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Earls Trip #3
Brown-Eyed Earl
Not yet published
Expected 27 Oct 26Ted 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 . . .
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 . . .
304 pages, Paperback
Expected publication October 27, 2026
About the author
Jenny Holiday
34 books1,916 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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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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...
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...
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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!
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!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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!
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!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
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.
July 7, 2026
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!
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!
August 27, 2026
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
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
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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).
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).
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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. 📚💕
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. 📚💕
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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,.
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,.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
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.
August 7, 2026
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!
Ultimately not for me, but some may still enjoy this!
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!
Ultimately not for me, but some may still enjoy this!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An e-copy of this book was provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review
this is the third and last intallment of this historical romance series following 3 earls finding love during their trips. In this one, we are following Simon's story.
after his friends got settled down and are now married, Simon, the last bachlor find it more fitting if they could invite the ladies into their trip, including miss Brown, the caretaker of Effie's ill mother.
I overall enjoyed this book, I liked the romance, it was a slow burn one, the character took their time to talk to each other and got to know each other, because both of them had some personal things that were bothering them, and I loved their shared interest in novels that now we consider classics it was fun watching them discussing them as new releases because once upon a time they were.
I was actually afraid there would be a stupid third act conflict or a miscommunication, but thankfully, it wasn't.
there was an explicit scene, but it ended within like two pages, so I wouldn't consider this book spicy.
overall, I really liked this book, and I already plan to go back and read the other books in this series.
this is the third and last intallment of this historical romance series following 3 earls finding love during their trips. In this one, we are following Simon's story.
after his friends got settled down and are now married, Simon, the last bachlor find it more fitting if they could invite the ladies into their trip, including miss Brown, the caretaker of Effie's ill mother.
I overall enjoyed this book, I liked the romance, it was a slow burn one, the character took their time to talk to each other and got to know each other, because both of them had some personal things that were bothering them, and I loved their shared interest in novels that now we consider classics it was fun watching them discussing them as new releases because once upon a time they were.
I was actually afraid there would be a stupid third act conflict or a miscommunication, but thankfully, it wasn't.
there was an explicit scene, but it ended within like two pages, so I wouldn't consider this book spicy.
overall, I really liked this book, and I already plan to go back and read the other books in this series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I've read and enjoyed Jenny Holiday's contemporaries, so when I spotted this historical, I grabbed it. It did not disappoint.
Simon wasn't meant to be an earl - as the third son, he was for the church. He is quiet and studious and serious. He reads a lot, but now he's discovered fiction, thanks to Miss Diantha Brown, who is the companion/carer for his friend's mother.
Miss Brown is in a difficult position. She needs to be ruined - but only JUST enough to make her unmarriageable.
I loved both the main characters. Actually, I loved the side characters too. This book is heartwarming and genuinely funny. Extra points for the use of 'arse' instead of 'ass'.
I gather this is book 3 in a series. I shall have to go and read the rest of the books now.
Simon wasn't meant to be an earl - as the third son, he was for the church. He is quiet and studious and serious. He reads a lot, but now he's discovered fiction, thanks to Miss Diantha Brown, who is the companion/carer for his friend's mother.
Miss Brown is in a difficult position. She needs to be ruined - but only JUST enough to make her unmarriageable.
I loved both the main characters. Actually, I loved the side characters too. This book is heartwarming and genuinely funny. Extra points for the use of 'arse' instead of 'ass'.
I gather this is book 3 in a series. I shall have to go and read the rest of the books now.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
My favorite of the Earl’s Trip books. The idea that Simon and Diantha met and fell in love through talking about books warms my librarian’s heart.
It was nice to see all the Earls and their partners together on this trip. Also nice to see the care that is taken with Lady Harcourt with regards to her dementia.
As a reader, I wished there was a scene/chapter in this book where Simon’s mother gets her comeuppance. She is a true villain who did some really nasty things. The ultimate altercation between Simon and his mother occurred off page and was alluded to, but the payoff would’ve been to be a fly on the wall.
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It was nice to see all the Earls and their partners together on this trip. Also nice to see the care that is taken with Lady Harcourt with regards to her dementia.
As a reader, I wished there was a scene/chapter in this book where Simon’s mother gets her comeuppance. She is a true villain who did some really nasty things. The ultimate altercation between Simon and his mother occurred off page and was alluded to, but the payoff would’ve been to be a fly on the wall.
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Tropes: Regency Historical Romance | Scholarly Earl x Lady's Companion | Fake Ruination / Mutual Rescue | Found Family & Bromance
Review: Brown-Eyed Earl by Jenny Holiday was such a charming, witty, and heartwarming read! Simon and Diantha’s connection felt so genuine and sweet, especially with their shared love of trading books.
The "Ted Lasso meets Bridgerton" dynamic delivered on every level, the bromance between the earls and the cozy country house setting made it impossible to put down. It’s funny, swoony, and full of heart. If you love bookish leads, banter, and clever historical romance, you need to read this!
Thank you to the publisher, the author, and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Tropes: Regency Historical Romance | Scholarly Earl x Lady's Companion | Fake Ruination / Mutual Rescue | Found Family & Bromance
Review: Brown-Eyed Earl by Jenny Holiday was such a charming, witty, and heartwarming read! Simon and Diantha’s connection felt so genuine and sweet, especially with their shared love of trading books.
The "Ted Lasso meets Bridgerton" dynamic delivered on every level, the bromance between the earls and the cozy country house setting made it impossible to put down. It’s funny, swoony, and full of heart. If you love bookish leads, banter, and clever historical romance, you need to read this!
Thank you to the publisher, the author, and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Diantha Brown has a problem. Her slug of a brother-in-law (dead sister's husband) wants to marry her. She would rather be dead. But he has a secret he’s blackmailing her with, so she needs a plan to make him not want her anymore. Like becoming sullied. So she goes to a man she trusts, Lord Harcourt's (her employer) best friend, Lord Marsden (Simon) to request help with that. Or at least, the appearance of sullying.
Diantha's request turns Simon's world upside down. In a good way. 😉
This series is so fun, like a Regency era Bromance Book Club. This one somehow felt even more moving and heartfelt, and I am here for it. I hope Olive will get a book as well.
Slow burn.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the eARC. These opinions are my own.
Diantha's request turns Simon's world upside down. In a good way. 😉
This series is so fun, like a Regency era Bromance Book Club. This one somehow felt even more moving and heartfelt, and I am here for it. I hope Olive will get a book as well.
Slow burn.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the eARC. These opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was obsessed with these two weirdos. It was giving neurodivergence and I was immediately excited to read it from page one. I don’t always enjoy a historical romance, esp. one relating to this social era, but this was much enjoyed and not super stereotypical. I think there are some fun surprises to be had. If anything, I only wish that we could have seen a bit more of their life and dynamic together later on.
But their chemistry is very apparent and their personalities are perfectly complementary. I also enjoy that they are quite witty with each other and each enjoys the other’s strange banter.
But their chemistry is very apparent and their personalities are perfectly complementary. I also enjoy that they are quite witty with each other and each enjoys the other’s strange banter.
July 5, 2026
My favorite Earls Trip novel: a tale of two bibliophiles who fall in love! I found Simon's thoughtfulness to be so endearing (the lemons 😍); Diantha's solutions to her problem somewhat naive; and both of them a little oblivious to their feelings. I enjoyed having all the characters together again and seeing them from Simon and Diantha's points of view. Olive played such a matchmaking role in their relationship, I think she needs her own novel next!
📚🍋🎀💦🔥⭐️❤️
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
📚🍋🎀💦🔥⭐️❤️
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wonderful slow burn that made me want to knock their heads together for how long it took them to realise their feelings. Fortunately they realised just as I was reaching the limits of my patience.
My new favourite in the series, absolutely loved how vile the two villains were. Even though we only briefly encountered them, the threat of them hovered over the leads the whole book.
It’s refreshing to read a regency novel with a softer male lead instead of a hyper masculine rake. This book had a lot of emotional depth and a very engaging and original plot.
My new favourite in the series, absolutely loved how vile the two villains were. Even though we only briefly encountered them, the threat of them hovered over the leads the whole book.
It’s refreshing to read a regency novel with a softer male lead instead of a hyper masculine rake. This book had a lot of emotional depth and a very engaging and original plot.
July 23, 2026
I’m going to have to go back and read the first two in the series because this was so good! The dialogue was intelligent and heartfelt, honest and genuine. There were so many little things that made sense felt unique in this genre, like him not learning her name until 2/3 thru. I also liked the time devoted to Dianthe and Archie’s friendship.
Gurglewood had me cackling. IYKYK.
Most importantly, the ending was SO SATISFYING. No miscommunication trope needed! Adults communicating! Trusting each other! No third act break up!!
Thank you to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.
Gurglewood had me cackling. IYKYK.
Most importantly, the ending was SO SATISFYING. No miscommunication trope needed! Adults communicating! Trusting each other! No third act break up!!
Thank you to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
oh, goodness, starchy Simon and the straight-laced Miss Brown! Getting to their HEA took some turns that weren't quite expected, but quite "right" nonetheless. There were some moments that were quite heart-breaking, but then leavened with snort-out-loud passages.
This has been such a good series. I know we've gotten all three Earls squared away, but I do hope there is room for one more book in the series so we can get Olive her HEA. She deserves it!
This has been such a good series. I know we've gotten all three Earls squared away, but I do hope there is room for one more book in the series so we can get Olive her HEA. She deserves it!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This slow-burn regency era romance is a delightful read! I loved the interaction and yearning between the FMC and MMC and the cast of characters added depth to the story. This book is the third in a series but can be read as a standalone. I read this without having read the first two and did not feel lost or like I was missing backstory. However, I enjoyed it so much that I will definitely be going back to read books one and two!
Regency Romance
Slow-burn
Found Family
Friendship
Regency Romance
Slow-burn
Found Family
Friendship
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