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The Bachelor Lords of London #1
The Earl Next Door
American heiress Piety Grey is on the run. Suddenly in London and facing the renovation of a crumbling townhouse, she’s determined to make a new life for herself—anything is better than returning to New York City where a cruel mother and horrid betrothal await her. The last thing she needs is a dark, tempting earl inciting her at every turn…
Trevor Rheese, the Earl of Falcondale, isn’t interested in being a good neighbor. After fifteen years of familial obligation, he’s finally free. But when the disarmingly beautiful Piety bursts through his wall—and into his life—his newfound freedom is threatened…even as his curiosity is piqued.
Once Piety’s family arrives in London, Falcondale suddenly finds himself in the midst of a mock courtship to protect the seductive woman who’s turned his world upside down. It’s all for show—or at least it should be. But if Falcondale isn’t careful, he may find a very real happily ever after with the woman of his dreams…
Trevor Rheese, the Earl of Falcondale, isn’t interested in being a good neighbor. After fifteen years of familial obligation, he’s finally free. But when the disarmingly beautiful Piety bursts through his wall—and into his life—his newfound freedom is threatened…even as his curiosity is piqued.
Once Piety’s family arrives in London, Falcondale suddenly finds himself in the midst of a mock courtship to protect the seductive woman who’s turned his world upside down. It’s all for show—or at least it should be. But if Falcondale isn’t careful, he may find a very real happily ever after with the woman of his dreams…
477 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2016
128 people are currently reading
1129 people want to read
About the author
Charis Michaels
13 books502 followersCHARIS MICHAELS is thrilled to be making her debut with Avon Impulse. Prior to writing romance, she studied Journalism at Texas A&M and managed PR for a trade association. She has also worked as a tour guide at Disney World, harvested peaches on her family’s farm, and entertained children as the “Story Godmother” at birthday parties. She has lived in Texas, Florida, and London, England. She now makes her home in the Washington, D.C.-metro area.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
May 21, 2017
1.5 stars
Was there a love triangle involving a staircase in this? 'Cause it felt like there was a love triangle involving a staircase.
The story felt chaotic with all the characters, nosy neighbors, a bachelor earl who simply dramatically can't quit kissing the heroine, cartoon-y villainous mother and five step-brothers, bad guy Greek, and more.
The hero had no depth while the heroine sort of did but the unevenness of her having the courage to travel to England to buy a house on her own but couldn't possibly stand up to her family had me head tilting. Also, what is up with the whole paper thin catalyst of the heroine moving to England? Head tilt. Don't even ask me about the inheritance issue and how mom and bros wanted to get control of the money. I also can't really comment on the pseudo-Greek mafia dude who showed up at the end because my eyes were a glazing by that time.
This was a new to me author and she had some moments that felt encouraging but the story was too chaotic, the hero severely lacked depth, and I need more in my relationships than "I can't help but kiss you!" a few minutes later and a dramatic turn away "I can never marry you! Stay away!" repeated for 80% of the story. Seriously, this is what composed the majority of their relationship. I would also recommend not reading this if in an actual historical mood, 'cause yeah, head tilt. The upgrade to 2 stars is for the glimpse of cute moments between the hero and heroine.
Was there a love triangle involving a staircase in this? 'Cause it felt like there was a love triangle involving a staircase.
The story felt chaotic with all the characters, nosy neighbors, a bachelor earl who simply dramatically can't quit kissing the heroine, cartoon-y villainous mother and five step-brothers, bad guy Greek, and more.
The hero had no depth while the heroine sort of did but the unevenness of her having the courage to travel to England to buy a house on her own but couldn't possibly stand up to her family had me head tilting. Also, what is up with the whole paper thin catalyst of the heroine moving to England? Head tilt. Don't even ask me about the inheritance issue and how mom and bros wanted to get control of the money. I also can't really comment on the pseudo-Greek mafia dude who showed up at the end because my eyes were a glazing by that time.
This was a new to me author and she had some moments that felt encouraging but the story was too chaotic, the hero severely lacked depth, and I need more in my relationships than "I can't help but kiss you!" a few minutes later and a dramatic turn away "I can never marry you! Stay away!" repeated for 80% of the story. Seriously, this is what composed the majority of their relationship. I would also recommend not reading this if in an actual historical mood, 'cause yeah, head tilt. The upgrade to 2 stars is for the glimpse of cute moments between the hero and heroine.
April 28, 2016
Kissing her was like taking a hasty bite of something he hadn’t expected to find quite so delicious. Something warm and sweet and too sumptuous to be gobbled up in passing, without giving it its due. Without savoring.
Piety Grey, an American heiress, escaped her cruel mother when she tried to force her into a betrothel to one of her horrible stepbrothers. Because of the money left to her in her father’s will she was able to buy a crumbling townhouse in London, which she is determine to make into a home for herself and her friend, Tiny. Hopefully the restoration will be done before her awful family arrives to try and take her back to America. Now if only she could count on her neighbour to help her with this, and if only he wasn’t so tempting with his dark and brooding looks.
The recent Earl of Falcondale, Trevor Rheese, is tired of responsibility. After fifteen years of family obligations all he wants to do is sell his townhouse, and leave London for good. What he does not need is the trouble his new beautiful neighbour, who temps him like no other, brings. He cannot and will not give up his chance at freedom, no matter how much she turns his world upside down. But then her dreadful family arrives, and Trevor can’t help coming to the aid of Piety, pretending to be courting Piety in order to keep her stepbrothers away from her. But nothing feels like pretend, definitely not the intense chemistry between them.
“I don’t want anyone but you,” he said, kissing her. “You are the beginning and the end for me. More than enough. You are far better than I deserve. No one could ever exceed you, ever, and I will take these memories with me to my grave.”
I really enjoyed the romance in this book. Piety was so gutsy and sweet, and you can’t help but admire her for trying to take control of her life, especially in times when women weren’t really given any rights. I really liked the passion between Trevor and Piety, and the way they tried to avoid it, but always ended up kissing :-D My only complaint was even thought I could understand why Trevor would be reluctant to give into what he felt for Piety, I did think his reluctance lasted way too long.
I really enjoyed the plot of the book. Piety’s mother and stepbrothers were appalling, and the suspense caused by someone from Trevor’s past created additional tension.
This was a really good debut novel. It was detailed, and the plot was very interesting, the romance was passionate and romantic, and the characters wonderful. My favorite character was the marchioness, Lady Frinfrock. I just loved this grumpy and snarky old lady. She was a hoot.
I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys HR.
February 22, 2016
I usually let the book “percolate” in my mind for at least a week before I do a review of it. Well, this time I just had to jump on a review because this book, a debut mind you, was so much fun, I couldn’t wait to let you all know about it.
The first thing I noticed is the prose. I just loved it!
"Kissing her was like taking a hasty bite of something he hadn’t expected to find quite so delicious. Something warm and sweet and too sumptuous to be gobbled up in passing, without giving its due. Without savoring."
~~~ * ~~~
"She leaned back against the wall and slid downward. To sit. On his floor. He blinked, watching her descend. Past his chest. Past his bloody groin. Between his knees. She sat down on his floor, her bare feet and ankles sticking out from beneath her skirt like sweets from a pouch."
~~~ * ~~~
The second thing was the characters, and not just the hero and heroine, but everyone that was introduced to us, starting with the marchioness [if you’re a fan of Downton Abbey, than this character will remind you a lot of Dowager Violet] and Jocelyn, whose POV was refreshing and enlightening. But it’s Piety’s family that will shock, surprise and disgust you, while making you chuckle.
"Jocelyn led them all inside; the mother; the shark-eyed one; a fat one; a bald one; a tall one; and Edward, the smallest brother who had turned up in London the week before."
And the third thing was the plot, which turns into the plots, and both were interesting and entertaining.
As for the chemistry between Piety and Trevor, it was off the charts! Every time they were in a scene, I kept picturing that scene from ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ in which George finally breaks down and proposes, sort of. Do you know which one I’m talking about? He shows up at Mary’s house, she invites him in, and they are having a talk when the phone rings and Sam is on the phone, and then George and Mary are both on the phone, but neither is paying attention to Sam. George has a plan for his life and Mary is not in them. Mary only wants him and to be his wife. George drops his phone and is furious at himself because he just can’t not love her. He is angry and says some things about his plans, and then kisses her … Just love that scene.
Trevor is the same. He has plans and none involve marriage and he fights his attraction throughout the story, to no avail. Piety understands him and feels sorry for him, but she can’t help but fall in love with him. It was a lot of fun watching them come to terms with their attraction to each other.
And the last thing I expected to read in this story is the name of the country I was born in, Serbia! That was so cool, especially because I love my Serbian history and just glimpsing it in a romance novel was awesome.
Here are my notes from goodreads as I was reading it:
21.0% “Debut book and I’m finding it easy to read and very fun.”
33.0% “At 33% and I can’t put the book down! LOVING IT!”
45.0% “People you have to read this book! It is so fast moving and very easy to read! The hero is just so so good!”
Highly recommending it!
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher
The first thing I noticed is the prose. I just loved it!
"Kissing her was like taking a hasty bite of something he hadn’t expected to find quite so delicious. Something warm and sweet and too sumptuous to be gobbled up in passing, without giving its due. Without savoring."
~~~ * ~~~
"She leaned back against the wall and slid downward. To sit. On his floor. He blinked, watching her descend. Past his chest. Past his bloody groin. Between his knees. She sat down on his floor, her bare feet and ankles sticking out from beneath her skirt like sweets from a pouch."
~~~ * ~~~
The second thing was the characters, and not just the hero and heroine, but everyone that was introduced to us, starting with the marchioness [if you’re a fan of Downton Abbey, than this character will remind you a lot of Dowager Violet] and Jocelyn, whose POV was refreshing and enlightening. But it’s Piety’s family that will shock, surprise and disgust you, while making you chuckle.
"Jocelyn led them all inside; the mother; the shark-eyed one; a fat one; a bald one; a tall one; and Edward, the smallest brother who had turned up in London the week before."
And the third thing was the plot, which turns into the plots, and both were interesting and entertaining.
As for the chemistry between Piety and Trevor, it was off the charts! Every time they were in a scene, I kept picturing that scene from ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ in which George finally breaks down and proposes, sort of. Do you know which one I’m talking about? He shows up at Mary’s house, she invites him in, and they are having a talk when the phone rings and Sam is on the phone, and then George and Mary are both on the phone, but neither is paying attention to Sam. George has a plan for his life and Mary is not in them. Mary only wants him and to be his wife. George drops his phone and is furious at himself because he just can’t not love her. He is angry and says some things about his plans, and then kisses her … Just love that scene.
Trevor is the same. He has plans and none involve marriage and he fights his attraction throughout the story, to no avail. Piety understands him and feels sorry for him, but she can’t help but fall in love with him. It was a lot of fun watching them come to terms with their attraction to each other.
And the last thing I expected to read in this story is the name of the country I was born in, Serbia! That was so cool, especially because I love my Serbian history and just glimpsing it in a romance novel was awesome.
Here are my notes from goodreads as I was reading it:
21.0% “Debut book and I’m finding it easy to read and very fun.”
33.0% “At 33% and I can’t put the book down! LOVING IT!”
45.0% “People you have to read this book! It is so fast moving and very easy to read! The hero is just so so good!”
Highly recommending it!
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher
March 25, 2019
I didn't connect with the characters. At a few points I even lost interest in it. So only 1 star for effort.
March 17, 2016
I have never read anything by this author previously and I probably will never read another because this is one of those authors who rip off the book buying public by failing to do her research and gets historical facts incorrect.
This book is set in 1809 and Michaels has the Earl say that if needed to, he could go to Scotland Yard.
Do you see the problem? If not, I'll tell you. Scotland Yard did not exist in 1809. At that time, London was policed, if we can call it that, by the Bow Street Runners.
Michaels has also failed to learn how to develop characters. Piety Gray, the heroine, does not have common sense. She inherited a bunch of stuff when her father died, a lot of which she gave to her rapaciously greedy mother who will no be content until she gets every scrap of Piety's inheritance. Piety comes up with a ridiculous plan to travel from NYC to London, buy a derelict house, restore it. The restoration is supposed to drain all her money and make her mother and the four step-brothers leave her alone. What disturbs me about this plan is that Piety would then have nothing left to live on.
The Earl is one of the walking wounded and that is really all he has going for him. I found his transformation from isolationist to doting husband unrealistic and unconvincing because Michaels is incapable of developing a personality.
The mother and the step-brothers are merely cliched villains. The marchioness is a cliched rich old lady of a curmudgeon. Miss Breedlowe has no personality and was just created to fill a spot in the plot. Tiny, a "free woman of color" is there, I suspect, to show the liberal values of the author through Piety's affection for Tiny whom she treats as an equal.
This book is set in 1809 and Michaels has the Earl say that if needed to, he could go to Scotland Yard.
Do you see the problem? If not, I'll tell you. Scotland Yard did not exist in 1809. At that time, London was policed, if we can call it that, by the Bow Street Runners.
Michaels has also failed to learn how to develop characters. Piety Gray, the heroine, does not have common sense. She inherited a bunch of stuff when her father died, a lot of which she gave to her rapaciously greedy mother who will no be content until she gets every scrap of Piety's inheritance. Piety comes up with a ridiculous plan to travel from NYC to London, buy a derelict house, restore it. The restoration is supposed to drain all her money and make her mother and the four step-brothers leave her alone. What disturbs me about this plan is that Piety would then have nothing left to live on.
The Earl is one of the walking wounded and that is really all he has going for him. I found his transformation from isolationist to doting husband unrealistic and unconvincing because Michaels is incapable of developing a personality.
The mother and the step-brothers are merely cliched villains. The marchioness is a cliched rich old lady of a curmudgeon. Miss Breedlowe has no personality and was just created to fill a spot in the plot. Tiny, a "free woman of color" is there, I suspect, to show the liberal values of the author through Piety's affection for Tiny whom she treats as an equal.
March 9, 2016
A bit boring for me.
I didn't really connect with the characters. They've got some issues that I know but didn't really understand. Maybe because the author's way of writing is making me dizzy that's why i didn;t enjoy this as much as I enjoyed other regency/historical books.
April 26, 2016
This book confused me. It had a lot of promise, interesting secondary characters but it actually felt like two separate books smashed into one. For half the book you see things from three characters point of view, the hero and heroine barely see each other but somehow really love each other. Then The Americans turn up and are awful, of course. But they just keep going on, and on, and on, and on... and then every little thing that could go wrong goes wrong. And everyone is overly dramatic about it. The hero and heroine are constantly whispering at each other for no reason. Or the hero is weeping, or shouting dramatically while the once plucky heroine turns very meek and defeatist. It took me a week to get to the end from 85% finished because I couldn't take the constant drama. And I love angst! And drama! But this seemed more of a farce than anything. I think the author has unique ideas and can create interesting characters-- it's just staying consistent and toning down the drama a bit!
June 17, 2020
This was so full of crazysauce I had to check when it was published.
Be prepared for a myriad of characters, only a few of whom you'll care about.
Be prepared for a myriad of characters, only a few of whom you'll care about.
January 31, 2021
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑-🍑🍑🍑
Number of Sex Scenes: 🍆🍆
Safety warnings attached at end.
Our heroine is Piety Grey. She’s run from her family in America and has landed in London. She is an heiress and is determined to sink her money into something that will help her make a life here. She buys a townhouse and sets to work renovating.
Her next door neighbor is Trevor, the Earl of Falcondale. He has bad manners and doesn’t care, he’s only here to sell everything off and gain his freedom.
Give this book a try if you are in the mood for:
- Fake relationship – hero pretends to court the heroine to save her from her family and suitors
- You like a feisty old lady side character – Lady Frinfrock is a window peeking busy body that sets her companion out to gain information and chaperone other couples on her street. I quite enjoyed her.
- Early 1800’s time period (book 2 is 1809, so I assume this one is 1808 or so. I already returned it to the library so I can’t check sadly!) with the book split between London and a country home.
- Lots of family drama from the side characters
So, I really loved the first part of this book. I just fell in love with Piety. She was so fun to read and pleasant and I could imagine being her friend and that always makes me love the heroines. I was just really rooting for her and wanting her to get what she wanted from life.
Trevor was okay to me. I wasn’t in love with him. He is one of those heroes that just refuses to marry and I am not sympathetic to that anymore haha. I just wanted more from him I guess, though he comes through when it matters.
There was a lot of sweetness in this book between Trevor and Piety. And honestly, if the book was more about THEM, it would have a much higher rating. When they were together it was so good. So so good. The tension and the little kisses and touches and the wanting. But Piety has a lot of baggage in the form of family she is trying to leave behind. And her family just takes over the book. Just when you get sick of the family, then Trevor’s past comes to take over the book. It was just too much going on other than the couple for me. I think this book would have been so perfect with less of those outside forces pushing them all over.
Still, I really enjoy Michael’s writing. I was so in love with the first book of hers I tried, A Duchess a Day, I plan on reading all of her work.
Safety warnings (possible spoilers)
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sensuality: 🔥🔥🔥
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑-🍑🍑🍑
Number of Sex Scenes: 🍆🍆
Safety warnings attached at end.
Our heroine is Piety Grey. She’s run from her family in America and has landed in London. She is an heiress and is determined to sink her money into something that will help her make a life here. She buys a townhouse and sets to work renovating.
Her next door neighbor is Trevor, the Earl of Falcondale. He has bad manners and doesn’t care, he’s only here to sell everything off and gain his freedom.
Give this book a try if you are in the mood for:
- Fake relationship – hero pretends to court the heroine to save her from her family and suitors
- You like a feisty old lady side character – Lady Frinfrock is a window peeking busy body that sets her companion out to gain information and chaperone other couples on her street. I quite enjoyed her.
- Early 1800’s time period (book 2 is 1809, so I assume this one is 1808 or so. I already returned it to the library so I can’t check sadly!) with the book split between London and a country home.
- Lots of family drama from the side characters
So, I really loved the first part of this book. I just fell in love with Piety. She was so fun to read and pleasant and I could imagine being her friend and that always makes me love the heroines. I was just really rooting for her and wanting her to get what she wanted from life.
Trevor was okay to me. I wasn’t in love with him. He is one of those heroes that just refuses to marry and I am not sympathetic to that anymore haha. I just wanted more from him I guess, though he comes through when it matters.
There was a lot of sweetness in this book between Trevor and Piety. And honestly, if the book was more about THEM, it would have a much higher rating. When they were together it was so good. So so good. The tension and the little kisses and touches and the wanting. But Piety has a lot of baggage in the form of family she is trying to leave behind. And her family just takes over the book. Just when you get sick of the family, then Trevor’s past comes to take over the book. It was just too much going on other than the couple for me. I think this book would have been so perfect with less of those outside forces pushing them all over.
Still, I really enjoy Michael’s writing. I was so in love with the first book of hers I tried, A Duchess a Day, I plan on reading all of her work.
Safety warnings (possible spoilers)
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
August 10, 2016
I started this book when it first came out. I read about 5-6 chapters and stopped. But since it was my book club's read for this month I went back and read it. Overall it's ok. There are quite a few mistakes about what era this book is in. Says 1809 but refers to later things. It does get better as it goes along but there are so many really good historical romance authors out there, I won't waste my time or money reading more of this author.
August 27, 2023
Pas mal de péripéties un peu abracadabrantes, un héros qui n'assume pas ses sentiments MAIS finalement tout fonctionne, avec une héroïne attachante :)
August 15, 2016
I haven't read too many historical romances lately but I picked this one up because I wanted to read the 2nd book in this series. I really enjoyed this book. I thought the writing was very well done. The attraction between our H and h was very well done. I felt as if I could feel the tension in the room between these two. Despite knowing they wouldn't have a future, they can't keep their hands off of each other.
Our hero, Trevor wants nothing more than to travel after a lifetime of taking care of his ailing mother and basically being the muscle for a Grecian slumlord. He is bent on selling the house he inherited and leaving England. However, the new neighbor who moves in next door is an unexpected block to that attempt.
Piety is running from a horrid mother and terrible step-brothers her mother is trying to force her to wed. There are five of them and she wants her to marry one of them, basically so she can get the money that Piety was left by her father. After a frightening incident with her step-brother Eli, she made plans to escape to England and buy a house that needed a great deal of work; making it appear as if she had spent all of her money.
Expecting to meet the old Earl she is surprised to discover a young man is now the Earl and not quite as amenable to her plan of staying at his house while the renovations are happening. From the moment these two meet, the sparks fly.
I really enjoyed the back and forth between the two of them and the attraction was off the page hot! Despite Trevor wanting to leave and not look back he can't stay away from Piety and in fact runs to her rescue when her family arrives.
It was only a little frustrating with Trevor repeatedly telling Piety that he couldn't stay, couldn't be with her, but then pulling her into his arms for a passionate kiss. However, those scenes were always enjoyable to read.
The scenes between them were very sweet and sometimes quiet sad. I certainly felt for Piety and the ache she experienced when she heard Trevor repeat he was going away.
This really is a very good book and the story does keep moving. It is a sweet romance with about 2 out of 5 stars in the heat level but the overall sweetness between the two made that just fine with me.
I look forward very much to reading the next book in this series.
Quotes and Favorite Scenes:
After their first embrace in Trevor's house:
♥ "Just to be clear," she said, rolling the words over in her mind, "the love making is meant to render me delirious but you able to think? Well. That makes no sense."
♥ She nodded and bit her lip, fighting the urge to bury her face in his neck. He was so close.
He emitted an endurance sigh and stared at her as if he wanted the same thing. Piety held her breath.
♥ They belonged to each other. The suited. Together, they were better. This would be good. They would be so good.
When his mouth left her lips to trail kisses down her neck, she turned her head and burrowed into his shoulder. She smelled the cotton of his shirt and his skin beneath. She nuzzled her cheek against his neck, reveling in the roughness of the stubble on his jaw. She pulled him closer, fusing them, but she ceased the kisses. She simply held him.
♥ Miss him? Of course she missed him. she had allowed herself to fall in love with him, what else was there to do? If she hadn't realized her love over their daily chess, or when he evicted Eddie, or in the solarium...well, certainly she knew it now. It seemed as if missing him had always been a part of loving him. Even when they were together, he held himself apart.
♥ "I don't want anyone buy you," he said, kissing her. "You are the beginning and the end for me. More than enough. You are far better than I deserve. No one could ever exceed you, ever, and I will take these memories with me to my grave." Trevor says this, even when still planning to leave. He wants to be with her but doesn't find himself worthy. *sighs*
♥ "What she did not realize was that she could never, not ever--not in a million lifetimes--be a burden to me." He ventured a look at Piety. "She hs become...She has become life itself to me, and without her -- ill, fine, inured, whole -- I hardly care to live at all."
♥ "I love you, Piety," he whispered. "I love you with an absoluteness that, likely, I will never be able to fully convey. Please, please let me care for you. Let me love you. Give me the chance to provide for you in the same way your very existence provides for me." Tears filled his eyes. He rounded the bed and kneeled on the floor beside her.
OK, so there is so much more but this review is long enough! I encourage historical romance lovers to read this book! It was super sweet!
Our hero, Trevor wants nothing more than to travel after a lifetime of taking care of his ailing mother and basically being the muscle for a Grecian slumlord. He is bent on selling the house he inherited and leaving England. However, the new neighbor who moves in next door is an unexpected block to that attempt.
Piety is running from a horrid mother and terrible step-brothers her mother is trying to force her to wed. There are five of them and she wants her to marry one of them, basically so she can get the money that Piety was left by her father. After a frightening incident with her step-brother Eli, she made plans to escape to England and buy a house that needed a great deal of work; making it appear as if she had spent all of her money.
Expecting to meet the old Earl she is surprised to discover a young man is now the Earl and not quite as amenable to her plan of staying at his house while the renovations are happening. From the moment these two meet, the sparks fly.
I really enjoyed the back and forth between the two of them and the attraction was off the page hot! Despite Trevor wanting to leave and not look back he can't stay away from Piety and in fact runs to her rescue when her family arrives.
It was only a little frustrating with Trevor repeatedly telling Piety that he couldn't stay, couldn't be with her, but then pulling her into his arms for a passionate kiss. However, those scenes were always enjoyable to read.
The scenes between them were very sweet and sometimes quiet sad. I certainly felt for Piety and the ache she experienced when she heard Trevor repeat he was going away.
This really is a very good book and the story does keep moving. It is a sweet romance with about 2 out of 5 stars in the heat level but the overall sweetness between the two made that just fine with me.
I look forward very much to reading the next book in this series.
Quotes and Favorite Scenes:
After their first embrace in Trevor's house:
♥ "Just to be clear," she said, rolling the words over in her mind, "the love making is meant to render me delirious but you able to think? Well. That makes no sense."
♥ She nodded and bit her lip, fighting the urge to bury her face in his neck. He was so close.
He emitted an endurance sigh and stared at her as if he wanted the same thing. Piety held her breath.
♥ They belonged to each other. The suited. Together, they were better. This would be good. They would be so good.
When his mouth left her lips to trail kisses down her neck, she turned her head and burrowed into his shoulder. She smelled the cotton of his shirt and his skin beneath. She nuzzled her cheek against his neck, reveling in the roughness of the stubble on his jaw. She pulled him closer, fusing them, but she ceased the kisses. She simply held him.
♥ Miss him? Of course she missed him. she had allowed herself to fall in love with him, what else was there to do? If she hadn't realized her love over their daily chess, or when he evicted Eddie, or in the solarium...well, certainly she knew it now. It seemed as if missing him had always been a part of loving him. Even when they were together, he held himself apart.
♥ "I don't want anyone buy you," he said, kissing her. "You are the beginning and the end for me. More than enough. You are far better than I deserve. No one could ever exceed you, ever, and I will take these memories with me to my grave." Trevor says this, even when still planning to leave. He wants to be with her but doesn't find himself worthy. *sighs*
♥ "What she did not realize was that she could never, not ever--not in a million lifetimes--be a burden to me." He ventured a look at Piety. "She hs become...She has become life itself to me, and without her -- ill, fine, inured, whole -- I hardly care to live at all."
♥ "I love you, Piety," he whispered. "I love you with an absoluteness that, likely, I will never be able to fully convey. Please, please let me care for you. Let me love you. Give me the chance to provide for you in the same way your very existence provides for me." Tears filled his eyes. He rounded the bed and kneeled on the floor beside her.
OK, so there is so much more but this review is long enough! I encourage historical romance lovers to read this book! It was super sweet!
May 26, 2016
I would have given this one star, but there were actual moments of incredibly good writing that made me for a just a second or two forget about all the other things that made me want to throw this across the room, which I would have if I were reading it in actual book form, not kindle. Needs improvement: character names, a character can only 'endeavor' or 'abide' so many times, implausible plot points, and the need for more showing and not telling. I really liked the main chapter, Peity, at the start of book but she became highly annoying by the 25% point. The heroes internal conflict was rocky at best. It had promise that fell flat very quickly.
March 25, 2018
A spectacular read that takes the reader on a thrilling journey into the past. This author's incredible skill is evident in the fact that I was completely enthralled by the building of a staircase :)
When American heiress, Piety Grey, flees from her money-grasping mother and step-brothers, she runs as far away as she can - all the way to London. There she buys a house in desperate need of renovation and, discovering her handsome neighbor, Trevor Rheese, Earl of Falcondale, has experience as an architect, she does everything in her power to enlist his help, while he does everything in his power to push her away. So it comes as quite the surprise when Piety realizes she not only likes the grumpy man, but that she might in fact be falling in love with him.
Falcondale has one purpose: sell his home and leave England far behind. But when the beautiful Piety Grey comes crashing into his life, all his plans for the future are swiftly upended. No matter how much he wants to avoid getting involved in her life, he finds himself neck deep in her problems. Especially when her greedy relatives come to pester her. Falling for her was certainly not on his agenda. So when his own past becomes an immediate threat, she becomes a liability, forcing him to examine his heart and what he really wants for the future.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was fun and engaging right from the start with compelling characters who spoke with their own distinct voices. Absolutely loved it!!!
When American heiress, Piety Grey, flees from her money-grasping mother and step-brothers, she runs as far away as she can - all the way to London. There she buys a house in desperate need of renovation and, discovering her handsome neighbor, Trevor Rheese, Earl of Falcondale, has experience as an architect, she does everything in her power to enlist his help, while he does everything in his power to push her away. So it comes as quite the surprise when Piety realizes she not only likes the grumpy man, but that she might in fact be falling in love with him.
Falcondale has one purpose: sell his home and leave England far behind. But when the beautiful Piety Grey comes crashing into his life, all his plans for the future are swiftly upended. No matter how much he wants to avoid getting involved in her life, he finds himself neck deep in her problems. Especially when her greedy relatives come to pester her. Falling for her was certainly not on his agenda. So when his own past becomes an immediate threat, she becomes a liability, forcing him to examine his heart and what he really wants for the future.
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It was fun and engaging right from the start with compelling characters who spoke with their own distinct voices. Absolutely loved it!!!
July 7, 2016
Charis Michaels' debut novel, The Earl Next Door unfolds in three acts: the first act establishes the quiet neighborhood of Henrietta Place, which is a character in itself, and is staunchly protected by Lady Stroud, the Marchioness of Frinfrock, who is my favorite character in the book.
We first see our hero and heroine through Lady Frinfrock's eyes, as she observes from the window of her own home the arrivals of Trevor Rheese, and then the arrival of Piety Grey -- who, coincidentally, moved to houses beside each other on the block across from Lady Frinfrock's.
Trevor Rheese is the new Earl of Falcondale, and he doesn't have time to celebrate, at leisure, his newly-given status in society because he is busy trying to repay all of the previous Earl's debts. He has sold all the furniture, and has let go of all the staff at his new home, and now resides there with only one young man in his employ. He has spent his entire childhood and early adulthood living abroad, caring for his fragile mother. They knew they were connected to the aristocracy, but it was a connection that hadn't helped either Trevor or his mother. Trevor had to survive on his own, and ended up working for disreputable men while he was in Greece. When he inherited the title from his uncle, his first instinct is to sell off everything, and leaving.
I understand why Trevor is hesitant to form relationships -- he is tired of depending on people and having people depend on him. He is tired of being responsible for the welfare of others, and he is tired of having little or no control over his life. Trevor is tired, and, he thought the earldom would finally free him from his current situation, but, it turns out to be yet another ball to which Trevor finds himself chained to.
He is in the process of selling off the London townhouse located on Henrietta Place, and he hopes that it will fund his travels to elsewhere -- to anywhere. But he meets Piety Grey, who moved in next door -- and whose house is oddly connected to his house through a secret tunnel.
Piety had intended to move in quietly, repair the house quietly, install a staff quietly, and settle in quietly in her new home on Henrietta Place, but, it seems the dilapidation that her solicitors informed her were sadly understated. She needs to access the second floor of her house through Trevor's house, and she had been told that the Earl would not be at home while she was constructing. But Trevor, the new Earl, is at home, and very unhappy with the interruptions to his anti-social life.
Charis Michaels hooks you with main characters whose initial actions and perceived motivations are curious, and makes you want to know more about them. Then there's the cranky, but lovable old lady who possesses a razor-sharp mind and keen observation. When the author later reveals the very complicated histories of her characters, it just makes this book an even more compelling read. The first part of the book does a great job of establishing the personalities and hang-ups of the characters.
The Earl Next Door becomes more interesting in the second act of the book, when Trevor and Piety get to know each other better. It's with grudging reluctance that Trevor opens his door (and a bit of his heart) to Piety, who charms you with her guilelessness and convinces you with her relentlessness. I love the mix of strength and fragility in Piety. I love her resolve, but I also love that she falters sometimes.
The second act also introduces Piety's mother and her stepbrothers -- the reason for her escape to England. I would credit the author for writing Piety's mother so well -- Idelle Grey-Limpett is really a dangerous mix of veiled insults and open antagonism -- and she frames it all as motherly concern for Piety's well-being and reputation. The author's decision to portray the brothers as a herd -- just giving them names, and making them move and react as a single entity just adds to what Piety has said of them -- that they are oafs, but that they are dangerous oafs with a dangerous pack leader in the form of Eli Limpett.
I wondered at Lady Frinfrock's decision to move the story to her country estate in Berkshire, and opening her doors to Piety's "family" -- but it did provide a lot of entertainment for the old lady, and emphasized the terrible situation that Piety was in when she was in New York -- and added to the urgency of why Piety needed to get away from them.
What I couldn't understand, though, is why her mother and her stepbrothers continue to pursue her despite Piety's willingness to already give them money. In this I could see that, at the core of Piety's mother, is not a heart, but a hollow space of terrible, hurtful intentions. It isn't just money that she is after, but also revenge. But, for what reason?
The author could have ended her story with Trevor arriving at the Marchioness's estate, offering marriage to Piety, and telling her American family to all go to the devil, and it would make for an excellent ending. But Charis Michaels does one better, by writing a third act, where she integrates everything she's presented so far in the first two acts: things happen that challenge Trevor's dreams of living an unfettered life, and the same things happen that challenge Piety's desire to finally be free from her family, and to live an independent life. Our hero and heroine's worlds are agitated, and nothing is going according to the well-laid plans they both made. So now they must sort through their thoughts and feelings, and decide on a new plan -- a new life, one that, hopefully, allows them to live happily together.
I truly, truly enjoyed this story -- this is the sort of book you can't leave behind, but would want to take with you, because you want to read the next chapter, and then the next. I'm so glad that the second book, The Virgin and the Viscount , is finally out, Viscount Rainsleigh was introduced in the latter part of The Earl Next Door, and he has a very interesting backstory.
We first see our hero and heroine through Lady Frinfrock's eyes, as she observes from the window of her own home the arrivals of Trevor Rheese, and then the arrival of Piety Grey -- who, coincidentally, moved to houses beside each other on the block across from Lady Frinfrock's.
Trevor Rheese is the new Earl of Falcondale, and he doesn't have time to celebrate, at leisure, his newly-given status in society because he is busy trying to repay all of the previous Earl's debts. He has sold all the furniture, and has let go of all the staff at his new home, and now resides there with only one young man in his employ. He has spent his entire childhood and early adulthood living abroad, caring for his fragile mother. They knew they were connected to the aristocracy, but it was a connection that hadn't helped either Trevor or his mother. Trevor had to survive on his own, and ended up working for disreputable men while he was in Greece. When he inherited the title from his uncle, his first instinct is to sell off everything, and leaving.
I understand why Trevor is hesitant to form relationships -- he is tired of depending on people and having people depend on him. He is tired of being responsible for the welfare of others, and he is tired of having little or no control over his life. Trevor is tired, and, he thought the earldom would finally free him from his current situation, but, it turns out to be yet another ball to which Trevor finds himself chained to.
He is in the process of selling off the London townhouse located on Henrietta Place, and he hopes that it will fund his travels to elsewhere -- to anywhere. But he meets Piety Grey, who moved in next door -- and whose house is oddly connected to his house through a secret tunnel.
Piety had intended to move in quietly, repair the house quietly, install a staff quietly, and settle in quietly in her new home on Henrietta Place, but, it seems the dilapidation that her solicitors informed her were sadly understated. She needs to access the second floor of her house through Trevor's house, and she had been told that the Earl would not be at home while she was constructing. But Trevor, the new Earl, is at home, and very unhappy with the interruptions to his anti-social life.
Charis Michaels hooks you with main characters whose initial actions and perceived motivations are curious, and makes you want to know more about them. Then there's the cranky, but lovable old lady who possesses a razor-sharp mind and keen observation. When the author later reveals the very complicated histories of her characters, it just makes this book an even more compelling read. The first part of the book does a great job of establishing the personalities and hang-ups of the characters.
The Earl Next Door becomes more interesting in the second act of the book, when Trevor and Piety get to know each other better. It's with grudging reluctance that Trevor opens his door (and a bit of his heart) to Piety, who charms you with her guilelessness and convinces you with her relentlessness. I love the mix of strength and fragility in Piety. I love her resolve, but I also love that she falters sometimes.
The second act also introduces Piety's mother and her stepbrothers -- the reason for her escape to England. I would credit the author for writing Piety's mother so well -- Idelle Grey-Limpett is really a dangerous mix of veiled insults and open antagonism -- and she frames it all as motherly concern for Piety's well-being and reputation. The author's decision to portray the brothers as a herd -- just giving them names, and making them move and react as a single entity just adds to what Piety has said of them -- that they are oafs, but that they are dangerous oafs with a dangerous pack leader in the form of Eli Limpett.
I wondered at Lady Frinfrock's decision to move the story to her country estate in Berkshire, and opening her doors to Piety's "family" -- but it did provide a lot of entertainment for the old lady, and emphasized the terrible situation that Piety was in when she was in New York -- and added to the urgency of why Piety needed to get away from them.
What I couldn't understand, though, is why her mother and her stepbrothers continue to pursue her despite Piety's willingness to already give them money. In this I could see that, at the core of Piety's mother, is not a heart, but a hollow space of terrible, hurtful intentions. It isn't just money that she is after, but also revenge. But, for what reason?
The author could have ended her story with Trevor arriving at the Marchioness's estate, offering marriage to Piety, and telling her American family to all go to the devil, and it would make for an excellent ending. But Charis Michaels does one better, by writing a third act, where she integrates everything she's presented so far in the first two acts: things happen that challenge Trevor's dreams of living an unfettered life, and the same things happen that challenge Piety's desire to finally be free from her family, and to live an independent life. Our hero and heroine's worlds are agitated, and nothing is going according to the well-laid plans they both made. So now they must sort through their thoughts and feelings, and decide on a new plan -- a new life, one that, hopefully, allows them to live happily together.
I truly, truly enjoyed this story -- this is the sort of book you can't leave behind, but would want to take with you, because you want to read the next chapter, and then the next. I'm so glad that the second book, The Virgin and the Viscount , is finally out, Viscount Rainsleigh was introduced in the latter part of The Earl Next Door, and he has a very interesting backstory.
March 25, 2016
This is so much more than your typical historical romance read. So much more! This story made me think. As a woman in modern times, I take for granted that women didn't always have a voice. Piety's story shows me the frustrations of living in such a world. A world where a woman can't choose what to do with her own money and needs a man to decide for her. To protect her fortune from her selfish, money hungry mother and vile, abusive step-brothers, she runs from America to England, constantly waiting for them to show up at her doorstep, because sooner or later they will...and do.
Oh her strength and tenacity to accomplish things in a foreign and man's world is empowering. She's a forward thinker. And yes, I know it's fiction, but I couldn't help but feel like this...women like this are who set the precedent for our time. Our voice. Our choice.
For all that Piety has had to endure, she has remained true to who she is. She wins her neighbors over with her caring and unselfish heart. Anyone who bothers to get to know her can't resist her charms. And she IS charming and sincere. One neighbor in particular, Lord Falcondale, learns this valuable lesson.
Trevor, Lord Falcondale, is broody and determined to not have anything to do with Piety. He has plans of his own that don't involve a woman. It doesn't matter how attracted he is to her, he believes he is not fit to be anyone's anything. He has his own ghosts to deal with. He knows his past will catch up with him and is determined to stay ahead and out of reach of it. But, he doesn't run soon enough.
Between both their hunters, this book is full of non-stop action that hooked me and kept me on edge. And of course the romance was a sizzling, slow burn.
What a fantastic debut from Charis Michaels! I am very much looking forward to her next book.
Oh her strength and tenacity to accomplish things in a foreign and man's world is empowering. She's a forward thinker. And yes, I know it's fiction, but I couldn't help but feel like this...women like this are who set the precedent for our time. Our voice. Our choice.
For all that Piety has had to endure, she has remained true to who she is. She wins her neighbors over with her caring and unselfish heart. Anyone who bothers to get to know her can't resist her charms. And she IS charming and sincere. One neighbor in particular, Lord Falcondale, learns this valuable lesson.
Trevor, Lord Falcondale, is broody and determined to not have anything to do with Piety. He has plans of his own that don't involve a woman. It doesn't matter how attracted he is to her, he believes he is not fit to be anyone's anything. He has his own ghosts to deal with. He knows his past will catch up with him and is determined to stay ahead and out of reach of it. But, he doesn't run soon enough.
Between both their hunters, this book is full of non-stop action that hooked me and kept me on edge. And of course the romance was a sizzling, slow burn.
What a fantastic debut from Charis Michaels! I am very much looking forward to her next book.
February 11, 2016
This is a stop the presses, hands down, reviewer favorite!
I loved this book.
Review and authoress interview to come.
I loved this book.
Review and authoress interview to come.
February 16, 2016
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
3.5 Stars.
The Earl Next Door had a difficult start for me, but I was glad I continued to read when I almost gave up. Be forewarned, the pacing is slow, and the storyline itself takes a long time to reveal itself, neither of which make a page-turner.
The narration is by Piety, Trevor, and the nurse/chaperone, each offered a unique perspective to the story. Trevor is an introvert, longing for peace and tranquility, and it takes more than half the book before the reader leans why he yearns for such. Piety is a strong-willed, independent American who has moved to London for her own reasons, colliding and creating chaos in Trevor's silent world.
Even with the slow pacing and an enigma of a storyline, Piety & Trevor kept me engaged when otherwise I would have moved on to another book. Witty banter, sometimes cuttingly so from Trevor, but Piety rolled with it and handed it right back in a way that wouldn't turn into a fight or offer more opportunity to insult. These fiery exchanges led to amazing chemistry, and a strong connection felt by the readers.
The side cast was engaging, especially the self-appointed, elderly keeper of the street, and a wide variety of female cast members. The story was written in such a way that the next narrator (no doubt) was introduced at the end, whetting appetites for his book to follow.
I'm going to be slightly critical now, because it wasn't without struggle that I read and completed the story itself. I hope those who are struggling read this review and decide to continue on, because it is worth it. Absolutely.
There were certain plot points that I felt absolutely ludicrous. Such as Piety's family wanting her money, which is realistic enough. But 6 passages to England, and all the time spent on the ship passing to cross the Atlantic, would have cost almost as much as they were trying to bilk out of Piety. Perhaps if it was just the mother and the main antagonist stepbrother, but the other 4, or at least 3, brothers were just cannon fodder who lent nothing to the story but ludicrousness. Added to the fact that they cropped up, in an otherwise filled to the brim with plot, to add more conflict that was unnecessary. The last time Piety's family was shown was absolute overkill, and I felt lessened the storyline for the sake of humor(?). If anything, Piety's family was just a constant source of frustration for me, mostly because they had no hold over Piety, other than everyone falling over themselves to accommodate people who should have just had the door slammed in their faces.
Then there was the pacing, so slow that several times along the way I was shocked to note I was only at 50%, 70%, and so on. The story felt it had ended, exhausted itself. Then the author introduced another thread of conflict at the 75% mark, that was actually exciting (finally some page-turning action), but it didn't lend itself to the flow of the previous 3/4th of the book. That last quarter was a 5 star, with the exception of the family returning yet again during the resolution of another thread of storyline.
Overall, I enjoyed The Earl Next Door, and look forward to the next in the series. Even after the slow building start, the muddled middle, the ending was worth it (minus Piety's family cropping up yet again), showing the author is a talented storyteller.
The Earl Next Door offers the best of both worlds. The pacing and voice of a classic historical romance with the storyline of a modern historical romance.
3.5 Stars.
The Earl Next Door had a difficult start for me, but I was glad I continued to read when I almost gave up. Be forewarned, the pacing is slow, and the storyline itself takes a long time to reveal itself, neither of which make a page-turner.
The narration is by Piety, Trevor, and the nurse/chaperone, each offered a unique perspective to the story. Trevor is an introvert, longing for peace and tranquility, and it takes more than half the book before the reader leans why he yearns for such. Piety is a strong-willed, independent American who has moved to London for her own reasons, colliding and creating chaos in Trevor's silent world.
Even with the slow pacing and an enigma of a storyline, Piety & Trevor kept me engaged when otherwise I would have moved on to another book. Witty banter, sometimes cuttingly so from Trevor, but Piety rolled with it and handed it right back in a way that wouldn't turn into a fight or offer more opportunity to insult. These fiery exchanges led to amazing chemistry, and a strong connection felt by the readers.
The side cast was engaging, especially the self-appointed, elderly keeper of the street, and a wide variety of female cast members. The story was written in such a way that the next narrator (no doubt) was introduced at the end, whetting appetites for his book to follow.
I'm going to be slightly critical now, because it wasn't without struggle that I read and completed the story itself. I hope those who are struggling read this review and decide to continue on, because it is worth it. Absolutely.
There were certain plot points that I felt absolutely ludicrous. Such as Piety's family wanting her money, which is realistic enough. But 6 passages to England, and all the time spent on the ship passing to cross the Atlantic, would have cost almost as much as they were trying to bilk out of Piety. Perhaps if it was just the mother and the main antagonist stepbrother, but the other 4, or at least 3, brothers were just cannon fodder who lent nothing to the story but ludicrousness. Added to the fact that they cropped up, in an otherwise filled to the brim with plot, to add more conflict that was unnecessary. The last time Piety's family was shown was absolute overkill, and I felt lessened the storyline for the sake of humor(?). If anything, Piety's family was just a constant source of frustration for me, mostly because they had no hold over Piety, other than everyone falling over themselves to accommodate people who should have just had the door slammed in their faces.
Then there was the pacing, so slow that several times along the way I was shocked to note I was only at 50%, 70%, and so on. The story felt it had ended, exhausted itself. Then the author introduced another thread of conflict at the 75% mark, that was actually exciting (finally some page-turning action), but it didn't lend itself to the flow of the previous 3/4th of the book. That last quarter was a 5 star, with the exception of the family returning yet again during the resolution of another thread of storyline.
Overall, I enjoyed The Earl Next Door, and look forward to the next in the series. Even after the slow building start, the muddled middle, the ending was worth it (minus Piety's family cropping up yet again), showing the author is a talented storyteller.
The Earl Next Door offers the best of both worlds. The pacing and voice of a classic historical romance with the storyline of a modern historical romance.
March 4, 2016
This is one of the years best historical romance tales and deserving of a high 5 Stars! I absolutely loved this story and just adore the characters especially our heroine of the tale, Lady Piety, she is such a charming character who is humorous and gutsy!
We first start off on the street of Henrietta Place in the home of Lady Frances Stroud, Marchioness Frinfrock where she and her maid, Miss Breedlowe are seen snooping on the new neighbor across the street who is moving into a home which has been abandoned for five years. To the marchioness surprise it is a single young lady who is accompanied by an African and her new home happens to be right next to the very unmarried Earl Lord Falcondale.
Lord Falcondale has no intent on staying at his home, he's emptied it out and dismissed all of the staff and intends to do nothing but put it up for sale. While at home playing a game of chess with his servant boy, he hears a noise above coming from the music room and he knows it's completely empty, pondering the idea of ghosts he seeks out the noise to accidentally bump into a lady who's hidden behind a door. He soon learns this lady is his new neighbor and also that there is a secret passage connecting her home to his. Lady Piety is shocked for she was guaranteed the use of his home while her home was being renovated. However, there's been a mix-up, Earl Lord Falcondale is not the Lord Falcondale she seeks and whom this arrangement was made, it's his now deceased uncle. Upon hearing of the arrangement and payment for this arrangement, Lord Falcondale is absolutely against it and refuses to help Lady Piety.
Through a series of events and some amazing twists and turns, Lord Falcondale does consent to a compromise in which Lady Piety may use the passage but not to disturb anything else or enter into any other rooms. Lady Piety's plights are not yet over, there has been serious trouble in rebuilding her staircase and she needs a good architect which Lord Falcondale just happens to be. She seeks his help but here again she's met with an astounding no, so she continues on in her quest to seek his aid. Lord Falcondale is stunned by his new neighbor who shows such striking courage, charm and is absolutely breathtaking, and he soon finds himself falling for the gutsy lady and she too begins to fall for the dashingly handsome yet frustrating Earl Next Door. Will Lord Falcondale consent to helping Lady Piety and will he bear his heart and allow himself to love? Will Lady Piety open her heart to the dashing earl?
This was my first book by author Cheris Michaels and she's now one of my favorites, I'm going to be collecting all of her books! What an amazing writer, she sure can weave a tale! This was such a wonderful story with so many twists and turns that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. The characters just draw you in and melt your heart and add many a laugh to your day! I highly recommend this book to anyone who's a fan of romance and loves a good laugh too!
We first start off on the street of Henrietta Place in the home of Lady Frances Stroud, Marchioness Frinfrock where she and her maid, Miss Breedlowe are seen snooping on the new neighbor across the street who is moving into a home which has been abandoned for five years. To the marchioness surprise it is a single young lady who is accompanied by an African and her new home happens to be right next to the very unmarried Earl Lord Falcondale.
Lord Falcondale has no intent on staying at his home, he's emptied it out and dismissed all of the staff and intends to do nothing but put it up for sale. While at home playing a game of chess with his servant boy, he hears a noise above coming from the music room and he knows it's completely empty, pondering the idea of ghosts he seeks out the noise to accidentally bump into a lady who's hidden behind a door. He soon learns this lady is his new neighbor and also that there is a secret passage connecting her home to his. Lady Piety is shocked for she was guaranteed the use of his home while her home was being renovated. However, there's been a mix-up, Earl Lord Falcondale is not the Lord Falcondale she seeks and whom this arrangement was made, it's his now deceased uncle. Upon hearing of the arrangement and payment for this arrangement, Lord Falcondale is absolutely against it and refuses to help Lady Piety.
Through a series of events and some amazing twists and turns, Lord Falcondale does consent to a compromise in which Lady Piety may use the passage but not to disturb anything else or enter into any other rooms. Lady Piety's plights are not yet over, there has been serious trouble in rebuilding her staircase and she needs a good architect which Lord Falcondale just happens to be. She seeks his help but here again she's met with an astounding no, so she continues on in her quest to seek his aid. Lord Falcondale is stunned by his new neighbor who shows such striking courage, charm and is absolutely breathtaking, and he soon finds himself falling for the gutsy lady and she too begins to fall for the dashingly handsome yet frustrating Earl Next Door. Will Lord Falcondale consent to helping Lady Piety and will he bear his heart and allow himself to love? Will Lady Piety open her heart to the dashing earl?
This was my first book by author Cheris Michaels and she's now one of my favorites, I'm going to be collecting all of her books! What an amazing writer, she sure can weave a tale! This was such a wonderful story with so many twists and turns that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. The characters just draw you in and melt your heart and add many a laugh to your day! I highly recommend this book to anyone who's a fan of romance and loves a good laugh too!
August 23, 2022
I'm so disappointed, I've been eyeing this book for years and I finally noticed it at my library that it was available.
It is actually hard to judge this book. The writing itself is interesting and colorful. But the storyline bordered too far on ridiculousness. No, I'm not talking about historical accuracy, I really don't care if the Scotland Yard was an actual thing in this time period or not. I don't read historical romance books for learning about history, I enjoy reading about true love, happily ever after, etc.
But... the set up of this story was that this American girl received her fathers money upon his death. Her nasty step-mom wanted the heroine to marry one of her step-brothers (so the brothers and step-mom would have access to the inheritance).
So the heroine's bright idea was to purchase a run-down house in London, sight unseen, sail across the ocean from the US to the UK, use all of her money to renovate the house and then once her step-mom and step-brother miraculously find her without the use of modern-day internet or tracking methods, all of her money would be spent and they wouldn't be able to take it away from her. So many questions were raised for me, and it interfered in me following the story.
1. How could they really find her all of the way over in London? Wouldn't they search for her around the USA first? Couldn't she have changed her name to avoid them miraculously finding her?
2. Once they found her, if she was still unmarried, they could still force her to marry one of her step-brothers, then sell the newly renovated house and get the gobs of money they desired. It would have been smarter for her to instead spend time finding a suitable guy for a marriage of convivence that would allow her to live life as she desired.
3. I admit, I stopped at the point that her African friend Tiny went to live at the neighbors house, and the nurse went to live with the heroine... so I didn't get very far into the story... but I could not understand why she needed to keep going upstairs in the Earl's house thru the secret passageway, etc. It just seemed like over-the-top unnecessary drama. Maybe it was explained, but I just missed it while being irritated with other loopholes.
It is actually hard to judge this book. The writing itself is interesting and colorful. But the storyline bordered too far on ridiculousness. No, I'm not talking about historical accuracy, I really don't care if the Scotland Yard was an actual thing in this time period or not. I don't read historical romance books for learning about history, I enjoy reading about true love, happily ever after, etc.
But... the set up of this story was that this American girl received her fathers money upon his death. Her nasty step-mom wanted the heroine to marry one of her step-brothers (so the brothers and step-mom would have access to the inheritance).
So the heroine's bright idea was to purchase a run-down house in London, sight unseen, sail across the ocean from the US to the UK, use all of her money to renovate the house and then once her step-mom and step-brother miraculously find her without the use of modern-day internet or tracking methods, all of her money would be spent and they wouldn't be able to take it away from her. So many questions were raised for me, and it interfered in me following the story.
1. How could they really find her all of the way over in London? Wouldn't they search for her around the USA first? Couldn't she have changed her name to avoid them miraculously finding her?
2. Once they found her, if she was still unmarried, they could still force her to marry one of her step-brothers, then sell the newly renovated house and get the gobs of money they desired. It would have been smarter for her to instead spend time finding a suitable guy for a marriage of convivence that would allow her to live life as she desired.
3. I admit, I stopped at the point that her African friend Tiny went to live at the neighbors house, and the nurse went to live with the heroine... so I didn't get very far into the story... but I could not understand why she needed to keep going upstairs in the Earl's house thru the secret passageway, etc. It just seemed like over-the-top unnecessary drama. Maybe it was explained, but I just missed it while being irritated with other loopholes.
March 9, 2016
Piety Grey is a force to be reckoned with! She has ascended to London away from her mother and a very bad offer of marriage. But she had every right to leave New York. Her father has passed and left her his entire fortune. So she is perfectly happy to purchase a run down old home and fix it up to her liking. She use wants it all done as soon as possible. Miss Grey has been planning this for quite some time and had already arranged with the owner, the Earl of Falcondale, to rent his home next door during construction. Unfortunately, The Earl is now deceased.
The new Earl of Falcondale is not interested. In anything Miss Grey has to say or anyone else for that matter. He has stripped the home of every valuable thing in order to pay off his predecessor's debts and be free to leave England, possibly forever.
Until he meets the new neighbor. She is a beautiful distraction that he can not deal with. He tries with all his might to ignore her. Even after agreeing to help her with some designs for her rebuilding of her grand staircase, he still wants nothing to do with his neighbor, or the nosy Marchioness from across the street.
The earl, Trevor, finally sees that Piety needs help after her family discovers her location. They are the worst sort of grasping people ever and this author wrote them extremely well!
But will he be able to walk away after these gold diggers are removed?
I truly enjoyed this book!! The characters just jumped off the pages for me! I felt Piety's anxiety over what might happen and I felt her heartbreak at times. It was really achingly sweet.
A new twist on the whole type of trying to get a daughter married!
I highly recommend this book!
The new Earl of Falcondale is not interested. In anything Miss Grey has to say or anyone else for that matter. He has stripped the home of every valuable thing in order to pay off his predecessor's debts and be free to leave England, possibly forever.
Until he meets the new neighbor. She is a beautiful distraction that he can not deal with. He tries with all his might to ignore her. Even after agreeing to help her with some designs for her rebuilding of her grand staircase, he still wants nothing to do with his neighbor, or the nosy Marchioness from across the street.
The earl, Trevor, finally sees that Piety needs help after her family discovers her location. They are the worst sort of grasping people ever and this author wrote them extremely well!
But will he be able to walk away after these gold diggers are removed?
I truly enjoyed this book!! The characters just jumped off the pages for me! I felt Piety's anxiety over what might happen and I felt her heartbreak at times. It was really achingly sweet.
A new twist on the whole type of trying to get a daughter married!
I highly recommend this book!
June 21, 2016
I really could not get into this storyline. I am so sick of The Improvised aristocratic Lord. In this instance it is Trevor Reese the newly minted Earl of Falcondale. Of course the heroine is a wealthy heiress named Piety Grey. Oh what would a story be without and old cranky Noisy Marchioness named Lady Frances Stroud of Frinfrock!! Usually these stories have a Duchess but this is the same storyline no matter the title. Trevor wanted nothing in life he came across as depressed. He just wanted to be alone to live in his run down house with no servants. I did like Piety at times. But the whole storyline has just been overdone by much better authors then this one. Sorry I am just over this particular storyline.
August 8, 2016
I love this author's writing. What a great story. While the book is not perfect (the push and pull went on a lite too long) it has great characters, every last one. And a story that drew me in and engaged me.
June 21, 2016
Wow. What a great story. What a great premier for this author. Not only is it a testimony of how much women have come in their strive for independence, but it is sweet, and heart felt.
November 8, 2016
good book
January 26, 2025
4.5
My first Charis Michaels book - I’m smitten! The first chapter with the introduction of the neighbors is one of the funniest and most delightful openings to a book I’ve read and the book just keeps that energy up until the end.
MCs were great, very grumpy sunshine/insta lust to love but in a way that felt grounded. The villains felt grotesquely real - I had a pit in my stomach every time they showed up. Even the Greek subplot didn’t feel too unrealistic the way it was handled. Loved the misdirect of how the marchioness reacts to seeing Tiny and their relationship in the background. Loved seeing Breedlowe flourish as a character too. Love the epilogue too, so many tend to be overly cheesy or wrapping up things into the tidiest bow to the point where you want to roll your eyes but this kept it snappy and sweet.
I’m pumped to see if the next books keep this up and to check out this author’s other series!
My first Charis Michaels book - I’m smitten! The first chapter with the introduction of the neighbors is one of the funniest and most delightful openings to a book I’ve read and the book just keeps that energy up until the end.
MCs were great, very grumpy sunshine/insta lust to love but in a way that felt grounded. The villains felt grotesquely real - I had a pit in my stomach every time they showed up. Even the Greek subplot didn’t feel too unrealistic the way it was handled. Loved the misdirect of how the marchioness reacts to seeing Tiny and their relationship in the background. Loved seeing Breedlowe flourish as a character too. Love the epilogue too, so many tend to be overly cheesy or wrapping up things into the tidiest bow to the point where you want to roll your eyes but this kept it snappy and sweet.
I’m pumped to see if the next books keep this up and to check out this author’s other series!
January 4, 2018
The Earl Next Door by Charis Michaels is d 1st book i ve read written by d author. it was good .
i was bored with d start but gradually i settled in d book ... the story line is good but sorry to say couldnt connect with d characters. the hero Trevor is so pathetic ,confused doesnt ve a aim & gyst to do anything in life even wen oppurtunity rises so his character irritated me...
The heroine Piety is shown to be strong , smart, fiesty & has all d means but still dumb wen it comes to dealing with her evil mother or stepbrothers ...
The concept of d story is nice but u tend to loose interest as d characters itself r confused... i finished d book in 3-4 sitting s it tended to get boring ...
otherwise it was a okayish read ... i m sorrybut dis r my honest obsevations not with an intent to hurt ...
Charis has to develop her characters well bcoz her story was good , the plot was engaging ...so i would definitely like to read her other books ...
i recd a free copy of d book through instafreebie & this is my voluntary & honest review
i was bored with d start but gradually i settled in d book ... the story line is good but sorry to say couldnt connect with d characters. the hero Trevor is so pathetic ,confused doesnt ve a aim & gyst to do anything in life even wen oppurtunity rises so his character irritated me...
The heroine Piety is shown to be strong , smart, fiesty & has all d means but still dumb wen it comes to dealing with her evil mother or stepbrothers ...
The concept of d story is nice but u tend to loose interest as d characters itself r confused... i finished d book in 3-4 sitting s it tended to get boring ...
otherwise it was a okayish read ... i m sorrybut dis r my honest obsevations not with an intent to hurt ...
Charis has to develop her characters well bcoz her story was good , the plot was engaging ...so i would definitely like to read her other books ...
i recd a free copy of d book through instafreebie & this is my voluntary & honest review
August 17, 2021
The first three-quarters of this book were delightful - hero and heroine were engaging, side characters truly fun, and villains as evil as you could want. Things really fell apart towards the end, though. Not only did it drag on about one hundred pages too far in a bid to set up the next novel in the trilogy, but Piety also started acting like she didn't have a brain in her head, which was incredibly annoying. 3.5, rounded down for those last hundred pages.
January 15, 2018
Thoroughly enjoyed it. Lots of funny moments, and the characters were very well portrayed. Would definitely recommend to other readers. (I voluntarily reviewed this free copy).
dnf
August 4, 2025This one just wasn’t grabbing me and I have too many library deadlines to push through.
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