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Earl of my Heart
★★★★★ - "I loved this book so much!"★★★★★ - "Fantastic story and characters!"Dane Redford Lambourne, now the fourth Earl of Huntsbridge, never thought to live a responsible, noble existence. Spending his nights as a privileged gentleman, carousing and enjoying the company of friends was the only life he ever aspired to until the sudden death of his brother thrust him into a world he never wanted and was not prepared to face.Lady Nichola Crawford couldn't care less if the fabric of her new evening dress matched her shoes or if any of the men at the upcoming ball even looked in her direction. She would sooner stay in the country and scour her father's library than place herself on the marriage block to be picked at and prodded by the scant handful of ill-deserving men in London.But a chance meeting at a local confectioner shop is all it takes to set off sparks between the man who vowed no woman would ever get under his skin and the woman who would do anything to deny the love she felt for the Earl of her heart.
- GenresHistorical Romance
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 7, 2009
38 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Oliveri
12 books23 followersInternational bestselling author, Victoria Oliveri, is a long-time researcher and re-enactor whose studies and travels have given her tomes of ideas for her historical novels. She lives in the mountainous Lehigh Valley with her rescued cats and beautiful parrots.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 7, 2019
This was a most engaging read. I loved the characters, they had such depth. There were a number of twists and turns in the story that kept my interest until the end. I enjoyed the way the siblings looked out for each other. I am certainly going to read the rest in this series.
September 1, 2017
There are so many inconsistencies in this book that I hardly know where to begin.
This novel is set in Regency time but written with complete ignorance to manners, social standing, class distinction, price structure(cost of dresses)... of that time.
- Let's start with the age of Nichola(20) and her sister(23): a 23 year old would be in her 6th season and considered "on the shelf"/nearly spinster. As the daughter of an earl, beautiful and with a dowry, she would have been married off after her first, if her father let her choose maybe second season. Her father does not strike me as a loving parent who would allow his daughters to refuse several offers.
- debutants would never attend a ball alone, with neither mother, father or other chaperone.
- a mother taking a stroll with her eldest and leaving behind the younger daughter with a man known as a rake - no way.
- lords with properties in Italy and Egypt, not in that time. There were the Napoleonic wars in that time in those regions, their properties would have been in the Far East or the West Indies.
- a suitor who provides gowns for a young, unmarried, innocent lady - no way, maybe small trinkets like fans or knickknacks were acceptable but never personal items.
Later the author describes a balloon ride: Dane and Nichola board a ballon, take off and then Nichola demands to go back - and guess what? they do, they land on the very spot they took off. That is not how a ballon ride works: The balloon rises by gas or hot air and its direction is determind by the blowing of the wind, so you will never land in the starting location.
Dane is not a sympathetic hero. He acts like a spoiled brat, when courting her gets him no immediate results he ends the courting.
That was the plot up to 40% on my kindle and then the plotline became so over the top that I started skimming and only read the first pages of every chapter.
Dear author, please do your research, format the novel properly, and learn correct grammar especially the use of tenses ( if a story is told in the present, actions in the past would be told in the past tense; if a story is told in the past, actions in the past should be told in the past perfect, i.g. "they ate the sweets he had bought").
This novel is set in Regency time but written with complete ignorance to manners, social standing, class distinction, price structure(cost of dresses)... of that time.
- Let's start with the age of Nichola(20) and her sister(23): a 23 year old would be in her 6th season and considered "on the shelf"/nearly spinster. As the daughter of an earl, beautiful and with a dowry, she would have been married off after her first, if her father let her choose maybe second season. Her father does not strike me as a loving parent who would allow his daughters to refuse several offers.
- debutants would never attend a ball alone, with neither mother, father or other chaperone.
- a mother taking a stroll with her eldest and leaving behind the younger daughter with a man known as a rake - no way.
- lords with properties in Italy and Egypt, not in that time. There were the Napoleonic wars in that time in those regions, their properties would have been in the Far East or the West Indies.
- a suitor who provides gowns for a young, unmarried, innocent lady - no way, maybe small trinkets like fans or knickknacks were acceptable but never personal items.
Later the author describes a balloon ride: Dane and Nichola board a ballon, take off and then Nichola demands to go back - and guess what? they do, they land on the very spot they took off. That is not how a ballon ride works: The balloon rises by gas or hot air and its direction is determind by the blowing of the wind, so you will never land in the starting location.
Dane is not a sympathetic hero. He acts like a spoiled brat, when courting her gets him no immediate results he ends the courting.
That was the plot up to 40% on my kindle and then the plotline became so over the top that I started skimming and only read the first pages of every chapter.
Dear author, please do your research, format the novel properly, and learn correct grammar especially the use of tenses ( if a story is told in the present, actions in the past would be told in the past tense; if a story is told in the past, actions in the past should be told in the past perfect, i.g. "they ate the sweets he had bought").
December 11, 2017
If this is the kind of erratic writing that constitutes the recent literary choices, then I would rather re~read the well~seasoned and more distinguished works the like of Heyer, Balogh, Garwood, McNaught, Howell et al. I find this novel quite annoyingly without purpose but to muddle through a plethora of disjointed inner thoughts and dialogues and it is certainly pointless to go on reading this kind of twaddle. First Nicola has a big chip on her shoulder that she is unattractive and doesn't believe Dane's voiced admiration and attraction to her (insecure, much?) to the extent that she does not consider marriage and family but spinsterhood. She allows Dane to court her, turns him off and now she is contemplating recently unengaged Grey's attentions? (I stopped reading at this point.) The characters in this book are so juvenile. The author should be writing contemporary teenage fiction and stay away from Regencies. Frankly this is a disgrace to the genre.
December 11, 2017
I finished it, but it is not a well told story. Nichola, our heroine is a blithering idiot. She decides she isn't worthy of Dane's love so many times in this book it became tedious. Deciding she isn't worthy of Dane's love and then accepting Dane happens so many times that it felt like the whole middle part of this book was on repeat. Much of the story is spent on the confused thoughts of these two characters. Again, think repeat. No new thoughts but the same ones over and over again. I understand that the author was writing Nichola as a seriously insecure young woman but it was too much. Dane, our hero, is written as a typical handsome and rich alpha. He however gets emotionally yanked around by everyone including Nichola. I think the premise was an interesting idea but the book should have been filled out instead of repeating the same conflict over and over. If Nichola and Dane had shown some growth from each conflict I would have liked them more.
May 15, 2020
Unlikable Hero
I read a lot of Regency, so I am surprised that I have not come across this author before. Unfortunately, I did have some issues with this book.
The book gets off to a great start when our hero learns about the death of his older brother, making him the earl. He had been living a somewhat licentious and dissolute life before (as many spares seem to do in Regency romance), though we don't really learn the full extent of his roguishness until later in the book. He hadn't planned on this happening, of course—though he had always thought he would become the earl in his dotage—but he takes charge that very first day, informing his other brothers, sister, servants, and their father about his brother’s death. He’s had a terrible relationship with his father as the older man always preferred his heir. On an outing to pick up candy for his sister, the hero meets the heroine and is drawn to her right away. The heroine is almost considered the red-headed stepchild within her own family, with her parents, especially her mother, lavishing a lot of attention on her sister instead. The sister is a vain and haughty young woman.
The biggest thing I didn't like about this book is that I got a different sense of the hero in that first chapter than I did when I read the rest of the book; this hero is almost like two different people. In that first chapter, he comes across as very serious, no-nonsense, and keen to live up to his new responsibilities even if they are unpleasant. When we meet him again, we really learn the extent of his rakishness, and it is not a flattering portrait. The way he acted with both the sisters was inappropriate, especially what he did with the sister who wasn't our heroine. And the way he talked about women with his friend (and all their past challenges to ruin young women)? He quickly became non-hero material in my eyes. I just couldn’t get past the way he and his friend treated and talked about women. I have to like the hero to enjoy a romance, and I just could not like this one or at least a man he became after that first chapter. I liked him in that one chapter only, and I only got more and more disenchanted with him the more I saw. There are also some issues with plot holes as well, but I won't detail those as I’ve ranted long enough. So, all in all, I found this to be a disappointing read.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
I read a lot of Regency, so I am surprised that I have not come across this author before. Unfortunately, I did have some issues with this book.
The book gets off to a great start when our hero learns about the death of his older brother, making him the earl. He had been living a somewhat licentious and dissolute life before (as many spares seem to do in Regency romance), though we don't really learn the full extent of his roguishness until later in the book. He hadn't planned on this happening, of course—though he had always thought he would become the earl in his dotage—but he takes charge that very first day, informing his other brothers, sister, servants, and their father about his brother’s death. He’s had a terrible relationship with his father as the older man always preferred his heir. On an outing to pick up candy for his sister, the hero meets the heroine and is drawn to her right away. The heroine is almost considered the red-headed stepchild within her own family, with her parents, especially her mother, lavishing a lot of attention on her sister instead. The sister is a vain and haughty young woman.
The biggest thing I didn't like about this book is that I got a different sense of the hero in that first chapter than I did when I read the rest of the book; this hero is almost like two different people. In that first chapter, he comes across as very serious, no-nonsense, and keen to live up to his new responsibilities even if they are unpleasant. When we meet him again, we really learn the extent of his rakishness, and it is not a flattering portrait. The way he acted with both the sisters was inappropriate, especially what he did with the sister who wasn't our heroine. And the way he talked about women with his friend (and all their past challenges to ruin young women)? He quickly became non-hero material in my eyes. I just couldn’t get past the way he and his friend treated and talked about women. I have to like the hero to enjoy a romance, and I just could not like this one or at least a man he became after that first chapter. I liked him in that one chapter only, and I only got more and more disenchanted with him the more I saw. There are also some issues with plot holes as well, but I won't detail those as I’ve ranted long enough. So, all in all, I found this to be a disappointing read.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
May 12, 2020
"Lady Nichola had done something that no other woman in his life had ever done before. She had managed the impossible...with just one look, she made him suddenly consider taking a wife. It was then he knew he was doomed."
Nicola had just danced with the Earl of Huntsbridge, the man she had spoken to in the candy shot when he had asked her which candy she would choose. He was trying to pick for his sister. She had thought him handsome then but had found out show he was, a know rake.
Dane had just come into the title with the sudden death of his brother. It felt is was a burden and of course would never fill his brother's shoes, in his father's eyes or his own. He was used to doing as he pleased and enjoying his friends and amusements. But then he met Nicola, whose sister was thought of as the true beauty but he felt something when their eyes met.
Through a winding journey filled with some rather tense moments and a look into the society of at that time and the harm that can come . Can these two ever find their happy ending? I do recommend and want to read more in this series!
Nicola had just danced with the Earl of Huntsbridge, the man she had spoken to in the candy shot when he had asked her which candy she would choose. He was trying to pick for his sister. She had thought him handsome then but had found out show he was, a know rake.
Dane had just come into the title with the sudden death of his brother. It felt is was a burden and of course would never fill his brother's shoes, in his father's eyes or his own. He was used to doing as he pleased and enjoying his friends and amusements. But then he met Nicola, whose sister was thought of as the true beauty but he felt something when their eyes met.
Through a winding journey filled with some rather tense moments and a look into the society of at that time and the harm that can come . Can these two ever find their happy ending? I do recommend and want to read more in this series!
March 6, 2020
This was an incredibly well written book. Even though it is a long and good length, it still felt like a whirlwind. There was action everywhere and things happening. So much more than I could ever have expected and pulled together so expertly. The characters and the storyline. It was all golden.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 21, 2019
Fantastic story and characters. Had me biting my nails through some of it. Love it!
May 3, 2020
ONE TITILLATING JOURNEY!!!
Fantastic! Victoria captured the essence and sentiment, touching my heart with each nuance, presenting this brilliantly composed delight, imparting an arresting storyline and gripping plot, wrapping this baby up sleek, shiny and tight. Satisfaction is an understatement, this baby comes packing a punch that's sure to please, putting our characters through their paces, catapulting this baby to staggering heights. Anarchy, escapades and havoc run amuck, kicking this bad boy into a roaring tempest, catapulting it into a tailspin with an explosive culmination. Rolling with the drama, intrigue, tension, turmoil, revelations, secrets, danger, mounting suspense and precarious situations along with a boatload of trouble while dodging calamity, you have one mind-blowing masterpiece. A churning vortex full of vexing mishaps and happenstance, exposing the intimidating trials and challenging tribulations, along with a slew of startling twists and wicked turns, testing our characters in ways they could have never envisioned. Braided, bound and entangled, imparting the explosive ups and agonizing downs, grounding in it's strength and awe-inspiring in it's depth. The characters, banter, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow, transforming into genuinely charismatic personalities. The scenes are written with such realism, impressive passion, imagination and unique insight, blasts this sparkling jewel wide open, making the storyline explode. Incredible job Victoria, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
Fantastic! Victoria captured the essence and sentiment, touching my heart with each nuance, presenting this brilliantly composed delight, imparting an arresting storyline and gripping plot, wrapping this baby up sleek, shiny and tight. Satisfaction is an understatement, this baby comes packing a punch that's sure to please, putting our characters through their paces, catapulting this baby to staggering heights. Anarchy, escapades and havoc run amuck, kicking this bad boy into a roaring tempest, catapulting it into a tailspin with an explosive culmination. Rolling with the drama, intrigue, tension, turmoil, revelations, secrets, danger, mounting suspense and precarious situations along with a boatload of trouble while dodging calamity, you have one mind-blowing masterpiece. A churning vortex full of vexing mishaps and happenstance, exposing the intimidating trials and challenging tribulations, along with a slew of startling twists and wicked turns, testing our characters in ways they could have never envisioned. Braided, bound and entangled, imparting the explosive ups and agonizing downs, grounding in it's strength and awe-inspiring in it's depth. The characters, banter, interactions and charged atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits, blend and flow, transforming into genuinely charismatic personalities. The scenes are written with such realism, impressive passion, imagination and unique insight, blasts this sparkling jewel wide open, making the storyline explode. Incredible job Victoria, thanks for sharing this bad boy with us.
May 5, 2020
I enjoyed this book despite some of the plot holes and actions that didn’t always seem to fit the time period. But the story line was good and, for me, it is worth continuing this series. The most frustrating part was the characters not being able to make up their minds. I also didn’t like the attitude of the men who looked on the women as objects to cleverly “ruin” without compunction and get a good laugh out of their disgrace. For them, it may be the delight of winning a bet or the challenge of proving they can manipulate adroitly. But it was no small matter to the lady whose life was destroyed as she was relegated to the shelf of spinsterhood and loneliness through no fault or guilt of her own. (Okay, off the soapbox.)
Anyway, I did enjoy the story most of the time. Lady Nichola Crawford was not my favorite due to her stubborn mindset and miscommunications. Dane Redford Lambourne was unprepared to be the Fourth Earl of Huntsbridge upon the death of his older brother. Life had been fun and games, knowing his brother would have to be the responsible one handling the estate. When reality hits, aside from some immediate guidance, Dane needs a wife and heir. This is his and Nichola’s story of that journey into responsibility. Grab your copy and enjoy!
Anyway, I did enjoy the story most of the time. Lady Nichola Crawford was not my favorite due to her stubborn mindset and miscommunications. Dane Redford Lambourne was unprepared to be the Fourth Earl of Huntsbridge upon the death of his older brother. Life had been fun and games, knowing his brother would have to be the responsible one handling the estate. When reality hits, aside from some immediate guidance, Dane needs a wife and heir. This is his and Nichola’s story of that journey into responsibility. Grab your copy and enjoy!
August 12, 2017
What a stupendously awesome read! !!
I just love a good Regency story, and this is the league of either of the Bronte sisters stories. Mr Darcy has a rival in Lord Huntsbridge, in the dashing and gallant stakes. Although, I found Lady Nichola a bit insipid at times, although I am judging a 19th century century lady against today's standards.
Yes, a Regency novels go, I found this dramatic and suspenseful in parts, infuriating and tedious in others, only because the characters seemed not to be able to say what they desired plainly, thus leading to mis-communication with the ones they cared for, but again that is part of the Regency novels charms.
I have voluntarily submitted this review after reading an advanced copy of this book.
I just love a good Regency story, and this is the league of either of the Bronte sisters stories. Mr Darcy has a rival in Lord Huntsbridge, in the dashing and gallant stakes. Although, I found Lady Nichola a bit insipid at times, although I am judging a 19th century century lady against today's standards.
Yes, a Regency novels go, I found this dramatic and suspenseful in parts, infuriating and tedious in others, only because the characters seemed not to be able to say what they desired plainly, thus leading to mis-communication with the ones they cared for, but again that is part of the Regency novels charms.
I have voluntarily submitted this review after reading an advanced copy of this book.
May 5, 2020
Danger and action.
Two true opposite meet and the sparks they do fly. Dane loves the life of a privileged gentleman but fate has a way of changing how a person feels (the first twist). Nichola could care less about the ton she is a true country girl and perhaps a bit of a bluestocking. I enjoyed the book but I do agree with some of the reviewers on GoodReads about inconsistencies in the book. Where I understand how they felt I still found that I liked the tale. I like the characters because they were a bit flawed and sisters will be sisters after all but when one is a bit off it makes for an interesting read. Danger and action are present along with some interesting twists and I enjoyed how it was written. I would have no problem recommending this book to friends. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Two true opposite meet and the sparks they do fly. Dane loves the life of a privileged gentleman but fate has a way of changing how a person feels (the first twist). Nichola could care less about the ton she is a true country girl and perhaps a bit of a bluestocking. I enjoyed the book but I do agree with some of the reviewers on GoodReads about inconsistencies in the book. Where I understand how they felt I still found that I liked the tale. I like the characters because they were a bit flawed and sisters will be sisters after all but when one is a bit off it makes for an interesting read. Danger and action are present along with some interesting twists and I enjoyed how it was written. I would have no problem recommending this book to friends. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
January 12, 2021
Halfway A Spinster
I was given a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Not my favorite trope... unsympathetic protagonist whose missteps almost got her what she wanted, alone and unloved. When she encounters Dane Redford Lambourne, now the fourth Earl of Huntsbridge, whose reputation as a rake precedes him, she is indifferent and standoffish. It seems as if her sister, spoiled and flamboyant, Madeline, is the talk of the ton, leaving her nothing but older and distasteful suitors to avoid at all costs. The story was compelling and I was engaged to the end. The narration was excellent.
I was given a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Not my favorite trope... unsympathetic protagonist whose missteps almost got her what she wanted, alone and unloved. When she encounters Dane Redford Lambourne, now the fourth Earl of Huntsbridge, whose reputation as a rake precedes him, she is indifferent and standoffish. It seems as if her sister, spoiled and flamboyant, Madeline, is the talk of the ton, leaving her nothing but older and distasteful suitors to avoid at all costs. The story was compelling and I was engaged to the end. The narration was excellent.
July 15, 2018
This is a deeply emotional and action-packed romance. The ugliness of the Earl of Huntsbridge's life comes to the forefront as it conversely effects the woman whom he wants to make his countess. It shows the madness and depraved effects of the life he was living with his friend, Lord Grayson. How ruined a woman can become in Regency society, by the games licentious men play with societies innocent women.This story is not light-hearted, but emotionally charged. It made me extremely aware of the depravity our society plays with and the damage it does emotionally to its victims.
May 5, 2020
Book one in The Lambourne Legacy series a well written story with a great storyline, I was not putting this book down until I had finished reading it. This is a new Author to me. Dane Redford Lambourne is now the fourth Earl of Huntsbridge after his older brother dies. He meets Lady Nichola Crawford who has no plans to marry at first. These two will have a lot to get through there is suspense, drama, danger, kidnapping, attempted murder, and romance. I want to read the next book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 16, 2020
This is my first time reading something by Ms. Oliveri, and I enjoyed it very much. The storyline was very engaging and there were plenty of plot twists and tense moments along the way to keep you guessing. The characters were wonderfully developed with depth and amazing personalities that gave them an authentic quality. The story captured my interest from the beginning and I was engaged all the way through. This is the first book of the series and I am looking forward to reading the next one!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 19, 2025
In her sister’s shadow!
I don’t think I have ever read a story of a more twisted family! The parents of two daughters but they only have time for the older one, Nichola has never felt loved, pretty or dressed like her sister. When she catches the eye of the Earl, Dane, her sister Madeleine tries to take him! Her life and that of Dane is a nightmare! His best friend Grey and Maddy are determined to destroy their happiness! Very good book!
I don’t think I have ever read a story of a more twisted family! The parents of two daughters but they only have time for the older one, Nichola has never felt loved, pretty or dressed like her sister. When she catches the eye of the Earl, Dane, her sister Madeleine tries to take him! Her life and that of Dane is a nightmare! His best friend Grey and Maddy are determined to destroy their happiness! Very good book!
May 4, 2020
I loved this book! It is a bit different which I really thought the author wrote with strong characters, love angles, intrigue and just good writing. Watching the story and characters develop kept me reading straight through. A bit different Regency romance which you will enjoy reading. Recommended read.
September 24, 2021
A ridiculous book. I almost put it down many times but then thought that it had to get better. It never did. Nichola was the hero t who was so ridiculous in her emotions I cannot describe it. There were a bunch of crazy people in this book. If the heroine was ridiculous, the other characters were worse
September 24, 2017
Love it
Excitement, heartbreak, hope and joy hooks you from the start. Thanks for the adventure can't wait to start the next book .
Excitement, heartbreak, hope and joy hooks you from the start. Thanks for the adventure can't wait to start the next book .
May 17, 2023
Pathetic
I was thankful that this pathetic excuse for a novel finally came to an end. If another person has any thought about reading this book they will surely regret it.
I was thankful that this pathetic excuse for a novel finally came to an end. If another person has any thought about reading this book they will surely regret it.
April 22, 2020
Honestly I think this book had potential but it is full of plot holes huge ones not simple little mistakes. I am usually pretty forgiving but I just couldn't with this one. Example the h/H meet in a confectioner's shop the H is buying candy for his sister they talk about it then and later at the ball and yet a few chapters later the h says she didn't even know the H had a sister.
I really wanted to like this book because I have the next 2 in the series but I am not sure I will read the others at this time.
I really wanted to like this book because I have the next 2 in the series but I am not sure I will read the others at this time.
May 6, 2020
This review contains spoiler alerts.
I did not like this book. I could not relate to any of the characters. The heroine, Nichola, has an older sister Madeleine that is quite pretty but vain and narcissistic and has absolutely no respect for Nichola. Because of her sister’s beauty, Nichola feels unattractive.
The hero enters the picture when he runs across Nichola in a candy shop and is entranced with her beauty. They both feel an attraction to each other but he leaves before finding out who she is. She asks the shop manager who the gentleman was and he identifies Dane. Nichola believes Dane to be quite the rake.
At a ball the plot thickens when Dane and his best friend Grey (who is betrothed to another) discuss a wager Grey has put to Dane to seduce Madeleine. When Dane discovers that Madeleine is the sister of no other but Nichola he tells Grey he has developed feelings for Nichola and will not pursue the wager.
Madeleine attempts to seduce Dane at the ball and again after he has announced his betrothal to Nichola. Dane and Nichola have a difficult start to her learning to trust him and she has other issues too numerous to mention. Dane leaves town to clear his head and then Grey moves in on Nichola (which I can only assume to show he can best Dane at something). She accepts Grey’s courtship (even though she can’t stand him – and oh by the way, Grey’s betrothed betrayed him with another thus cancelling their engagement) because she’s lost Dane. I think you get the picture.
I could find no redeeming qualities to any of the characters and could not finish the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I did not like this book. I could not relate to any of the characters. The heroine, Nichola, has an older sister Madeleine that is quite pretty but vain and narcissistic and has absolutely no respect for Nichola. Because of her sister’s beauty, Nichola feels unattractive.
The hero enters the picture when he runs across Nichola in a candy shop and is entranced with her beauty. They both feel an attraction to each other but he leaves before finding out who she is. She asks the shop manager who the gentleman was and he identifies Dane. Nichola believes Dane to be quite the rake.
At a ball the plot thickens when Dane and his best friend Grey (who is betrothed to another) discuss a wager Grey has put to Dane to seduce Madeleine. When Dane discovers that Madeleine is the sister of no other but Nichola he tells Grey he has developed feelings for Nichola and will not pursue the wager.
Madeleine attempts to seduce Dane at the ball and again after he has announced his betrothal to Nichola. Dane and Nichola have a difficult start to her learning to trust him and she has other issues too numerous to mention. Dane leaves town to clear his head and then Grey moves in on Nichola (which I can only assume to show he can best Dane at something). She accepts Grey’s courtship (even though she can’t stand him – and oh by the way, Grey’s betrothed betrayed him with another thus cancelling their engagement) because she’s lost Dane. I think you get the picture.
I could find no redeeming qualities to any of the characters and could not finish the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 11, 2017
Dane has just become the new Earl of Huntsbridge due to the untimely passing of his older half brother. After 27 years of dissolution, this devilishly handsome fellow wants to change his life and take his new found position seriously, but is persuaded by his best friend, the Earl of Greyson, to continue in his naughty ways. Greyson convinces the new Earl to attend a ball where he is cajoled into accepting a wager in which he must tempt each of two sisters to throw propriety to the wind and partake in a bit of slap and pat. At 23, the flamboyant Madeline is an easy mark, but Dane finds himself drawn to the understated beauty of her younger sister, Nichola. Smitten, Dane casts aside Madeline and attempts to woo the independent and intelligent Nichola who is less than thrilled with the whole idea of marriage. There are enough misunderstandings and communications to satisfy even the most ardent fan of Jane Austin...This is the delightfully frustrating and often amusing tale of aristocrats behaving badly. It's an emotional roller coaster of a period romance chock full of obsession, madness and a bit of swashbuckling. The characters are well crafted and the dialog engaging. I found it easy to fall into the rhythm of the author's prose. Earl Of My Heart quickly became a real page turner for me from its beginning to its climax!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews