his displeasure, he finds himself in the middle of a potential scandal that could ruin everything he has worked for. In his attempt to do the honorable thing and salvage his political ambitions, he offers a marriage of convenience to Nora. Nora will fulfill her social duties as a countess to bolster his political career and in return he will support her scientific dreams.
I loved this couples support for the other. Almost immediately after their rushed engagement, they were in each other’s corners. Ralston spared no expense for anything related to Nora’s scientific studies, and Nora did what she could to support Ralston while he was working hard to get his bill passed.
They really seemed to enjoy each other’s company and I enjoyed reading it. I loved the spicy scenes but was just as happy to read about them spending a quiet afternoon on the couch in a library, sharing with each other the interesting tidbits out of the material they were reading. Their slow build up to falling in love was really believable and most interactions between them were just delightful.
I hated Ralston’s first name. I get why he insisted on Nora using it once they got more familiar, but it did not appeal to me. Compared to Ralston, it was super boring and bland, and it reminded me of that scene in Easy A where she says that George is not a name you want to scream during climax. Ralston’s first name is just as unsexy in my opinion.
I hate a miscommunication trope and that was what the third-act drama relied heavily on. I did not like how Ralston reacted to his perceived betrayal. It was out of character and ruined all his character growth throughout the story. Even knowing his past, it didn’t make sense how badly he treated Nora. He did not grovel enough. The make-up after the awful treatment was super rushed and didn’t seem nearly as heartfelt as a lot of their previous interactions.
The epilogue was very short and disappointing. It could be omitted and not be missed. We did not learn anything we didn’t already know or could reasonably assume, and there was no further delightful interaction between the main characters. I was disappointed in the last quarter of the book. Especially with how strong the first three-quarters were written. If the last bit of the book had been written with the same tone and care for the characters as the rest of it, this book would have gotten 5 stars.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was such a fun historical romance, and Tina Gabrielle gave me one of my favorite kinds of heroines: a woman who knows exactly what she wants and is willing to cause a little scandal to get it.
Nora Magarian has absolutely no interest in marrying the much older man her mother has chosen for her. She wants the freedom to pursue her passion for science, so naturally her solution is to ruin her own reputation. Except her perfectly calculated scandal goes spectacularly wrong when she ends up being discovered in Devon Hawkley, the Earl of Ralston’s bed instead of the rake she intended. And honestly? Iconic behavior.
I really loved Nora. Tina Gabrielle doesn't just tell us she's intelligent and independent—her ambitions actually matter to the story. Nora is fighting against a society that has already decided what her future should look like, and her determination to carve out something different for herself made her incredibly easy to root for.
Then we have Devon, who initially believes Nora is pretty much the opposite of the proper countess he needs. Of course, being caught together means propriety demands an engagement neither of them actually wanted.
Their marriage-of-convenience/opposites-attract dynamic was easily my favorite part. Nora and Devon are both ambitious and stubborn in completely different ways, and watching that initial intrigue turn into genuine respect, emotional connection, banter, and attraction was so satisfying. I especially appreciated that Nora doesn't suddenly abandon the things that make her Nora just because romance enters the picture.
Tina also does a great job balancing the lighter, scandalous Regency fun with Nora's very real frustration over how limited women's choices were. It gives the romance some substance without losing that escapist historical-romance feeling.
There were a few moments where I wanted a little more depth or time with certain parts of their relationship, which kept this from being a full five stars for me, but overall I had such a good time with it.
Smart women causing scandals, accidental compromising situations, a reluctant engagement, marriage of convenience, opposites attract, and an Earl realizing the completely “wrong” woman might actually be exactly right for him?
Tina Gabrielle knew what she was doing with this one
Nora Magarian has absolutely no interest in marrying the much older man her mother has chosen for her. She wants the freedom to pursue her passion for science, so naturally her solution is to ruin her own reputation. Except her perfectly calculated scandal goes spectacularly wrong when she ends up being discovered in Devon Hawkley, the Earl of Ralston’s bed instead of the rake she intended. And honestly? Iconic behavior.
I really loved Nora. Tina Gabrielle doesn't just tell us she's intelligent and independent—her ambitions actually matter to the story. Nora is fighting against a society that has already decided what her future should look like, and her determination to carve out something different for herself made her incredibly easy to root for.
Then we have Devon, who initially believes Nora is pretty much the opposite of the proper countess he needs. Of course, being caught together means propriety demands an engagement neither of them actually wanted.
Their marriage-of-convenience/opposites-attract dynamic was easily my favorite part. Nora and Devon are both ambitious and stubborn in completely different ways, and watching that initial intrigue turn into genuine respect, emotional connection, banter, and attraction was so satisfying. I especially appreciated that Nora doesn't suddenly abandon the things that make her Nora just because romance enters the picture.
Tina also does a great job balancing the lighter, scandalous Regency fun with Nora's very real frustration over how limited women's choices were. It gives the romance some substance without losing that escapist historical-romance feeling.
There were a few moments where I wanted a little more depth or time with certain parts of their relationship, which kept this from being a full five stars for me, but overall I had such a good time with it.
Smart women causing scandals, accidental compromising situations, a reluctant engagement, marriage of convenience, opposites attract, and an Earl realizing the completely “wrong” woman might actually be exactly right for him?
Tina Gabrielle knew what she was doing with this one
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Ruined by the Wrong Earl is a captivating historical romance with all the heartwarming feels, fun antics, and an ingenious take on the marriage-of-convenience trope, with a good dollop of swoony chemistry. Tina Gabrielle’s writing pulls you into her immersive, entertaining storytelling and fabulously descriptive Regency era world-building.
The cherry on top is her divine characters, who are soulful, flawed, and addictive to read, with a romantic dynamic of intellectual flirting, yummy yearning, and the sparking slow-burn sizzle that grew between them. She found a way to bring diversity into her cast through historical realism and cultural context without losing the authentic Regency bias and rules of society, showing the poignancy of the relationship between Nora and Devon.
Nora Magarian is tenacious, bright, loving and determined to be true to herself no matter the cost. This woman had gumption and heart with her dreams of being a scientist and pursuing her thirst for knowledge. Devon Hawkley, Earl of Ralston, is kind, honourable, thoughtful, patient, and the type of man not afraid of a strong woman. I ate him up because he always had Nora back and protected her without limiting her.
A delicious historical romance that kept me on the edge of my seat and glued to my Kindle screen due to its scandalously funny plot twists, clever character design, and bold exploration of the wider historical, cultural, and political elements of the Regency era. If you love Bridgeton-style stories that make you swoon and sweep you off your silk slippers, you need to pick up Ruined by the Wrong Earl on 28 August 2026 (UK)
The cherry on top is her divine characters, who are soulful, flawed, and addictive to read, with a romantic dynamic of intellectual flirting, yummy yearning, and the sparking slow-burn sizzle that grew between them. She found a way to bring diversity into her cast through historical realism and cultural context without losing the authentic Regency bias and rules of society, showing the poignancy of the relationship between Nora and Devon.
Nora Magarian is tenacious, bright, loving and determined to be true to herself no matter the cost. This woman had gumption and heart with her dreams of being a scientist and pursuing her thirst for knowledge. Devon Hawkley, Earl of Ralston, is kind, honourable, thoughtful, patient, and the type of man not afraid of a strong woman. I ate him up because he always had Nora back and protected her without limiting her.
A delicious historical romance that kept me on the edge of my seat and glued to my Kindle screen due to its scandalously funny plot twists, clever character design, and bold exploration of the wider historical, cultural, and political elements of the Regency era. If you love Bridgeton-style stories that make you swoon and sweep you off your silk slippers, you need to pick up Ruined by the Wrong Earl on 28 August 2026 (UK)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
In order to avoid an arranged marriage with a repugnant Barron, Nora decides to ruin herself during a house party by being caught in bed with a notorious rake. But, due to a miscommunication, she winds up in Devon’s bed. After being discovered, they agree to a marriage of convenience, so Devon can pursue is political ambitions and Nora can continue her scientific studies. However, they are quite compatible and have an undeniable attraction to each other.
The book does a great job of showing Devon’s passion for championing legislation to protect children and veterans. Nora’s deep love for biology, conchology specifically, is shown in her actions and through the shells her beloved father gave her from his travels. As a fan of epilogues, I appreciate the look into Nora and Devon’s life three months after the resolution of their storyline.
The fun secondary characters such as Nora’s sisters (an artist and a fashion designer), Devon’s bestie Adler, eccentric Lady Leticia, and others make me hope for many installments in this world. I particularly like the interactions between the Barron, his wife, and Nora and the positive representation of reading.
Nora’s Lebanese and Armenian father’s heritage is nicely represented through friends of the family and references to delicious food. The author even includes a recipe at the end of the book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks to Harlequin Enterprises ULC for providing an Advance Reader Copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The book does a great job of showing Devon’s passion for championing legislation to protect children and veterans. Nora’s deep love for biology, conchology specifically, is shown in her actions and through the shells her beloved father gave her from his travels. As a fan of epilogues, I appreciate the look into Nora and Devon’s life three months after the resolution of their storyline.
The fun secondary characters such as Nora’s sisters (an artist and a fashion designer), Devon’s bestie Adler, eccentric Lady Leticia, and others make me hope for many installments in this world. I particularly like the interactions between the Barron, his wife, and Nora and the positive representation of reading.
Nora’s Lebanese and Armenian father’s heritage is nicely represented through friends of the family and references to delicious food. The author even includes a recipe at the end of the book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thanks to Harlequin Enterprises ULC for providing an Advance Reader Copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Ruined by the Wrong Earl delivers exactly what historical romance readers love: scandal, longing, misunderstandings, and a hero and heroine whose journey to happily-ever-after is anything but straightforward.
The story moves at a steady pace, balancing emotional tension with plenty of Regency charm. The chemistry between the main characters is strong from the beginning, and I particularly enjoyed watching their relationship develop as they navigated the consequences of a situation neither of them expected. The romance felt genuine, and there were several moments that had me rooting for them despite the obstacles in their path.
The supporting characters added depth to the story without overshadowing the central romance, and the historical setting was woven in nicely. While some plot developments felt a little predictable, they were still satisfying, and the emotional payoff made the journey worthwhile.
My only reason for not giving it five stars is that a few sections felt slightly drawn out, and I would have liked a bit more depth in certain character motivations. Even so, the romance remained engaging from beginning to end.
Overall, Ruined by the Wrong Earl is an enjoyable Regency romance filled with heart, drama, and plenty of swoon-worthy moments. Recommended for readers who enjoy scandal-driven historical romances with a strong emotional core.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story moves at a steady pace, balancing emotional tension with plenty of Regency charm. The chemistry between the main characters is strong from the beginning, and I particularly enjoyed watching their relationship develop as they navigated the consequences of a situation neither of them expected. The romance felt genuine, and there were several moments that had me rooting for them despite the obstacles in their path.
The supporting characters added depth to the story without overshadowing the central romance, and the historical setting was woven in nicely. While some plot developments felt a little predictable, they were still satisfying, and the emotional payoff made the journey worthwhile.
My only reason for not giving it five stars is that a few sections felt slightly drawn out, and I would have liked a bit more depth in certain character motivations. Even so, the romance remained engaging from beginning to end.
Overall, Ruined by the Wrong Earl is an enjoyable Regency romance filled with heart, drama, and plenty of swoon-worthy moments. Recommended for readers who enjoy scandal-driven historical romances with a strong emotional core.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Miss Nora Magarian is not happy with the man her mother has chosen for her to marry. While attending a house party, she devises a plan to get out of her betrothal. All she has to do is create a scandal. She decides she will be caught in the bed of a known rake. The problem is that she slips into the bed of Devon Hawkley, Earl of Ralston, by accident. Devon can’t afford a scandal, so he offers a business-like marriage of convenience. As they start getting to know each other, their feelings and priorities begin to change from what they thought they truly wanted. Will Nora and Devon realize they want more from their marriage before it is too late?
This is the first book I read by this author and I absolutely loved it. It was well-written, very entertaining, and such a sweet romance story. I instantly liked Nora and Devon and thought they made such a cute and perfect couple together. I truly adored how they both supported each other’s goals while still determined to keep their marriage to the agreement they made. I loved how they finally admitted their feelings for each other and found their happily ever after. The secondary characters were delightful and really added to the story. This is the first book in the ‘Daughters of Scandal’ by Tina Gabrielle and I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book!!
This is the first book I read by this author and I absolutely loved it. It was well-written, very entertaining, and such a sweet romance story. I instantly liked Nora and Devon and thought they made such a cute and perfect couple together. I truly adored how they both supported each other’s goals while still determined to keep their marriage to the agreement they made. I loved how they finally admitted their feelings for each other and found their happily ever after. The secondary characters were delightful and really added to the story. This is the first book in the ‘Daughters of Scandal’ by Tina Gabrielle and I look forward to reading the next book in the series. I highly recommend this book!!
October 28, 2026
It had been some time, since I had read something of Tina Gabrielle. The last one was Make Mine a Marquess in June of 2024. So, I was glad that another cover popped up on Netgalley.
Nora has but one goal on the houseparty she is attending: getting ruined. Because she wants to maintain her scientific work and that will not do is she is marrying her strict bethrothed baron.
So, she comes up with a plan to sneak into the bed of a notorious rake and leave her reputation up in shatters. But alas, she dove into the wrong bed and now finds herself bethrothed to the honorable Earl Devon.
Devon needs an examplary wife. But then Nora falls into his bed and of course, they are compromised. So, the honorable thing to do is to tell everybody that they are engaged to be married.
I still can’t get over the fact that this is the actual struggle that woman in the early days were facing. And thumbs up for Nora’s creativity. And of course, Tina will make sure that this story has a happy ending, unlike the fate of a lot of women of these days. But it is good for us readers to know that sometimes things did turn out.
So four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.
Nora has but one goal on the houseparty she is attending: getting ruined. Because she wants to maintain her scientific work and that will not do is she is marrying her strict bethrothed baron.
So, she comes up with a plan to sneak into the bed of a notorious rake and leave her reputation up in shatters. But alas, she dove into the wrong bed and now finds herself bethrothed to the honorable Earl Devon.
Devon needs an examplary wife. But then Nora falls into his bed and of course, they are compromised. So, the honorable thing to do is to tell everybody that they are engaged to be married.
I still can’t get over the fact that this is the actual struggle that woman in the early days were facing. And thumbs up for Nora’s creativity. And of course, Tina will make sure that this story has a happy ending, unlike the fate of a lot of women of these days. But it is good for us readers to know that sometimes things did turn out.
So four out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was very sweet, and I absolutely adore the dynamic between Ralston and Nora.
The way they were initially pushed together was a great beginning, and felt like a fresh take on a Regency trope that I already love — marriage of convenience to avoid a scandal. These two had already butted heads, then, they accidentally found themselves anonymously enjoying some time in a dark room. The chemistry between them was electric.
But the friendship and respect they had for one another, and the overall joy of being partners was easily my favorite part. It developed very naturally and made for some kicking-up-my-feet-with-glee moments.
The inclusion of Middle Eastern culture, especially in food, was also a really great touch to this that I felt set it apart from a lot of Regency romance. The FMC grew up with a Middle Eastern trader father and an Englishwoman mother, and I enjoyed it quite a bit!
I also really enjoyed the supporting characters, and a few of the surprises there. I very much hope to read more about some of them as the series progresses!
Thank you to Tina, and Harlequin, for the advanced copy. This in no way influenced my review. My opinion is 100% my own.
The way they were initially pushed together was a great beginning, and felt like a fresh take on a Regency trope that I already love — marriage of convenience to avoid a scandal. These two had already butted heads, then, they accidentally found themselves anonymously enjoying some time in a dark room. The chemistry between them was electric.
But the friendship and respect they had for one another, and the overall joy of being partners was easily my favorite part. It developed very naturally and made for some kicking-up-my-feet-with-glee moments.
The inclusion of Middle Eastern culture, especially in food, was also a really great touch to this that I felt set it apart from a lot of Regency romance. The FMC grew up with a Middle Eastern trader father and an Englishwoman mother, and I enjoyed it quite a bit!
I also really enjoyed the supporting characters, and a few of the surprises there. I very much hope to read more about some of them as the series progresses!
Thank you to Tina, and Harlequin, for the advanced copy. This in no way influenced my review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.75 rounded to 4. Netgally copy
Yays 👍
- Mixed race FMC with a strong connection to her culture and also a scientist
- Loved that the FMC wasn't just concerned about herself but also women around her and found ways to be kinder
- One of the things I noticed specifically about this HR is no catty ton women. What a delight!!
- The chemistry between the MCs is palatable and their relationship is both delightful and easy. No unnecessary villains or side plots
- Lebanese food descriptions deserve a special mention. I did get Lebanese food while reading this, what a treat!
Nays 👎
- MMCs possessiveness seemed a tad overdone for zero cause
- MMCs behaviour at the end and the climax genuinely underdelivered, trying to capture the whole running to the dock scenario but not quite nailing it
- Also my pet peeves about modern lingo in HRs "bullet points" didn't exist before late 90s and docs. Before that it would just be list items or points or just a list.
Verdict 🪒
Nice and easy read, romance, chemistry, steam and a HEA.
Yays 👍
- Mixed race FMC with a strong connection to her culture and also a scientist
- Loved that the FMC wasn't just concerned about herself but also women around her and found ways to be kinder
- One of the things I noticed specifically about this HR is no catty ton women. What a delight!!
- The chemistry between the MCs is palatable and their relationship is both delightful and easy. No unnecessary villains or side plots
- Lebanese food descriptions deserve a special mention. I did get Lebanese food while reading this, what a treat!
Nays 👎
- MMCs possessiveness seemed a tad overdone for zero cause
- MMCs behaviour at the end and the climax genuinely underdelivered, trying to capture the whole running to the dock scenario but not quite nailing it
- Also my pet peeves about modern lingo in HRs "bullet points" didn't exist before late 90s and docs. Before that it would just be list items or points or just a list.
Verdict 🪒
Nice and easy read, romance, chemistry, steam and a HEA.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Nora Magarian attends a house party with one goal to ruin her reputation. The aspiring scientist doesn’t need a husband. Certainly not the strict older baron she’s betrothed to. So, when the opportunity for scandal knocks, Nora enters the bedroom of a notorious rake. Until she’s discovered…in the wrong man’s bed! Bluestocking Nora is not the countess that Devon Hawkley, the Earl of Ralston, needs. Still, propriety demands he propose, and he’s intrigued by his bold seductress.
A thoroughly enjoyable romance, with strong characters, a well paced story, there’s misunderstandings, sizzling chemistry & a journey to a HEA which is anything but easy. I really liked both Devon & Nora, they both had their passions his was championing ex soldiers & children, hers was her love of biology. They are supported by very likeable secondary characters. An engrossing romance
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
A thoroughly enjoyable romance, with strong characters, a well paced story, there’s misunderstandings, sizzling chemistry & a journey to a HEA which is anything but easy. I really liked both Devon & Nora, they both had their passions his was championing ex soldiers & children, hers was her love of biology. They are supported by very likeable secondary characters. An engrossing romance
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Nora knows that she will be forced to marry a much older man if she cannot save herself. Ruining her reputation with a known rake seems like the best way. She doesn't want to marry; she wants to pursue her scientific career. Devon is a committed politician; he needs a wife, but after being betrayed as a young man, he will never seek love again. I enjoyed the many twists in this Regency romance. The couple are ambitious and compassionate, and perhaps this is what draws them together. Their first meeting is scandalous and paves the way for their unusual marriage of convenience. I like the connection between the couple, their banter, emotional connection and passionate attraction. I like the story's diversity and the cast of characters that bring this romance to life.
I received a copy of this romance from the publisher.
I received a copy of this romance from the publisher.
October 5, 2026
Nora is trying to get out of an engagement to a much older man, so she decides to ruin herself with a rake during a house party. Except she slips into the bed of an upstanding grumpy earl instead. Devon wants to avoid scandal due to his political aspirations, so he does the honorable thing and proposes marriage. Nora is not interested at all because she’s a biologist studying sea shells, but he’s actually both emotionally and financially supportive of her scientific pursuits. They agree to a marriage of convenience and won’t fall in love. Aside from the part where they’re attracted to each other and actually like each other. Loved seeing them be each others’ allies and spend time together after they get married. I’m curious to see what happens next in the series with Nora’s sisters. And does Devon’s best friend get a story too?
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Ruined by the Wrong Earl is a delightful read. Nora, the half Middle Eastern/half English FMC is being forced to marry a baron who's got thirty years on her and no respect for her interests. Nora herself never wants to marry; she's a biologist specializing in molluscs and wants to continue with her studies. Determined to be "ruined" and thus unmarriagable, her plan backfires and she ends up married to Lord Ralston, an earl with political ambitions.I really enjoyed the way their relationship developed, and I also appreciated getting some insight into Ralston's attempts to get his bill passed (an attempt to reduce child labor). Nora and her family were fun, and I'm looking forward to her sisters getting their own romances in the future.
Thanks to Harlequin for the ARC (via NetGalley)
Thanks to Harlequin for the ARC (via NetGalley)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"Ruined by the Wrong Earl" is a fun historical romance read. FMC Nora decides to ruin herself to escape a marriage to an odious baron, but her goal of ending up in the bed of a rake finds her instead in the bed of MMC Devon, an earl with integrity. Thus they end up married. And eventually in love. I liked Devon's willingness to support his new wife's interests and the fun supporting characters. I also enjoyed Nora's part-Lebanese background and how it was woven into the story. I would certainly read additional books by Gabrielle.
4 stars. Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. These opinions are my own.
4 stars. Thank you to Harlequin and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. These opinions are my own.
August 31, 2026
Seeking ruination to escape an unwanted betrothal, Nora sneaks into a notorious rake's room—only to discover she's in the wrong bed! To protect his political career, the Earl of Ralston is now honor-bound to marry a bluestocking he never meant to compromise. Could their biggest mistake be the best thing that's ever happened to them?
I love the premise of this book, and the story did not disappoint. It's light and fun with endearing characters. The romance is a verrry slow burn.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I love the premise of this book, and the story did not disappoint. It's light and fun with endearing characters. The romance is a verrry slow burn.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
July 9, 2026
A perfect historical regency romance!
I loved the multicultural additions that were written with such care. It’s not often you find them so intertwined in a regency novel despite history showing otherwise.
The marriage of convenience and building of their love as they both assist eachother in their endeavours was so enjoyable to read.
I can’t wait to read the next books about her sisters!!
🔥🔥🔥
Thank you Harlequin for the advanced copy 🥰
I loved the multicultural additions that were written with such care. It’s not often you find them so intertwined in a regency novel despite history showing otherwise.
The marriage of convenience and building of their love as they both assist eachother in their endeavours was so enjoyable to read.
I can’t wait to read the next books about her sisters!!
🔥🔥🔥
Thank you Harlequin for the advanced copy 🥰
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a great read—I fell in love with both characters and their individual journeys. The plot and twists were well done, and I loved how the author set things up for the next book. I also appreciated the historical elements woven throughout; there was real substance behind them, which added depth to the story. Overall, a wonderful read that I'd highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Ruined by the Wrong Earl by Tina Gabrielle has all the trappings of a good regency romance - house parties, a scandal, forced marriage and humour. I liked the added elements of a mixed race aspiring female scientists. Lovely read.
I got the ARC from Harlequin - Romance | Harlequin Historical via Netgalley. This is my honest review
I got the ARC from Harlequin - Romance | Harlequin Historical via Netgalley. This is my honest review
September 20, 2026
Well I found this book really boring. I finally finished but more for be done instead what will happened on the end
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