Brown-Eyed Earl

Earls Trip #3

by Jenny Holiday

Ted Lasso meets Bridgerton in USA Today bestselling author Jenny Holiday’s laugh-out-loud bromantic comedy featuring three Regency-era Earls on their annual trip. These ride-or-die buddies offer one another unconditional support in everything from Lady problems to family woes, but this year, the country house retreat will be earls-plus-girls as our trio of heroes is joined by two beloved wives, . . . and an exceedingly charming lady’s companion.

Simon Courteney isn’t like the other Earls. He was never supposed to be the heir or the spare. Yet when his older brothers tragically died in an accident, he suddenly found himself a peer of the realm. Strait-laced and scholarly, Simon is resigned to a quiet life of work and service. The two bright spots in his calendar are the annual Earls Trip with his best friends Effie and Archie, and his visits to Archie’s mother—where he trades books with her beguiling lady’s companion.

Miss Diantha Brown has long been settled into her role as Lady Emma’s companion. On the shelf and alone in the world, it’s a better life than Diantha ever imagined for herself. But her boring yet peaceful existence is threatened when an old enemy returns, threatening blackmail and forced marriage.

Determined to escape her fate—and protect Lady Emma—Diantha devises a shocking solution: her ruination. She needs just one thing: a kind, intelligent, brave man to help her . . .

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Regency, Adult

304 pages, Paperback

Expected publication October 27, 2026

About the author

Jenny 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.

Reviews

[Jeannine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The three Earls have gotten their Happily Ever Afters, but I really wish this charming series could continue. What a delightful, supportive group of friends and what wonderful conclusion to their adventures.

This story starts with an outrageous request by the FMC, Diantha, a gentlewoman who works as a companion to the mother of one of the other Earls. She wants the MMC, Simon, to ruin her to avoid a forced marriage to the widow of her deceased sister. Simon is a sweet man who is trying to avoid marriage and he declines to help Diantha. The two are covert friends who share books with each other, so their relationship has a history and it grows during the year's Earls' Trip, which includes extended families now.

Despite the outrageous request, this installment is a little quieter that the previous books. It's funny without being slapstick and our characters have their spicey moments just the same.

This series is a bit of a trifecta and I imagine I'll be marathoning it for years to come. It truly is a wonderful, special series.

[kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion!!

This is the third in the Earl Trip series but it is not necessary to read the previous books (but encouraged!)

This was fun and a quick read! Simon and Diantha are sweet and kind and share a love of novels. Diantha is being blackmailed and asks Simon for help and along the way the two fall in love!

I loved how supportive and understanding Archie and Effie are; truly wonderful to read about wholesome men! Their friendship is so sweet and they are so dedicated to each other and their families. I also enjoyed Simon’s makeover at the end; truly great!

This is definitely Ted Lasso meets Jane Austen and if that’s your vibe, you’ll love this book!

[Heather Moll · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t realize this was next in a series. I haven’t read the others and this is the final one. Plot wise it was easy to jump in, but the relationship between the couple had been built up in previous books, so I missed getting invested in them. And they hardly share a scene for the first third of the book.

It might’ve been more entertaining if we didn’t know what Mr. Hill’s blackmail was in the beginning. The matter was easy to figure out, so the tension was missing throughout the story. A lot of page time was dedicated to characters from the other books, but since I didn’t read those, I struggled to care and wanted to get back to Simon and Dianthus. Between knowing the secret and realizing this series was meant to be read in order, I got bored, and I usually like a slow burn. And then there wasn’t much of a comeuppance for the villains, either. The subplots were handled off page, but I also never felt the chemistry between Simon and Dianthus.

Overall, the men’s trip was the focus, with Simon at the center, and there was no tension with the external conflicts and no chemistry between the couple. Maybe I’d feel different if I read first two books, but that shouldn’t have been necessary to get into this one.

I received an arc from NetGalley

[gabby · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to Kensington Publishing & NetGalley for a change to read this ARC!

Unfortunately this book didn't really work for me - exhibit A: it took me nearly a month to get through it. I felt less than zero chemistry between Diantha & Simon, and constantly felt like their conversations were leading nowhere. Intimacy scenes felt completely out of left field (not great for a romance novel) as I just didn't feel any emotion behind them!

There were also a bunch of loose ends leftover that I feel could've made for a more complete story. Did Mr. Hill just accept defeat & do nothing with his blackmail? He didn't seem like someone that would back down quietly. Does Simon ever confront his mother about Frances's claims? That felt very major to me, and was quickly brushed over.

Ultimately not for me, but some may still enjoy this!

[Leila Hays · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cute cover is misleading.

If you're hoping for something light and cozy, this is not it. Well, it is, but it comes with a heavy dose of emotional intensity.

This is the third, and final, book in a series, and unlike many series, each book gets better and better. I really enjoyed Earl's Trip. Manic Pixie Dream Earl was absolutely incredible. The way that the story is about someone truly coming to accept themselves, shape their life to fit, and find their person. It's so hopeful, warm, and satisfying.

I'm not saying that Brown-Eyes Earl isn't those things. It's more. The first two books gave Simon the most character development time, which made the story more compelling simply because by this third book, we know Simon deeply.

So by the time we get here, we have a feeling of knowing him.

Like the other two books, it turns out he (as the main character) has hidden depths, that are only brought out in emotionally fraught situations. When the option is to remain the same or step outside of habits and default emotional responses, Simon (reluctantly) makes the changes, because the end result is worth it.

While this is ostensibly a light and cozy Regency romance, it is incredibly slow in its burning. The deepening of the relationship between Diantha and Simon starts months before the main storyline, and is intense and fraught all on its own.

Then a forced proximity situation (masterminded by the delightful Olive Morgan), becomes the catalyst that gives Simon and Diantha the chance to drop their walls. And they both have very strong walls, although for different reasons.

This is absolutely a lovely romance with a happily ever after. You will tear up multiple times. You will get very attached to Simon and Diantha, as well as the other characters in the series. There are more serious issues that are addressed in a way that reminds me of The Gilded Rose by Joanna Shupe.

Diantha is in a very serious situation, and she literally has no way out. She is literally powerless as a result of the society she lives in. The book addresses how her position cages her in, in a very literal sense (without being physical bars).

Simon comes to many realizations as to Diantha's position and circumstances through conversations with his friends. So much of the character growth comes from the found family of the three main male characters of the series: Archie, Effie, and Simon. Their deep friendship is the foundation of all three love stories.

One of the main criterion for a 5 star rating from me is that the book made me FEEL. And Brown-Eyed Earl made me feel so much. It has left an impression that will stay with me for a long time. I'm glad that I originally picked up Earl's Trip, which was originally because I thought my best friend (found family sister) would like it. I'm grateful for the level of emotional engagement the whole series gave me, most of all in this final book.

I received an advance reader copy of this book. This review and opinions are my own.

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing, and Jenny Holiday for the free ARC I received in exchange for my honest review.

Minus two stars for missing the heart of the series, plus one star for a well done trope bait-and-switch.

This is the third entry in the the "Earls' Trip" series with the focus on the final earl, Simon Courtenay, aka the Earl of Marsden, and his budding romantic relationship with Miss Diantha Brown, the ladies companion to the Dowager Countess of Harcourt who is also the mother of Archie, another of the earls. The only new characters in this book are the staff at Archie's hunting seat, provisionally named Gurglewood. While it isn't necessary to have read the first two books, there will be spoilers if you read out of order.

As most romance novels are, this follows a specific narrative formula for a friends to lovers relationship with a forced proximity trope. As I started reading, it seemed as though we were heading into a fake relationship story but that was, to my relief, a fake-out itself! This is something that I have enjoyed about Holiday's books, though the initial meetings sometimes strain belief, the relationships always seem to grow realistically from there.

This specific love story has been hinted at since the first book, so it was no surprise to find Simon exploring his feelings for Miss Brown. What was less expected was the obliviousness of the man toward the feelings that had been growing for over a year. For a series that takes the idea of masculine emotional connection so seriously, it's is hard to understand why they resist sharing their feelings with each other. Even stranger, Archie and Effie barely notice the change in their friend or the increasing amounts of time he spends with the genteely impoverished Diantha. It makes sense that Lady Harcourt, suffering from dementia, doesn't notice what is happening literally under her nose, but the only one who picks up on anything is Archie's sister-in-law Olive. The implication seems to be that when individuals couple off, they become so involved in their relationships that their friendships fall to the wayside. While often true, this also isn't in keeping with the core of enduring male friendships.

Since this is a romance, the couple do eventually recognize their feelings for each other, overcome all obstacles, and find their HEA. As Simon was the last of the earls, this was presumably the final installment in this series. While this novel had it's flaws, it is still a humorous and capably written tale that makes for good low-stakes entertainment for those that enjoy this genre and I find myself hoping for one more to keep Olive from being a perpetual seventh wheel.

[Matilda Dix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brown-Eyed Earl is the delightful conclusion to the Earls Trip series, delivering a slow-burn romance that celebrates friendship, vulnerability, and intellectual connection. Simon Courteney, the scholarly and dependable Earl of Marsden, has long harbored quiet feelings for Miss Diantha Brown, companion to his friend's mother. When Diantha faces blackmail and an unwanted forced marriage, she devises a shocking plan to escape her fate. Though Simon initially refuses her indecent proposal, circumstances bring them together during an "Earls-plus-girls" trip, where their bond deepens through starlit conversations, shared literary passions, and genuine emotional intimacy. Holiday masterfully balances weighty themes—including dementia, grief, and emotional abuse—with warmth and humor. The character development is exceptional, revealing two lonely souls who find solace and strength in each other. While some external conflicts resolve off-page, the focus remains firmly on Simon and Diantha's earned, authentic connection. The result is a heartfelt, thoroughly satisfying romance that rewards readers' patience with a deeply moving happily-ever-after.

I have loved this entire series and the Brown-Eyed Earl is a great conclusion that honors genre traditions while embracing modern sensibilities. The Regency setting provides elegant atmosphere, yet the characters' forward-thinking values and emotional depth feel remarkably contemporary and relatable. The novel celebrates two bookish protagonists whose romance unfolds through literary discussions and philosophical conversations. A treat for this librarian who enjoys intelligent banter and shared intellectual passions in couples. The emphasis on found family, male vulnerability, and genuine friendship adds emotional richness to this story. Most compellingly, the slow-burn friends-to-lovers arc, forced proximity, and house-party setting deliver everything romance readers crave, while the thoughtful characterization and earned happily-ever-after are totally satisfying. I love the idea of a annual friends trip (or Earls trip). While this series is super enjoyable. It can be read as a standalone. Definite recommendation to add it to your list of books to read.

Thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. Its planned pub date is October 27, 2026.

https://romancelibrarian88.blogspot.c...

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brown-Eyed Earl is a sweet, not quite true to the times Regency romance. The earl of the book’s title, Simon, has a terrible mother, and for this reason he doesn’t want to marry, at least not until his mother is dead. His twin brothers died tragically and he, the “spare spare,” inherited the title. The heroine, Diantha, is the daughter of a gentleman – a gentleman who ruined the family through his gambling and left her without resources. She serves as companion to one of her mother’s old friends, who is suffering from dementia.

Three earls, tight friends, take an Earl’s Trip annually. This year, since two of them have married, they decide to include their wives, one sister-in-law, and one mother with her paid companion. The reason for Diantha becoming closer to Simon (her brother-in-law is blackmailing her into marrying him after his wife’s death) is contrived, but I was able to put aside my disbelief.

The friendship between the three earls is charming. The term “found family” is used in chapter 1; while this does describe the relationship of the earls, the term seemed jarring for 1823. Diantha also dreams of a cottage with bird feeders? Which I think were not a thing in 1823. I enjoyed Simon’s dilemma over his mother being a dowager, his brother’s widow being a dowager, and if he marries, there will be three Lady Marsdens.

(Some spoilers follow.) The relationship between Simon and Diantha is mostly of the slow burn variety, although there is a bit of deliberate sex and conversation about it that is definitely not of the times. Sex between unmarried people of the upper class was a huge risk for the woman, and any book that presents it as an equal risk for both doesn’t ring true (especially when the man is an earl and the woman a servant).

Brown-Eyed Earl is the third book in the series, and I haven’t read the first two. I kind of wish I had. While not absolutely necessary, I feel like I would have known the many characters better if I’d read the first two books. Still, I enjoyed the friendship and the romance. If you enjoy reading historical romance with a bit of sex that is not quite true to the times but offers a sweet happy ending, you might enjoy Brown-Eyed Earl.

Although I probably won’t go back and read books 1 and 2, I would read a book about side character Olive if one is written. I read an advance reader copy of Brown-Eyed Earl from Netgalley.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Brown-Eyed Earl is part 3 of a series. However, it can be read as a standalone. I personally did not read the other two books and was not aware it was part of a series when requesting it from NetGalley. However, it wasn't too much of a bother, other than the fact that most of the characters are already in some sort of relationship.

The book start with Diantha getting blackmailed into a marriage she does not want. She goes to Simon, an book friend who she has been exchanging reads with, in hopes that he would help ruin her so she doesn't have to go through with the marriage. Simon rejects the idea as he is not looking to marry and does not want this to be an excuse for his mother to force him into a marriage.

At the same time, the two of them are also going on a trip with the Simon's friends, Archie and Effie. Diantha is invited because she works under Archie and takes care of his mom who has dementia. Little do they know that their relationship is going to take a turn on this year's Earl-plus-ladies trip.

The book was a very fun and easy read. I love how it's historical fiction, but Holiday does not throw a bunch of regency era terms that are hard to understand. The characters all seem quite supportive of each other. I love how the Earls seem to have each other's back at all times.

Diantha also seems to be very well educated, even if she's from a family who went bankrupt. The fact that she's also a reader with good taste is a bonus for me. She is very headstrong and sometimes I wish I could shake her and tell her it's ok to lean on others sometimes. Similarly, I want to shake Simon and also tell him that it's ok to lean on his friends sometimes too. Everyone seems to know his troubles with his mother. I personally think he should have cut her off ages ago, but he seems way too nice/filial to do so. The two of them are perfect for each other - one's parents are no longer alive, and the other has a mom that he really should care less about.

Of course, like any other fiction, this book may seem a little unrealistic at times. However, I think that's the beauty of fiction. As long as it makes sense in the story, I could really care less if it's 100% historically accurate.

[Diane Knutzen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank-you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for my arc copy of this book!

4⭐️

I had an overall fun time with this book. It was a 3 star for most of the book, but the ending was so good it bumped it up to a 4 star.

I enjoyed the writing style. I thought the author did a great job of reflecting the time period that this is set in. The verbiage the author chose and the actions of the characters were well representative of the time. The writing also flowed nicely and was easy to read. I read several chapters in what felt like minutes.

I enjoyed the characters. I thought they were fun. They had great personalities; even the supporting characters. I felt like we got to know every single character. I appreciated how the author wrote the elder Mrs. Harcourt and the struggles she was going through. As someone who has experience with someone suffering with dementia, I thought this was a touching piece to add to the story. Touching because it shows what the family members have to go through while showing how they care for their loved one.

The ending of the story was great. It had me kicking my feet and giggling. The grand romantic gesture was absolutely worth it and tied the whole book together.

I did think that this book was a bit lacking. I was lacking not only action to give excitement, but also the third act conflict. The third act conflict we got is not what I would classify as a third act conflict. I was sincerely hoping that Mr. Hill would come and try something crazy and Simon would have to jump in and save the day. What we got was just too mellow and didn’t build up as much romantic tension as I would have liked.

I also wasn’t as big of a fan of how many chapters were from Simon’s perspective. I was hoping it would be more equally balanced between Simon and Diantha.

Overall, this was a well written book. There were a couple of spelling errors, but for the most part everything flowed nicely and was period appropriate. I liked this book enough to want to read the first two books of the series. It was a fun time with high quality writing!

[Laura Black Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brown Eyed Earl is Book 3 in the Earls Trip series of irreverent Regency romances and it is a joy! Three young aristocrats (Effie, Archie and Simon) who bonded at school, have a trip together every year where they leave their responsibilities (and their awful families) behind and just enjoy each other’s company. The third book is about Simon Courteney, a reluctant Earl and diligent parliamentarian who is missing out on his own life because of his awful mother and tragic family background. The other two Earls, Effie and Archie, are now married and it’s decided that the wives will joins them for the second week of Earls Trip, along with Archie’s mother and her companion, Miss Brown (Diantha). Simon and Diantha have been swapping books and he is starting to notice her, while Diantha is seeing the good in Simon. They are lonely and awkward and learning to trust each other, with a shared kindness and sensibility they both feel. Meantime the ongoing bromance between the Earls is so much fun.

Diantha and Simon’s slow burn is delightful to read – for much of the trip Simon doesn’t even know Diantha’s given name, but night swims, comets, lemon cakes and banter bring them closer and their chemistry is terrific. Even so, there are real problems for both of them: Simon’s mother is worse than toxic, and Diantha is being blackmailed.

Brown Eyed Earl is completely unserious (and unapologetically modern), and yet there is an emotional core around parental neglect and the very few options that unmarried (and poor) women had in the Regency. At times I struggled to distinguish between the Earls, and be warned, some of the idiom is very recent – the Earls Trip novels are not for purists! It is lovely fun though, with endearing characters falling in love and enough comeuppance to make for a satisfying finish.

Thank you Jenny Holiday and Kensington Publishing for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

Review also on SpoonerReads.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!

Everyone knows I adore this series and Simon’s story is no exception. He’s been a steadfast presence in the first two books, hinting at his loneliness and his devotion to his responsibilities but also something bubbling - sorry gurgling - underneath. Diantha is not dissimilar, occupied with duties and loneliness of a different kind. Before the events of the book these 2 are already drawn together by books, and being thrown together (or rather Simon’s subtle manipulations led them to be in the same place for a week) their attraction naturally spikes. I will say I do not think the initial premise of Diantha’s ruination or even Simon’s relationship with his mother feel on-page enough for this book. I would have liked for some of those resolutions to be less internal - because the book starts out very external and is externally resolved at the end too so it feels a bit like an afterthought when we hear that some of the villainy is handled off-page. The other thing that kept me from rating this a 5 star is not feeling much of Archie and Effie’s presence in the book until the very end - I think the boys have always played a role in helping their friend figure stuff out so their absence was felt.

Whenever Simon and Diantha were together however I felt like the book really shined and you could see the heat and familiarity and deep connection between these 2 people who have been living a sort of half life for much too long. The part with the yellow in the epilogue made me tear up a bit! Since this is essentially the finale I also want to say I love how letters and correspondence were a running theme in this series (lapse of, excess of, and lack of) and how nature and its miraculousness and power are very much part of these romances. I also love the treatise on liberation and captivity that is noted throughout the series.

I do hope Olive gets a HEA - she is a real scene stealer in every book!

[Alyssa Reads and Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brown-Eyed Earl is the the perfect conclusion to an utterly charming historical series. This latest book from Jenny Holiday features another annual Earls trip, where found family and forced proximity take center stage.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Simon Courteney, Earl of Marsden is looking forward to another Earls trip, especially since it means he’ll get to see Diantha Brown, companion to his friend Archie’s mother. While the first week of the trip will be just Simon, Archie, and Effie as usual, now that his friends are married, week two is Earls Plus Girls at Archie’s hunting lodge. Diantha and Simon have always exchanged novels and discussed them at length. But now Diantha is stuck in an impossible situation, and is desperately trying to find a way to preserve her independence. Can Simon help Diantha make her own choices, instead of being forced to simply avoid the worst possible outcome?

This book is for fans of:
📚 Found family
💛 Slow burn
📚 Historical romance
💛 Forced proximity
📚 House party setting
💛 Humor and banter

I can’t talk about this book without mentioning the found family these Earls have created. And, it’s the emphasis on men’s friendships, vulnerability, and emotions (and not in a sports environment) that really sets these books apart. Archie, Effie, and Simon all value their friendship, and the importance of their annual getaway just reinforces their bonds.

Note: this is a book that embraces modern language in a historical setting, which I adore, but your mileage may vary.

I love Brown-Eyed Earl. I’ve been waiting for Simon and Diantha to find their own HEA, and it was a joy to watch them do it on the latest Earls Trip. This entire series is perfect for historical romance fans with a sense of humor, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed for another installment.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

1823.
Simon Courtney was never supposed to become the Earl of Marsden, not with two older brothers. He's always been more suited to nonfiction tomes on philosophy and life in the church, and he takes his parliamentary seat very seriously, but every year he takes an Earls' Trip with his best friends Archie and Effie. Diantha Brown, companion to Archie's ailing mother, is invited on this year's trip: Simon has suggested a new format with his two friends already married, so week two of Earls' Trip features their wives, a sister-in-law, a mother, and Diantha. When Diantha is under pressure to find a solution to rid herself of an unwanted suitor who is also blackmailing her, the only thing she can think of is ruination, but Simon is too much of a gentleman to agree to such a thing. Or is he?

This series continues to be a lot of fun to read. It's a fun blend of historical romance with a modern feel that works well for me. While historical accuracy may not be the first thing on the minds of Holiday's readers, we get some interesting political references including a defense of Queen Caroline that Simon makes in parliament. (See: Rebel of the Regency by Ann Foster for more!). Brown-Eyed Earl features two quieter characters, Simon and Diantha are less splashy than the couples of the first two books, but because of that, we get a lot of stargazing moments and conversation between the two of them in a way that works really well for the narrative. This book includes a number of hard conversations, mostly for Simon, and I love how Holiday handles those conversations.

You can certainly pick up this book if you haven't read anything else in the series, because the narrative doesn't rely on previous books, but the jokes will be more fun if you read the series in order. What happens on Earls' Trip stays on Earls' Trip, so you should read them all!

Thank you to Kensington for an eARC. Brown-Eyed Earl is out 10/27/2026.

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first and second books in this trilogy of regency romances by Jenny Holliday, and was looking forward to the third book to complete the trio of happily ever afters; this did not disappoint. Holiday laid the groundwork for the earls’ deep bonds of friendship, which are part of the core of this book, in addition to the wonderful romance. Diantha is a lady’s companion to Simon’s friend’s mother. Their shared interest in novels and love of reading draws them together. When Diantha is coerced towards an unwanted marriage, she approaches Simon with a scandalous proposition to escape her blackmailer. While Simon refuses her initial request, they end up spending time together on his annual Earl’s trip, which has turned into a larger getaway with the whole friend group. The found family in this book has grown to include the three earls, two spouses, one sister-in-law, one dowager countess with dementia and her companion, giving us plenty of time with all our favorite characters from the previous books. Forced proximity works its magic on Simon and Diantha to give them the time to learn about and trust each other, turning them from friends to lovers. The story included come modern ideas, sensibilities and terminology within the historical setting. While full of Holiday’s classic humor, this book explores heavy subjects like dementia, abuse and grief, balancing deep moments with Holiday’s customary heart and humor. It’s still a light and easy read with somewhat emotionally intelligent male characters, who put in the work with the women they love. The slow burn romance definitely paid off by the end; I enjoyed seeing two intellectual characters find love and a real emotional connection through mutual respect and understanding.

Thank you to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the complimentary arc.

[Deidre · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all—do they hand out awards for cover art? Because Brown-Eyed Earl completes a trifecta of absolutely stunning covers that deserve a spot on my wall. It's vibrant, romantic, packed with all the key couples, and honestly, it just makes me happy every time I look at it.

And then there's Simon.

I've been waiting for this book from the beginning. Simon has spent the entire series being the dependable friend, the sensible one, the bookish introvert Earl who somehow gets even more appealing with every appearance. The spectacles. The forearms. The quiet competence. Jenny Holiday knew exactly what she was doing.

At long last, Simon gets his happily-ever-after—and it's everything I hoped for.

This friends-to-lovers romance pairs him with the brilliant Miss Diantha Brown, his perfect intellectual match. The banter sparkles, the chemistry crackles, and the yearning is chef's kiss. Holiday hits every romance note flawlessly while raising the stakes with close proximity, blackmail, an unwanted suitor, and a mother who may be even more dangerous than any villain.

If you enjoy moonlit swims, stargazing, deep conversations, kind, thoughtful heroes who bake and treat everyone with respect, slow-burn romance, and undeniable chemistry, grab your coziest chair before diving into Simon and Diantha's story. It's a compelling, fast-paced read that had me completely hooked—and I honestly would have devoured it just as eagerly if it were 500 pages longer.

And can we please get one more book? Olive deserves a handsome adventurer and her own sweeping romance.

From beginning to end, this series has been an absolute delight. Brown-Eyed Earl is a wonderful finale that left me eager to explore the rest of Jenny Holiday's backlist.

[Aamira · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.


This was a charming conclusion to the Earl’s Trip series. As with the previous two books, the friendship between the men really stands out. So much care and attention is given to their relationship, that it casts a shadow over the romance.

Diantha and Simon had a lovely friendship. I enjoyed their deep conversations and how at ease they were with one another. Simon is a really endearing character, and it’s sweet how he goes out of his way to prove to Diantha that she’s seen. I believed that he loved her, though I never quite felt that Diantha loved him in return. It felt that she was more consumed with her situation and how to solve it than the actual romance. There’s never a real turning point where the friendship becomes more. So when they become intimate it doesn’t feel like the culmination of the tension they’ve built up. I’m not quite sure how to put this delicately, but the spicy scenes were vague and a bit confusing to track. I remember thinking to myself: wait were they intimate or just making out.

The subplots of the blackmail and Simon’s relationship with his mother were handled rather neatly and off the page. Simon’s mother’s actions deserved to have a reckoning. I wish there had been more nuance to her characterization, as well as Mr. Baldwin’s. As they stand they come across as cartoonish villains without any real depth.

My favorite side character has to be Olive. She’s quite charming and her meddling is fun and mischievous. I really hope she gets a novel of her own. It’s still an enjoyable read. But with the men’s relationship being the star of the show, it leaves a lot to be desired of the romance.

[Ayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brown-Eyed Earl by Jenny Holiday

Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 1/5 🌶️

Thank you to Kensington Publishing, Netgalley, and the author for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Brown-Eyed Earl is a fast-paced, witty, and fun historical romance read! While this is Book 3 in the Earls Trip series, it can be read as a standalone. Cozy, joyful, and very charming, Brown-Eyed Earl balances more emotional moments with plenty of fun ones to form an unputdownable story!

Simon Courteney was never the heir. However, when his older brothers died in an accident, he found himself in a situation he had never expected. Simon is determined to a quiet life dedicated to work and service though. And, the two things he always looks forward to are the annual Earls Trip he takes with his best friends, Effie and Archie, and his visits to Archie’s mother. Miss Diantha Brown has been Lady Harcourt’s companion for a while and it’s a good life, but her monotonous and calm existence is no more when an old enemy returns. Determined to avoid her fate and to protect Lady Harcourt, Diantha wants to orchestrate her ruination. She needs just needs to find someone who is willing to help her.

Brown-Eyed Earl is such a sweet, slow-burn, friends-to-lovers romance full of excellent banter and fantastic chemistry. Particular highlights of the story include the well- developed plot as a whole, the found family dynamic, and the slow burn. Diantha and Simon’s connection feels genuine and meaningful. The friendship between the earls is wonderful and the cozy setting makes the story even more special.

Overall, Brown-Eyed Earl is a charming, witty, and heartwarming read that is perfect for fans for historical romance!

[PagesWithGigi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an incredibly satisfying 5-star read, and I will definitely be recommending it to every romance lover when it releases this November.

What backboned this story so beautifully was the character development. Simon is loyal and deeply devoted to his responsibilities, yet he carries a quiet loneliness, especially now that his friends are all married. Diantha is his perfect mirror, equally focused on her duties, yet feeling isolated in a house full of people. Seeing them connect on such a vulnerable level was wonderful.

While the initial concept of Diantha's ruination and Simon’s unresolved issues with his mother started as major plot points, they didn’t get a heavy on-page resolution. However, this didn't detract from my enjoyment at all. The author gave us so much quality time to meet and truly understand Simon and Diantha, both individually and as a potential couple, making their romance feel entirely earned.

I would have loved to see a bit more of Archie and Effie being "hands-on" in helping their friend, but I completely understand that a different approach would have altered the storyline and stripped away the magic of the couple finding their own way together.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
All opinions are my own.

[Mary Gosse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I've also read the previous two books in the Earl Trip series, and this one was just as amazing as the others! However, it can be read as a stand-alone book - characters and situations are mentioned from previous books, but the plot of this book is not based upon reading the others.

I enjoyed everything about this book - the logical and practical Diantha and her plan to deal with her blackmailer, the quiet but strong and philosophizing character of Simon, and of course the Earls! Just like in previous books, I loved the supportive, understanding, and unwavering friendship the three Earls share. It's such a good and healthy example of men best friends who really care about each other - they tease each other and have a lot of fun together, but their friendship is really a safe space to be themselves without any judgement, and to get advice from each other. There were so many quotes I highlighted in this story that were either truly meaningful, or outright hilarious!

Overall, this was a fantastic book and I highly recommend it! The plot was interesting, the dialogue was smooth and realistic (and funny!), and all of the characters were well developed and easy to picture in my mind. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free advanced copy - this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Serena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the literature appreciation we saw in this story. There were book exchanges happening between our MMC Simon & MFC Diantha, they often had discussions surrounding the books or quoting specific passages. As someone who loves Jane Austen, this was a fun addition to the story.

I found the moments between Simon and Diantha really stood out compared to the rest of the plot and the side-characters. With two characters who can be quite serious, they had very sweet and vulnerable moments together. I did find that some of the conflict, from issues with Diantha's brother in law and Simon's mother were resolved very quickly off-page. However, I did enjoy how it came together at the end, it was all very cute!

This was my first Jenny Holiday book so I cannot comment on how this book compared to the others in the series, I will say it followed two MC's who are a bit more reserved than their friends and family members, so it had a more "quiet" romance. Even though I didn't read books 1 and 2 in the Earl's Trip series, I still was able to really enjoy the story as a stand alone and may go back and read the rest of the series for more back stories on the other characters. All in all, this was a fun quick read that felt like a sweet little holiday’s

Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a lovely conclusion to the Earls’ Trip series! I’ve loved these books more and more as the series has gone on, and Simon’s story was absolutely worth the wait.

One of my favorite things about this series is the emotional depth beneath all the humor and Regency romance coziness. The friendships between Archie, Effie, and Simon are such a huge part of what makes these books special, and I loved seeing Simon finally get his happily ever after. The slow burn between him and Diantha was SO satisfying, especially knowing how long their feelings had been developing. Watching them slowly let their walls down and learn to trust each other was wonderful.

I also really appreciated the way the book handled Diantha’s circumstances and the very real limitations placed on women during this time. Her situation is genuinely heartbreaking, and seeing Simon come to understand just how little agency she has made their eventual happy ending that much sweeter.

Could I have spent even more time with the found family and friendships that have been the heart of this series? Absolutely. But honestly, I was so invested in Simon and Diantha that I didn’t want to put this book down. I’m genuinely sad to say goodbye to these characters! I'm secretly hoping we get an Olive book, as she seemed to be open to the possibility of loving again - here's hoping!

Thank you to Kensington and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Steph Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Miss Diantha Brown faces blackmail and a forced marriage, she decides to orchestrate her own ruination—and turns to her long-time friend, the scholarly new Earl of Marsden, Simon Courteney. Thrown together on the annual "Earls Trip" holiday, their platonic bond quickly shifts into unexpected passion.

Brown-Eyed Earl delivers a sweet, slow-burn friends-to-lovers romance packed with intelligent banter and undeniable chemistry. While Simon and Diantha’s dynamic is established earlier in the series, this works perfectly as a stand-alone—there is plenty of backstory, so you never feel lost!

What I appreciated most was the pacing. Rather than relying on their history from books one and two, the relationship gets the real estate it deserves to develop naturally. The forced proximity leads to lovely, quiet moments as they explore their feelings, alongside just the right amount of flirty, sexual banter. The payoff at the end feels genuinely earned rather than rushed.

While the story dragged slightly in places—and I would have loved a dose of third-act drama from Mr Hill to shake things up—the ending for Simon and Diantha was utterly satisfying.

A solid, comforting Regency romance for anyone who loves a true slow burn!

[Marti · Rating 3.25 out of 5]

Brown Eyed Earl is the third book in a series called Earl’s Trip. The series written by Jenny Holiday follows the adventure of three Earls over three summers when they fell in love. For the earls, these trips were important to share with each other, after all they were best friends forever. This last book focused on Simon Courteney and Diantha Brown.

Simon was never expected to become the Earl. He had two older brothers - the heir and the spare. He was destined to be a vicar or something church related. However due to an unexpected accident Simon became the Earl and had a steep learning path. During the course of their friendship the men knew each other’s families as well. Simon had met Diantha Brown before and they spoke about novels and she lent him one. This one act of kindness led to a friendship which led to a romance.

The novels contain some tongue and cheek humor, some shocking secrets and steadfast friends. I enjoyed the humor, the characters and their journeys. This is the second book I read in the series. (I somehow missed book 2.) However, it didn’t detract from understanding the storylines. Brown Eyed Earl was a good read.

This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Nicole Reads Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

For readers who love a touch of modern sensibilities in a historic setting, but make it accurate (or at least feel accurate - I'm no historian). There's a truly evil "boy mom", a cold plunge pool, and a man who quotes Austen!

The overall vibe of this book felt quite different than the previous two, which makes sense because it's Simon (a mousy Lord who takes his House of Lords job very seriously) and Miss Diantha Brown (companion to an aging Dowager). Simon and Diantha connect over books, and their time together is spent in long conversations that often have a philosophical bent. This was a gentle slow burn of a romance that primarily takes place over 1823's Earl Trip.

This one is for readers who really enjoy a character focused romance and want to know the MCs in depth - their hopes and dreams and past hurts. And who want a little temperance through the start of the romance.

Book three in the Earls Trip series, the romances and general plot lines standalone but most of the characters appear in each book. Thank you to Kensington for an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

CWs include forced pregnancy termination (not the FMC).

[zeba · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice, easy historical romance! 💛

I’d call it a low burn… maybe even a very low burn because the actual 🔥 didn’t really kick in until much later in the book. 😂 If you’re expecting instant chemistry, this isn’t that kind of romance.

What I really enjoyed was the MCs’ conversations. Their banter, friendship, and the way they got to know each other felt so much more satisfying than a relationship that’s all “wham, bam, thank you, ma’am.” 💅✨ It was refreshing to see their connection develop first.

One thing I kept noticing was how forward-thinking the characters felt for a story set in the 1800s. As someone who loves getting swept away by historical settings, I did find myself craving a bit more of that old-world feel. It wasn’t a bad thing—just different! In some ways it actually made the story feel fresh and more relatable.

Overall, I had a good time with this one! 😊 It didn’t completely sweep me off my feet, but I also don’t have any major complaints. If you enjoy character-driven romances with plenty of dialogue, a growing friendship, and a romance that takes its sweet time, this one might be for you. 📚💕

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simon Courteney ha construido su vida alrededor del deber, la disciplina y el control. Como conde, cada decisión debe venir acompañado de un plan perfectamente calculado, hasta que Diantha Brown irrumpe con una petición tan inesperada que amenaza con poner su mundo al revés.

Diantha lleva años dedicando su vida a cuidar de los demás mientras esconde un problema que podría destruir el futuro que tanto esfuerzo le ha costado construir. Sin muchas opciones y con el tiempo en su contra, toma una decisión desesperada que la obliga a confiar precisamente en el hombre que jamás imaginó involucrar en sus asuntos.

Lo que comienza como un acuerdo imposible pronto pone a prueba sus convicciones, sus secretos y la imagen que ambos tienen del otro.

Una novela romántica con personajes maduros, diálogos ingeniosos y una historia que combina humor, ternura y segundas oportunidades. Jenny Holiday construye un romance que atrapa desde las primeras páginas y mantiene el interés hasta el final.

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5


Diantha Brown creía haber dejado atrás el pasado, hasta que una amenaza inesperada pone en peligro la independencia que tanto le costó conseguir. Desesperada por proteger su futuro, decide recurrir a la única persona que la puede ayudar, Simon Courteney.

Para Simon, todo tiene una explicación lógica, pero la presencia de Diantha trastoca el orden de su mundo y lo obliga a cuestionar aquello que siempre ha considerado inamovible. Mientras ambos intentan adelantarse a las consecuencias de una decisión arriesgada, descubren que el mayor desafío no será enfrentarse a las criticas de la sociedad, sino admitir lo que empiezan a sentir por el otro.

Una historia llena de ingenio, tensión romántica y personajes entrañables que demuestra que el amor puede surgir cuando dos vidas destinadas a no cruzarse encuentran un motivo para luchar por un mismo futuro.
e ambos descubren que abrir el corazón puede ser el mayor acto de valentía.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Third book in the Earls Trip series.

Simon Courtenay's two friends have both married, so he suggests some changes to this year's Earls Trip. The women, including Miss Brown, will now join them for week 2. Simon values his friendship with Miss Brown and cares for her well-being. Will Simon, who is very much neuro-divergent coded, realize that he is in love with her? Of course, this is a fun romance.

Meanwhile, Miss Diantha Brown enjoys her position and her charge (an elderly woman with Alzheimers). When her dastardly brother-in-law blackmails her, she comes up with a scheme to "ruin" herself to escape his clutches. That also means leaving her current life behind, including her small friendship with Simon Courtenay.

*** Read an eARC from NetGalley ***

To me, the blackmail plot is not resolved in a satisfying manner,.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This instalment in the Earl’s trip series is a little bit darker than the others — Simon’s mother and Diantha’s brother in law are evil, and her father was selfish and cruel.

Diantha is coming into the relationship with Simon from a lower position (he’s an Earl, and she is a companion), and with the fear of her brother in law, who is trying to blackmail her into marriage. I love that Simon, Effie and Archie actually take the time to consider how to make sure that she is choosing Simon freely, not because she is forced to.

I also love the girl friendship between Diantha and Olive (I would read it if Jenny Holiday wrote Olive a book!!), and I love that they understood each other so well.

I really enjoyed this book, and would recommend it.

I received an Advanced reader copy of this book from NetGalley. My opinions are my own.