If the Earl Only Knew

The Daring Marriages #1

by Amanda Forester

The chase is on in award-winning author Amanda Forester's brand-new Regency romance series!

A sizzling scandal just waiting to happen...

Orphaned at a young age, Lady Katherine Ashton and her brother have spent most of their lives on the high seas, seeking to restore their family fortune through somewhat dubious means. After that kind of adventure, Kate knows she won't ever be accepted as a proper society lady.

To the annoyingly clever, temptingly handsome, and altogether troublesome Earl of Wynbrook, society ladies are a dead bore. Kate, on the other hand, is scandalous, alluring, and altogether fascinating. And Kate can't decide which she relishes more, the thrill of chasing fearsome pirates, or having Wynbrook chase after her...

"Sparkles with humor and a delightful cast of characters." -RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars for A Midsummer Bride
"A scintillating Regency romance full of festive fun, intrigue, and subterfuge!" -Fresh Fiction on A Winter Wedding

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Historical, Regency, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Audiobook

416 pages, ebook

First published July 5, 2016

About the author

Amanda Forester holds a PhD in clinical psychology and a Masters degree in theology. As a psychologist, she has worked as a clinical researcher and a university instructor (what they call you when they don’t want to give you tenure). None of which has anything to do with writing romance novels. After trying for many years to stop the internal storylines floating around her head, she finally gave up and wrote one down. Now when she is caught daydreaming and talking to herself she can just say, “I’m plotting a scene for my next novel,” which sounds so much better than, “I’m hallucinating and responding to internal stimuli.”

Amanda lives in the Pacific Northwest with her officer and a gentleman husband and their two remarkably active, naturally brilliant children. They share their home with two fiendishly destructive cats and one lazy dog.

The Highlander’s Series represents Amanda's first venture into writing historical fiction, so she would greatly enjoy hearing from readers.

Reviews

[Jacob Proffitt · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm bailing after just a couple of chapters (okay, three). Two things pulled me out of the story.

The first is that I just don't buy the setup. The privateering was kind of cool, but Forester ruins it by having Kate be tight-fisted to the point of idiocy. Cheap clothes and a cheap cart to get around in and cheap lodgings when they're supposedly riding high on a triumphant return feels like posturing. Also posturing: paying off the debt of everyone with a child in the debtor's prison. Debtor's prison is a corrupt idea to begin with, I get that. But this feels like simply throwing money at a problem to white-knight your way to glory. And that doesn't actually help people. Poverty was ingrained in so many of the institutions of the time that I can't help feeling like Kate threw a fortune to the wind (I've no idea how much was left as I didn't care to go further) and that a lot of those people would be right back within a year. Not because they're spendthrifts and layabouts (though that's a factor in actual people, too) but because so many of the options available to those she freed left them no better off than they were with whatever landed them in prison in the first place.

And then we get a bad-guy PoV and I cringed my way out of caring about anything, any more. I mean, the bad guy trying to get his gold back is stupid anyway. I mean, Kate and co. were privateering as part of a venture, so all those funds would be in the freaking bank by now. So finding the "captain's log" is just stupid. But then we learn that this spare fork is also from the family that ripped off Kate's family in the first place and I'm all "whut?" Like, they didn't know who stole their family's fortune, because that's a thing? Look, an Earl is landed nobility. Not only can they not be thrown in debtor's prison, but if their fortune goes away, everybody in society knows more or less how it happened and where it went. That's a closed loop. You don't break into an Earl's storeroom and make off with everything he owns (or whatever fool thing the author is going to try to sell her readers). Because a whole lot of that fortune is land use based. So the kind of thing where a new owner has to show up and it just isn't that hard to figure out who it was who ended up with the deed.

But really, it was bad guy PoV that was the last straw. I hate that. I hate it even more when he's a scheming shlump with anger issues and minions who trot off to bungle robberies. And with a plan that's blindingly stupid to boot.

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

'If The Earl Only Knew' by Amanda Forester is book one in the "The Daring Marriages" series. This is the story of Lady Katherine Ashton and John the Earl of Wynbrook. This story got you end from the first few pages. We learned that Katherine and her twin brother had to struggle after their father died leaving debts. They pretty much it seem had to raise themselves and fight to get back from under such hardship. Katherine's brother did start a friendship with John's younger brother. Their Katherine overheard John talking bad about her to his brother. Katherine still hold that against him in the present day along with a kiss that they had shared back during that time too. But Katherine hopes only to be in London for just a few weeks while they settle up their debits and pay off the people that loan them money to start their business. It was fun to watch how they had to over come how they felt about each other in their presumption of each other. I just can't wait to see a story about her brother...he looks to be a good read too!
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
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[Sammy Loves Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

***4.25 Adventurous Stars***

I Loved this heroine!! But everyone that knows me knows I am a sucker for a strong, intelligent heroine that has a big heart.



The hero was perfect for Lady Kate! This was an action packed adventure with memorable characters.

The love scenes faded to black but that didn't take away from the story at all. Now that I think about it, there was a lot of biblical quotes and references to religious faith. It makes me wonder if this author writes Christian romances. Either way, I totally enjoyed this book and can't wait to read the next book in this series!

[Anna's Herding Cats · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/29pCFkz

That was so much fun! Sharp witty banter, a little adventure and danger, a sexy hero and a fierce heroine...gah, yes! If the Earl Only Knew was everything I love about historical romance.

The quick of it is that Lady Katherine and her brother have come to town to meet up with their investors. It should be a simple thing but then their rooms are broken into and then their ship...something is definitely up and they decide to move in with one of her brother's friends...the Earl of Wynbrook while they finish up business and try to figure out what's going on. Fantastic solution other than the fact that there's a crazy attraction and, well, some bad blood between them, too. Mmhm.


I loved these two. Loved. Them. Katherine's was just fabulous and all improper and and lacking when it came to social niceties. She's rather avoid most people if she could--girl I do not blame you! lol She was sassy and surprising and skirted the line of what was socially acceptable which was pretty fun. Oh and she loves numbers with a passion! Give the girl a ledger to balance and she's in heaven! lol I loved that she wasn't the typical historical heroine. And John. Well he was a putz in his younger years but now that he's all grown up...rawr!! Seriously. I would lick that! He's sexy and I just loved his humor and demeanor and, well, that he liked Katherine for herself and all her eccentricities.

The heat was mostly of the sexual tension variety. When things did finally happen it was very nice but not overly detailed and very sparse in occurrence. Their chemistry, though, so made up for lack of steamy bits. And these two had chemistry that absolutely crackled.

One of the big things in the story is the mystery surrounding the break ins and attempted robberies surrounding Katherine and her brother. There are some near misses and some make-your-palms-sweat moments as they try to figure it all out. It kept things moving at a fast clip and made for a nice backdrop to their romance. I won't even lie, though, I kinda want more from one of the villains. I think a book about him would be something! *fingers crossed*

All in all, Forester knows what she's doing and she does it incredibly well. If the Earl Only Knew was both enchanting and delightfully refreshing. Now to check out her lengthy backlist!

[Gilgamesha · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderfully delightful and refreshing historical romance. I can say with confidence that Dr. Forester is an avid reader of romance at the least if not HRs...because everything I expected as a reader was there in this book. Ohhh Kate was the best HR heroine by far.....she is badass and so crafty....and John..his droll and irreverent personality is the perfect anecdote to Kate's serious and witty one. I absolutely loved this book. It also makes sense that Dr. Forester has a PhD in psychology because all the characters in this book behaved exactly the way you would expect intelligent human beings to act in real life. I definitely recommend this. It ended very satisfactorily as well...but with a bit of cliff hanger for the secondary characters and I can't wait to read the book about her brother. I hope it is written as well too because I think I have now discovered a new favorite author though I would have to wait until the next book to know for sure. I am so excited I got to read this one.

[✨ Gramy ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

.
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I listened to this audible version via Hoopla, provided through my local public library. The narrator was very articulate and pleasant.

"I believe our hardships give us the fortitude to triumph over our challenges", remarked Emma . . . . "I do not care to glory in my tribulations and patience is an entirely overrated character trait", remarked Kate.

This was a historical romance novel that provided lots of entertainment. The background of the Darington siblings if chocked full of sadness, loss, despair, and finally, a renewed status in the elite tier, as they revel in the monies extracted from privateering. They use a great deal of their money to release those less fortunate, from debtors prison, a place they themselves were forced into without cause.

The heroine is not your typical debutante but has actually been empowered in unusual ways. She has experienced horrors that most young women have never heard of, much less speak of, creating a cynical and untrusting young lady. Thankfully, along comes the hero, someone she shares a moment from their past. A charming hero that lavishes this idyllic woman with positive attention, delighted that she is never dull or boring. He demonstrates much patience, provides protection and affection, all combine to soften her heart towards him.

The entertainment includes nefarious attacks, including the kidnapping of the heroine. The constant twists and turns captivate the reader and compel them to continue on and on to discover what exciting events may occur. The chemistry between these two experience is described in a fashion free from the offensive treatment of sexual subjects and from the use of obscenity and is so much appreciated. There was an exemplary H.E.A.

[Kris (My Novelesque Life) · Rating 4 out of 5]

As promised, today is the book blog tour for IF THE EARL ONLY KNEW! I was happy to read, review and be part of this tour as I really enjoyed this historical romance novel. I have previously read (and reviewed) Amanda Forester's Marriage Mart Regency series.

IF THE EARL ONLY KNEW
(The Daring Marriages: #1)
Written by Amanda Forester
2016; Sourcebooks Casablanca (384 Pages)
Genre: series, fiction, historical romance, romance, mystery

RATING: ★★★★

"The chase is on in award-winning author Amanda Forester's brand-new Regency romance series!

A sizzling scandal just waiting to happen…"
Orphaned at a young age, Lady Katherine Ashton and her brother have spent most of their lives on the high seas, seeking to restore their family fortune through somewhat dubious means. After that kind of adventure, Kate knows she won't ever be accepted as a proper society lady.

To the annoyingly clever, temptingly handsome, and altogether troublesome Earl of Wynbrook, society ladies are a dead bore. Kate, on the other hand, is scandalous, alluring, and altogether fascinating. And Kate can't decide which she relishes more, the thrill of chasing fearsome pirates, or having Wynbrook chase after her..." (From Publisher)

I really enjoy Amanda Forester's wit and writing. Very much like Jane Austen, Forester means more than what she has literally written.  Forester writes strong sassy women that are trying to maneuver in a world dominated by men. I have to say...and hopefully, Amanda reads this...I kind of wish there was a novella when Kate was in her teens to early 20s (I can't say anymore without spoilers)! With the steamy romance of Kate and John we also have adventures, banter and realistic themes.  John's sister was in an accident and loses both of her legs.  I found this portion very interesting as you don't always get "disabilities" discussed in historical romances.  I am really hoping we get more Ellen and how she progresses in life. The adventures in this book involve both Kate and John and isn't just John rescuing Kate.  John, as well as a few other men, don't seem so rigid about gender roles especially when it comes to women they love (familial and romantic).  This is great as a beach read or after a hard day of work...it takes you away but I will warn you that is a bit more than romance fluff!

*Please note: I would read Marriage Mart Regency Trilogy before reading this series IF you like to know all about reoccurring characters.  This character makes only a slight appearance but knowing that character's back story will make you chuckle and feel like you are in on the secrets!

***I received an eARC from NETGALLEY***

My Novelesque Life

[Erica Chilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads

3 Adventurous Stars.

Amanda Forester is a new-to-me author.

The opening scenes to If the Earl Only Knew hooked me from the start. Katherine is a strong, cold, reserved woman who knows how to survive anything. With glimpses of the woman she was meant to be, it was easier to read and understand Kate. But it was not without difficulty as a decisive woman became wishy-washy later in the storyline.

I won't bore you with a retelling of what is included in the synopsis. At age 12, the Ashton twins lost their father and their lives were turned upside down. Many years later, it's still affecting them greatly, especially their happiness.

I enjoyed how Katherine and John played well off one another, bringing a much needed light and humorous element to an otherwise dark story. The push-pull, will-they-won't-they banter was the highlight of the book. The romance does take a backseat to the adventuring portion of the storyline, and the between-the-sheets action is fade-to-black.

The main issue that detracted from my overall enjoyment was pacing. Not only the pacing of the story- where I found it tedious at times, where I generally read a book quickly, this took me an upwards of 12 straight hours to read the same amount of pages where another book would take six hours -but the pacing with the release of important information.

In a storyline filled with secrets and intrigue, it's hard for me as a reader to understand why the narrator blocked me out of what was going on. I'm inside their mind, and they are thinking 'around' it, but giving no detail. There was no need to withhold information until 75% or longer, when it took me the better part of a day to get a snippet of what was actually going on. There is mystery as a storyline- the mystery in which the narrators haven't solved because they have no knowledge -then there's withholding by the author via the narrators- which isn't a mystery at all, but an annoyance. The reader isn't to understand until it becomes dialogue instead of monologue.

I also felt, as people who have been through so much struggle, had been on their own since they were twelve years old, fought in naval battles and were pirates, how they stuck their head in the sand, refusing to gather the information the reader was lacking as a way to draw the story out longer. The resolution just dropped into their laps through no help of their own. Instead of paced out accordingly as it happened or through narration, it became info-dumping as a resolution.

The ship broken into, their accommodations ransacked and landlady assaulted, the home of their friends broken into on Christmas, then kidnapped (multiple times), wounded, with people lurking around, the church, Sir Anthony's. I find it hard to believe that Kate and Robert never once thought, "I wonder why this is happening?" They just went to balls and weddings? ... .... People being harassed and harmed- murdered - people with commendations during acts of war do not wring their hands and go about their daily lives. If my house was broken into on Christmas, and I was harboring my friends for safety reasons, and I had means and know-how and a vulnerable family to protect, I'd be investigating the how and why of it. At least call in the authorities. No one seemed to care how the house was broken into in the first place, with an illusion of safety minutes afterward. "So glad the bad guys ran off." Not once, with a myriad of crimes, was anyone called into investigate the crimes, when they were Earls, Ladies, Lords, and a Sir.

The foundation of the story felt convoluted to me, and I realize this is fantasy, adventuring, historical romance, not reality. But with a swifter pacing, I could have overlooked the fact that these character, who had been survivors as children, now seemed to have absolutely no self-preservation and had lost their ability to protect themselves or ask for protection, when they were pirates and battle heroes... after their past, they would have protected what was theirs, no doubt with many in their employ, yet they acted destitute and homeless and never asked for help from the authorities.

My apologies for spiraling down the nitpick rabbit hole. I just finished the story, so it's fresh in my mind. I ought to have waited to review instead. The story was just not my cup of tea.

Recommended to fans of historical romance, where the romance takes a backseat to the conflict and fade-to-black.

Will I read more by this author? Yes. Some books just don't resonate with a reader- this particular storyline wasn't to my tastes, but perhaps another by this author will be.

[Jae · Rating 2 out of 5]

Yawn.

[Amy ~ Love At 1st Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t remember when I’ve had more fun reading a book! What a delightful start to what looks to be an incredible series. There are so many wonderful characters in this book, I can’t even begin to decide who I loved more.

Lady Katherine Ashton and her twin brother, Robert Ashton, Earl of Darington were essentially orphaned at birth and later sent to debtor’s prison at age 12. Desperate to restore the family coffers, they resorted to questionable means. So questionable in fact, that Kate knows she will never be considered “proper”.
John Arlington, Earl of Wynbrook has known Kate and Robert for years. In truth, he saw Kate as beneath him in his early years. But following the death of his parents in a tragic accident, he became a different man and began to see Kate in a new light.
When Kate and her brother are plagued by break ins and robbery attempts, John insists they stay with his family. He’s simply protecting Kate, as is his duty as a gentleman. At least, that’s what he keeps telling himself.

Kate was a fascinating heroine. She had endured a horrible childhood and knew nothing of affection or love. Her trials had hardened her. “By expecting the absolute worst out of life, Kate was immune to the sting of disappointment, for she lived it every single day.” Yet she had a fierce loyalty to those she loved. I think what I loved most about her was her lack of a “filter”. She had lived such a different life from those in society, that her words and actions were often not what one would expect. She was tougher and smarter than most men. Still, she finds herself unworthy of being a proper lady.
John changed for the better after he became Earl of Wynbrook. He was still the charming, somewhat arrogant man he had always been but his responsibilities had reformed him. He is baffled by Lady Kate. She “defied classification, she was a lady, daughter of an earl, but hardly acted like one. Yet she was so reserved and refined, she did not not act like one either”. She is the most unusual woman he has ever met. He knows they’re unsuited for one another but he can’t stand the thought of her with anyone else.
Kate and John’s story is filled with one adventure after another with lots of secrets and mysteries to be revealed. And as these secrets and mysteries are unveiled, the relationship between John and Kate changes and grows. Ms. Forester does a beautiful job of depicting the metamorphosis of John and Kate and their relationship. The banter and repartee between these two characters was more titillating than any scene of passion I’ve ever read. Throughout their trials and tribulations, they realize that “somehow when looking at them separately, they were wrong for each other, but together they worked.”
This is the first in Amanda Forester’s Daring Marriages series. This is a series for which I will be anxiously awaiting each new book. I am on pins and needles especially waiting to hear what’s in store for Kate and John’s siblings. This was my first Amanda Forester book. I am beyond thrilled to have found her as she will be one of those authors I instantly “one click’ on. I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Rose Blue · Rating 4 out of 5]

As reviewed at Roses Are Blue: http://wp.me/p3QRh4-pK

Katherine (Kate) Ashton and her twin brother, Robert, Earl Darington, were greatly wronged when they were just twelve years old. Their father died, their estate was robbed of all valuables, and they were thrown into debtors' prison when they were unable to prove their identities. In the intervening years, Robert became a privateer, while Kate managed and invested his earnings, substantially increasing their fortune. These events have taken a toll on the siblings, though, leaving them wary, reticent, and reluctant to take their places in society.

On a trip to London, with the purpose of paying profits to their investors, Kate and Robert are cornered into attending the wedding of the sister of one of the investors. They have an acquaintance with John Arlington, Earl Wynbrook, and his family, and feel obligated to accept the hospitality of his home until the wedding takes place. Kate and John share an awkward history, which consists of her overhearing his berating her, then a shared torrid embrace.

Kate is a complicated and contrary individual. Initially she appears distant, self sufficient, and aloof. Underneath, though, she's woman enough to appreciate John's charms, and she's torn between wanting to flee John's presence and to kiss him senseless. John is puzzled by his own reaction to Kate, as she's totally unlike the society ladies he's accustomed to, yet he's fascinated.
Kate and Robert's unknown enemy is getting desperate and ramps up his attacks. As the action in the story picks up, so does the attraction Kate and John are feeling. Here is where Kate begins to thaw a little and shows glimpses of a teasing and fun loving woman. John is charmed, and when a compromising situation dictates that he propose marriage to Kate, he finds that it's something that he truly desires. Yet, Kate refuses because she is hiding another secret about her past, one that would make her unmarriageable in the eyes of society and John.

IF THE EARL ONLY KNEW has a different feel to it than a typical historical romance. There is plenty of action, suspense, romance, and family relationships. I really like John, who proved that beneath the polished charm is a man of honor, strength, and action. I admire Kate's strength, and I loved watching her change and blossom. I enjoyed the secondary characters and romances and very much look forward to future installments in this series, Daring Marriages, from Amanda Forester.

[Phoenix77 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lady Katherine Ashton and her twin brother the Earl of Darington have returned to London to settle accounts with their investors. Left with his father’s debts at a very young age, the earl has been on the high seas for years as a privateer for England, raiding enemy ships and taking the spoils to rebuild the family fortunes. With no other family to take her in, Kate went to sea with her brother and kept his books, investing where she could and building up wealth for those who supported them. Frugality has been the discipline Kate has lived by, sometimes to the frustration of her brother, yet they are now ready to close out any lingering debts and make a triumphant return to England. Unfortunately the years away from society make for an awkward homecoming, especially for Kate who has been hoping to avoid a reunion with their major investor, Lord Wynbrook.

John Arlington is also apprehensive about seeing Katherine again. The last time he saw her five years earlier was one of the lowest points of his life and his behavior towards her was less than gentlemanly. The meeting with Darington and Lady Kate goes surprisingly well and John and his brother are delighted to know their investments have borne fruit. Just as they are all ready to leave, the meeting is interrupted by the arrival of a crewmember from Darington’s ship alerting them that someone has tried to break into his quarters. After another break-in at the townhouse they are leasing it becomes clear to John that someone is targeting the Ashton siblings. Hoping to protect his friend, and by extension show a more gallant side of himself to Katherine, John opens his home in London to the pair until they discover who has been trying to hurt them.

Please read the full review at Romantic Historical Reviews

[Tolkitty · Rating 1 out of 5]

While I enjoyed the introduction of characters, the main thing that created a disconnect for me is that partway through the hero starts referencing bible passages, then another character (who —spoiler alert—will be a main character of the next book) does as well, and explicit prayers are made by both H/h in the ending chapters. (Yet no mention of going to church, which seems like an omission given the time period?) Anyway, I have no issues with spirituality/faith showing up in books, but as a non-Christian I just don’t feel connected to a book that references the bible.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kate was a departure from your average, lady of means, coquettish character that leads most historical romance. She had a past that was provocative and a spirit that could not be tamed. I love these type of leading women because they are more than a pretty face. More depth is hiding behind the exterior. If the Earl Only Knew blended adventurous spirit with action packed storylines and seductive plot twists and intriguing mystery. Was sad to see it end.

[Della McKay 3rd · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very Misleading

This book was a waste of my time. I love regency romance but this author managed to kill the flow of a very promising story.

[Tiffany (Bluestocking) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars - I loved that Kate was unconventional, outspoken and witty. John was equally witty and very charming and I really enjoyed their conversations and many banters.

While I enjoyed the narration I thought the story was a bit slow. There was a hint of intrigue that was exciting and the romance between John and Kate seemed promising but the plot dragged due to the many unnecessary bits 🤷🏽‍♀️

After anticipating Kate’s reasons to remain unmarried for 75% of the book, I was a bit disappointed. Although it was something that would have been frowned upon during that time, it was a touch anticlimactic. Kate’s reasoning on the eve of her wedding did not make sense to me at all. I could not wrap my head around her thought process 🤦🏽‍♀️ As I drew closer to the end the story got worse. Kate was becoming unreasonable and annoying (at least that didn’t last long).

But I must admit that the narrator made up for the bits that were less enjoyable. The reading was lively, engaging and kept me interested - 4 stars for the audiobook ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


CONTENT
Romance: Kissing, Fade to black intimacy (not very detailed)
Language: Mild
Violence: Mild

[Deborah Cleaves · Rating 4 out of 5]

A transitions romance.

A romance that gives the heroine much to do that is empowering, including cross dressing as a cabin boy in the navy, and hand to hand battling kidnappers. It takes permission for sexual congress to absurdity by leaving a groom satisfied to have no sex for the rest of his days if his wife does not choose to initiate the sexual act. A lot of heroic action.

[Somia]

90p on amazon, 21st January 2020

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't know how I every missed this author but she is delightful. She created a strong independent woman in Lady Kate. A woman who had to do what she had to for her and her twin brother to survive. Since this is a true historical romance, she of course goes on an adventure and falls in love fighting for her independence every step of the way.

[Trish R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty good book. The hero and heroine were great and Kate’s back story was awesome. The story was about Wynbrook who knew Kate 6 years ago when his parents were killed in a carriage accident then she disappeared with her twin brother, Robert. Robert became a privateer while Kate stayed home and crunched numbers, while they became filthy rich, along with their investors. Kate and Wynbrook found each other again when they met at the bank to disperse the money, and the rest is history.

There was murder, kidnapping, adventure and excitement in this book BUT it didn’t really have to be almost 400 pages. I did find myself skimming a lot, looking for something good. Even with the skimming I enjoyed the story.

The last part of the book I did find it a little too religious for me. People spouting bible verses was too much, I thought, and Kate asking Wynbrook to pray with her, so I can’t see myself reading anything by the author. I felt like the bible verses was the reason there was nothing sexual in the book but there was one very vanilla sex scene. And no swearing.

I really liked families: Kate and Robert, the twins, and Wynbrook’s sisters and brother, Anne, Jane, Ellen and my favorite goofball Tristan.

As to the narrator: All things considered Carolyn Morris did a decent job, Wynbrook sounded too feminine at times and Tristan sounded girly all the time. Except for those two things I liked her.

[Tarra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book wasn't perfect, but it was a unique story with an even more unique heroine that really stands out in the field of cookie cutter historical romances.

I don't want to say too much about Lady Kate, but she has quite a back story and history. She's unlike most heroines in this genre, which was really a nice change of pace (for the most part. She did have a few moments that were cringe worthy). John is interesting, he's strong, intelligent, trustworthy, but he never came across as an Alpha hero. Maybe that's because Kate wore the pants in the relationship!

The dialogue was quite modern for the time. The biblical quotes that were used at several points were a bit surprising, not bad, but just came across as a bit preachy and odd in the context of the rest of the story.

There wasn't a ton of heat, the story itself was pretty chaste, not really descriptive in the "bedroom" scenes.

There was a lot going on. One of the villains simply disappeared in the middle of the book, never to be heard from again. So that was odd. And Kate's brother Robert was not a very interesting fellow (his dialogue was very odd and stilted.) If Robert is being set up for the next book, I hope his character gets some charisma.

But still, I liked it a lot. It was different.

[Tracy T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW this was such a great book! (audible review).

I enjoyed every minute of this book. All the characters were great. Kate and Wynbrook were great together. They had great chemistry and there is nicely written sex scenes. Not erotica, not rated G, just nicely written.

Kate was awesome, loved her character. She was so smart, witty, beautiful, and charming. No simpering crybaby lead heroine in this book! Wynbrook was great too. Handsome, rich, smart, strong, and just the right amount of arrogance.

The story line and plot was great! It was full of mystery, villains, carriage chases, fights and all kinds of excitement the whole way through the entire book. The dialogue was fantastic there was lots of it! I didn't want the story to end! LOL it was great.

As for the narration, it was absolutely amazing! I love Carolyn Morris' narrations. She has such a great voice. The men sound like men. Everyone gets their own distinct voice. She reads with emotion, and she has a wonderful reading voice! Amazing narrator!

This story and the superb narration made this book exceed the 5 star limit! Just loved it!

If you like listening HR books you will love this one!

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I must say that I greatly enjoyed this complicated and complex story and the reason for it is the heroine who I didn’t like at the start. However, as I came to know her backstory, I slowly but surely came to admire her tenacity and strength.

I also liked the hero because of he wasn’t your cookie cutter, run of the mill Alpha male. He had many faults and quirks which made his character much more real and likable.

This was a very well written story with a solid plot and a pace somewhat slower than usual, yet just perfect for the telling of it.

Ms. Forester did an awesome job with all her secondary characters whose stories I can’t wait to read. Highly recommending it to all of you who love a bit of an adventure and mystery in your romance novels.

Melanie for b2b

[Drucilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't normally make a point of calling this out but it is nice to see the two leads actually fall in love. Forester takes her time in bringing these characters together (maybe too much time, the book could have been shorter). Kate's arguments about the hypocritical nature of London Society were appreciated, though ultimately it's just frustrating since we don't get any changes or anything interesting out of it. I was also prepared for Kate's reason she couldn't marry to be something really bad, but it's not. It may not be something Society would approve of but Kate blew it out of proportion.

[Linda Smatzny · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very enjoyable romance set in England with a very strong minded woman as the main character. She is Lady Katherine Ashton who has returned to London after living abroad. She meets the Earl of Wynbrook but can't stand him because of some things Kate overheard years earlier. There are disasters which neither Kate or her brother, Robert, understand but they bring adventure into the life of John , the Earl. Eventually all is made clear and lives are changed. The book was a quick easy read.

[Barbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️Book

[Jack Vasen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is written after the Marriage Mart series but is parallel for a bit with A Winter Wedding. There might be a tad bit of spoiler if you read this first, but not really since we usually have a pretty good idea how the lead relationships will turn out.

This book really grabbed me at the beginning. The Darington twins' backstory is compelling and we get just enough of it at the beginning to be hooked. Behind the relationship between Kate and John, there is also an interesting story of impending peril and the two are woven together more seamlessly than in the Marriage Mart books.

If you read more than a few Regency books, it becomes clear that early 19th century England was barbaric. In this book we find two preteen children sent to debtor's prison for their father's debts. Also Lady Katherine rants frequently about how unfair the structure and laws of that society were to women since when they married they lost almost all rights as human beings to their husbands. This book doesn't make it clear, but husbands could beat their wives ruthlessly sometimes resulting in death and get away with it. Peers could also take forcible liberties with women without penalty - if the woman was also a peer, then the man could force unwanted marriage and if she wasn't, there might be no consequence to the man at all.

Kate starts out as a very withdrawn woman who wanted nothing to do with society and might be happy to live alone or alone with her brother. Yet she we learn through the course of the story that she is extremely talented, another of the Regency superwomen. Her backstory is quite interesting, even unique in all the books I've read, but her lament of never marrying is a little overstated.

Our first impression of John is that he is another rake, but we soon learn that some of this is Kate's slightly prejudiced perspective. He too is a hero.

There is a good deal of humor and witty dialogue. The two leads tease and flirt famously.

The story has enough peril and suspense to retain interest and there are a couple of minor twists.

The characters quote relevant Bible verses and pray. There are hints of a provident God. However, the book is not overly preachy and I resist putting it on the Christian book shelf.

There are really no mature themes other than abductions and some deaths. There is a sex scene that is almost but not quite mildly explicit.

[Krys · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.8 stars. This book was too long. For a long time in the middle, it started going into minutia about the MCs' days and it was a "dead bore". I was surprised and interested in the idea of the story becoming an softcore mystery but the MCs were not very motivated to actually find answers half the time, which slowed the plot's progression quite a bit. Some of their sleuthing was also a little over-dramatic. I'm not referring to the carriage chase, which was a fun idea, more like meeting the maid (housekeeper? I've forgotten what she was) and when the book came to a head with the traitorous captain and forged wedding contract papers.

It also took a very long time for the MCs to finally discuss what about the fem MC was so scandalous. She made such a big fuss about it (of course, not really until much later in the book after she had already done very scandalous things with the male MC) but it took an eternity for her to actually explain, and even after she told him and he responded with the equivalent of "And?" she still made a big deal of it just to throw a bucket and a half of angst on top of what was a pretty good book otherwise.

I really loved the beginning of the book and the intro to the MCs, but something went awry for me in the middle and at the end.

[Connie N. · Rating 4 out of 5]

#1 in The Daring Marriages Regency romance series

This is a new-to-me author who writes a very entertaining story, including some romance as well as a bit of a mystery. I particularly liked the characters, who were entertaining and enjoyable. Kate is a strong-willed woman who has had a very unconventional upbringing, including having her fortune stolen, ending up in debtor's prison, then sharing a life with her twin brother, who was a privateer. She is excellent with sums, so she handles their finances. When she and her brother Robert visit his friend, Lord Wyncourt, in London, a variety of adventures occur, and she and John become close. Kate and John are an excellent match. He's easygoing yet strong, and easily able to put up with Kate's eccentricities as well as talk them out of some problems. Plenty of action, enough romance to make things sweet, and a fast-paced and enjoyable book. I look forward to continuing with this series.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Orphaned at a young age, Lady Katherine Ashton and her twin brother Robert have spent most of their lives on the high seas, seeking to restore their family fortune through somewhat dubious means. After that kind of adventure, Kate knows she won't ever be accepted as a proper society lady.
John Arlington Earl of Wynbrook, knows he should marry but he can’t forget a kiss he & Kate shared years ago.
An easy reading book with a well paced plot. Kate is not a shrinking debutante but hates society & would much prefer to be in a study working at financial ledgers. The attraction between John & Kate is apparent to everyone apart from themselves & they both fight it. There’s the mystery of who stole the family fortune & who is trying to find his gold. The secondary characters are well portrayed & I hope the other Arlington siblings have their HEA’s especially Ellen