What do you think?
Rate this book
Earls Next Door #1
Good Earls Don't Lie
Lady Rose Thornton never expected to find a half-naked man in her garden. The handsome Irishman claims to be the Earl of Ashton, but was Iain Donovan truly robbed by thieves? Or is he merely an impoverished stranger lying to her?
After losing everything in the potato famine, Iain is searching for a wife whose dowry will save his estate. The beautiful and charming Lady Rose, unable to walk because of an illness that stole her strength, agrees to help him find a wife, but only if he will help her learn to take her first steps.
As their friendship takes root and blossoms into something more, secrets about Iain’s birthright threaten the growing feelings between them. He has no right to love a woman like Rose, who deserves a better life than he can give her. Rose believes that there is more to Iain than a broken past, and she brings light to his shadows.
Within the walls of a secret garden, sometimes miracles happen…
341 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2016
379 people are currently reading
526 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Willingham
189 books620 followersRita® Award Finalist Michelle Willingham has published over fifty books and novellas. Currently, she lives in Virginia with her family and is working on more historical romance novels. When she's not writing, Michelle enjoys baking, playing the piano, and avoiding exercise at all costs. Visit her website at: www.michellewillingham.com or interact with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/michellewillinghamfans.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
October 12, 2017
You know how romance covers tend to show people in some kind of wardrobe malfunction? You know, with a man with a ripped shirt; or just shirtless. You know what the cover here shows? A covered up man. There's a hint that he has a wide open shirt, but since he's turned, it is harder to tell that he's not actually all covered up. Why am I going on and on about this issue? Two reasons: 1) I don't always know what to write in reviews and, more importantly, 2) the two main characters meet with the male main character shirtless. In a garden. Looking like he was posing for some kind of romance book cover (while also looking scruffy, so it'd be a princess type who was flirting with the groom (do they have those?)). Also, that specific man just kept losing his shirt throughout the book. I mean, it’s like he’s the Kirk of Historical Romance (Captain Kirk, who was always losing his shirt on Star Trek).
Iain Donovan (and here I finally realize it's Iain and not Ian, mmphs) has come to England to find a wife. He's one of thousands of Irishmen who've wandered over to England for one reason or another. It's the time of 'No Irish Need Apply' signs in shop windows though, so times are tough for the Irish in England. Ireland? Well, millions are dying in Ireland (actually, I believe it is a total of 1 million died, between 1845-1852; you know how much food was exported from Ireland in 1847? A massive amount, 4,000 vessels carried food from Ireland to English ports that year; the same year 400,000 Irish died of starvation. It wasn't actually a lack of food, Ireland had food, but it was not owned by the Irish (for the most part), and unlike in a similar famine that occurred in 1782, the Irish ports were not closed to keep the food in Ireland "The start of two years of crop failure, during which time distress was successfully relieved by local and central intervention including an embargo on exporting food." The difference? Why did 1 million people starve in a land of food? 1801, Act of Union, Ireland came under the full control of the Westminster Parliament (control? Thought it was a union; 40% of the pop was Irish, but only 105 members of Parliament were, out of 658 (16%)). Iain, though, isn’t like the thousands of other starving refuges, no, while he’s shirtless, dirty, and looks like a charming beggar (and possibly a pirate with his stubble covered chin and too long hair), he is in fact an Earl.
At least that’s how he wakes up to start the book. Yes, thinking about the dying in Ireland, and shirtless. Apparently, according to the time, he’s basically naked, despite still wearing trousers. Well, he’s apparently been robbed. Clothing, money, and, most importantly, introduction letter and signet ring. He has no way to prove who he is. Luckily for him, the place he is going, the place he was invited to go to in England, includes a woman who knows what he looks like. And so he sets out on a journey on foot. Luckily for him, he was almost to the estate he was heading to so it isn’t a long journey on foot.
He arrives to find a woman in a garden. She’s resting, then wiggling. Eventually she notices the ‘naked’ man near her. She continues to wiggle while also attempting to reach for a rake to rake him with. They meet, they talk, and he mentions he is an Earl. She doesn’t believe him. He mentions he was invited. She still doesn’t believe him. He mentions that there should be a woman there who could confirm his identity, the woman having invited him. The woman in the garden, Rose Thornton informs the man that her Grandmother isn’t there, but is currently in Bath. She wants him to leave; he’s not exactly in a good position to leave; she relents and tells him to go to the servant’s entrance and the person there will give him some food and clothing. Then he should leave.
He goes to the door. Her servant carries her to the house. I stop with the summary of the events of the story.
Of importance:
Iain Donovan is also Earl of Ashton (which is in Ireland). He’s in England attempting to find a wife to help him feed his tenants (no, he is not going to kill her and feed her to his people; he hopes she has money). He has no training to be an Earl because his brother was supposed to be (and was before his death), and his mother hid him from outside society (she had her reasons).
Rose Thornton – there’s a reason I mentioned the wiggling; Rose was attempting to stand. She, you see, suffered an illness six months before the start of this book after eating bad potatoes. She lost the ability to move initially, but has slowly regained everything but the ability to walk. Though she keeps trying. Her legs, you see, have gone weak. She’s not just some woman in a garden, though, she’s also the daughter of an Earl – the Earl of . . . um . . . well, her brother is an Earl. Of something. He’s in India, though, along with his friend (who might also be an Earl; there’s a lot of Earl’s in this book). Properly she should be referred to as ‘Lady Rose Thornton’. Her grandmother invited the Irish Earl, but isn’t present. Her mother is present, though, and knew the Earl’s mother. And, as is later noted, the Earl looks a lot like his mother. The mother never meet Iain, though, and is . . . well . . insane. Also present is Lily Thornton, sister.
Grandmother and mother Thornton (I don’t actually recall the grandmother’s name, nor if it is ‘Thornton’), desire to help get Rose and Lily married off. Rose, though, has two issues with that: 1) she was just about to be proposed to before she became ill – so she’s assuming that man will still want her; 2) after she can walk – she’s holding off heading back to London for the season until she can walk again, though it has been six months without that ability. Lily, though, also has an issue with that; 1) she believes herself promised to some guy named Matthew Larkspur – that same guy who had gone off to India with James Thornton; 2) .
So – the story that unfolds consists of Iain helping Rose walk, while constantly touching her inappropriately, kissing her, and basically doing everything icky. Coming close to just ripping her clothing off and humping her, though barely restraining himself from raping her.
Quite good and interesting story . . . up to around 71% or so (61%?) when the ickiness got super icky. Icky? Well, reaching up a woman’s dress and fingering her in the tea room is kinda icky, in my opinion. Especially as she hadn’t asked, nor given permission for such action to occur. Though she also didn’t stop him (sarcastic: so obviously it’s her fault since she didn’t stop him).
Right, so. Sex occurred. Complications occurred (they ‘want’ each other but Rose is . . . assuming she’s almost promised to another; Iain needs someone with money and while Rose might have money . . . she might not – see insane mother; Rose initially couldn’t do anything with the handsome pirate looking dude because she wasn’t sure he wasn’t lying about being an Earl; then she learned he was telling truth; but maybe he isn’t; but maybe he is; that is he isn’t he story line isn’t as prominent as I’m making it out to be).
Side note: wanted to read a historical romance set during the restoration period, which I’ve learned is a much ‘looser’ period in English history, instead read a book set roughly 164 years later - directly during the repressed Victorian age. Mmphs. Heh.
Side note 2: Darn. I wanted to make some comment about how this was the first Irish guy with a title I've read. I've read Scottish, English, and Welsh previously. Though the Welsh one was a prince from before the place was ruled by England.
Rating: 3.77
October 12 2017
Iain Donovan (and here I finally realize it's Iain and not Ian, mmphs) has come to England to find a wife. He's one of thousands of Irishmen who've wandered over to England for one reason or another. It's the time of 'No Irish Need Apply' signs in shop windows though, so times are tough for the Irish in England. Ireland? Well, millions are dying in Ireland (actually, I believe it is a total of 1 million died, between 1845-1852; you know how much food was exported from Ireland in 1847? A massive amount, 4,000 vessels carried food from Ireland to English ports that year; the same year 400,000 Irish died of starvation. It wasn't actually a lack of food, Ireland had food, but it was not owned by the Irish (for the most part), and unlike in a similar famine that occurred in 1782, the Irish ports were not closed to keep the food in Ireland "The start of two years of crop failure, during which time distress was successfully relieved by local and central intervention including an embargo on exporting food." The difference? Why did 1 million people starve in a land of food? 1801, Act of Union, Ireland came under the full control of the Westminster Parliament (control? Thought it was a union; 40% of the pop was Irish, but only 105 members of Parliament were, out of 658 (16%)). Iain, though, isn’t like the thousands of other starving refuges, no, while he’s shirtless, dirty, and looks like a charming beggar (and possibly a pirate with his stubble covered chin and too long hair), he is in fact an Earl.
At least that’s how he wakes up to start the book. Yes, thinking about the dying in Ireland, and shirtless. Apparently, according to the time, he’s basically naked, despite still wearing trousers. Well, he’s apparently been robbed. Clothing, money, and, most importantly, introduction letter and signet ring. He has no way to prove who he is. Luckily for him, the place he is going, the place he was invited to go to in England, includes a woman who knows what he looks like. And so he sets out on a journey on foot. Luckily for him, he was almost to the estate he was heading to so it isn’t a long journey on foot.
He arrives to find a woman in a garden. She’s resting, then wiggling. Eventually she notices the ‘naked’ man near her. She continues to wiggle while also attempting to reach for a rake to rake him with. They meet, they talk, and he mentions he is an Earl. She doesn’t believe him. He mentions he was invited. She still doesn’t believe him. He mentions that there should be a woman there who could confirm his identity, the woman having invited him. The woman in the garden, Rose Thornton informs the man that her Grandmother isn’t there, but is currently in Bath. She wants him to leave; he’s not exactly in a good position to leave; she relents and tells him to go to the servant’s entrance and the person there will give him some food and clothing. Then he should leave.
He goes to the door. Her servant carries her to the house. I stop with the summary of the events of the story.
Of importance:
Iain Donovan is also Earl of Ashton (which is in Ireland). He’s in England attempting to find a wife to help him feed his tenants (no, he is not going to kill her and feed her to his people; he hopes she has money). He has no training to be an Earl because his brother was supposed to be (and was before his death), and his mother hid him from outside society (she had her reasons).
Rose Thornton – there’s a reason I mentioned the wiggling; Rose was attempting to stand. She, you see, suffered an illness six months before the start of this book after eating bad potatoes. She lost the ability to move initially, but has slowly regained everything but the ability to walk. Though she keeps trying. Her legs, you see, have gone weak. She’s not just some woman in a garden, though, she’s also the daughter of an Earl – the Earl of . . . um . . . well, her brother is an Earl. Of something. He’s in India, though, along with his friend (who might also be an Earl; there’s a lot of Earl’s in this book). Properly she should be referred to as ‘Lady Rose Thornton’. Her grandmother invited the Irish Earl, but isn’t present. Her mother is present, though, and knew the Earl’s mother. And, as is later noted, the Earl looks a lot like his mother. The mother never meet Iain, though, and is . . . well . . insane. Also present is Lily Thornton, sister.
Grandmother and mother Thornton (I don’t actually recall the grandmother’s name, nor if it is ‘Thornton’), desire to help get Rose and Lily married off. Rose, though, has two issues with that: 1) she was just about to be proposed to before she became ill – so she’s assuming that man will still want her; 2) after she can walk – she’s holding off heading back to London for the season until she can walk again, though it has been six months without that ability. Lily, though, also has an issue with that; 1) she believes herself promised to some guy named Matthew Larkspur – that same guy who had gone off to India with James Thornton; 2) .
So – the story that unfolds consists of Iain helping Rose walk, while constantly touching her inappropriately, kissing her, and basically doing everything icky. Coming close to just ripping her clothing off and humping her, though barely restraining himself from raping her.
Quite good and interesting story . . . up to around 71% or so (61%?) when the ickiness got super icky. Icky? Well, reaching up a woman’s dress and fingering her in the tea room is kinda icky, in my opinion. Especially as she hadn’t asked, nor given permission for such action to occur. Though she also didn’t stop him (sarcastic: so obviously it’s her fault since she didn’t stop him).
Right, so. Sex occurred. Complications occurred (they ‘want’ each other but Rose is . . . assuming she’s almost promised to another; Iain needs someone with money and while Rose might have money . . . she might not – see insane mother; Rose initially couldn’t do anything with the handsome pirate looking dude because she wasn’t sure he wasn’t lying about being an Earl; then she learned he was telling truth; but maybe he isn’t; but maybe he is; that is he isn’t he story line isn’t as prominent as I’m making it out to be).
Side note: wanted to read a historical romance set during the restoration period, which I’ve learned is a much ‘looser’ period in English history, instead read a book set roughly 164 years later - directly during the repressed Victorian age. Mmphs. Heh.
Side note 2: Darn. I wanted to make some comment about how this was the first Irish guy with a title I've read. I've read Scottish, English, and Welsh previously. Though the Welsh one was a prince from before the place was ruled by England.
Rating: 3.77
October 12 2017
September 25, 2016
'Good Earls Don't Lie' by Michelle Willingham is the story of Lady Rose Thornto and Iain Donovan the Earl of Ashton. This is also book one in the "Earls Next Door" series.
Rose was taken sick about six months ago and is trying to get her strength back to walk fully again. Rose thinks she is in love with someone who is close to asking for her hand but the illness has kept him away. Iain is on his way to visit with Rose's grandmother who was an old friend of his family when his carriage breaks and he is also robbed. Iain does make it to the family friend's house but she is not there and no one seems to know him. They think is pretending to be someone he is not. Iain does meet Rose who is in the garden at the time of his arrival. They butt heads some but they slowly start coming to an agreement to help each other with their goals. But are their goals changing as their friendship start to form?
I received an eARC, from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H...
https://www.facebook.com/sally.mae.39...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/17091...
Rose was taken sick about six months ago and is trying to get her strength back to walk fully again. Rose thinks she is in love with someone who is close to asking for her hand but the illness has kept him away. Iain is on his way to visit with Rose's grandmother who was an old friend of his family when his carriage breaks and he is also robbed. Iain does make it to the family friend's house but she is not there and no one seems to know him. They think is pretending to be someone he is not. Iain does meet Rose who is in the garden at the time of his arrival. They butt heads some but they slowly start coming to an agreement to help each other with their goals. But are their goals changing as their friendship start to form?
I received an eARC, from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile/A2H...
https://www.facebook.com/sally.mae.39...
https://www.facebook.com/groups/17091...
October 9, 2016
I recently discovered Michelle Willingham and enjoy her writing style so when I saw this on Netgalley, I couldn't resist. While this novel had a strong start with many elements that make for a deliciously awesome story, it wasn't executed well and dragged in the middle, ultimately lowering the rating.
Willingham writes very simply. Her prose isn't flowery or overly complicated. She writes a great story that is easy to read, which is a rare skill and something I appreciate during those times when I just want to escape into a story and forget about the stress I currently have in my life.
In this novel, Lady Rose is currently retired from London as she struggles to learn how to walk again after a debilitating illness. Iain Donovan is an impoverished Irish earl who had traveled to England to find a wife whose dowry can hopefully help him save his land and tenants during the potato famine. He has traveled to Lady Rose's estate at the invitation of her aunt who has agreed to support him. Lady Rose is not aware of this invitation and when her aunt is gone and Iain arrives with nothing except his pants due to a robbery, she does not believe his identity, but his bearing and compassion sway her to let him stay until his identity can be verified.
Lady Rose's family has a host of issues: a mother with some kind of mental disorder, a secretly married sister who is desperate for her missing husband to return from India, opinionated servants, Rose's handicap, and missing rents. Despite all of this, in addition to Iain's own issues with his mother's hatred, his father's murder, and the famine, the novel doesn't feel overly dark. The struggles have shaped the characters into the compelling people that they are, but many of the issues are a way of life and not something they dwell on and cannot get past. Both characters are survivors and I appreciated that element. It made them real and easy to relate to.
The story opened strong and I enjoyed the pull between the characters. However, after an excellent set-up, the story seemed to stall. There was too much inner angst on Rose's part and too much repetition of the characters over whether they could be together. It got boring. Then, towards the end, Rose acts completely out of character and rejects Iain at a time when he needed her the most, really causing me to downgrade my positive feelings for her. Everything wrapped up a little too neatly and I just didn't feel as emotionally invested in the story at the end.
Overall, I really liked Iain's character and appreciated his innate kindness and ability to adapt. I also appreciated Rose's strength, but felt that as she regained her physical faculties, her emotional capacity diminished, ultimately making me lose respect for her. The story had an excellent set up but lost steam towards the middle and end, lowering the rating. I am definitely going to check out the next books in this series as Willingham offered up two interesting heroines in this novel, but I believe that this book would have been better as a long novella with less flip-flopping within the characters' hearts.
I received a complimentary copy through Netgalley to read and review. All opinions are my own. I appreciate the opportunity.
Willingham writes very simply. Her prose isn't flowery or overly complicated. She writes a great story that is easy to read, which is a rare skill and something I appreciate during those times when I just want to escape into a story and forget about the stress I currently have in my life.
In this novel, Lady Rose is currently retired from London as she struggles to learn how to walk again after a debilitating illness. Iain Donovan is an impoverished Irish earl who had traveled to England to find a wife whose dowry can hopefully help him save his land and tenants during the potato famine. He has traveled to Lady Rose's estate at the invitation of her aunt who has agreed to support him. Lady Rose is not aware of this invitation and when her aunt is gone and Iain arrives with nothing except his pants due to a robbery, she does not believe his identity, but his bearing and compassion sway her to let him stay until his identity can be verified.
Lady Rose's family has a host of issues: a mother with some kind of mental disorder, a secretly married sister who is desperate for her missing husband to return from India, opinionated servants, Rose's handicap, and missing rents. Despite all of this, in addition to Iain's own issues with his mother's hatred, his father's murder, and the famine, the novel doesn't feel overly dark. The struggles have shaped the characters into the compelling people that they are, but many of the issues are a way of life and not something they dwell on and cannot get past. Both characters are survivors and I appreciated that element. It made them real and easy to relate to.
The story opened strong and I enjoyed the pull between the characters. However, after an excellent set-up, the story seemed to stall. There was too much inner angst on Rose's part and too much repetition of the characters over whether they could be together. It got boring. Then, towards the end, Rose acts completely out of character and rejects Iain at a time when he needed her the most, really causing me to downgrade my positive feelings for her. Everything wrapped up a little too neatly and I just didn't feel as emotionally invested in the story at the end.
Overall, I really liked Iain's character and appreciated his innate kindness and ability to adapt. I also appreciated Rose's strength, but felt that as she regained her physical faculties, her emotional capacity diminished, ultimately making me lose respect for her. The story had an excellent set up but lost steam towards the middle and end, lowering the rating. I am definitely going to check out the next books in this series as Willingham offered up two interesting heroines in this novel, but I believe that this book would have been better as a long novella with less flip-flopping within the characters' hearts.
I received a complimentary copy through Netgalley to read and review. All opinions are my own. I appreciate the opportunity.
April 13, 2022
A wonderful book to read! I was surprised that I enjoyed this book as much as I did, because I did not enjoy reading Michelle Willingham’s other books as much.
The summary of the plot caught my attention since I’m a sucker for disabled heroes/heroines. In this case, the heroine was the disabled, which is rare because it is mostly men who come back injured from the war—this is the standard plot for disabled characters.
I really loved the fact that the author planned their time together really well—in terms of them spending a lot of time alone without the judgement of the ton just bonding and knowing each other better. That made the romance more believable as I could see they fell for each other for their personalities which they both took the time to know.
The chemistry and banter between them was great. I enjoyed their jokes and conversations.
Rose was a very determined lady who wanted to get better, and Iain was caring and helpful—who always see that determination within Rose. The process of him helping Rose was nice to see, because it allowed for good bonding between them and it warmed my heart to see Rose become happy that she was slowly able to walk with Iain’s help and her determination.
Just loved these two!
It was nice to see the epilogue cover the relationship between Iain and his mother, and a scene of Iain and Rose with their children.
The summary of the plot caught my attention since I’m a sucker for disabled heroes/heroines. In this case, the heroine was the disabled, which is rare because it is mostly men who come back injured from the war—this is the standard plot for disabled characters.
I really loved the fact that the author planned their time together really well—in terms of them spending a lot of time alone without the judgement of the ton just bonding and knowing each other better. That made the romance more believable as I could see they fell for each other for their personalities which they both took the time to know.
The chemistry and banter between them was great. I enjoyed their jokes and conversations.
Rose was a very determined lady who wanted to get better, and Iain was caring and helpful—who always see that determination within Rose. The process of him helping Rose was nice to see, because it allowed for good bonding between them and it warmed my heart to see Rose become happy that she was slowly able to walk with Iain’s help and her determination.
Just loved these two!
It was nice to see the epilogue cover the relationship between Iain and his mother, and a scene of Iain and Rose with their children.
November 29, 2017
First book by this author. Overly sweet, bit contrived and dramatic, too many needless twists and turns. Ended up skimming through most of it, however the writing wasn't bad. At times like these, I don't mind that GR doesn't have half-stars, because 1.5 stars? 2 stars? At some point in the lower ranges, what difference does it really make?
The average rating is so high and it's not from 20 ratings, as of today it's from 361!! I obviously missed something ...
The average rating is so high and it's not from 20 ratings, as of today it's from 361!! I obviously missed something ...
September 29, 2020
This is more of a 2.5 stars read, but I almost always round down (yes, I know that's not how math works).
I mean, the premise is definitely an okay one, and I have to say that this is the first romance book I've read with an Irish hero (at least that I can remember). I kind of liked that. And Iain was charming and funny, and I mean really, the way they met was ridiculous and a half (Rose is sitting out in the gardens and Iain, who had been robbed and stripped to his trousers in the process, strolls in looking for help and clothes), but at least it started in a unique way.
The pacing was really off; I felt like for half of the book it dragged relentlessly, and then in the latter half of the book things were flying by. We are continually reminded that Iain is there to find a rich wife to help him save his family estate, but he doesn't DO much about it for the first half of the book. He even kind of forgets that he needs manners and knowledge of how Society works, especially since he's never been to London before. But luckily for him, he manages to acquire ALL of that needed knowledge in just a few pages, so good for him, I guess.
Rose was difficult for me to like. I did admire her determination to walk again (she had botulism poisoning from bad potatoes, which caused her to nearly die and left her mostly paralyzed for a while), but she was kind of stupid at times, too.
And then there were just too many storylines going and everything was wrapped up so smoothly that it just felt wrong.
And then there were the dreadful anatomy metaphors (velvet erection, UGH, "velvet" should never be used to describe a man's dick ever again please, thank you). Rose experiences a full on breast erection apparently, which I've never heard of before (literally, Rose talks about how she is so turned on that her BREASTS are erect, LOL whattttt). There is also a magical soup spoon that turns up just when it is needed (not for sexual use, you perv). And who in the hell is the father of Iain's younger sisters? We are told that his father died before he was born, but these sisters are obviously MUCH younger than he is. If there was an explanation of this in the book, I missed it. Granted, I'm tired and stoned, but still, I feel like this should probably be explained better than it was, IF it was explained at all.
But will I read another book by this author? You bet! Because there is a tortured hero in book two that I MUST read about and see if this book is a one off clunker or if I really don't like the author's writing style.
I mean, the premise is definitely an okay one, and I have to say that this is the first romance book I've read with an Irish hero (at least that I can remember). I kind of liked that. And Iain was charming and funny, and I mean really, the way they met was ridiculous and a half (Rose is sitting out in the gardens and Iain, who had been robbed and stripped to his trousers in the process, strolls in looking for help and clothes), but at least it started in a unique way.
The pacing was really off; I felt like for half of the book it dragged relentlessly, and then in the latter half of the book things were flying by. We are continually reminded that Iain is there to find a rich wife to help him save his family estate, but he doesn't DO much about it for the first half of the book. He even kind of forgets that he needs manners and knowledge of how Society works, especially since he's never been to London before. But luckily for him, he manages to acquire ALL of that needed knowledge in just a few pages, so good for him, I guess.
Rose was difficult for me to like. I did admire her determination to walk again (she had botulism poisoning from bad potatoes, which caused her to nearly die and left her mostly paralyzed for a while), but she was kind of stupid at times, too.
And then there were just too many storylines going and everything was wrapped up so smoothly that it just felt wrong.
And then there were the dreadful anatomy metaphors (velvet erection, UGH, "velvet" should never be used to describe a man's dick ever again please, thank you). Rose experiences a full on breast erection apparently, which I've never heard of before (literally, Rose talks about how she is so turned on that her BREASTS are erect, LOL whattttt). There is also a magical soup spoon that turns up just when it is needed (not for sexual use, you perv). And who in the hell is the father of Iain's younger sisters? We are told that his father died before he was born, but these sisters are obviously MUCH younger than he is. If there was an explanation of this in the book, I missed it. Granted, I'm tired and stoned, but still, I feel like this should probably be explained better than it was, IF it was explained at all.
But will I read another book by this author? You bet! Because there is a tortured hero in book two that I MUST read about and see if this book is a one off clunker or if I really don't like the author's writing style.
September 29, 2016
B+ at AAR, so 4.5 stars Sometimes I start a book, and I just know I’m going to be enchanted. That’s how Good Earls Don’t Lie started for me. Even though the opening events feel a tad unlikely, there’s something likable about the characters and I just enjoyed the mood that Willingham creates in her story. There are a few wobbles here and there, but from the beginning, I liked Iain and I liked Rose, and I really wanted to see how their happily ever after was going to unfold.
Newly arrived from Ireland, Iain Donovan, Earl of Ashton, gets off on the wrong foot right away. After receiving an invitation from Lady Wolcroft, a close friend of the family, he has come to England to seek assistance in finding a wealthy bride to help save his estate. The potato famine has hit Ireland and Iain is desperate to keep his estate afloat and to prevent his tenants from starving. However, he finds himself stranded and half-naked following a carriage accident and subsequent robbery. He finds his way to his hostess’ home and there he encounters Lady Wolcroft’s granddaughter, Rose Thornton, reading in the garden.
Iain tries to explain his plight, but doesn’t get very far. Since he doesn’t look very aristocratic and carries neither proof of his identity nor a letter of introduction, Rose and the staff suspect that he is just a ruffian seeking to take advantage. And of course the hostess who could get him out of the mess is visiting other friends in Bath. However, Iain persists and he is eventually allowed to stay at the house, even if his accommodation is more in line with servants’ quarters than those of a guest. Undeterred, Iain tries to recover his stolen property – especially his signet ring – and manages to ingratiate himself with Rose and others in the house because, as it turns out, he’s competent, capable and truly a decent person. It helps that he is also quite useful when it comes to looking out for and protecting Rose’s mother who suffered some form of psychological collapse following the death of her husband.
As we learn at the very beginning, Rose has recently recovered from an illness that has left her muscles too weakened for her to walk. She is determined to build up her strength and to walk again and Iain tries to help her. In return, Rose tries to help Iain understand some of the finer points of living in society. As a younger son much disfavored by his mother, Iain never expected to be the earl and his mother never included him in her London travels. Iain therefore is quite knowledgeable and resourceful when it comes to running a country estate but less sure of himself in city society.
This is a partial review. The complete text can be found at All About Romance: http://allaboutromance.com/book-revie...
Newly arrived from Ireland, Iain Donovan, Earl of Ashton, gets off on the wrong foot right away. After receiving an invitation from Lady Wolcroft, a close friend of the family, he has come to England to seek assistance in finding a wealthy bride to help save his estate. The potato famine has hit Ireland and Iain is desperate to keep his estate afloat and to prevent his tenants from starving. However, he finds himself stranded and half-naked following a carriage accident and subsequent robbery. He finds his way to his hostess’ home and there he encounters Lady Wolcroft’s granddaughter, Rose Thornton, reading in the garden.
Iain tries to explain his plight, but doesn’t get very far. Since he doesn’t look very aristocratic and carries neither proof of his identity nor a letter of introduction, Rose and the staff suspect that he is just a ruffian seeking to take advantage. And of course the hostess who could get him out of the mess is visiting other friends in Bath. However, Iain persists and he is eventually allowed to stay at the house, even if his accommodation is more in line with servants’ quarters than those of a guest. Undeterred, Iain tries to recover his stolen property – especially his signet ring – and manages to ingratiate himself with Rose and others in the house because, as it turns out, he’s competent, capable and truly a decent person. It helps that he is also quite useful when it comes to looking out for and protecting Rose’s mother who suffered some form of psychological collapse following the death of her husband.
As we learn at the very beginning, Rose has recently recovered from an illness that has left her muscles too weakened for her to walk. She is determined to build up her strength and to walk again and Iain tries to help her. In return, Rose tries to help Iain understand some of the finer points of living in society. As a younger son much disfavored by his mother, Iain never expected to be the earl and his mother never included him in her London travels. Iain therefore is quite knowledgeable and resourceful when it comes to running a country estate but less sure of himself in city society.
This is a partial review. The complete text can be found at All About Romance: http://allaboutromance.com/book-revie...
September 27, 2016
❤¨`*•.☘Book ☘Review☘.•*¨❤️
Book: “Earls Don't Lie” by Michelle Willingham
(Earls Next Door) Book #1
Reviewer: Barb Massabrook of "Tartan Book Reviews"and "Celtic Barb's Kilted Tartan Book Review Blog"
Release Date: 9/27/2016
Heat Rating: Mild
Overall Rating: 5/5 stars
First installment of regency historical “Earls Next Door” sries by bestselling magnificent author, Michelle Willingham. Another supreme novel that historical romance readers will love!
It s a difficult time The Great Famine or the Great Hunger was a period of mass starvation, disease and emigration in Ireland between 1845-1853 in Ireland. It what the Irish hero in Ms. Willingham book is referring when speaking of the potato famine. Again she brilliantly weaves true historical facts into her fictional romance! This is one of my favorite combinations in reading historical fictionz
Yorkshire, Spring 1846
Ireland is starving due to the potato famine as many will do anything for food - steal, kill sell their soul. Lord Iain Donovan, Earl of Ashton, the new lord of Ashton since his brother Michael's recent death. He has done all he can for his people, but he really has no choice but to find himself a wealthy bride in another country to save them all.. He won't abandon his people and country as his mother did fleeing to America with his sisters. Most likely to find some rich husbands in New York. His mother despises him as he was the spare heir and most likely doesn't even know of his new title since his brother's passing. He has no idea why his mother hates him so and loved Michael so much! What he must do now is -,find a wealthy English heiress and marry her. Feeling all his problems will then be resolved as this is the perfect solution. Except while traveling he is stripped of his clothing, letter of introduction to Lady Wolcroft and his signet ring. All would prove his identity Lady Wolcroft is the one who was invited gim and hoping she would make introductions to him to wealthy heiresses, maybe even her own granddaughters. Of course he has no proof now, but he hopes he can prove himself and find the thieves who stole his belongings. As Lady Wolcrofts Daughter, Iris and his mother had been very close friends in boarding school. It is their he meets Lady Rose Thornton, granddaughter of Lady Wolcroft , and daughter of his mother's school friend Iris.
When Iain meets the heroine of the story who had a recent illness and no longer hasthe ability to walk. Plus her mother Iris is having hallucinations since her husband's recently passing. On top of that her sister is secretly married and hasn't shared that with anyone. So this couple definitely there issues and conflicts right from the start. plus
In addition no one will believe this half naked man down on his luck until he shows some heroics and favoritism toward Rose and her family. Rose is observant too and besides his handsome and Irish brogue looks sees how he carries himself. Plus his reaction when other people try to give him orders in a very non servant way! So Rose figures he is a very good liar or telling the truth. Which one will she decide? Plus Iains servants deserted him and Roses Grandmother Lady Wolcroft inviting him is out of town!
Rose struggles every day with her handicapp determined to walk again as Physicians and most don't believe she ever will. In addition both sister hide their mother on this country estate for fear she would be locked up and put in a insane asylum.The type that are cruel and encourage ice baths and shock therapy as there was no compassion in this time for the mentally ill, disturbed, confused or depressed. On top Rose is missing brother who went to India a couple years ago!
So will Iain ever be able to capture and attract a wealthy bride and be able to prove his true identity. Is he just a fortune hunter or something more? Will Rose ever be able to walk again? As true love wouldn't care if she can walk or not. Will Iain? Both h/h have their issues, conflicts and problems. Will they ever be resolved and will that thing called love enter the picture? You will have to read and find out and see if hearts confidence and self esteem will be mended or shattered?
Another Michelle Willingham dazzler that romance readers don't want to miss! Another spectacular tale plus a swoon worthy sexy Irishman that will leave readers breathless!
**I was given the ARC by the publisher for an honest review through netgalley.
Book: “Earls Don't Lie” by Michelle Willingham
(Earls Next Door) Book #1
Reviewer: Barb Massabrook of "Tartan Book Reviews"and "Celtic Barb's Kilted Tartan Book Review Blog"
Release Date: 9/27/2016
Heat Rating: Mild
Overall Rating: 5/5 stars
First installment of regency historical “Earls Next Door” sries by bestselling magnificent author, Michelle Willingham. Another supreme novel that historical romance readers will love!
It s a difficult time The Great Famine or the Great Hunger was a period of mass starvation, disease and emigration in Ireland between 1845-1853 in Ireland. It what the Irish hero in Ms. Willingham book is referring when speaking of the potato famine. Again she brilliantly weaves true historical facts into her fictional romance! This is one of my favorite combinations in reading historical fictionz
Yorkshire, Spring 1846
Ireland is starving due to the potato famine as many will do anything for food - steal, kill sell their soul. Lord Iain Donovan, Earl of Ashton, the new lord of Ashton since his brother Michael's recent death. He has done all he can for his people, but he really has no choice but to find himself a wealthy bride in another country to save them all.. He won't abandon his people and country as his mother did fleeing to America with his sisters. Most likely to find some rich husbands in New York. His mother despises him as he was the spare heir and most likely doesn't even know of his new title since his brother's passing. He has no idea why his mother hates him so and loved Michael so much! What he must do now is -,find a wealthy English heiress and marry her. Feeling all his problems will then be resolved as this is the perfect solution. Except while traveling he is stripped of his clothing, letter of introduction to Lady Wolcroft and his signet ring. All would prove his identity Lady Wolcroft is the one who was invited gim and hoping she would make introductions to him to wealthy heiresses, maybe even her own granddaughters. Of course he has no proof now, but he hopes he can prove himself and find the thieves who stole his belongings. As Lady Wolcrofts Daughter, Iris and his mother had been very close friends in boarding school. It is their he meets Lady Rose Thornton, granddaughter of Lady Wolcroft , and daughter of his mother's school friend Iris.
When Iain meets the heroine of the story who had a recent illness and no longer hasthe ability to walk. Plus her mother Iris is having hallucinations since her husband's recently passing. On top of that her sister is secretly married and hasn't shared that with anyone. So this couple definitely there issues and conflicts right from the start. plus
In addition no one will believe this half naked man down on his luck until he shows some heroics and favoritism toward Rose and her family. Rose is observant too and besides his handsome and Irish brogue looks sees how he carries himself. Plus his reaction when other people try to give him orders in a very non servant way! So Rose figures he is a very good liar or telling the truth. Which one will she decide? Plus Iains servants deserted him and Roses Grandmother Lady Wolcroft inviting him is out of town!
Rose struggles every day with her handicapp determined to walk again as Physicians and most don't believe she ever will. In addition both sister hide their mother on this country estate for fear she would be locked up and put in a insane asylum.The type that are cruel and encourage ice baths and shock therapy as there was no compassion in this time for the mentally ill, disturbed, confused or depressed. On top Rose is missing brother who went to India a couple years ago!
So will Iain ever be able to capture and attract a wealthy bride and be able to prove his true identity. Is he just a fortune hunter or something more? Will Rose ever be able to walk again? As true love wouldn't care if she can walk or not. Will Iain? Both h/h have their issues, conflicts and problems. Will they ever be resolved and will that thing called love enter the picture? You will have to read and find out and see if hearts confidence and self esteem will be mended or shattered?
Another Michelle Willingham dazzler that romance readers don't want to miss! Another spectacular tale plus a swoon worthy sexy Irishman that will leave readers breathless!
**I was given the ARC by the publisher for an honest review through netgalley.
September 30, 2016
Determination and desires!
The opening scenes with Lady Rose Thornton discovering a wild, strangely attired Irishman in her garden, claiming to be of all things, an Earl, is quite delicious, setting up for all sorts of interpretations and actions that follow. It seems the supposed Earl has been set upon and robbed. Unfortunately the Earl of Ashton, Iain Donovan is not only looking disreputable, he has no evidence of who he is. Iain's servants have deserted him, apparently to find work. (And given the state of Ireland and the potato famine--who wouldn't take any opportunity offered). At this time England is feeling the pressure of waves of Irish either coming across with their families or by themselves, looking to earn money to send home to their starving kin. The plot is further complicated by Rose being unable to walk due to an illness. Rose's servants don't take kindly to Iain. I like the disapproving reactions and suspicions of the supercilious footman Calvert. Unbeknown to Rose, Iain has been invited to England by Rose's grandmother to find a wife--a wealthy wife to try to restore his lands and help his people. To do that he'll need help. He and Rose make a bargain to help each other. Rose wants to walk again and take her place in society. Iain needs lessons in how to be a gentleman. There is a mystery surrounding why Iain's mother has had little to do with him, neglecting his upbringing and education as a gentleman. All this leaves Iain with a determination to do the right thing, fuelled by his insecurities and doubts, and need to bring relief to his people.
A NetGalley ARC
The opening scenes with Lady Rose Thornton discovering a wild, strangely attired Irishman in her garden, claiming to be of all things, an Earl, is quite delicious, setting up for all sorts of interpretations and actions that follow. It seems the supposed Earl has been set upon and robbed. Unfortunately the Earl of Ashton, Iain Donovan is not only looking disreputable, he has no evidence of who he is. Iain's servants have deserted him, apparently to find work. (And given the state of Ireland and the potato famine--who wouldn't take any opportunity offered). At this time England is feeling the pressure of waves of Irish either coming across with their families or by themselves, looking to earn money to send home to their starving kin. The plot is further complicated by Rose being unable to walk due to an illness. Rose's servants don't take kindly to Iain. I like the disapproving reactions and suspicions of the supercilious footman Calvert. Unbeknown to Rose, Iain has been invited to England by Rose's grandmother to find a wife--a wealthy wife to try to restore his lands and help his people. To do that he'll need help. He and Rose make a bargain to help each other. Rose wants to walk again and take her place in society. Iain needs lessons in how to be a gentleman. There is a mystery surrounding why Iain's mother has had little to do with him, neglecting his upbringing and education as a gentleman. All this leaves Iain with a determination to do the right thing, fuelled by his insecurities and doubts, and need to bring relief to his people.
A NetGalley ARC
Read
July 6, 2018Arrrgghhh!!
Enough with the 'updo' hairstyles!! 'updo' - first known use 1938!!!!
And then Iain is given his soup without a spoon and only a few moments later, he puts his spoon down!!! The miraculously reappearing soup spoon!! (I HATE it when an author does something like that )
I gave up at Chapter 7
This has very little to recommend it. This plot, the usual smug characters, the usual maid who is terrified of thunderstorms.... etc etc.
Not rating, but it would get a 1 star from me for the sloppy writing.
Enough with the 'updo' hairstyles!! 'updo' - first known use 1938!!!!
And then Iain is given his soup without a spoon and only a few moments later, he puts his spoon down!!! The miraculously reappearing soup spoon!! (I HATE it when an author does something like that )
I gave up at Chapter 7
This has very little to recommend it. This plot, the usual smug characters, the usual maid who is terrified of thunderstorms.... etc etc.
Not rating, but it would get a 1 star from me for the sloppy writing.
April 25, 2019
Haven’t been reading this author long, but enjoying her work. Quick to get my attention and couldn’t put it down. Enjoyed Iain and Rose’s story, mixed with struggles but also lighter and sensual moments. Always great to see the heart grow fonder and love triumph. The brief appearances of some of the previous series Secrets in Silk characters was a lovely addition. Looking forward to Lily’s story next.
January 9, 2020
Very sweet and innocent. Characters constantly fighting with themselves about why they aren't good enough, which I hate. The story progresses slowly. Seeing Rose gain confidence and begin to walk again was the best part of the story.
May 3, 2020
Everyone in this book had their own issues going on but I still found the book to be dull.
August 24, 2016
Michelle Willingham is an unknown author to me. I am pleasantly surprised to find another excellent writer that I must start reading. This book kept me captivated. The cover is beautiful, the story is excellent and the writing is superb. I liked very much how she brought the problems and frighting realness of the potato famine and the devastation it caused.
I really cared for Rose and for Iian. Her struggles were well written and felt real. The struggle to walk was well done and not rushed along. She let Rose work through the entire plight with dignity and strength. The family seemed to truly care for one another, and to have that many things working against them all, I felt part of it. It was not all love,shopping and silliness over tea.
These women had real problems with a mother that was suffering from something close to dementia, and the decision to keep her with them instead of putting her into a sanitarium, was to me, very well thought out.
The issues here are vast. Problems with money,people stealing ,the Irish roaming the streets and the docks,Rose losing her father, and her inability to walk,and of course the loveless marriage she gets to look forward to once she does. It all seems to work.
There is also Lily and her true and desperate love for a man who disappeared, and of course Rose's brother, who went missing with Lily's love. The stories will intermingle and I am hoping to hear more of this wonderful family in the future!
But I must confess... It fell a little for me at the end.
The thing that bothered me is the point where Iian decides Rose is the only one for him, and the scene continues in the library. The whole thing was slightly off. When Rose could and should have stood up (no pun intended, the premise of the book being that she is recovering from an illness that makes it very difficult to stand) for Iian when he needed it most. It would have made her character and her love seem more vivid and real, even if it was only for a moment, before her hopes and dreams were shattered. I wonder if the writer struggled with what to do at that particular moment. Rose lost some of my respect right there... right at that point where she could have shown who she was... that was the point that irked me. After that, It started feeling off for me, just a little, but maybe it was because of that.
As the story concluded and you were brought 'round and Rose realized the mistake she made, Willingham brought her character back to reconsider her actions, but in reality, if I was Iian, I would have not only been angry, I would have been devastated, and I would have had a hard time working through that. He is such a nice guy, he just does not go there. I suppose there is a cookie in there for him, but it also shows a weakness, especially with all the heat they had just shared. I wish Rose would have made me proud.
Roses mother to me what the highlight and the smart one. In the end, she rocked it by saying everything her daughter couldn't. She was wise, and she saved the day. I loved how Iian handled the odd family with the finesse that not many men could. He is a keeper. I truly wish the book did not rush through the end of the story, the bread and butter was spread a little thin.
I got the "Hey Wait!" feeling you get when so many things moved too quickly to end their story too soon. I wanted more of them, and I do not think it is a bad thing to love a character or characters so much you want to continue to watch them grow.
This is part of a series, and I will be waiting impatiently for the next installment to this. Impatiently is the word to emphasis here.To say it once more, I loved Rose's mother and her wolves. Plus, Plus, Plus!!
* I was given this ebook in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!!
Here is the excerpt from Goodreads as to what this wonderful book is about:
Lady Rose Thornton never expected to find a half-naked man in her garden. The handsome Irishman claims to be the Earl of Ashton, but was Iain Donovan truly robbed by thieves? Or is he merely an impoverished stranger lying to her?
After losing everything in the potato famine, Iain is searching for a wife whose dowry will save his estate. The beautiful and charming Lady Rose, unable to walk because of an illness that stole her strength, agrees to help him find a wife, but only if he will help her learn to take her first steps.
As their friendship takes root and blossoms into something more, secrets about Iain’s birthright threaten the growing feelings between them. He has no right to love a woman like Rose, who deserves a better life than he can give her. Rose believes that there is more to Iain than a broken past, and she brings light to his shadows.
Within the walls of a secret garden, sometimes miracles happen…
I really cared for Rose and for Iian. Her struggles were well written and felt real. The struggle to walk was well done and not rushed along. She let Rose work through the entire plight with dignity and strength. The family seemed to truly care for one another, and to have that many things working against them all, I felt part of it. It was not all love,shopping and silliness over tea.
These women had real problems with a mother that was suffering from something close to dementia, and the decision to keep her with them instead of putting her into a sanitarium, was to me, very well thought out.
The issues here are vast. Problems with money,people stealing ,the Irish roaming the streets and the docks,Rose losing her father, and her inability to walk,and of course the loveless marriage she gets to look forward to once she does. It all seems to work.
There is also Lily and her true and desperate love for a man who disappeared, and of course Rose's brother, who went missing with Lily's love. The stories will intermingle and I am hoping to hear more of this wonderful family in the future!
But I must confess... It fell a little for me at the end.
The thing that bothered me is the point where Iian decides Rose is the only one for him, and the scene continues in the library. The whole thing was slightly off. When Rose could and should have stood up (no pun intended, the premise of the book being that she is recovering from an illness that makes it very difficult to stand) for Iian when he needed it most. It would have made her character and her love seem more vivid and real, even if it was only for a moment, before her hopes and dreams were shattered. I wonder if the writer struggled with what to do at that particular moment. Rose lost some of my respect right there... right at that point where she could have shown who she was... that was the point that irked me. After that, It started feeling off for me, just a little, but maybe it was because of that.
As the story concluded and you were brought 'round and Rose realized the mistake she made, Willingham brought her character back to reconsider her actions, but in reality, if I was Iian, I would have not only been angry, I would have been devastated, and I would have had a hard time working through that. He is such a nice guy, he just does not go there. I suppose there is a cookie in there for him, but it also shows a weakness, especially with all the heat they had just shared. I wish Rose would have made me proud.
Roses mother to me what the highlight and the smart one. In the end, she rocked it by saying everything her daughter couldn't. She was wise, and she saved the day. I loved how Iian handled the odd family with the finesse that not many men could. He is a keeper. I truly wish the book did not rush through the end of the story, the bread and butter was spread a little thin.
I got the "Hey Wait!" feeling you get when so many things moved too quickly to end their story too soon. I wanted more of them, and I do not think it is a bad thing to love a character or characters so much you want to continue to watch them grow.
This is part of a series, and I will be waiting impatiently for the next installment to this. Impatiently is the word to emphasis here.To say it once more, I loved Rose's mother and her wolves. Plus, Plus, Plus!!
* I was given this ebook in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!!
Here is the excerpt from Goodreads as to what this wonderful book is about:
Lady Rose Thornton never expected to find a half-naked man in her garden. The handsome Irishman claims to be the Earl of Ashton, but was Iain Donovan truly robbed by thieves? Or is he merely an impoverished stranger lying to her?
After losing everything in the potato famine, Iain is searching for a wife whose dowry will save his estate. The beautiful and charming Lady Rose, unable to walk because of an illness that stole her strength, agrees to help him find a wife, but only if he will help her learn to take her first steps.
As their friendship takes root and blossoms into something more, secrets about Iain’s birthright threaten the growing feelings between them. He has no right to love a woman like Rose, who deserves a better life than he can give her. Rose believes that there is more to Iain than a broken past, and she brings light to his shadows.
Within the walls of a secret garden, sometimes miracles happen…
December 19, 2020
meine Meinung:
diesmal braucht nicht eine Frau Hilfe, sondern ein Mann und das im 18 Jahrhundert. Iain ist ein verarmter Earl aus Irland, dessen Gutshof von der schlechten Kartoffelernte vor dem Aus steht. Seine Pächter stehen vor dem ende, da es für sie keine Möglichkeiten mehr gibt ihre Familien zu ernähren, oder die Pacht zu bezahlen. Somit ziehen die meisten Iren nach England in der Hoffnung Arbeit zu finden, um ihre Familien zu helfen. Der junge Earl versucht somit sein Glück in England eine Frau zu finden, um mit deren Mitgift sein Land wieder in die richtige Spur zu bringen. Er stellt überhaupt keine großen Ansprüche an die Auserwählte. Aber da seine Anreise unter keinem guten Stern steht, kommt er ausgeraubt und kaum bekleidet auf dem Grundstück der Familie von der jungen Rose an. Allein dieser Anblick verspricht schon das er abgewiesen wird. Da sein Beweis das er der ist den er vorgibt zu sein auch gestohlen wurde. Rose lebt dort auf dem Land ihrer Großmutter mit ihrer Mutter und ihrer Schwester, da sie durch eine schwere Krankheit nicht laufen kann. Und weil es der Mutter psychisch nicht gut geht. Sie möchte erst wieder zurück nach London wenn sie wieder laufen kann.
Die beiden finden schnell zu einer Freundschaft zusammen, da er ihr hilft, sich wieder sicher auf den Beinen zu stellen und auch wieder zum laufen bringt. Sie hilft ihm im Umkehr sich sicherer in der Londoner Gesellschaft zu bewegen und die geeignete Braut zu finden. Auch ihre Großmutter und dessen Freundin setzen viel Mühe ein um Ihn gut unter die Haube zu bringen. Und das alles obwohl sich die beiden immer näher kommen und das aus der Freundschaft mehr wird.
Sie müssen wirklich einige Hürden bewerkstelligen, und auch Geheimnisse aufklären, die er mit sich rum trägt. Kann man Ashton retten? Wer ist sein wahrer Vater? Kann er Rose diesen ganzen Stress zumuten? Kann die unerwartete Hilfe die Wende bringen?
Möchte nur soviel verraten, es ist ein wundervolles Ende von dem ich von Anfang an gehofft habe. Auch die vielen kleinen Nebengeschichte haben einen großen Reiz bei mir ausgelöst, und auch dort wurde ich nicht enttäuscht. Ergo ein historischer Roman der einen ans Herz geht. Der durch den tollen sowie flüssigen Schreibstil der mir bis Dato unbekannten Autorin " Michelle Willingham " einen ans lesen hält. Er hat Tiefe aber auch Witz und die richtige Portion Liebe zu bieten.
mein Fazit:
bin gerne in diese Story eingetaucht, daher darf ich gerne volle Punktzahl vergeben.
diesmal braucht nicht eine Frau Hilfe, sondern ein Mann und das im 18 Jahrhundert. Iain ist ein verarmter Earl aus Irland, dessen Gutshof von der schlechten Kartoffelernte vor dem Aus steht. Seine Pächter stehen vor dem ende, da es für sie keine Möglichkeiten mehr gibt ihre Familien zu ernähren, oder die Pacht zu bezahlen. Somit ziehen die meisten Iren nach England in der Hoffnung Arbeit zu finden, um ihre Familien zu helfen. Der junge Earl versucht somit sein Glück in England eine Frau zu finden, um mit deren Mitgift sein Land wieder in die richtige Spur zu bringen. Er stellt überhaupt keine großen Ansprüche an die Auserwählte. Aber da seine Anreise unter keinem guten Stern steht, kommt er ausgeraubt und kaum bekleidet auf dem Grundstück der Familie von der jungen Rose an. Allein dieser Anblick verspricht schon das er abgewiesen wird. Da sein Beweis das er der ist den er vorgibt zu sein auch gestohlen wurde. Rose lebt dort auf dem Land ihrer Großmutter mit ihrer Mutter und ihrer Schwester, da sie durch eine schwere Krankheit nicht laufen kann. Und weil es der Mutter psychisch nicht gut geht. Sie möchte erst wieder zurück nach London wenn sie wieder laufen kann.
Die beiden finden schnell zu einer Freundschaft zusammen, da er ihr hilft, sich wieder sicher auf den Beinen zu stellen und auch wieder zum laufen bringt. Sie hilft ihm im Umkehr sich sicherer in der Londoner Gesellschaft zu bewegen und die geeignete Braut zu finden. Auch ihre Großmutter und dessen Freundin setzen viel Mühe ein um Ihn gut unter die Haube zu bringen. Und das alles obwohl sich die beiden immer näher kommen und das aus der Freundschaft mehr wird.
Sie müssen wirklich einige Hürden bewerkstelligen, und auch Geheimnisse aufklären, die er mit sich rum trägt. Kann man Ashton retten? Wer ist sein wahrer Vater? Kann er Rose diesen ganzen Stress zumuten? Kann die unerwartete Hilfe die Wende bringen?
Möchte nur soviel verraten, es ist ein wundervolles Ende von dem ich von Anfang an gehofft habe. Auch die vielen kleinen Nebengeschichte haben einen großen Reiz bei mir ausgelöst, und auch dort wurde ich nicht enttäuscht. Ergo ein historischer Roman der einen ans Herz geht. Der durch den tollen sowie flüssigen Schreibstil der mir bis Dato unbekannten Autorin " Michelle Willingham " einen ans lesen hält. Er hat Tiefe aber auch Witz und die richtige Portion Liebe zu bieten.
mein Fazit:
bin gerne in diese Story eingetaucht, daher darf ich gerne volle Punktzahl vergeben.
August 31, 2016
Very sweet story about two souls who really needed to find each other - Rose and Iain. Rose has been ill and as a result of her illness she has lost the ability to walk. Rose is tired of being invisible and her family wants her to be still and not try to walk and thus hurt herself, and realize that she is a cripple. Iain lost his beloved brother and inherited an Irish earldom and an estate whose tenants are suffering because of the potato famine. Rose's grandmother invited him to London to introduce him to prospective brides with healthy dowries to help him restore his estates.
Rose and Iain meet in odd circumstances and form a strong friendship. Rose will help Iain learn how to attract a bride and he will help Rose learn to walk again.
It was sweet to read a book where the main characters are actually friends - real, true friends. They were attracted to each other, but they genuinely liked each other. There is some adversity - a hateful mother and a former suitor - but the main characters are made for each other.
The pace was a little slow, it took them forever to get together, and I usually like more love scenes and passion in my books. I would recommend this book to romance fans.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Rose and Iain meet in odd circumstances and form a strong friendship. Rose will help Iain learn how to attract a bride and he will help Rose learn to walk again.
It was sweet to read a book where the main characters are actually friends - real, true friends. They were attracted to each other, but they genuinely liked each other. There is some adversity - a hateful mother and a former suitor - but the main characters are made for each other.
The pace was a little slow, it took them forever to get together, and I usually like more love scenes and passion in my books. I would recommend this book to romance fans.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
October 21, 2016
Well done
It was nicely written. Good characters, great story line, nice length and somewhat predictable. There were various trials/obstacles to overcome and a little bit of intrigue. I enjoyed it.
Things that I didn't care for and reduced the rating.
H was the second son. He had a brother and two sisters. Their father died when mother is pregnant with him. However, he is not the youngest. The sisters are. There is no mention of mom remarrying and she is still called Lady Ashton.
The mother of the h is a little "soft in the head". However she knows more about some things than anyone else. In one incident the mother and daughter are visiting with the H. Mother goes to the carriage early to give h a little time with H alone. The carriage should have a miminum of 2 staff members, right? However, when the h is ready to leave the carriage is gone and her mother is missing. Mother is found much later alone at the docks with no explanation of how she got there or why she was left without staff.
Details like these bug me.
It was nicely written. Good characters, great story line, nice length and somewhat predictable. There were various trials/obstacles to overcome and a little bit of intrigue. I enjoyed it.
Things that I didn't care for and reduced the rating.
H was the second son. He had a brother and two sisters. Their father died when mother is pregnant with him. However, he is not the youngest. The sisters are. There is no mention of mom remarrying and she is still called Lady Ashton.
The mother of the h is a little "soft in the head". However she knows more about some things than anyone else. In one incident the mother and daughter are visiting with the H. Mother goes to the carriage early to give h a little time with H alone. The carriage should have a miminum of 2 staff members, right? However, when the h is ready to leave the carriage is gone and her mother is missing. Mother is found much later alone at the docks with no explanation of how she got there or why she was left without staff.
Details like these bug me.
March 7, 2018
It wasn’t the worst but there were something’s that didn’t make sense and when an author can’t keep plot lines straight in the first book of a series I have a problem. First off Iain never knew his father he died before he was born then explain where his two younger sisters came from? His mother was still Lady Ashton but trying to marry off her daughters in the ton, so they must be legitimate. It was slow but not bad. I still don’t think there could be a happy ever after during the famine, it was 7 years of bad crops and bad soil but they make it sound like it was a quick fix.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2016
The book was okay but not particularly enjoyable. It seemed insane to me that there was such a ruckus about him being the Earl of Ashton or not. Surely their grandmother could've hinted that she'd invited him? And when he went out to check on his carriage, it would've been reasonable for him to bring someone along to check on it with him.
The discovery at the end when she finds the portrait was ridiculous, too.
I received a review copy from NetGalley.
The discovery at the end when she finds the portrait was ridiculous, too.
I received a review copy from NetGalley.
October 29, 2016
Ah, true lust. This book was way too sultry for my tastes.
February 25, 2025
At some points in this book, I felt like it was 2, then at other times I felt like it was 3, I feel the appropriate rating would be 2.5.
The book starts strong with reasonable characters with clear motives, and events happening one after the other. Then it lagged midway. At some points I felt like it was not moving forward at all; chapter after chapter with the same dialogue and thoughts. Then it was finally moving forward again and for some reason, without a clear reasoning things were changing at the end.
The book starts strong with reasonable characters with clear motives, and events happening one after the other. Then it lagged midway. At some points I felt like it was not moving forward at all; chapter after chapter with the same dialogue and thoughts. Then it was finally moving forward again and for some reason, without a clear reasoning things were changing at the end.
October 1, 2017
Reviewed at Romantic Historicals
Good Earls Don’t Lie is the delightful journey of Iain and Rose from strangers to friends, and friends to loved ones. Iain is the second son, the “spare heir” that is so often overlooked in importance, that is until his brother’s death brought the Earldom to his hands in the midst of the worst famine in Ireland’s history. His mother has always kept him somewhat hidden, rarely acknowledging him to anyone outside of family and close friends. Now that he is the head of the family with all of the responsibilities of keeping not only his estate afloat but his tenants alive. dear ;loving mother has taken his younger sisters off to America probably in the hopes of snaring millionaires as their husband. Iain has little time to fret and worry about his mother’s actions for he must find a wealthy wife to help his people survive. At the invitation of Rose’s grandmother, Iain has come to England… only to be robbed of his possessions and his ability to prove who he is. What began as a desperate search for a wife has become a determination to prove who he is, engage a lovely lady in at the least friendship and hopefully win her heart eventually. Iain has a rough road ahead for Rose has her heart set on an unworthy man, and circumstances will just as often work against them as for them.
There were moments when Good Earls Don’t Lie had me chuckling out loud, shaking my head in frustration and rooting for the underdog to win his lady fair. I found Iain charming from the start and definitely wanted his happy ending. Rose was, at times, a bit frustrating. She’d lost the use of her legs during an illness. She’s hoping that the man she has her heart set on will offer marriage, but since he’s in London and has never come to call or seems to care about her at all – well, I have no idea why she’d want him for a husband for he’s obviously showing his true nature now that she’s in need of help. I liked her, but it was Iain who stole this storyline for me.
I’m glad I followed my own advice and searched out the first story in the Earls Next Door series – I have a NetGalley ARC of the second story in this series due out in late October, 2017. So reading this one did set the stage for the series for me. I’d recommend this story for any Regency Romance reader. It’s full of interesting characters, a bit of a mystery, strangers who turn out to be the perfect fit… all around a very good story that I enjoyed. Now I’m even more excited to begin What The Earl Needs Now, releasing this October.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Good Earls Don’t Lie is the delightful journey of Iain and Rose from strangers to friends, and friends to loved ones. Iain is the second son, the “spare heir” that is so often overlooked in importance, that is until his brother’s death brought the Earldom to his hands in the midst of the worst famine in Ireland’s history. His mother has always kept him somewhat hidden, rarely acknowledging him to anyone outside of family and close friends. Now that he is the head of the family with all of the responsibilities of keeping not only his estate afloat but his tenants alive. dear ;loving mother has taken his younger sisters off to America probably in the hopes of snaring millionaires as their husband. Iain has little time to fret and worry about his mother’s actions for he must find a wealthy wife to help his people survive. At the invitation of Rose’s grandmother, Iain has come to England… only to be robbed of his possessions and his ability to prove who he is. What began as a desperate search for a wife has become a determination to prove who he is, engage a lovely lady in at the least friendship and hopefully win her heart eventually. Iain has a rough road ahead for Rose has her heart set on an unworthy man, and circumstances will just as often work against them as for them.
There were moments when Good Earls Don’t Lie had me chuckling out loud, shaking my head in frustration and rooting for the underdog to win his lady fair. I found Iain charming from the start and definitely wanted his happy ending. Rose was, at times, a bit frustrating. She’d lost the use of her legs during an illness. She’s hoping that the man she has her heart set on will offer marriage, but since he’s in London and has never come to call or seems to care about her at all – well, I have no idea why she’d want him for a husband for he’s obviously showing his true nature now that she’s in need of help. I liked her, but it was Iain who stole this storyline for me.
I’m glad I followed my own advice and searched out the first story in the Earls Next Door series – I have a NetGalley ARC of the second story in this series due out in late October, 2017. So reading this one did set the stage for the series for me. I’d recommend this story for any Regency Romance reader. It’s full of interesting characters, a bit of a mystery, strangers who turn out to be the perfect fit… all around a very good story that I enjoyed. Now I’m even more excited to begin What The Earl Needs Now, releasing this October.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
May 28, 2020
I received a free copy from Goodreads Giveaways.
This was my first time reading Michelle Willingham. Good Earls Don't Lie is not your typical Regency period/historical romance. Although it includes the typically fantasized elements of London society: balls and waltzing, ladies wearing gloves, and witty banter; Willingham includes some of the harsher realities of the 1800's such as the potato famine and subsequent Irish refugees, class prejudice, and birthright.
Lady Rose is a unique heroine because she has been unable to walk after suffering from an illness/eating something bad (sounds like a form of influenza). She is reliant on servants to carry her around because she refuses to believe her immobility is permanent and she must resign herself to a Bath chair. Prior to her illness, Lady Rose was "almost engaged" and considered herself "in love".
The Earl of Ashton finds himself without all of his clothes, any form of identity, or a pence to his name, when he finds himself begging for the goodwill and assistance of the Penford household. The Irish are viewed with suspicion as they are pouring into the country seeking jobs and relief from the famine inflicting their homeland. Ashton is persuasive and able to form a bond with the ladies of Penford by providing his own type of service: companionship and friendship, and support to Lady Rose in her most ardent wish - to walk again. In exchange, the ladies of Penford are eager to assist Ashton in his quest to marry a wealthy heiress and return to his homeland to help his people.
Willingham tackled a heroine with "real" issues, and I cared about Rose as she struggled to appear strong to society and her family. There were several moments of intrigue I thought could have been developed more, but were cut off for whatever reason; but without revealing spoilers, Willingham kept the story tight on Rose and Ashton and did not allow for outsiders to cause their story to go astray.
I would recommend Good Earls Don't Lie for someone looking for a sweet Regency read with a mild heat level.
Happy Reading!
This was my first time reading Michelle Willingham. Good Earls Don't Lie is not your typical Regency period/historical romance. Although it includes the typically fantasized elements of London society: balls and waltzing, ladies wearing gloves, and witty banter; Willingham includes some of the harsher realities of the 1800's such as the potato famine and subsequent Irish refugees, class prejudice, and birthright.
Lady Rose is a unique heroine because she has been unable to walk after suffering from an illness/eating something bad (sounds like a form of influenza). She is reliant on servants to carry her around because she refuses to believe her immobility is permanent and she must resign herself to a Bath chair. Prior to her illness, Lady Rose was "almost engaged" and considered herself "in love".
The Earl of Ashton finds himself without all of his clothes, any form of identity, or a pence to his name, when he finds himself begging for the goodwill and assistance of the Penford household. The Irish are viewed with suspicion as they are pouring into the country seeking jobs and relief from the famine inflicting their homeland. Ashton is persuasive and able to form a bond with the ladies of Penford by providing his own type of service: companionship and friendship, and support to Lady Rose in her most ardent wish - to walk again. In exchange, the ladies of Penford are eager to assist Ashton in his quest to marry a wealthy heiress and return to his homeland to help his people.
Willingham tackled a heroine with "real" issues, and I cared about Rose as she struggled to appear strong to society and her family. There were several moments of intrigue I thought could have been developed more, but were cut off for whatever reason; but without revealing spoilers, Willingham kept the story tight on Rose and Ashton and did not allow for outsiders to cause their story to go astray.
I would recommend Good Earls Don't Lie for someone looking for a sweet Regency read with a mild heat level.
Happy Reading!
May 3, 2019
Quando li a sinopse do livro, já sabia que eu TINHA que lê-lo. E então eu o fiz. E não me arrependo!
Logo de cara eu gostei da Rose e do Iain. E quanto mais eu lia, mais apaixonada eu ficava nesse conde! Sério, pensa em um homem da porr@? Sensível, gentil, engraçado, inteligente, sarado, gostoso etc etc etc. Nossa!! Simplesmente bom de mais pra ser verdade...
O livro é muito fofo, e a construção da amizade entre o casal é maravilhosa. Sem contar nos personagens secundários (Iris, Lilly e Evangeline) que são adoráveis. S2 Acho que gostei de todo mundo, menos da Moira, que era babaca com o "meu homí" Iain. u_u
Apesar de fofo, achei o final um pouco rápido... sem contar que fiquei com um gosto bem amargo com algo que a Rose fez...
Outra crítica que tenho é a de que algumas coisas que a autora falava ao longo do livro erão incoerente com o que ela tinha falado antes.
Mas enfim, não deixa de ser uma boa leitura! Pra que gosta de protagonistas maravilhosos e um casal fofo, recomendo demais! :)
Logo de cara eu gostei da Rose e do Iain. E quanto mais eu lia, mais apaixonada eu ficava nesse conde! Sério, pensa em um homem da porr@? Sensível, gentil, engraçado, inteligente, sarado, gostoso etc etc etc. Nossa!! Simplesmente bom de mais pra ser verdade...
O livro é muito fofo, e a construção da amizade entre o casal é maravilhosa. Sem contar nos personagens secundários (Iris, Lilly e Evangeline) que são adoráveis. S2 Acho que gostei de todo mundo, menos da Moira, que era babaca com o "meu homí" Iain. u_u
Apesar de fofo, achei o final um pouco rápido... sem contar que fiquei com um gosto bem amargo com algo que a Rose fez...
Outra crítica que tenho é a de que algumas coisas que a autora falava ao longo do livro erão incoerente com o que ela tinha falado antes.
Mas enfim, não deixa de ser uma boa leitura! Pra que gosta de protagonistas maravilhosos e um casal fofo, recomendo demais! :)
October 23, 2016
A fun read, but entirely predictable. Many scenes were cliched and several were rushed, thereby robbing them of any tension. I set a low bar for romance novels and this one barely hauled itself over the top.
Don't get me wrong. I love a well written romance novel and there are several authors I dearly love. This book, however, could have been much better! Lilac bushes and voyeurism aside, the sexual tension tended to be slack and I skipped many or the scenes between the protagonists.
Dark pasts usually thrill me, but our male protagonist's merely dimly lit background barely piqued my interest.
Dress and undress are very important in historical romance. The author did an adequate job here - with one notable and jarring error that was repeated several times. What was it? Describing our female protagonists hair as an "updo". Each time I encountered the word I was expelled forcibly from the story. I found the word highly unpleasant.
Don't get me wrong. I love a well written romance novel and there are several authors I dearly love. This book, however, could have been much better! Lilac bushes and voyeurism aside, the sexual tension tended to be slack and I skipped many or the scenes between the protagonists.
Dark pasts usually thrill me, but our male protagonist's merely dimly lit background barely piqued my interest.
Dress and undress are very important in historical romance. The author did an adequate job here - with one notable and jarring error that was repeated several times. What was it? Describing our female protagonists hair as an "updo". Each time I encountered the word I was expelled forcibly from the story. I found the word highly unpleasant.
June 11, 2020
3.5 Stars
GOOD EARLS DON'T LIE by Michelle Willingham. This is the first book by this author that I have read and I enjoyed it. It tells the tale of Rose and Iain. Lady Rose is recovering from an illness that has left her unable to walk. Iain, an Irish Earl, has come to England to find a rich wife to help him save his land and tenants. I liked Rose, although her naivety towards her previous beau did wear a bit on the nerves. However, she is strong and knows when to pick her battles. Iain, boy, did he have some bad luck but he is truly charming and is honestly a good fella. The book started off fantastic but, honestly, as it progressed, it did drag a bit for me in the middle. I did believe the attraction these two felt for each other and enjoyed watching them traverse the obstacles along the way. Overall, it was a good read and I look forward to trying other works, including Rose's sister Lily's story. (received NetGalley ARC for honest review)
GOOD EARLS DON'T LIE by Michelle Willingham. This is the first book by this author that I have read and I enjoyed it. It tells the tale of Rose and Iain. Lady Rose is recovering from an illness that has left her unable to walk. Iain, an Irish Earl, has come to England to find a rich wife to help him save his land and tenants. I liked Rose, although her naivety towards her previous beau did wear a bit on the nerves. However, she is strong and knows when to pick her battles. Iain, boy, did he have some bad luck but he is truly charming and is honestly a good fella. The book started off fantastic but, honestly, as it progressed, it did drag a bit for me in the middle. I did believe the attraction these two felt for each other and enjoyed watching them traverse the obstacles along the way. Overall, it was a good read and I look forward to trying other works, including Rose's sister Lily's story. (received NetGalley ARC for honest review)
August 13, 2017
Wonderful
This was such a wonderful romance with a hero and heroine that I came to truly admire. Both had suffered in their lives and were so deserving of their happily ever after. Iain was a fun hero and even after suffering his Mother's rejection his whole life, he retained his sense of humor and fun. I enjoyed his banter with Rose and how he flirted with her. Iain was definitely a charming rogue with a heart of gold. Rose was fighting her own battle to walk again and I found her very brave with such a positive attitude. The two were perfect for each other. Going to definitely purchase Lily's story as there was enough revealed about Matthew and her to have me intrigued.
This was such a wonderful romance with a hero and heroine that I came to truly admire. Both had suffered in their lives and were so deserving of their happily ever after. Iain was a fun hero and even after suffering his Mother's rejection his whole life, he retained his sense of humor and fun. I enjoyed his banter with Rose and how he flirted with her. Iain was definitely a charming rogue with a heart of gold. Rose was fighting her own battle to walk again and I found her very brave with such a positive attitude. The two were perfect for each other. Going to definitely purchase Lily's story as there was enough revealed about Matthew and her to have me intrigued.
June 23, 2021
In this unusual tale, Lade Rose Thornton lost the ability to walk after a serious illness and needs encouragement to recover that her family fails to give. When a handsome Irishman shows up at their estate bedraggled and confused, she doesn’t view him as her savior. He looks like another refugee from a land torn by famine. He claims that he’s the Earl of Ashton who has just arrived in their country and was robbed. Nobody believes him, but he does carry himself well. She invites him to stay and gives him a job on their estate. Slowly they build trust and he teaches her to walk again. When trust turns into something more, can Rose fancy him as a suitor? He needs a rich wife to save his home. Will he turn his back on his people to wed her?
March 21, 2019
A dowry for an Earl
Rose was paralyzed and her family carried more about modesty than her recovery! The Earl of Ashton is robbed and at first entry to their home he is treated like a servant! He believes in Rose strength and courage and uses these to draw her out and help her walk again! Rose is determined to marry a man in London who has no true intentions toward her! Is Ashton an Earl or and illegitimate bastard! Nothing is as it seems lots of twists and turns to get to this HEA!
Rose was paralyzed and her family carried more about modesty than her recovery! The Earl of Ashton is robbed and at first entry to their home he is treated like a servant! He believes in Rose strength and courage and uses these to draw her out and help her walk again! Rose is determined to marry a man in London who has no true intentions toward her! Is Ashton an Earl or and illegitimate bastard! Nothing is as it seems lots of twists and turns to get to this HEA!
January 1, 2020
Good Earl Don't Lie By Michelle Willingham
Four stars, Iain was an Earl from Ireland, arriving in England to look for a bride.. But he had to constant prove that he was an Earl and that he love Rose.. Rose who with the help of the Iain she learn to walk by can she trust her heart.. She does and it ends happily.. Lots of sensuality
Four stars, Iain was an Earl from Ireland, arriving in England to look for a bride.. But he had to constant prove that he was an Earl and that he love Rose.. Rose who with the help of the Iain she learn to walk by can she trust her heart.. She does and it ends happily.. Lots of sensuality
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews