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The Wayward Wallflowers #1
My Brown-Eyed Earl
NEVER SEND A DEBUTANTE
William Ryder, Earl of Castleton, is at the end of his noble rope. Not only has he broken ties with his longtime mistress, his mother has publicly announced her wish for him to marry a suitable young lady―if only to help him raise the twins left in his care. Hiring a governess should solve some of Will’s problems…but when he meets the candidate in question, he finds himself in an entirely new predicament.
TO DO A WALLFLOWER’S JOB
Miss Margaret Lacey is brainy, beautiful, and, once upon a time, Will’s betrothed. But she bowed out of the engagement―and, since then, has never been the same. A tragic accident robbed her of everything, and now, at age twenty-three, her marital prospects are slim to none. Penniless but not without pride, Meg convinces the vexingly handsome Will to hire her for the job. What neither of them could have expected from this arrangement, however, is an attraction that burns stronger than ever. Are these two lost souls finally ready to be schooled in the art of love?
William Ryder, Earl of Castleton, is at the end of his noble rope. Not only has he broken ties with his longtime mistress, his mother has publicly announced her wish for him to marry a suitable young lady―if only to help him raise the twins left in his care. Hiring a governess should solve some of Will’s problems…but when he meets the candidate in question, he finds himself in an entirely new predicament.
TO DO A WALLFLOWER’S JOB
Miss Margaret Lacey is brainy, beautiful, and, once upon a time, Will’s betrothed. But she bowed out of the engagement―and, since then, has never been the same. A tragic accident robbed her of everything, and now, at age twenty-three, her marital prospects are slim to none. Penniless but not without pride, Meg convinces the vexingly handsome Will to hire her for the job. What neither of them could have expected from this arrangement, however, is an attraction that burns stronger than ever. Are these two lost souls finally ready to be schooled in the art of love?
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2016
174 people are currently reading
2115 people want to read
About the author
Anna Bennett
12 books459 followersAnna Bennett started swiping romances from her mom’s bookshelf as a teenager and decided historicals (with their balls, dukes, and gowns) were the best. So, when she had the chance to spend a semester in London she packed her bags—and promptly fell in love with the city, its history, and its pubs. She dreamed of writing romance, but somehow ended up a software analyst instead.
Fortunately, a few years and a few careers later, Anna found her way back to writing the stories she loves and won the Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart® for Regency Historical Romance. She lives in Maryland with her husband and three children, who try valiantly not to roll their eyes whenever she quotes Jane Austen. Her weaknesses include reality TV, cute shoes, and coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.
Sign up for Anna's newsletter here! http://bit.ly/2dFW5bv
Fortunately, a few years and a few careers later, Anna found her way back to writing the stories she loves and won the Romance Writers of America’s Golden Heart® for Regency Historical Romance. She lives in Maryland with her husband and three children, who try valiantly not to roll their eyes whenever she quotes Jane Austen. Her weaknesses include reality TV, cute shoes, and coffee. Lots and lots of coffee.
Sign up for Anna's newsletter here! http://bit.ly/2dFW5bv
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 193 reviews
October 25, 2016
"I lack wealth, status, and beauty," she said matter-of-factly. "Pray tell, what power is it that I wield?"
Slowly, he lifted his hand to cup her cheek and brushed a thumb over her satin-soft skin. "You have power over me."
This was such a sweet story, probably a lot flufflier than I'm used to but I had a stupid smile on my face the entire time I was reading it! The relationship Meg had with the twins was so endearing and although I ground my teeth a few times because of Valerie and Diana, having them in the story made this an absolutely heart-warming read.
When Will's late cousin's mistress (whew that was a mouthful) leaves two little girls on his doorstep his next step is to find them a governess. What he doesn't count on is hiring the woman who slighted him years ago when they were to be betrothed. Meg is in dire straights, her generous uncle took her and her two sisters in after the tragic death of their parents. But taking care of the girls and his failed attempt at introducing them to society has negatively affected his finances. Which is why Meg decides to look for employment as a governess, she's so desperate she even swallows her pride and accepts a position offered by the man she was meant to marry.
"I suppose I like having someone to share the view with."
Odd. He sounded almost lonely.
"And because," he continued, "while I do enjoy our little batlles of wits, I also like to see you smile. Your smile is..." He rubbed the stubble on his chin as he searched for the words. "Bright, fleeting, rare. Like a comet shooting through the midnight sky."
Meg and Will's relationship was truly a pleasure to read about, their connection practically sizzled. There was also plenty of angst because although Meg could see that what she and Will had could be so much more, but her loyalty to her parents was a huge barrier when it came to her happiness. Her actions so many years ago, lead to a lot of guilt regarding her parents death. It was so refreshing reading about a hero who new what he wanted, and just went after it. While I love a torn and tortured hero who thinks the heroine would be better of without him, reading about one who wants his woman without wavering is so much better.
There was a bit of mystery in the story which I really enjoyed, but My Brown-Eyed Earl is a true romance so it's perfect if you're looking for a historical romance with a touch of humour and plenty of heart.
"You and me Meg." he whispered seductively, "we are perfectly matched. No one else makes me feel like you do."
October 4, 2016
2.5 stars
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Meg and her sisters are known as the "Wilting Wallflowers". An unsuccessful season, money dwindling, and an Uncle who was nice enough to take them in but leans heavily on the eccentric side, have their prospects dwindling even further. Deciding to become a governess, Meg finds herself in the unenviable position of asking for a job from someone she once refused to become betrothed.
Lord Castleton, Will, has just had two twin girls thrust upon him and he needs help. His past dealings with Meg haven't all been great but once she is back in his sights, he finds he isn't quite ready to lose her again.
"Once you accept that many things in life are beyond your control, you might let go of the guilt…and realize you deserve to be happy."
The first in a new series, My Brown-Eyed Earl stars Meg the oldest of the Wilting Wallflowers. I found her biggest personality trait to be martyrdom as she blames herself for her parents’ death and feels she shouldn't have any happiness. She was a steady character, never throwing hysterics or committing any TSTL moments but in a story where not a lot happens, not a difficult feat. Will is the punished for a teenage transgression who inherited an impoverished earldom and managed to turn it around romance hero. He's somewhat perplexed by the twin girls who he doesn't really spend a lot of time with and finds himself inexplicably drawn to Meg.
The way in which Meg and Will get reunited, because of the past they shared, is a bit side-eye coincidence but this is romancelandia, so I'm usually willing to roll with it. What I don't want to roll with though, is the inexplicably I mentioned. Where are the dialogue, passion, and emotion? I read romance to feel and experience the hero and heroine's relationship grow and build; that's missing here. The characters and story felt like just going through the motions, there was nothing special or parts of the story to differentiate this from the thousands of other regency romances; this honestly felt like paint-by-numbers regency.
The writing is good and if you were brand new to romance, this might work for you. The hero and heroine are vanilla pudding enjoyable, the twin girls adding a dash of adorableness, and the rest of the secondary characters add the minimum of villainy or support depending on their role. The story thread of the strange man looking for the twins worked in the beginning to add a touch of dangerous intrigue but it was pushed to the side too much and left to the very end with a bit of eye-rolling "that's what that was about?!".
There was a charming scene that involved a funeral for a dress that finally showed some inventiveness in the author's writing and some sweetness with the hero giving the heroine a choice about her future but mostly, this was missing a lot of spark. There were some sexy scenes, I thought they started a bit soon but missing the emotion between the couple could have been the problem I had with this. This story isn't bad, like I said, the writing is good but it's not memorable; a cake donut with no frosting and nary a sprinkle in sight.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Meg and her sisters are known as the "Wilting Wallflowers". An unsuccessful season, money dwindling, and an Uncle who was nice enough to take them in but leans heavily on the eccentric side, have their prospects dwindling even further. Deciding to become a governess, Meg finds herself in the unenviable position of asking for a job from someone she once refused to become betrothed.
Lord Castleton, Will, has just had two twin girls thrust upon him and he needs help. His past dealings with Meg haven't all been great but once she is back in his sights, he finds he isn't quite ready to lose her again.
"Once you accept that many things in life are beyond your control, you might let go of the guilt…and realize you deserve to be happy."
The first in a new series, My Brown-Eyed Earl stars Meg the oldest of the Wilting Wallflowers. I found her biggest personality trait to be martyrdom as she blames herself for her parents’ death and feels she shouldn't have any happiness. She was a steady character, never throwing hysterics or committing any TSTL moments but in a story where not a lot happens, not a difficult feat. Will is the punished for a teenage transgression who inherited an impoverished earldom and managed to turn it around romance hero. He's somewhat perplexed by the twin girls who he doesn't really spend a lot of time with and finds himself inexplicably drawn to Meg.
The way in which Meg and Will get reunited, because of the past they shared, is a bit side-eye coincidence but this is romancelandia, so I'm usually willing to roll with it. What I don't want to roll with though, is the inexplicably I mentioned. Where are the dialogue, passion, and emotion? I read romance to feel and experience the hero and heroine's relationship grow and build; that's missing here. The characters and story felt like just going through the motions, there was nothing special or parts of the story to differentiate this from the thousands of other regency romances; this honestly felt like paint-by-numbers regency.
The writing is good and if you were brand new to romance, this might work for you. The hero and heroine are vanilla pudding enjoyable, the twin girls adding a dash of adorableness, and the rest of the secondary characters add the minimum of villainy or support depending on their role. The story thread of the strange man looking for the twins worked in the beginning to add a touch of dangerous intrigue but it was pushed to the side too much and left to the very end with a bit of eye-rolling "that's what that was about?!".
There was a charming scene that involved a funeral for a dress that finally showed some inventiveness in the author's writing and some sweetness with the hero giving the heroine a choice about her future but mostly, this was missing a lot of spark. There were some sexy scenes, I thought they started a bit soon but missing the emotion between the couple could have been the problem I had with this. This story isn't bad, like I said, the writing is good but it's not memorable; a cake donut with no frosting and nary a sprinkle in sight.
September 21, 2016
I received an eARC, from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
REVIEW!
For a debut novel this one is really good and I fully enjoyed it!
The story is fun, fast paced and the characters are interesting and lovely.
I like a little bit more Will, because once he realized that he’s in love he didn’t react like most of the romance heroes with incredulity, or rejection. No, he accepted it and looked for ways to show it to the heroine and convince her that he’s the right man for her!
Margaret was not bad at all, but I was slightly annoyed with her guilt about everything! I could understand about her parents, but it was everywhere: with snapping to the girls, with ruining the dress… It was too much!
The girls were great too! I liked their banter and their antics!
I’m looking forward to another book in the series!
REVIEW!
For a debut novel this one is really good and I fully enjoyed it!
The story is fun, fast paced and the characters are interesting and lovely.
I like a little bit more Will, because once he realized that he’s in love he didn’t react like most of the romance heroes with incredulity, or rejection. No, he accepted it and looked for ways to show it to the heroine and convince her that he’s the right man for her!
Margaret was not bad at all, but I was slightly annoyed with her guilt about everything! I could understand about her parents, but it was everywhere: with snapping to the girls, with ruining the dress… It was too much!
The girls were great too! I liked their banter and their antics!
I’m looking forward to another book in the series!
September 29, 2016
I’m an absolute sucker for song-pun-titled historicals. I can’t help it – they grab my attention every time. This was no different, aided by a blurb that had me fully intrigued. Things started so well – then my historical manners meter went off, and well, after that it was hard to enjoy this all that much.
The idea that an unmarried young woman could move into a bachelor’s house to take care of twin girls is fine if she is an actual governess, maybe one born into a gentile family but with no real social prospects. However, Meg is a known debutante and the niece of a viscount. Lowering herself to a servant position would have caused a measure of gossip – probably mean-spirited – but the idea of her moving into Will’s house would have ruined her. It would have been scandalous. There is no way she would have been permitted back into polite society afterwards. The idea that she doesn’t want to get caught in bed with Will because it will cause a scandal that might ruin her sisters’ prospects is ridiculous. It doesn’t matter if she’s sleeping with Will or not, the fact that she’s living with him without a chaperone means most people would assume so anyway. (I also severely doubt they could hide it from the other servants, they’re not exactly discrete – especially Will with his lingerie buying and sending it directly to Meg by name.)
Then there are the girls. Lovely though they are, they’re illegitimate. Some think they might even be Will’s, so the way they’re accepted so easily by everyone is rather peculiar. Children were often ignored anyway, let alone ones borne by mistresses. And what’s with all the mistresses with rather grandiose expectations of marriage? These women tended to be more practically-minded than that.
There were also a few confusing continuity issues, mostly regarding Meg and Will as children. Did they actually know each other before Will proposed? Some comments seem to suggest they did, but they don’t act like they knew each other at all. Then there’s the bathing incident. I couldn’t work out when that actually happened – just before the proposal, or earlier? Will was twenty when he proposed, but with the bathing thing he mentions not wanting to remember much of anything he did between 13 and 18. If he was 18 meant that Meg was 13, and, well… don’t want to to go there, thanks. As for why Meg turned him down – first it’s because he didn’t look like he wanted to be there, then it’s because she has feminist principles and she hated that she had no power in that moment. The whole thing was a tangled mess.
Which is a shame, because the rest of the time this is a pleasant enough read. Meg and Will move into a physical relationship really quickly, which left the conflict feeling a bit contrived, but the twins were cute. I did expect the sinister plot to be a bit more interesting than it eventually was, but it worked well enough.
In all this is okay, as long as you’re not looking for historical accuracy or sense, especially regarding social rules. The romance has a decent amount of heat and the characters are engaging, I just wish their joint history had been more coherent and I’d been able to focus on what was actually happening rather than figuring out what went on before. There’s plenty of scope for more from her sisters for those who like it enough to want more – as well as Charlotte the governess, who apparently gets invited everywhere and obviously has something going on with her boss, without any impact on her reputation either… Sorry, I just can’t turn my brain off. I don’t think I’ll be able to read any more from this series.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
The idea that an unmarried young woman could move into a bachelor’s house to take care of twin girls is fine if she is an actual governess, maybe one born into a gentile family but with no real social prospects. However, Meg is a known debutante and the niece of a viscount. Lowering herself to a servant position would have caused a measure of gossip – probably mean-spirited – but the idea of her moving into Will’s house would have ruined her. It would have been scandalous. There is no way she would have been permitted back into polite society afterwards. The idea that she doesn’t want to get caught in bed with Will because it will cause a scandal that might ruin her sisters’ prospects is ridiculous. It doesn’t matter if she’s sleeping with Will or not, the fact that she’s living with him without a chaperone means most people would assume so anyway. (I also severely doubt they could hide it from the other servants, they’re not exactly discrete – especially Will with his lingerie buying and sending it directly to Meg by name.)
Then there are the girls. Lovely though they are, they’re illegitimate. Some think they might even be Will’s, so the way they’re accepted so easily by everyone is rather peculiar. Children were often ignored anyway, let alone ones borne by mistresses. And what’s with all the mistresses with rather grandiose expectations of marriage? These women tended to be more practically-minded than that.
There were also a few confusing continuity issues, mostly regarding Meg and Will as children. Did they actually know each other before Will proposed? Some comments seem to suggest they did, but they don’t act like they knew each other at all. Then there’s the bathing incident. I couldn’t work out when that actually happened – just before the proposal, or earlier? Will was twenty when he proposed, but with the bathing thing he mentions not wanting to remember much of anything he did between 13 and 18. If he was 18 meant that Meg was 13, and, well… don’t want to to go there, thanks. As for why Meg turned him down – first it’s because he didn’t look like he wanted to be there, then it’s because she has feminist principles and she hated that she had no power in that moment. The whole thing was a tangled mess.
Which is a shame, because the rest of the time this is a pleasant enough read. Meg and Will move into a physical relationship really quickly, which left the conflict feeling a bit contrived, but the twins were cute. I did expect the sinister plot to be a bit more interesting than it eventually was, but it worked well enough.
In all this is okay, as long as you’re not looking for historical accuracy or sense, especially regarding social rules. The romance has a decent amount of heat and the characters are engaging, I just wish their joint history had been more coherent and I’d been able to focus on what was actually happening rather than figuring out what went on before. There’s plenty of scope for more from her sisters for those who like it enough to want more – as well as Charlotte the governess, who apparently gets invited everywhere and obviously has something going on with her boss, without any impact on her reputation either… Sorry, I just can’t turn my brain off. I don’t think I’ll be able to read any more from this series.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
May 4, 2016
Humor, heart, and a hot hero! Everything I look for in a romance novel.
July 31, 2018
Who doesn't like a saucy governess and an earl with a heart for children? I liked this book from page one! Miss Margaret Lacey shows up on the doorstep of her ex-neighbor and her ex-almost-fiance.
While herding two six year old orphaned girls, sparks fly between this new governess and Lord Castleton. They share a past and a few difficult to manage secrets. When Miss Lacey's charmingly forgetful uncle decides to throw a ball all mayhem breaks loose and she must find a way to stop the embarrassing debacle. For one they have little money (which is why she's working as a governess) and two, her uncle as sweet as he is cannot be trusted to say the right thing to the right people at the right time. Miss Lacey is put in a position to protect her family--two sisters and her uncle Allistair.
The Earl has been left with the care of his recently deceased cousin's twin girls. They were born to Thomas' (earl's cousin) mistress who wants little to do with them. The little rambunctious girls take Will (earl) and Meg (Miss Lacey) on quite a twisted journey, one that will lead them through the dark streets of London. I fell in love with the way Lord Castleton took heart to these little girls and the way he made amends with Margaret Lacey his new governess and old friend.
I had a difficult time believing the girls were only six years old. The dialogue they used and their actions seemed better fit for older children, but it didn't take away from their charm or the way our H/h interacted with them. Overall, an enjoyable read.
"Well, if a gown must be ruined, I can think of no better way than chocolate." (a favorite line)
While herding two six year old orphaned girls, sparks fly between this new governess and Lord Castleton. They share a past and a few difficult to manage secrets. When Miss Lacey's charmingly forgetful uncle decides to throw a ball all mayhem breaks loose and she must find a way to stop the embarrassing debacle. For one they have little money (which is why she's working as a governess) and two, her uncle as sweet as he is cannot be trusted to say the right thing to the right people at the right time. Miss Lacey is put in a position to protect her family--two sisters and her uncle Allistair.
The Earl has been left with the care of his recently deceased cousin's twin girls. They were born to Thomas' (earl's cousin) mistress who wants little to do with them. The little rambunctious girls take Will (earl) and Meg (Miss Lacey) on quite a twisted journey, one that will lead them through the dark streets of London. I fell in love with the way Lord Castleton took heart to these little girls and the way he made amends with Margaret Lacey his new governess and old friend.
I had a difficult time believing the girls were only six years old. The dialogue they used and their actions seemed better fit for older children, but it didn't take away from their charm or the way our H/h interacted with them. Overall, an enjoyable read.
"Well, if a gown must be ruined, I can think of no better way than chocolate." (a favorite line)
October 11, 2016
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/29Xaegw
I'm just gonna need a minute or two to have a swoon over the Earl of Castleton! Oh. My. Word. What a hero! My Brown-Eyed Earl gave my heart a flutter, had me fighting back a grin more than once, and simply left me charmed.
Now. The quick of it is that Will has suddenly found himself the guardian of two six year old twin girls after their father died and their mother abandoned them. And they are a handful! He's in desperate need of a governess to help take care of them. The woman who comes to interview for the job? Well. Margaret may help with the problem of the little girls but she'll bring a whole new level of trouble into his life since the two have a past and, well, aren't all that fond of one another because of it.
I loved these two. Will is just. He is THE hero. I was in a total swoon over him. He's a bit cold at first and intimidating. Sometimes growly. But holy cow I fell hard for him and how he was with all his girls--the twins, Margaret and all the others. And Margaret was a lovely heroine as well. Her family's down on it's luck but she's ready to do what she has to do. She had spirit and heart and was easy to love. Them together? Well. I always love when there's a near enemies to lovers trope. They have great chemistry and fire for sure.
And then the twins. they were something else. They've got a lot of life in them and I enjoyed their adventures and sass and how they brought everyone together around them. Not just the hero and heroine but the staff as well.
All in all, My Brown-Eyed Earl was a beautiful romance and a lovely start to a promising new series. If you love historical romance Bennett is one author you really must meet.
September 5, 2016
"My Brown-Eyed Earl" was my my first Anna Bennett book and I'm obsessed! Her writing is crisp and lively, her witty and emotional characters sparkle off the page and make you read the whole story in one afternoon. She smoothly transitions between characters points of view, never leaving you wondering what the other side is thinking or feeling. The plot unveils gradually and it's not over complicated, so it detracts from the romance. It also opens the door for an interesting world, which undoubtedly will entertain me for years to come with new stories of the Laicy family. Honestly, if you are looking for a perfect regency escape, filled with witty charm and steamy romance, this is the story for you. I enjoyed it tremendously.
October 2, 2016
'My Brown-Eyed Earl' by Anna Bennett is the first book in "The Wayward Wallflowers" series. This is the story of William Ryder, Earl of Castleton and Miss Margaret Lacey 'Meg'.
Meg is on of the three sister that are called 'Wayward Wallflowers'. They lost their parents when they were younger and now have been staying with an caring Uncle but he is eccentric. Meg thought to help their family out by find a job. Her friend set her up for an interview that lead her to Will. Will lost someone that was like a brother to him and then on top of that two little girls were dropped off on him that used to be his friend that he lost. Now his mom has went on a about marring and settling down. Next when he goes to hire a governess he finds Meg at the door asking for the job. Meg name was one that in a earlier time was to be his fiance but she turned it down. This was such a enjoyment to read! I can't think this is the first book by this author. I will surly be looking for more from Ms. Bennett along with more from this series!.
I received an eARC, from NetGalley and the publisher, in exchange for an honest review.
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Meg is on of the three sister that are called 'Wayward Wallflowers'. They lost their parents when they were younger and now have been staying with an caring Uncle but he is eccentric. Meg thought to help their family out by find a job. Her friend set her up for an interview that lead her to Will. Will lost someone that was like a brother to him and then on top of that two little girls were dropped off on him that used to be his friend that he lost. Now his mom has went on a about marring and settling down. Next when he goes to hire a governess he finds Meg at the door asking for the job. Meg name was one that in a earlier time was to be his fiance but she turned it down. This was such a enjoyment to read! I can't think this is the first book by this author. I will surly be looking for more from Ms. Bennett along with more from this series!.
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...
http://sissymaereads.blogspot.com/
https://romancebookreviewforyou.wordp...
http://booklikes.com/
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October 8, 2017
A wilting wallflower meets an Earl and everyone lives happily ever after.
Meg lives with her uncle, they have no money, and he is believed to be mad. Therefore the wilting wallflower part. She is kind, looks after her sisters and wants to earn money for her family. And that is how one becomes a governess.
Will is an Earl who suddenly gets his cousin's twins to take care of. I liked how he started to fall for her fast. And how he cared nothing for his matchmaker mum who thought she knew better.
They do their dance. She takes care of the twins, she likes them, she even starts to like Will (there is history).
It was a nice romance, with some passion too. I do want to know what happens to her sisters too.
Meg lives with her uncle, they have no money, and he is believed to be mad. Therefore the wilting wallflower part. She is kind, looks after her sisters and wants to earn money for her family. And that is how one becomes a governess.
Will is an Earl who suddenly gets his cousin's twins to take care of. I liked how he started to fall for her fast. And how he cared nothing for his matchmaker mum who thought she knew better.
They do their dance. She takes care of the twins, she likes them, she even starts to like Will (there is history).
It was a nice romance, with some passion too. I do want to know what happens to her sisters too.
October 3, 2016
2.5 stars - My review cross-posted from Wit and Sin: http://witandsin.blogspot.com/2016/10...
My Brown-Eyed Earl is a cute historical romance with potential. Anna Bennett’s debut, and the first in the Wayward Wallflowers series, has some sweet and humorous moments, but ultimately it’s a story that I wanted to like a lot more than I actually did.
Will and Meg are both lovely characters with good dispositions and generally good hearts. They’re not perfect and they make mistakes, but they’re solidly likeable and endearingly vulnerable at times, as are Will’s two charges. Will is a man who needs more purpose in life than rebuilding the family fortune and Meg is a heroine who is determined to save her family from the poorhouse by getting a job as a governess. It’s easy to see right from the beginning that Will, Meg, and the two girls would make an adorable family, but pride, class difference, and social snobbery stand in their way. Still, Will is attracted to Meg from the start. He likes her strong will and sees beyond the ugly dresses she wears, and I liked him all the more for appreciating Meg for her modern outlook. The romance moves at a quick clip, in part due to Meg and Will’s history (though there is a continuity issue in the book that made me uncertain as to how much of a foundation their relationship had before the story began).
Ms. Bennett has a lively writing style that shows a lot of promise. However, I confess I had a hard time remembering either Meg, Will, or this story a couple of days after I finished the book because it felt like I’d seen everything in this story a hundred times before in other historical romances. I actually don’t mind formulaic romances as a rule – so long as it’s a good formula, which it is – but there needs to be something about the story that stands out. All that was unique and memorable to me was one funny (if unimportant) moment involving a ruined dress. What I did remember the most about My Brown-Eyed Earl was that I was routinely drawn out of the story by the numerous historical inaccuracies. I’m more than happy to suspend disbelief and ignore convention in historical romance, but if a story almost entirely ignores the social norms of the time and the consequences of flouting them for the sake of the plot, then it’s going to lose me. There’s also a dreadful villain and a Regency “mean girl” who were so two-dimensional it pained me. Yet even with all these issues, I liked Ms. Bennett’s style and I was intrigued by both Meg’s friend, Charlotte, and her sister Beth. So while My Brown-Eyed Earl wasn’t quite my cup of tea, I am interested in reading the next Wayward Wallflowers book, I Dared the Duke.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
My Brown-Eyed Earl is a cute historical romance with potential. Anna Bennett’s debut, and the first in the Wayward Wallflowers series, has some sweet and humorous moments, but ultimately it’s a story that I wanted to like a lot more than I actually did.
Will and Meg are both lovely characters with good dispositions and generally good hearts. They’re not perfect and they make mistakes, but they’re solidly likeable and endearingly vulnerable at times, as are Will’s two charges. Will is a man who needs more purpose in life than rebuilding the family fortune and Meg is a heroine who is determined to save her family from the poorhouse by getting a job as a governess. It’s easy to see right from the beginning that Will, Meg, and the two girls would make an adorable family, but pride, class difference, and social snobbery stand in their way. Still, Will is attracted to Meg from the start. He likes her strong will and sees beyond the ugly dresses she wears, and I liked him all the more for appreciating Meg for her modern outlook. The romance moves at a quick clip, in part due to Meg and Will’s history (though there is a continuity issue in the book that made me uncertain as to how much of a foundation their relationship had before the story began).
Ms. Bennett has a lively writing style that shows a lot of promise. However, I confess I had a hard time remembering either Meg, Will, or this story a couple of days after I finished the book because it felt like I’d seen everything in this story a hundred times before in other historical romances. I actually don’t mind formulaic romances as a rule – so long as it’s a good formula, which it is – but there needs to be something about the story that stands out. All that was unique and memorable to me was one funny (if unimportant) moment involving a ruined dress. What I did remember the most about My Brown-Eyed Earl was that I was routinely drawn out of the story by the numerous historical inaccuracies. I’m more than happy to suspend disbelief and ignore convention in historical romance, but if a story almost entirely ignores the social norms of the time and the consequences of flouting them for the sake of the plot, then it’s going to lose me. There’s also a dreadful villain and a Regency “mean girl” who were so two-dimensional it pained me. Yet even with all these issues, I liked Ms. Bennett’s style and I was intrigued by both Meg’s friend, Charlotte, and her sister Beth. So while My Brown-Eyed Earl wasn’t quite my cup of tea, I am interested in reading the next Wayward Wallflowers book, I Dared the Duke.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
September 12, 2016
*I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review*
William Ryder, Earl of Castleton is at his wits end. Recently he has lost his cousin who was as close to him as a brother, his mother has announced to everybody that she expects him to marry within the next year AND he's had his cousin's illegitimate twin daughters dropped off for him to care for. What more could possibly go wrong -- well -- hang on and see!
Miss Margaret Lacey is beautiful, smart, resourceful and very poor. She's also one of three unmarried sisters who have been labeled the Wilted Wallflowers because their gowns were of poor quality, ill fitting and frankly -- ugly. The sisters were taken in by an eccentric but very loving uncle after their parents were killed in a carriage accident. Meg decides that she has to earn some money in order to keep them fed and her eccentric uncle out of the poor house. Her friend, who is a governess, sets her up for an interview. When she arrives -- guess who she is to be interviewed by -- yep -- that's right -- William Ryder. Normally, that wouldn't be a big deal -- but -- she was supposed to have entered into a marriage contract with when they were young. She refused -- really, really badly. Oh that interview was going to be good . . .
While there isn't a lot of suspense in the book, there is a villain. I would have really preferred he end up with more punishment than he actually received.
This was my first Anna Bennett novel, but it definitely won't be the last. I'll be anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.
William Ryder, Earl of Castleton is at his wits end. Recently he has lost his cousin who was as close to him as a brother, his mother has announced to everybody that she expects him to marry within the next year AND he's had his cousin's illegitimate twin daughters dropped off for him to care for. What more could possibly go wrong -- well -- hang on and see!
Miss Margaret Lacey is beautiful, smart, resourceful and very poor. She's also one of three unmarried sisters who have been labeled the Wilted Wallflowers because their gowns were of poor quality, ill fitting and frankly -- ugly. The sisters were taken in by an eccentric but very loving uncle after their parents were killed in a carriage accident. Meg decides that she has to earn some money in order to keep them fed and her eccentric uncle out of the poor house. Her friend, who is a governess, sets her up for an interview. When she arrives -- guess who she is to be interviewed by -- yep -- that's right -- William Ryder. Normally, that wouldn't be a big deal -- but -- she was supposed to have entered into a marriage contract with when they were young. She refused -- really, really badly. Oh that interview was going to be good . . .
While there isn't a lot of suspense in the book, there is a villain. I would have really preferred he end up with more punishment than he actually received.
This was my first Anna Bennett novel, but it definitely won't be the last. I'll be anxiously awaiting the next book in the series.
October 9, 2016
4 sometimes the second time around is the charm stars. Both William and Margaret knew each other previously, know meaning they were betrothed until Margaret caused a scene saying she had no intentions of marrying William. Through twists in life, the two meet again and nothing is easy about the meeting. William needs Margaret and Margaret needs the money but at the cost of her dignity until William makes her an offer she can't refuse. If you're looking for a historical romance that's intriguing, heartfelt and passionate, this is the read for you.
Margaret needs the money and so opts to become a governess. After her parents lost their lives, she and her sisters went to live with her uncle. Her uncle is a good man but is a bit off and taking on the girls has hit his bank account. Margaret is well aware and wants the best for her family so she feels becoming a governess would work in her favor. She doesn't expect to become attached the the little girl or feel the constant draw to William.
William didn't ask to be dropped with his brother's bastard child and most certainly didn't ask to desire the governess he hired to take care of the girl. He remembers being rejected by Margaret but that doesn't stop him from lusting after her or feeling the pull. William is a good man in a situation he never conceived to be in, but as it all starts to work itself out, more curveballs are thrown his way.
Margaret needs the money and so opts to become a governess. After her parents lost their lives, she and her sisters went to live with her uncle. Her uncle is a good man but is a bit off and taking on the girls has hit his bank account. Margaret is well aware and wants the best for her family so she feels becoming a governess would work in her favor. She doesn't expect to become attached the the little girl or feel the constant draw to William.
William didn't ask to be dropped with his brother's bastard child and most certainly didn't ask to desire the governess he hired to take care of the girl. He remembers being rejected by Margaret but that doesn't stop him from lusting after her or feeling the pull. William is a good man in a situation he never conceived to be in, but as it all starts to work itself out, more curveballs are thrown his way.
February 11, 2017
Lately I have read a lot of historical romance books, and when I started to read My Brown-Eyed Earl, I was so excited, the first 80 pages were incredible, witty banter, great dialogue, amazing characters, but after the 80 pages, I do not know what happened, somewhere on the way I lost a little bit of my excitement, I think that mystery part wasn't necessary, but regardless of that, this is a very good story, author's writing style is great!
Looking forward to read I Dared the Duke :)
*Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.*
Looking forward to read I Dared the Duke :)
*Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.*
October 10, 2016
I adored this book!
Review to come.
Review to come.
March 3, 2017
I picked this one up because I've recently been approved for the sequel in Bennett's The Wayward Wallflowers series and couldn't start that before seeing where it all began.
THE BROWN-EYED EARL, beyond having an adorable title, started out really well. The chemistry between the leads, the snapping rejoinders, the wit, the sass, the chemistry, was strong and enjoyable as hell. I liked this sorta-second chance romance, I liked the history between the two characters, even if some of the backstory didn't seem to align (I don't know if it was a POV thing or something that was overlooked in editing or something I, myself, misunderstood). But the author did lose me a little as mysteries and uncertainties piled up. I liked that the emotional turmoil, for once, was on the side of the woman and not the man and that it resolved itself without too much angst and for the most part before the final scene.
That being said, the ending was wrapped up way too quickly and conveniently and as a result sorta soured the sweetness for me. Bennett did do a few atypical things with her characters and tropes that I quite liked, however, and that gives me a lot of hope for a stronger sequel. I think if I was newer to this genre I would be pretty plumb pleased by this read but despite the banter it did seem a little average.. though I'll make an exception to a certain scene with a dress that was pretty wonderful.
Despite the strange thread of mystery and thriller that seemed rather out of place, this was on the fluffier spectrum of historical romance, but with a solid dash of humour. A good debut.
2.75 stars
THE BROWN-EYED EARL, beyond having an adorable title, started out really well. The chemistry between the leads, the snapping rejoinders, the wit, the sass, the chemistry, was strong and enjoyable as hell. I liked this sorta-second chance romance, I liked the history between the two characters, even if some of the backstory didn't seem to align (I don't know if it was a POV thing or something that was overlooked in editing or something I, myself, misunderstood). But the author did lose me a little as mysteries and uncertainties piled up. I liked that the emotional turmoil, for once, was on the side of the woman and not the man and that it resolved itself without too much angst and for the most part before the final scene.
That being said, the ending was wrapped up way too quickly and conveniently and as a result sorta soured the sweetness for me. Bennett did do a few atypical things with her characters and tropes that I quite liked, however, and that gives me a lot of hope for a stronger sequel. I think if I was newer to this genre I would be pretty plumb pleased by this read but despite the banter it did seem a little average.. though I'll make an exception to a certain scene with a dress that was pretty wonderful.
Despite the strange thread of mystery and thriller that seemed rather out of place, this was on the fluffier spectrum of historical romance, but with a solid dash of humour. A good debut.
2.75 stars
May 31, 2017
2.5? I'm not a fan of amnesia story lines so that coloured my enjoyment
October 12, 2016
2,5 stars.
My Brown Eyed Girl is Ms Bennet’s debut novel. The writing style is engaging, the scenes show potential, I had no trouble finishing it, but must admit to having skipped quite a few paragraphs. But, if you like funny, light romances and you aren’t too sticky with historical accuracy or scenes making sense (or because you just want to have a distracting beach read or have your mind filled with heavy study material and need an escape) this could work for you. The characters are nice, the twins are sweet, the hero is adorably clueless, the book has sexy times and a couple of, nice enough, villains.
This book did not get special treatment (a higher rating) because it’s a debut. I’ve read debuts that didn’t have the issues I have with this book. But I will give the author special treatment and not condemn her future books to the not-for-me pile. I sincerely hope, for purely selfish reasons, this author will develop her next books better and I will gladly read them to see if she did.
Why it didn’t work that well for me?
First: the heroine playing the victim with the I’m-just-a-lowly-governess card. So yes, she wasn’t wealthy. And yes, her uncle might be a tad crazy. But she did have a roof over her head. And nobody forced her to get a job to help out with the costs of living. That was her choice.
Second: the instalust. I love stories when both hero and heroine have other things to occupy their minds and the love, and the lust, slowly creeps up on them. In this story, it felt like the emotional connection between hero and heroine, that to me is a requisite for a believable HEA, seemed to be forgotten and replaced by instalust and sexy times as a goal in itself.
Third: the multitude of scenes that exceeded my ability to suspense my disbelief. I know everything in romances will not happen in real life. I am able to accept some improbable things. But to me, in this story, it became too much. The heroine, in order to save her family, becomes a governess and moves into the home of a bachelor. But how would that save her family? It would bring in some money, that’s true. But the gossip (a genteel lady lowering herself to a paid position) and the scandal (a single lady without chaperone moving in with a bachelor) would have been enough to ruin the family more thoroughly than lack of money could. Nothing even needed to happen between the hero and heroine for that. Then, at some point, the heroine needed an evening gown and because she is so poor, she doesn’t have one. Luckily she has a friend who does have these gowns, and she borrows one. But, her friend is a governess. I admit my knowledge about costs of gowns and amount of salary of governesses comes totally from other romance novels. But I have never read a story in which a governess was able, on her salary, to own a chore of dresses, let alone more than one evening gown. Then, the heroine had to put the dress on. I expected the friend to show up and help her. But, without friend or maid, in ten minutes time, the heroine threw the gown over her head, laced the dress, and was ready for the dinner. In ten minutes time? With those gowns being laced at the back? Oh, and that governess was also invited to a dinner party to provide company for the heroine. Why wouldn’t she invite her sisters, who needed the company and needed marriages too? And the governess came accompanied by her employer… also a single man. The scandal!
*** received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review***
My Brown Eyed Girl is Ms Bennet’s debut novel. The writing style is engaging, the scenes show potential, I had no trouble finishing it, but must admit to having skipped quite a few paragraphs. But, if you like funny, light romances and you aren’t too sticky with historical accuracy or scenes making sense (or because you just want to have a distracting beach read or have your mind filled with heavy study material and need an escape) this could work for you. The characters are nice, the twins are sweet, the hero is adorably clueless, the book has sexy times and a couple of, nice enough, villains.
This book did not get special treatment (a higher rating) because it’s a debut. I’ve read debuts that didn’t have the issues I have with this book. But I will give the author special treatment and not condemn her future books to the not-for-me pile. I sincerely hope, for purely selfish reasons, this author will develop her next books better and I will gladly read them to see if she did.
Why it didn’t work that well for me?
First: the heroine playing the victim with the I’m-just-a-lowly-governess card. So yes, she wasn’t wealthy. And yes, her uncle might be a tad crazy. But she did have a roof over her head. And nobody forced her to get a job to help out with the costs of living. That was her choice.
Second: the instalust. I love stories when both hero and heroine have other things to occupy their minds and the love, and the lust, slowly creeps up on them. In this story, it felt like the emotional connection between hero and heroine, that to me is a requisite for a believable HEA, seemed to be forgotten and replaced by instalust and sexy times as a goal in itself.
Third: the multitude of scenes that exceeded my ability to suspense my disbelief. I know everything in romances will not happen in real life. I am able to accept some improbable things. But to me, in this story, it became too much. The heroine, in order to save her family, becomes a governess and moves into the home of a bachelor. But how would that save her family? It would bring in some money, that’s true. But the gossip (a genteel lady lowering herself to a paid position) and the scandal (a single lady without chaperone moving in with a bachelor) would have been enough to ruin the family more thoroughly than lack of money could. Nothing even needed to happen between the hero and heroine for that. Then, at some point, the heroine needed an evening gown and because she is so poor, she doesn’t have one. Luckily she has a friend who does have these gowns, and she borrows one. But, her friend is a governess. I admit my knowledge about costs of gowns and amount of salary of governesses comes totally from other romance novels. But I have never read a story in which a governess was able, on her salary, to own a chore of dresses, let alone more than one evening gown. Then, the heroine had to put the dress on. I expected the friend to show up and help her. But, without friend or maid, in ten minutes time, the heroine threw the gown over her head, laced the dress, and was ready for the dinner. In ten minutes time? With those gowns being laced at the back? Oh, and that governess was also invited to a dinner party to provide company for the heroine. Why wouldn’t she invite her sisters, who needed the company and needed marriages too? And the governess came accompanied by her employer… also a single man. The scandal!
*** received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review***
October 2, 2016
This book has everything I could ever I want in a romance book. For starters, it has two amazing main characters who are incredibly lovable who just happen to have amazing chemistry. Love scenes that are naughty and sensual but not at all vulgar. Love that is so sweet, adorable, flirtatious and utterly romantic. I was on board with their relationship pretty early on in the book.
See William Ryder, Lord Castleton and Meg, a vicar's daughter have known each other since they were young as they were neighbors. They were engaged but Meg insulted Will and soon later the engagement broke off. Years later, Meg is desperate to find a job that will support her sisters and her eccentric uncle whom has taken them in after their parents' death. Her governess job is none other than with Lord Castleton himself who has taken in his late cousin's twin daughters, Valerie and Diana, who just happen to be incredibly adorable, but also very mischievous. Will and Meg's relationship blooms as they deal with their past errors, regrets, memories and new mysteries that affects them and the twins. There are some things they need to work through as they do throughout the story, but in a way that doesn't drag the story along in the slightest. If anything seeing each other vulnerable adds to their love for each other. It takes time, but Meg, especially, realizes just how perfect they are for each other in the end. I knew early on but whatever. ;)
With a lovely blend of a great characters, romance, mystery, action, and touching moments filled with love, this romance has securely made me a fan of Anna Bennett and I can't wait to see what is in store in her next book that releases in 2017.
I have received an ARC copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
See William Ryder, Lord Castleton and Meg, a vicar's daughter have known each other since they were young as they were neighbors. They were engaged but Meg insulted Will and soon later the engagement broke off. Years later, Meg is desperate to find a job that will support her sisters and her eccentric uncle whom has taken them in after their parents' death. Her governess job is none other than with Lord Castleton himself who has taken in his late cousin's twin daughters, Valerie and Diana, who just happen to be incredibly adorable, but also very mischievous. Will and Meg's relationship blooms as they deal with their past errors, regrets, memories and new mysteries that affects them and the twins. There are some things they need to work through as they do throughout the story, but in a way that doesn't drag the story along in the slightest. If anything seeing each other vulnerable adds to their love for each other. It takes time, but Meg, especially, realizes just how perfect they are for each other in the end. I knew early on but whatever. ;)
With a lovely blend of a great characters, romance, mystery, action, and touching moments filled with love, this romance has securely made me a fan of Anna Bennett and I can't wait to see what is in store in her next book that releases in 2017.
I have received an ARC copy via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 6, 2016
**I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
I loved this book! This is a new author and this is her debut novel - but you would never know that from the writing, she writes like a seasoned veteran!
Will and Meg have a past - Eight years ago they were supposed to be betrothed, but Meg refused to marry Will.
After Meg's parents passed away, she and her two sisters went to live with her uncle, he is not financially able to support the girls much longer, none of the sisters have really taken with the ton and have earned the title of the "wilted wallflowers" So to help out, Meg decides to take a position as a governess. As it turns out the man who needs a governess is none other than Will.
At first Meg refuses to take the position, but when Will offers her an outrageous salary, she feels she has no choice but to accept. Her charges are the twin daughters of Will's deceased cousin and his mistress.
Will has never forgotten Meg and now that she is in his house, he will make sure she never forgets him. He is not sure what he wants with Meg, but he knows that she is different from any woman he has ever known and he wants to explore the feelings she brings to life in him.
The story is delightful, the writing is wonderful and flows well, Meg and her family are charming, Will is a perfect hero, the twins are adorable, the love scenes are hot and the ending is very sweet.
I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to more from this author.
I loved this book! This is a new author and this is her debut novel - but you would never know that from the writing, she writes like a seasoned veteran!
Will and Meg have a past - Eight years ago they were supposed to be betrothed, but Meg refused to marry Will.
After Meg's parents passed away, she and her two sisters went to live with her uncle, he is not financially able to support the girls much longer, none of the sisters have really taken with the ton and have earned the title of the "wilted wallflowers" So to help out, Meg decides to take a position as a governess. As it turns out the man who needs a governess is none other than Will.
At first Meg refuses to take the position, but when Will offers her an outrageous salary, she feels she has no choice but to accept. Her charges are the twin daughters of Will's deceased cousin and his mistress.
Will has never forgotten Meg and now that she is in his house, he will make sure she never forgets him. He is not sure what he wants with Meg, but he knows that she is different from any woman he has ever known and he wants to explore the feelings she brings to life in him.
The story is delightful, the writing is wonderful and flows well, Meg and her family are charming, Will is a perfect hero, the twins are adorable, the love scenes are hot and the ending is very sweet.
I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to more from this author.
October 10, 2016
I didn’t enjoy My Brown-Eyed Earl as much as I had hoped to. The story has the right components to make it a pleasant read; a simple love story with little conflict and a plotline that moves along at a quick pace. Unfortunately those were also its weakest areas and I struggled to engage with the story at all.
The Lacey sisters haven’t quite caught on in London society. Without the funds to purchase the latest gowns or a prominent woman to sponsor their débuts, the three of them have been dubbed the atrocious label “The Wilting Wallflowers” by the gossips. After their parents’ deaths seven years ago they have lived under the care of their uncle, and his eccentricities have made their acceptance into the ton even harder.
Miss Margaret Lacey is a realist who understands that caring for three women on a very limited income is slowly draining whatever money their Uncle Allister still possesses. With no marriage prospects on the horizon Meg decides to seek employment as a governess to supplement the household funds and perhaps provide enough money so that her younger sisters might have a chance next season.
Please read the full review at All About Romance
The Lacey sisters haven’t quite caught on in London society. Without the funds to purchase the latest gowns or a prominent woman to sponsor their débuts, the three of them have been dubbed the atrocious label “The Wilting Wallflowers” by the gossips. After their parents’ deaths seven years ago they have lived under the care of their uncle, and his eccentricities have made their acceptance into the ton even harder.
Miss Margaret Lacey is a realist who understands that caring for three women on a very limited income is slowly draining whatever money their Uncle Allister still possesses. With no marriage prospects on the horizon Meg decides to seek employment as a governess to supplement the household funds and perhaps provide enough money so that her younger sisters might have a chance next season.
Please read the full review at All About Romance
October 5, 2016
Gentle persuasion!
I loved all the characters in this story--well most of them. There were a couple of exceptions. Meg (Miss Margaret Lacey) is a person of great heart, a caring nature and a guilty soul. Will (William Ryder, Earl of Castleton) is a a strong minded man with a sensitive side.
Meg and Will have known each other from childhood. Indeed there might have been more if Meg hadn't been so young, stubborn and proud.
Now Meg and her sisters are in straightened circumstances. Their foray into polite society has been less than stellar and the term 'wallflower' is bandied about. Meanwhile Will has taken charge of his cousin's two small daughters. He needs a governess. Meg needs a job. Surely a match made in heaven. The past and the present collide and both Will and Meg are drawn 'willy nilly' into a set of circumstances that leave them both stunned by the flare of attraction that's sparked. And many a mention is made of Will's chocolatey, melting eyes!
Valerie and Diana are wonderful little scamps that can't help but produce a smile.
When a stranger makes inquiries about the girls the plot thickens. I certainly didn't see that possibility on the horizon.
A NetGalley ARC
I loved all the characters in this story--well most of them. There were a couple of exceptions. Meg (Miss Margaret Lacey) is a person of great heart, a caring nature and a guilty soul. Will (William Ryder, Earl of Castleton) is a a strong minded man with a sensitive side.
Meg and Will have known each other from childhood. Indeed there might have been more if Meg hadn't been so young, stubborn and proud.
Now Meg and her sisters are in straightened circumstances. Their foray into polite society has been less than stellar and the term 'wallflower' is bandied about. Meanwhile Will has taken charge of his cousin's two small daughters. He needs a governess. Meg needs a job. Surely a match made in heaven. The past and the present collide and both Will and Meg are drawn 'willy nilly' into a set of circumstances that leave them both stunned by the flare of attraction that's sparked. And many a mention is made of Will's chocolatey, melting eyes!
Valerie and Diana are wonderful little scamps that can't help but produce a smile.
When a stranger makes inquiries about the girls the plot thickens. I certainly didn't see that possibility on the horizon.
A NetGalley ARC
September 13, 2016
My Brown-Eyed Earl is a solid debut that showcases Anna’s Bennett’s potential as a romance author but there is still room for improvement of course. I like the writing in general, even if things are possibly explained a little too much. It has the perfect setup for a slow burn but sadly it’s pretty much a case of instalove. Instead of two characters finding each other, we have a flimsy subplot with an unconvincing villain and something resembling a kidnapping. I feel the book would have been much better if focused more on the emotions of the heroine and hero. Now there wasn’t much conflict between them. As characters they also lacked some flaws or sharp edges that would have made them more interesting.
I’m looking forward to seeing how Ms Bennett develops as an author.
*** I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ***
I’m looking forward to seeing how Ms Bennett develops as an author.
*** I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review ***
October 1, 2016
Meg’s mind was made up: she needed a position. Her friend Charlotte Winters lent a helping hand, and that’s how drab, dull wallflower Margaret Lacey became a governess to two six year-old twin girls. What Charlotte had neglected to mention was that the twin’s guardian was none other than William Ryder, now the Earl of Castleton. The same Will that Meg had curtly refused to marry him eight years before, when her father had urged her to accept this arranged marriage. Will’s life has gone topsy-turvy when the mistress of his deceased cousin unceremoniously dropped sisters Diana and Valerie on his doorstep. Not at all recovered from a hellish hangover, Will must interview governesses, and he certainly has not forgotten Meg, and when he sees her applying for the position, Will thinks the time has come to get back at the girl who thought she was too good for him. But deep down, Will is not the vengeful type, and when he hears how Meg is trying to keep her sisters Beth and Julie fed and clothed while financially helping her kind uncle Alistair, he hires her. Will has no doubt that Meg will do well, even if she’s sure she will fail.
The premise for MY BROWN-EYED EARL is one that can go two ways: it can be very unpleasant or charming; everything depends on how the characters are defined and how the author goes about it, and I’m happy to say that every single page was a delight! MY BROWN-EYED EARL is evenly paced, the story flows smoothly, and the writing is seamless. Meg and Will clash often, but in civilised fashion and the verbal sparring is extremely witty and entertaining. Will likes Meg’s quick wit and her gumption; they are very well matched, and I loved how those two strong personalities interacted. They are willing to listen to reason and admit they’re wrong, and there are no silly misunderstandings because they both speak their minds. The romance was inevitable, not because the author said so, but because Meg and Will do belong together, it’s a given just as the sun will rise tomorrow.
MY BROWN-EYED EARL is so carefully plotted that, every time I thought I’d predicted the outcome of a situation, I was wrong! The romance is absolutely lovely; Meg and Will’s love grows through respect, mutual attraction, and it blossoms quietly but deeply, and the sex scenes are sensuous and elegantly written. I also liked that the twins are neither monsters nor angels; they’re perfectly normal little girls and essential to the plot. There is also a bit of suspense, which at some point had me scratching my head at the purpose of a certain situation, and I must admit that Ms. Bennett definitely knew where she was going! The (gorgeous!) cover conveys precisely the mood of the book: mostly light-hearted, playful, and delicately exquisite. I also found MY BROWN-EYED EARL a surprisingly quick read: before I knew it, the book was over and not for a second was I ever bored. I’m already looking forward to book 2 of The Wayward Wallflowers series and Beth’s story. Dare I repeat myself? MY BROWN-EYED EARL is a delightful, genuinely charming, and most lovely story!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The premise for MY BROWN-EYED EARL is one that can go two ways: it can be very unpleasant or charming; everything depends on how the characters are defined and how the author goes about it, and I’m happy to say that every single page was a delight! MY BROWN-EYED EARL is evenly paced, the story flows smoothly, and the writing is seamless. Meg and Will clash often, but in civilised fashion and the verbal sparring is extremely witty and entertaining. Will likes Meg’s quick wit and her gumption; they are very well matched, and I loved how those two strong personalities interacted. They are willing to listen to reason and admit they’re wrong, and there are no silly misunderstandings because they both speak their minds. The romance was inevitable, not because the author said so, but because Meg and Will do belong together, it’s a given just as the sun will rise tomorrow.
MY BROWN-EYED EARL is so carefully plotted that, every time I thought I’d predicted the outcome of a situation, I was wrong! The romance is absolutely lovely; Meg and Will’s love grows through respect, mutual attraction, and it blossoms quietly but deeply, and the sex scenes are sensuous and elegantly written. I also liked that the twins are neither monsters nor angels; they’re perfectly normal little girls and essential to the plot. There is also a bit of suspense, which at some point had me scratching my head at the purpose of a certain situation, and I must admit that Ms. Bennett definitely knew where she was going! The (gorgeous!) cover conveys precisely the mood of the book: mostly light-hearted, playful, and delicately exquisite. I also found MY BROWN-EYED EARL a surprisingly quick read: before I knew it, the book was over and not for a second was I ever bored. I’m already looking forward to book 2 of The Wayward Wallflowers series and Beth’s story. Dare I repeat myself? MY BROWN-EYED EARL is a delightful, genuinely charming, and most lovely story!
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 25, 2017
My Brown-Eyed Earl was a wonderfully sweet romance and I found it absolutely charming!
William Ryder, Earl of Castleton, has had a rough few days. He's ended his relationship with his longtime mistress and his mother has publicly expressed her desire for him to marry within the year. To top things off, he is now unexpectedly responsible for caring for twin six year old girls. Will believes hiring a governess to care for the girls will be the easiest of the problems to solve, but when he goes to interview the woman, she ends up being the woman he was betrothed to at one point in time. Margaret Lacey desperately needs a job to help care for her family, so she convinces Will to hire her for the governess position despite their history. However, Meg didn't count on the intense attraction between them and the two soon find themselves questioning what they'll do for love.
Meg is an incredibly strong character and tends to speak her mind despite the consequences she'll face from society for doing so. She's incredibly loyal to those she cares about and feels it is her responsibility to take care of her family. Her relationship with her family was beautiful and she's fiercely loyal to them and will protect them at all costs. I also very much enjoyed her interactions with the twins after she became their governess. Despite having little experience with children, she builds a great relationship with them and does a wonderful job caring for them.
Will starts off as a bit of a shallower character, but we learn there is much more to him than he lets people see. He's incredibly kind to those close to him and is a man that sticks to his word. This is evidenced by the fact that he becomes the guardian of his cousin's twin daughters due to a promise made before his cousin died. He does this despite believing he will be a terrible father figure due to his own upbringing. Quickly though it becomes clear that he's wonderful with the girls and I enjoyed watching him come to care for them despite his reservations.
I loved Meg and Will's relationship right from the start. The banter between these two was amazing and I loved when they had chances to verbally spar. There was also an insane amount of chemistry between them and the physical side of their relationship was wonderful to read about. I also really enjoyed that once Will realized his feelings, he didn't hide from them or try to talk himself out of being in love. He knew he wanted Meg and set about convincing her how much better they were when they were together.
The little side plot of who was asking questions about the twins and Meg was an interesting one. I had several theories of why someone would be looking into the twins, but ultimately was incorrect in my guessing. I also thought it was neat how the author managed to tie in Will's former mistress with the mystery man.
Overall, My Brown-Eyed Earl was a very enjoyable read and I will definitely be checking out more books by this author in the future.
William Ryder, Earl of Castleton, has had a rough few days. He's ended his relationship with his longtime mistress and his mother has publicly expressed her desire for him to marry within the year. To top things off, he is now unexpectedly responsible for caring for twin six year old girls. Will believes hiring a governess to care for the girls will be the easiest of the problems to solve, but when he goes to interview the woman, she ends up being the woman he was betrothed to at one point in time. Margaret Lacey desperately needs a job to help care for her family, so she convinces Will to hire her for the governess position despite their history. However, Meg didn't count on the intense attraction between them and the two soon find themselves questioning what they'll do for love.
Meg is an incredibly strong character and tends to speak her mind despite the consequences she'll face from society for doing so. She's incredibly loyal to those she cares about and feels it is her responsibility to take care of her family. Her relationship with her family was beautiful and she's fiercely loyal to them and will protect them at all costs. I also very much enjoyed her interactions with the twins after she became their governess. Despite having little experience with children, she builds a great relationship with them and does a wonderful job caring for them.
Will starts off as a bit of a shallower character, but we learn there is much more to him than he lets people see. He's incredibly kind to those close to him and is a man that sticks to his word. This is evidenced by the fact that he becomes the guardian of his cousin's twin daughters due to a promise made before his cousin died. He does this despite believing he will be a terrible father figure due to his own upbringing. Quickly though it becomes clear that he's wonderful with the girls and I enjoyed watching him come to care for them despite his reservations.
I loved Meg and Will's relationship right from the start. The banter between these two was amazing and I loved when they had chances to verbally spar. There was also an insane amount of chemistry between them and the physical side of their relationship was wonderful to read about. I also really enjoyed that once Will realized his feelings, he didn't hide from them or try to talk himself out of being in love. He knew he wanted Meg and set about convincing her how much better they were when they were together.
The little side plot of who was asking questions about the twins and Meg was an interesting one. I had several theories of why someone would be looking into the twins, but ultimately was incorrect in my guessing. I also thought it was neat how the author managed to tie in Will's former mistress with the mystery man.
Overall, My Brown-Eyed Earl was a very enjoyable read and I will definitely be checking out more books by this author in the future.
November 19, 2016
There are so few times that romance makes me squeal or laugh out loud, or even make me feel anything more than sighing or rolling my eyes. This book managed to make me laugh, squeal, and very little to no eye rolling at all! The only sighing that came from me was as I batted my lashes at William Ryder.
Margaret "Meg" Pryce is the Vicar's daughter and has a past with William Ryder [Lord Castleton.] They were once neighbors and it was decided between their fathers that William would marry Meg, it was unknown at the time that it was purely to clear up a debt between the families. Still, eight years younger, William proposed only to be denied by a spirited Meg.
Eight years later, Meg finds herself in quite the predicament, her eccentric Uncle Alistair is running out of funds, Meg needs to support him as well as her two sisters and so she decides to take on the task of becoming a governess. Lo, and behold she finds herself employed by none other than William Ryder and she is to care for his twin cousins.
This was such a pleasant reading experience for me! I enjoyed all of the characters, they each had their own personalities, with their own prerogatives. It truly offered depth as well as a heartwarming effect later on.
William Ryder made me grin on more than one occasion, he was flirtatious and commanding without being overbearing and that typical "alpha male" that seems to be running rampant in romance still.
Meg was a strong female lead, who knew what she wanted and knew what she would protect at all costs - even if it shamed her, which in this society was rather easy to do. At times she grew tiresome because she was so quick to flee from her issues rather than face them head on. And of course, toward the end, the conflict that arises and why she flees again made little to no sense to me, because is unfounded and dramatic on her part.
All in all, this was a fun, quick, heartwarming read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
4 crown rating!
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Margaret "Meg" Pryce is the Vicar's daughter and has a past with William Ryder [Lord Castleton.] They were once neighbors and it was decided between their fathers that William would marry Meg, it was unknown at the time that it was purely to clear up a debt between the families. Still, eight years younger, William proposed only to be denied by a spirited Meg.
Eight years later, Meg finds herself in quite the predicament, her eccentric Uncle Alistair is running out of funds, Meg needs to support him as well as her two sisters and so she decides to take on the task of becoming a governess. Lo, and behold she finds herself employed by none other than William Ryder and she is to care for his twin cousins.
This was such a pleasant reading experience for me! I enjoyed all of the characters, they each had their own personalities, with their own prerogatives. It truly offered depth as well as a heartwarming effect later on.
William Ryder made me grin on more than one occasion, he was flirtatious and commanding without being overbearing and that typical "alpha male" that seems to be running rampant in romance still.
Meg was a strong female lead, who knew what she wanted and knew what she would protect at all costs - even if it shamed her, which in this society was rather easy to do. At times she grew tiresome because she was so quick to flee from her issues rather than face them head on. And of course, toward the end, the conflict that arises and why she flees again made little to no sense to me, because is unfounded and dramatic on her part.
All in all, this was a fun, quick, heartwarming read that I thoroughly enjoyed.
4 crown rating!
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October 3, 2016
I was so surprised that this was a debut novel by Anna Bennett! I thought the dialogue and the flow of the story was really well done, especially for a new author. The plot of the book kept me interested the entire time, even during the slower parts. There were also some suspenseful moments that I was not expecting! Even though the suspense felt a little out of place and dramatic, it added an exciting element to the plot. This was a light-hearted, romantic, and fun read.
The main character, Meg, was witty, smart, kind, and strong willed. I liked how she would stand up for herself and not let men objectify her. I thought the main male character, Will, was very swoon-worthy! He was a little rough around the edges at first, but as he showed his softer sides, I definitely warmed up to him. I feel like Meg grounded Will and made him seem more realistic.
I thought Meg was a great match for Will. They were a couple that listened to each other, talked things out, and worked on their relationship. I was grateful for that because it helped cut back on unnecessary drama between them. The relationship felt a little insta-loveish and dramatic at first, but overall, I enjoyed the progression of their relationship. The passion they shared was obvious and it lead to some very steamy scenes! I thought the author did a great job and creating chemistry between Meg and Will that felt palpable.
My Brown-Eyed Earl was a charming and quick read. I am a huge fan of historical romances, and I think others who love historical romances will really enjoy this adorable story! I am so excited to read the next book in this series and see what Anna Bennett has in store for me!
4 /5 Fangs
*This ebook was given to me in exchange for a honest review. *
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
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The main character, Meg, was witty, smart, kind, and strong willed. I liked how she would stand up for herself and not let men objectify her. I thought the main male character, Will, was very swoon-worthy! He was a little rough around the edges at first, but as he showed his softer sides, I definitely warmed up to him. I feel like Meg grounded Will and made him seem more realistic.
I thought Meg was a great match for Will. They were a couple that listened to each other, talked things out, and worked on their relationship. I was grateful for that because it helped cut back on unnecessary drama between them. The relationship felt a little insta-loveish and dramatic at first, but overall, I enjoyed the progression of their relationship. The passion they shared was obvious and it lead to some very steamy scenes! I thought the author did a great job and creating chemistry between Meg and Will that felt palpable.
My Brown-Eyed Earl was a charming and quick read. I am a huge fan of historical romances, and I think others who love historical romances will really enjoy this adorable story! I am so excited to read the next book in this series and see what Anna Bennett has in store for me!
4 /5 Fangs
*This ebook was given to me in exchange for a honest review. *
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It
October 7, 2016
A 2.5 STARS
I have to say that this story had the potential to be a rollercoaster ride of emotions but sadly it failed to deliver even 20% of it. I felt like the characters were too good to be true because their personalities and background barely scratched the surface and I didn't feel connected with them at all. This is one of those stories whereby we know the H/h will have a HEA so naturally the author depicts their relationship in good light from the start. BORING! Where's the fun in that?
OUR HERO is your average rakish Earl, who imbibes in women and alcohol but I feel the author is just describing him more than allowing us to see his real nature and forcing this rake character on him. I almost felt the hero to be shallow and there wasn't much worth his salt to be praised about. He has two twin wards to take care of, he doesn't want the responsibility and wants to foist them off onto a governess. He was more of a obligated man than genuinely concerned and his relationship with the twins wasn't warm in any sense. In fact, he was all about getting the girl.
OUR HEROINE appeared average too but I like her spunk at times, however I felt she gave into the hero too quickly it almost felt cheap. While I commend her determination to take care of the twins, she is a rather 2D character much like the hero and doesn't get me invested in their story.
OVERALL this story was so smooth it was BORING. I expected something from their past so called disagreement which can be a good sexual tension starter, but sadly the author just made it a passing moment and WHOOSH poured out the flames then. Apart from being cliché, there were no significant ups or downs to make the reader anxious, upset or ecstatic from the events or introduction to the characters. There were all kind of cardboard bland that make you just skim the entire story because its nothing you never read before, just a more WATERED DOWN version. Save yourself the time and move on!
I have to say that this story had the potential to be a rollercoaster ride of emotions but sadly it failed to deliver even 20% of it. I felt like the characters were too good to be true because their personalities and background barely scratched the surface and I didn't feel connected with them at all. This is one of those stories whereby we know the H/h will have a HEA so naturally the author depicts their relationship in good light from the start. BORING! Where's the fun in that?
OUR HERO is your average rakish Earl, who imbibes in women and alcohol but I feel the author is just describing him more than allowing us to see his real nature and forcing this rake character on him. I almost felt the hero to be shallow and there wasn't much worth his salt to be praised about. He has two twin wards to take care of, he doesn't want the responsibility and wants to foist them off onto a governess. He was more of a obligated man than genuinely concerned and his relationship with the twins wasn't warm in any sense. In fact, he was all about getting the girl.
OUR HEROINE appeared average too but I like her spunk at times, however I felt she gave into the hero too quickly it almost felt cheap. While I commend her determination to take care of the twins, she is a rather 2D character much like the hero and doesn't get me invested in their story.
OVERALL this story was so smooth it was BORING. I expected something from their past so called disagreement which can be a good sexual tension starter, but sadly the author just made it a passing moment and WHOOSH poured out the flames then. Apart from being cliché, there were no significant ups or downs to make the reader anxious, upset or ecstatic from the events or introduction to the characters. There were all kind of cardboard bland that make you just skim the entire story because its nothing you never read before, just a more WATERED DOWN version. Save yourself the time and move on!
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