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The Penhallow Dynasty #4
Engaged to the Earl
A spirited debutante—a brash adventurer—the perfect fiancé—and good intentions gone terribly, deliciously bad. The Penhallow Dynasty continues in this sparkling Regency romp!
Christopher Beck came striding into a glamorous London drawing-room and can’t believe his eyes. The last time he’d seen Gwendolyn Penhallow, she was a dreamy, strong-willed girl with a wild imagination, and now she’s a beautiful and beguiling young lady... who’s engaged to Society’s darling, the Earl of Westenbury. Christopher had fled England to seek adventure elsewhere. Has he found it here, too—the most delightful adventure of his life?
Gwendolyn is sure she’s betrothed to the most wonderful man in the world. But then, shockingly, Christopher Beck shows up. Nobody has heard from him in years—and not only he is very much alive, he’s also sinfully attractive, blithely unconventional, and disturbingly fun to be with. Which wouldn’t be a problem, except for the fact that she’s, well, promised to another. And just what on earth is she going to do about it?
Christopher Beck came striding into a glamorous London drawing-room and can’t believe his eyes. The last time he’d seen Gwendolyn Penhallow, she was a dreamy, strong-willed girl with a wild imagination, and now she’s a beautiful and beguiling young lady... who’s engaged to Society’s darling, the Earl of Westenbury. Christopher had fled England to seek adventure elsewhere. Has he found it here, too—the most delightful adventure of his life?
Gwendolyn is sure she’s betrothed to the most wonderful man in the world. But then, shockingly, Christopher Beck shows up. Nobody has heard from him in years—and not only he is very much alive, he’s also sinfully attractive, blithely unconventional, and disturbingly fun to be with. Which wouldn’t be a problem, except for the fact that she’s, well, promised to another. And just what on earth is she going to do about it?
387 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 25, 2020
59 people are currently reading
1955 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Berne
7 books968 followersLisa Berne is a bestselling author of historical romance whose witty, heartfelt, beautifully written books are published by Avon/HarperCollins, Pan Macmillan and in translation throughout the world. Says BRIDGERTON author Julia Quinn: Lisa is “one of the most exciting new historical writers in a long time.” To learn more about Lisa and her delight in all things bookish (as revealed in her blog), you are cordially invited to visit her website, www.LisaBerne.com, and to sign up for her newsletter, too, so that you’ll never miss a new release or giveaway!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
November 11, 2019
So I honestly have no idea how I made it through this. That’s a lie...I skipped a lot at the end. There was just a lot in this book, some of it good but so much of it not. Like in the previous book, there were lots of small subplots and I had to wonder if they were really needed.
We’re told Gwendolyn and Christopher are such great friends as children but we only get one real interaction with them during that time and it’s not exactly the friendliest. And honestly, they didn’t spend much time together throughout the rest of the novel. I have no idea how they fell in love. And there was absolutely zero sexual tension in this novel.
Christopher is British but spent a few years in Italy and-ta-da!-now drops Italian phrases into almost every conversation he has. This almost made me a crazy person. It got annoying SO fast.
Speaking of annoying, that’s every side character in this novel. And they were all godawful people on top of that. I was kind of hoping a virus would hit the household and take them all.
I don’t know if I’ll be continuing with this series or not. This was quite a chore to finish.
*I received an eARC from Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
We’re told Gwendolyn and Christopher are such great friends as children but we only get one real interaction with them during that time and it’s not exactly the friendliest. And honestly, they didn’t spend much time together throughout the rest of the novel. I have no idea how they fell in love. And there was absolutely zero sexual tension in this novel.
Christopher is British but spent a few years in Italy and-ta-da!-now drops Italian phrases into almost every conversation he has. This almost made me a crazy person. It got annoying SO fast.
Speaking of annoying, that’s every side character in this novel. And they were all godawful people on top of that. I was kind of hoping a virus would hit the household and take them all.
I don’t know if I’ll be continuing with this series or not. This was quite a chore to finish.
*I received an eARC from Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
February 14, 2020
Series: The Penhallow Dynasty #4
Publication Date: 2/25/20
Number of Pages: 384
Christopher Beck was a delightful hero, you couldn’t help but love him. As a very young man, he had a contentious relationship with his father. His father didn’t understand Christopher at all and was constantly pushing him into things that Christopher just hated. So, when Christopher was twenty, he decided to leave home – and when he told his father he was leaving, but would write – his father told him not to bother. He left that night, traveled the continent working at many odd jobs, and didn’t return home for several years.
Gwendolyn Penhallow is another delightful character – you’ll love her as well. She comes from a large, happy, boisterous family – you met them in the last book, The Bride Takes a Groom. Gwendolyn has missed her friend from next door over the years. She’s wondered what happened to the troubled young man to whom she once proposed – when she was ten and four. Now, she’s in London for her delayed London season – and she’s already engaged to the most handsome, most wonderful man. It was love at first sight – they literally saw each other ‘across a crowded room’ – and they were lost in each other.
Two things happened at about the same time, but they weren’t related. Gwendolyn began to have small, niggling, subconscious doubts about her engagement and Christopher Beck returned to England – London specifically. As more and more life events happened, Gwendolyn became less and less sure of her decision to marry the earl.
As Gwendolyn and Christopher renewed their friendship, she fondly remembered the young man he had been before he left and she valued him as a friend – someone to whom she could talk and someone she could trust.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and hope you will as well. I had trepidations about the book because I assumed (wrongly) that it contained infidelity. Yes, she and the earl were only engaged, but to me, it is still just as wrong to take up with another man without resolving the current relationship. That isn’t what happened. She considered Christopher a good friend and was always happy to see him.
Be prepared – there are LOTS of people, plots, and sub-plots you have to keep straight, but they all make sense. Well, except one – I have absolutely no idea how Gwendolyn could ever have thought that Christopher was smitten with Helen. Goodness, Helen was an awful person and it was readily apparent that was the case.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 2/25/20
Number of Pages: 384
Christopher Beck was a delightful hero, you couldn’t help but love him. As a very young man, he had a contentious relationship with his father. His father didn’t understand Christopher at all and was constantly pushing him into things that Christopher just hated. So, when Christopher was twenty, he decided to leave home – and when he told his father he was leaving, but would write – his father told him not to bother. He left that night, traveled the continent working at many odd jobs, and didn’t return home for several years.
Gwendolyn Penhallow is another delightful character – you’ll love her as well. She comes from a large, happy, boisterous family – you met them in the last book, The Bride Takes a Groom. Gwendolyn has missed her friend from next door over the years. She’s wondered what happened to the troubled young man to whom she once proposed – when she was ten and four. Now, she’s in London for her delayed London season – and she’s already engaged to the most handsome, most wonderful man. It was love at first sight – they literally saw each other ‘across a crowded room’ – and they were lost in each other.
Two things happened at about the same time, but they weren’t related. Gwendolyn began to have small, niggling, subconscious doubts about her engagement and Christopher Beck returned to England – London specifically. As more and more life events happened, Gwendolyn became less and less sure of her decision to marry the earl.
As Gwendolyn and Christopher renewed their friendship, she fondly remembered the young man he had been before he left and she valued him as a friend – someone to whom she could talk and someone she could trust.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and hope you will as well. I had trepidations about the book because I assumed (wrongly) that it contained infidelity. Yes, she and the earl were only engaged, but to me, it is still just as wrong to take up with another man without resolving the current relationship. That isn’t what happened. She considered Christopher a good friend and was always happy to see him.
Be prepared – there are LOTS of people, plots, and sub-plots you have to keep straight, but they all make sense. Well, except one – I have absolutely no idea how Gwendolyn could ever have thought that Christopher was smitten with Helen. Goodness, Helen was an awful person and it was readily apparent that was the case.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 14, 2020
After several years living abroad, Christopher Beck has returned to England and finds himself circulating through fashionable London society. He's surprised to find that his childhood neighbor, Gwendolyn Penhallow, has transformed from an imaginative, whimsical young girl into a beautiful, poised woman. Too bad she's engaged to the Earl of Westenbury and it seems Christopher has returned from his adventures a bit too late.
Gwendolyn considers herself lucky to be engaged to the most perfect man and about to begin a perfect, fairytale life. But with Christopher's re-entrance into her life, Gwendolyn begins to question her decisions and her thoughts and feelings about those around her, it just remains to be seen whether or not she'll be able to do anything about her confused emotions.
This was my first read from this author and boy was it strange to me. It was very well-written, but it didn't feel much at all like a romance. For the majority of the book I really felt like nothing happened at all and if some event did occur, it involved the side characters rather than the hero and heroine. Speaking of whom, the side characters, with the exception of perhaps the duchess, included some awful people who never seemed to receive any kind of reckoning for their poor behavior. We don't really see Christopher and Gwendolyn spend much time together, either as children or adults, rather we're told that they do, then time passes, still without anything much happening and we're told they're together and in love now. I never felt any sexual tension or connection between these two, perhaps because of that lack of time together and the fact that we see Gwen spend time, on the page, with her original fiance, the earl, for most of the book. I know the melodrama, slow pace, and lack of much real interaction between the hero and heroine didn't work for me and I never connected to them so I had to slog through this one.
This was my first read by this author and I had purchased this book's predecessor when it was on sale last month because I really thought I'd like this one so I'll at least go back and read that one at some point and hope this one was just a fluke.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Gwendolyn considers herself lucky to be engaged to the most perfect man and about to begin a perfect, fairytale life. But with Christopher's re-entrance into her life, Gwendolyn begins to question her decisions and her thoughts and feelings about those around her, it just remains to be seen whether or not she'll be able to do anything about her confused emotions.
This was my first read from this author and boy was it strange to me. It was very well-written, but it didn't feel much at all like a romance. For the majority of the book I really felt like nothing happened at all and if some event did occur, it involved the side characters rather than the hero and heroine. Speaking of whom, the side characters, with the exception of perhaps the duchess, included some awful people who never seemed to receive any kind of reckoning for their poor behavior. We don't really see Christopher and Gwendolyn spend much time together, either as children or adults, rather we're told that they do, then time passes, still without anything much happening and we're told they're together and in love now. I never felt any sexual tension or connection between these two, perhaps because of that lack of time together and the fact that we see Gwen spend time, on the page, with her original fiance, the earl, for most of the book. I know the melodrama, slow pace, and lack of much real interaction between the hero and heroine didn't work for me and I never connected to them so I had to slog through this one.
This was my first read by this author and I had purchased this book's predecessor when it was on sale last month because I really thought I'd like this one so I'll at least go back and read that one at some point and hope this one was just a fluke.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
February 23, 2020
I was much looking forward to Engaged to the Earl but along the way I must have gotten lost. Because I couldn’t for the life of me enjoy this in the least. I was very bored and my goodness, there wasn’t any sexual tension or chemistry between the two leads. They felt like distant cousins, if anything.
I wish I could say this got better the more I read, but unfortunately, it didn’t. If you’re looking for an epic romance, you won’t find it here!
*Thank you to the publisher for sending a free copy for an honest and unbiased review. All thoughts and opinions are subjective but my own.
I wish I could say this got better the more I read, but unfortunately, it didn’t. If you’re looking for an epic romance, you won’t find it here!
*Thank you to the publisher for sending a free copy for an honest and unbiased review. All thoughts and opinions are subjective but my own.
December 17, 2023
Enjoyed this more on my 2nd read. The H and h were childhood friends, and the story explores how they matured over many years. Both are deep thinkers, with shared values yet never moralised to others. It's a great story with a vast number of characters.
February 10, 2020
Engaged to the Earl
The Penhallow Dynasty series #4
Lisa Berne
https://www.facebook.com/LisaBerneAut...
Release date 02/25/2020
Publisher Avon
Blurb :
Christopher Beck came striding into a glamorous London drawing-room and can’t believe his eyes. The last time he’d seen Gwendolyn Penhallow, she was a dreamy, strong-willed girl with a wild imagination, and now she’s a beautiful and beguiling young lady . . . who’s engaged to Society’s darling the Earl of Westenbury. Christopher had fled England to seek adventure elsewhere. Has he found it here too — the most delightful adventure of his life?
Gwendolyn is sure she’s betrothed to the most wonderful man in the world. But then, shockingly, Christopher Beck shows up. Nobody has heard from him in years — and not only he is very much alive, he’s also sinfully attractive, blithely unconventional, and disturbingly fun to be with. Which wouldn’t be a problem, except for the fact that she’s, well, promised to another. And just what on earth is she going to do about it?
My review :
When betrothed to a dream of man, is her Prince Charming her true knight in shining armor ...
I confess when I first requested this arc, I was a bit afraid because of the love triangle trope lurking in the corner then I alas read not great earlier reviews about it, why from this moment I dragged my feet to read it. But once I receive an ARC it is like I gave my word to review it before release day.
Sure, this is not your classic romance, with they meet, they are attracted, they fight it then they surrender, it was very much different and why it probably unsettled the readers. It is more a coming of age tale with two personalities finding their way to one another by seeking inside their heart what they were expecting from life.
The narrative style of the author is very unique, and peculiar, which surely added to the discomfort of the readers, it was like watching a sitcom, short scenes with the many protagonists point of view. It is a well written tale as we go from one scene to an other or from one character’s vision of the moment to another.
This is a slow paced story, the action is in the switch of characters’ thoughts, like flea jumps from one moment to another.
But I just loved it and devoured this book in a long afternoon, like I would have drown myself in a serials, binge watching all the episodes in a short time.
About the love triangle, there is not really one, while they could have been anger, deceit, betrayal there is only understanding and appreciation of what they have or not, to come to realize love is not always all sparks and shine.
Gwendolyn was entranced when she first meet her Earl, thus the speed of her engagement. So she really get to know him after.
But oh my! How I laughed at Gwendolyn’s first kiss scene, a duel of eels ... then her various “experiments”. It is for sure a tale with many hilarious scenes.
Gwendolyn quickly sees something is lacking in her relationship with her Earl, but she does not renege on it, she just wants to clear her every doubts. When she reaches her epiphany, she then will be able to untangle her thoughts and make the right decision.
Christopher had his own growing up to do, he was wild and reckless before his departure, his journey helped him to mature and control his own impulses. He is now able to ponder before acting.
When they meet again, they are only childhood friends rekindling their relationship, and they weren’t even true friends, more neighbors well acquainted.
Their romance is very secondary at, it comes to life very slowly, they are first friends, then they get to know who they are truly from the inside, they cheer the other, giving them time and space to free themselves from their own boundaries.
And while Gwendolyn spends as much time with her Earl and Christopher, it is what is needed to let her come to realize what she really seeks in her heart. When Christopher too begins to see her as more than his sister’s friend but a strong willed woman able to stand for herself.
He never acts on her behalf, he lets her face her own issue.
The many side characters give too a merry chase and from the oblivious to the cunning ones, they all get their instant.
I even liked Montmorency, he has a knack for seing the people as they are.
Why I give 5 stars to this story, it is a very peculiar text with a different narrative style and it is perfect for its purpose of showing the many layers of the characters and how they will behave according to circumstances.
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Avon and then ordered my own.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
The Penhallow Dynasty series #4
Lisa Berne
https://www.facebook.com/LisaBerneAut...
Release date 02/25/2020
Publisher Avon
Blurb :
Christopher Beck came striding into a glamorous London drawing-room and can’t believe his eyes. The last time he’d seen Gwendolyn Penhallow, she was a dreamy, strong-willed girl with a wild imagination, and now she’s a beautiful and beguiling young lady . . . who’s engaged to Society’s darling the Earl of Westenbury. Christopher had fled England to seek adventure elsewhere. Has he found it here too — the most delightful adventure of his life?
Gwendolyn is sure she’s betrothed to the most wonderful man in the world. But then, shockingly, Christopher Beck shows up. Nobody has heard from him in years — and not only he is very much alive, he’s also sinfully attractive, blithely unconventional, and disturbingly fun to be with. Which wouldn’t be a problem, except for the fact that she’s, well, promised to another. And just what on earth is she going to do about it?
My review :
When betrothed to a dream of man, is her Prince Charming her true knight in shining armor ...
I confess when I first requested this arc, I was a bit afraid because of the love triangle trope lurking in the corner then I alas read not great earlier reviews about it, why from this moment I dragged my feet to read it. But once I receive an ARC it is like I gave my word to review it before release day.
Sure, this is not your classic romance, with they meet, they are attracted, they fight it then they surrender, it was very much different and why it probably unsettled the readers. It is more a coming of age tale with two personalities finding their way to one another by seeking inside their heart what they were expecting from life.
The narrative style of the author is very unique, and peculiar, which surely added to the discomfort of the readers, it was like watching a sitcom, short scenes with the many protagonists point of view. It is a well written tale as we go from one scene to an other or from one character’s vision of the moment to another.
This is a slow paced story, the action is in the switch of characters’ thoughts, like flea jumps from one moment to another.
But I just loved it and devoured this book in a long afternoon, like I would have drown myself in a serials, binge watching all the episodes in a short time.
About the love triangle, there is not really one, while they could have been anger, deceit, betrayal there is only understanding and appreciation of what they have or not, to come to realize love is not always all sparks and shine.
Gwendolyn was entranced when she first meet her Earl, thus the speed of her engagement. So she really get to know him after.
But oh my! How I laughed at Gwendolyn’s first kiss scene, a duel of eels ... then her various “experiments”. It is for sure a tale with many hilarious scenes.
Gwendolyn quickly sees something is lacking in her relationship with her Earl, but she does not renege on it, she just wants to clear her every doubts. When she reaches her epiphany, she then will be able to untangle her thoughts and make the right decision.
Christopher had his own growing up to do, he was wild and reckless before his departure, his journey helped him to mature and control his own impulses. He is now able to ponder before acting.
When they meet again, they are only childhood friends rekindling their relationship, and they weren’t even true friends, more neighbors well acquainted.
Their romance is very secondary at, it comes to life very slowly, they are first friends, then they get to know who they are truly from the inside, they cheer the other, giving them time and space to free themselves from their own boundaries.
And while Gwendolyn spends as much time with her Earl and Christopher, it is what is needed to let her come to realize what she really seeks in her heart. When Christopher too begins to see her as more than his sister’s friend but a strong willed woman able to stand for herself.
He never acts on her behalf, he lets her face her own issue.
The many side characters give too a merry chase and from the oblivious to the cunning ones, they all get their instant.
I even liked Montmorency, he has a knack for seing the people as they are.
Why I give 5 stars to this story, it is a very peculiar text with a different narrative style and it is perfect for its purpose of showing the many layers of the characters and how they will behave according to circumstances.
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Avon and then ordered my own.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
March 9, 2020
Sadly, this didn't do it for me. This was the second book in a row that I've read that had horrid side characters. There was what seemed like a lot of nothing going on, and our heroine was engaged to someone else through most of the book. I did like our hero Christopher though.
I am sure this would be lovely for others. It just wasn't for me.
I am sure this would be lovely for others. It just wasn't for me.
March 2, 2020
Engaged to the Earl by Lisa Berne is book 4 in The Penhallow Dynasty Series. This is the story of Gwendolyn Penhallow and Christopher Beck. I have read the previous book, but feel this is a standalone book if you wish to do so. Gwendolyn and Christopher used to be neighbors and childhood friends. Gwendolyn even had asked him to marry her when she was a young teenager. But Christopher had a terrible realshionship with his father, so much so that he left home never to be heard from again..until now. When he sees Gwendolyn and the beautiful women she has become he is taken by her but he still has his protective feelings for her as when they were younger. Gwendolyn is engaged to an Earl and is happy about that but once Christopher comes back into her life she starts to see that maybe there is something more for her.
Enjoyed their story!!
Enjoyed their story!!
January 9, 2021
DO NOT READ THIS BOOK!
I hated this book. The characters were bland. The MC was so annoying, she was written like a child. She always went off on these tangents, and had so many flight of ideas. They were so long and annoying to read, about random thoughts the author thought it was funny to string along. I get that when she kisses the earl she does that because she’s not into it, but stil, her thoughts of that of a child and the author could have went about it in a very different way. Surprised they have no kids...
I hated this book. The characters were bland. The MC was so annoying, she was written like a child. She always went off on these tangents, and had so many flight of ideas. They were so long and annoying to read, about random thoughts the author thought it was funny to string along. I get that when she kisses the earl she does that because she’s not into it, but stil, her thoughts of that of a child and the author could have went about it in a very different way. Surprised they have no kids...
February 23, 2020
I received an ARC of this book to read through Edelweiss+ in exchange for a fair review. Engaged To The Earl is the fourth book in Lisa Berne’s Penhallow Dynasty Series. It can be read as a standalone. One of the things I loved about this book was the fairy tale feel to it, the sense of it being a story that has been told over and over to loved ones because it’s their favourite bedtime story. Gwendolyn Penhallow first asked Christopher Beck to marry her when she was fourteen years old. Christopher had a difficult relationship with his father, needed to find himself, and so went off into the wide world to have adventures. Gwendolyn grew up but was still a girl that loved adventure and was a bit of a romantic, and so during her season when she met a very handsome Earl, and he was enchanted by her, it seemed to be fate. When grown-up Christopher returns from his adventures, they resume their friendship and Gwendolyn begins to question whether or not she could be happy with the Earl. This is a wonderful friends to lovers story, and I enjoyed reading it and do recommend it highly. Medium Steam. #Edelweissplus #EngagedToTheEarl #LisaBerne #historicalromance #AvonBooks #HarperCollinsCanada #Bookstagram
May 10, 2024
Lots of women fainting, lots of time waiting for the MCs to get together (waited 330 pages of 354— if sloooooooooooow burn is your jam), and lots of side characters who are terrible, truly awful people.
February 9, 2021
This book just didn't work for me as a romance. Very little of the book involved the hero and heroine falling in love. It was mostly about how they interacted with side characters, and since those side characters were almost all insufferable, it was tough to get through. There were some nice moments, but they were few and far between, and the romance was crammed into the last 10% or so of the story. It just didn't work for me.
April 28, 2020
It's fine, but just boring and all the wasted secondary characters are awful people who get no comeuppance.
February 2, 2020
Engaged to the Earl by Lisa Berne is a fun historical romance read. I was laughing along with the characters throughout the book. The sweet innocence and personality of the heroine was refreshing. In all of the historical novels I have read, I have never encountered such a character like Gwennie. She is bright, kind to a fault, and a breath of fresh air. She makes others behave in a way. She is the kindest most generous person readers will get to meet. It's hard to behave in any other fashion when around Gwennie.
Gwennie is a childhood friend to Christopher. Christopher has always looked out for Gwennie as a kids. As adults, he finds himself still looking out for her. His fists curled wanting to fight the man behaving so badly towards her. But he uncurled his fists slowly and watched as his friend, took care of her situation herself. He smiled. Christopher was proud of her. Moments like that gave a deeper insight as to how close their friendships is and how much respect was between them.
Christopher feels like a failure. He doesn't want to be handed down money. Christopher wants to earn it. I respected this hero. He had a way of wanting to make it on his own and he did. Christopher had anger issues but he soon changes and becomes a great man. One that Gwennie still cares for deeply.
I loved this friends to lovers historical romance. Lisa Berne writes well. I felt like some of the other characters were not as believable as the two man characters were. For instance, the fiancée that Gwennie was engaged to felt like he was half a man. Most men in his position would take what they wanted anytime they wanted, without any care. Yet he dragged his feet in many ways. There were other things too about him that just didn't feel quite right for his position.
All in all, I enjoyed reading this book. It was romantic, sweet, and hilarious. The things Gweenie talks about will leave you both surprised and entertained.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
Gwennie is a childhood friend to Christopher. Christopher has always looked out for Gwennie as a kids. As adults, he finds himself still looking out for her. His fists curled wanting to fight the man behaving so badly towards her. But he uncurled his fists slowly and watched as his friend, took care of her situation herself. He smiled. Christopher was proud of her. Moments like that gave a deeper insight as to how close their friendships is and how much respect was between them.
Christopher feels like a failure. He doesn't want to be handed down money. Christopher wants to earn it. I respected this hero. He had a way of wanting to make it on his own and he did. Christopher had anger issues but he soon changes and becomes a great man. One that Gwennie still cares for deeply.
I loved this friends to lovers historical romance. Lisa Berne writes well. I felt like some of the other characters were not as believable as the two man characters were. For instance, the fiancée that Gwennie was engaged to felt like he was half a man. Most men in his position would take what they wanted anytime they wanted, without any care. Yet he dragged his feet in many ways. There were other things too about him that just didn't feel quite right for his position.
All in all, I enjoyed reading this book. It was romantic, sweet, and hilarious. The things Gweenie talks about will leave you both surprised and entertained.
I received this copy from the publisher. This is my voluntary review.
March 13, 2020
Reviewed on my blog, Becky on Books, on 3/12/20.
Just delightful!
Apparently, I haven't read any of the books in this series yet--not sure how that happened!--but it worked perfectly fine as a standalone. And, bonus! I've now got 3 more books to add to my TBR. Not that I needed any help in that department, mind you... ;)
I really loved Christopher and Gwendolyn, even though he wasted his big opportunity to marry Gwennie the first time she asked him, at age fourteen, to get it over with quickly and rather painlessly. (Not much of a spoiler--she asks him right away in chapter one.) Naturally that wouldn't have made for much of a book, so instead they go their separate ways, Christopher making his way to the continent and Gwennie eventually embarking on a London season and getting engaged to the earl of her dreams (and of the title, of course).
But that's okay, because Christopher saw her as nothing more than his younger sister's annoying best friend anyway.
Right...?
Several years after that, Christopher is back (for good? maybe...) and Gwennie is all grown up. Somehow she's not as annoying as she used to be--actually, Christopher finds himself looking forward to spending time with her more and more. And it seems to be mutual. But what about her earl?
There is a bit of head jumping in this story--I actually lost count of how many secondary POVs there are besides Christopher and Gwendolyn--and possibly a few more subplots than we really need. But still, I had a lot of fun reading this and found myself shedding a few tears (Christopher's visit to his family!) and squeeing with happiness more than once (the proposal! the wedding! the epilogue!)
I can't help but notice that the Penhallow twins are still single, though...fingers crossed that this oversight gets fixed, and soon!
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Just delightful!
Apparently, I haven't read any of the books in this series yet--not sure how that happened!--but it worked perfectly fine as a standalone. And, bonus! I've now got 3 more books to add to my TBR. Not that I needed any help in that department, mind you... ;)
I really loved Christopher and Gwendolyn, even though he wasted his big opportunity to marry Gwennie the first time she asked him, at age fourteen, to get it over with quickly and rather painlessly. (Not much of a spoiler--she asks him right away in chapter one.) Naturally that wouldn't have made for much of a book, so instead they go their separate ways, Christopher making his way to the continent and Gwennie eventually embarking on a London season and getting engaged to the earl of her dreams (and of the title, of course).
But that's okay, because Christopher saw her as nothing more than his younger sister's annoying best friend anyway.
Right...?
Several years after that, Christopher is back (for good? maybe...) and Gwennie is all grown up. Somehow she's not as annoying as she used to be--actually, Christopher finds himself looking forward to spending time with her more and more. And it seems to be mutual. But what about her earl?
There is a bit of head jumping in this story--I actually lost count of how many secondary POVs there are besides Christopher and Gwendolyn--and possibly a few more subplots than we really need. But still, I had a lot of fun reading this and found myself shedding a few tears (Christopher's visit to his family!) and squeeing with happiness more than once (the proposal! the wedding! the epilogue!)
I can't help but notice that the Penhallow twins are still single, though...fingers crossed that this oversight gets fixed, and soon!
Rating: 4 stars / A-
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
February 21, 2020
Gwendolyn Penhallow had finally entered into her first Debutante Season expecting all things wonderful to happen – and guess what – they did! It seemed like from the very first ball, the most handsomest man Gwen had ever seen walked into the room, and just like that, their eyes met across the ballroom floor and it was instantaneous love-at-first-sight. He was society’s darling and one of the most eligible bachelors, the Earl of Westenbury, who immediately asked to be introduced to Gwen. From the very first - these two only had eyes for each other and very soon the Earl had asked Gwen for her hand in marriage.
In the meantime, Gwen’s childhood best friend and confidante turned up during her engagement ball. Christopher Beck had been gone for years and not only he is very much alive, he’s also sinfully attractive, blithely unconventional, and wonderfully fun to be with. Which wouldn’t be a problem, except for the fact that she’s, well, promised to another. And just what on earth is she going to do about it?
While Gwen thought the Earl was the most handsome man in the world, she was having a few misgivings as she began to dwell upon, such as the wedding location and some details that the Earl seemed to be hedging about.
In the meantime, Gwen was filling her time when the Earl was gone and she was able to enjoy the simple pleasures of relaxing and laughing with her old friend Christopher. But when she realized her cousin just might have been kidnapped and forced to wed, it was Christopher who came to her rescue and accompanied her to try and rescue said cousin.
The author really made this into a really fun and enjoyable Regency Romp with what should have been the perfect fiancé - a childhood bad boy come home, and all of the best intentions going terribly wrong! All the characters were amazingly real with emotional pull, and through it all the romance was exceptionally fine with just the right amount of sensuality.
In the meantime, Gwen’s childhood best friend and confidante turned up during her engagement ball. Christopher Beck had been gone for years and not only he is very much alive, he’s also sinfully attractive, blithely unconventional, and wonderfully fun to be with. Which wouldn’t be a problem, except for the fact that she’s, well, promised to another. And just what on earth is she going to do about it?
While Gwen thought the Earl was the most handsome man in the world, she was having a few misgivings as she began to dwell upon, such as the wedding location and some details that the Earl seemed to be hedging about.
In the meantime, Gwen was filling her time when the Earl was gone and she was able to enjoy the simple pleasures of relaxing and laughing with her old friend Christopher. But when she realized her cousin just might have been kidnapped and forced to wed, it was Christopher who came to her rescue and accompanied her to try and rescue said cousin.
The author really made this into a really fun and enjoyable Regency Romp with what should have been the perfect fiancé - a childhood bad boy come home, and all of the best intentions going terribly wrong! All the characters were amazingly real with emotional pull, and through it all the romance was exceptionally fine with just the right amount of sensuality.
January 11, 2022
Engaged to the Earl is the fourth book in The Penhallow Dynasty but can be read as a stand-alone. The prologue starts with Gwendolyn Penhallow reminiscing about when she first saw Julian, the Earl of Westenbury, at Almacks, and instantly fell in love and became engaged. Then the story goes back in time when she was fourteen and asked Christopher Beck, her neighbor, to marry her. Tired of his father’s disapproval, Christopher left Whitehaven to make his own way and travel the world.
After Christopher left, Gwendolyn had the opportunity to travel Europe with family friends. Upon her return to England, she was invited to London to participate in the season by her Cousin Judith, where she meets Julian and becomes engaged. When Christopher finally returns to England, he ran into Percy Penhallow. Percy invited him to join the family for a party, which turned out to be Gwendolyn’s engagement party. Christopher was able to renew his friendship with the Penhallow siblings and their friends.
Gwendolyn slowly comes to realize that she had fallen in love with the idea of marriage to Julian and that the reality of the life they would have would not be the same as her idea. After Gwendolyn ends her engagement with Julian, the friendship between Christopher and Gwendolyn slowly grows into love as time progresses.
There were a lot of sub-plots and side characters in the book and they seemed to overwhelm and slow down the book. It was hard to stay focused with all the different interactions between characters and the story going back and forth in time. All the side characters were interesting, but I wish that more interactions between Christopher and Gwendolyn were written. There was plenty of adventure and drama in the book and Gwendolyn eventually found her way to a happy ending.
After Christopher left, Gwendolyn had the opportunity to travel Europe with family friends. Upon her return to England, she was invited to London to participate in the season by her Cousin Judith, where she meets Julian and becomes engaged. When Christopher finally returns to England, he ran into Percy Penhallow. Percy invited him to join the family for a party, which turned out to be Gwendolyn’s engagement party. Christopher was able to renew his friendship with the Penhallow siblings and their friends.
Gwendolyn slowly comes to realize that she had fallen in love with the idea of marriage to Julian and that the reality of the life they would have would not be the same as her idea. After Gwendolyn ends her engagement with Julian, the friendship between Christopher and Gwendolyn slowly grows into love as time progresses.
There were a lot of sub-plots and side characters in the book and they seemed to overwhelm and slow down the book. It was hard to stay focused with all the different interactions between characters and the story going back and forth in time. All the side characters were interesting, but I wish that more interactions between Christopher and Gwendolyn were written. There was plenty of adventure and drama in the book and Gwendolyn eventually found her way to a happy ending.
February 26, 2020
Engaged to the Earl by Lisa Berne is a romantic recency romp with an unexpected sincere coming of age love story premise.
Gwendolyn Penhallow is 21 years old in 1818 when she becomes engaged to the Earl. They both say it was love at first sight and they mean it. This is why she is so confused when her heart skips a beat when her neighbor Christopher returns after a seven year absence.
Christopher doesn't realize at first that the beautiful woman he is staring at is his neighbor who was just 14 when he left home.
What is so unique about this story is that its three leads are all good people. No one is sinister or has ulterior motives. Love is confusing and complicated and following Gwendolyn's journey to find her true self is a trip worth taking with her.
This is Gwendolyn's story and she is young, naive, and has a fairytale romance outlook. She tries to sort out her life while respecting the etiquette of the era. She has many lessons to learn but the most important one is to follow her heart.
After watching Sandition on PBS (A Must Watch For Jane Austin Fans) this was the perfect period piece to follow up a night of pure romance. Though this is the fourth book in the Penhallow series it is a stand alone story.
If you enjoy historical fiction romances this is the perfect book to read on a cozy night in with a cup of tea (or wine!). It may not change your life but it will make you smile.
I received a free copy of this book from Avon Books and Harper Collins Publishing for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
Gwendolyn Penhallow is 21 years old in 1818 when she becomes engaged to the Earl. They both say it was love at first sight and they mean it. This is why she is so confused when her heart skips a beat when her neighbor Christopher returns after a seven year absence.
Christopher doesn't realize at first that the beautiful woman he is staring at is his neighbor who was just 14 when he left home.
What is so unique about this story is that its three leads are all good people. No one is sinister or has ulterior motives. Love is confusing and complicated and following Gwendolyn's journey to find her true self is a trip worth taking with her.
This is Gwendolyn's story and she is young, naive, and has a fairytale romance outlook. She tries to sort out her life while respecting the etiquette of the era. She has many lessons to learn but the most important one is to follow her heart.
After watching Sandition on PBS (A Must Watch For Jane Austin Fans) this was the perfect period piece to follow up a night of pure romance. Though this is the fourth book in the Penhallow series it is a stand alone story.
If you enjoy historical fiction romances this is the perfect book to read on a cozy night in with a cup of tea (or wine!). It may not change your life but it will make you smile.
I received a free copy of this book from Avon Books and Harper Collins Publishing for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
March 14, 2020
I very much enjoyed Lisa Berne's "Engaged to the Earl," a delightful Regency romp that reminded me of some of my favorite historical romances by authors such as Julia Quinn and Eloisa James. Ms. Berne has a unique, subtly witty writing style with which I really connected; the book didn't contain any outrageous, over-the-top scenes, but I still found myself chuckling at many of the things the characters said, did, or thought.
The story's main characters, Gwendolyn and Christopher, were quite likeable and well-developed. I especially loved Gwendolyn's curiosity about the world, enthusiasm for life, and spirit of adventure. Christopher had a similar nature, and their mutual love of travel was one of the many things that brought them together. Their connection was complicated by the fact that, when they first met again as adults after years spent apart, Gwendolyn was engaged to another man, the Earl of Westenbury. She and Christopher quickly become friends, however, and love eventually took them by surprise. They were truly perfect for one another, and watching their story unfold was a tremendous amount of fun.
This was the first book I've ever read by Ms. Berne, but it's safe to say that it will not be the last. I look forward to reading the other books in the Penhallow Dynasty series soon.
*ARC provided by the publisher via Edelweiss. All opinions expressed are my own.
The story's main characters, Gwendolyn and Christopher, were quite likeable and well-developed. I especially loved Gwendolyn's curiosity about the world, enthusiasm for life, and spirit of adventure. Christopher had a similar nature, and their mutual love of travel was one of the many things that brought them together. Their connection was complicated by the fact that, when they first met again as adults after years spent apart, Gwendolyn was engaged to another man, the Earl of Westenbury. She and Christopher quickly become friends, however, and love eventually took them by surprise. They were truly perfect for one another, and watching their story unfold was a tremendous amount of fun.
This was the first book I've ever read by Ms. Berne, but it's safe to say that it will not be the last. I look forward to reading the other books in the Penhallow Dynasty series soon.
*ARC provided by the publisher via Edelweiss. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 13, 2019
I am really surprised by the other reviews of this book, I really enjoyed it.
There wasn’t a huge amount of conflict between the hero and heroine. They were attracted to each other and enjoyed spending time together, and it made a nice change for the two protagonists to be friends and kind to each other.
The book was more concerned with showing Christopher’s pain at his estrangements, and on developing Gwendolyn’s understanding.
The way that Lisa Berne developed Gwendolyn’s character and understanding of her feelings and also of the true nature of the Earl of Westenbury, who she is betrothed to, and how she develops Christopher’s character and feelings, I found charming.
I was glad to get another glimpse of the other Penhallow relations we met in previous books, and I just really enjoyed the book. I also liked the treatment of the supporting characters, the pain full and painful Helen, and her teenage tantrums and angst, Gwen’s brothers, the awful Diageo Countess of Westbury, and so on. I thought it was great fun.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book, and all opinions are my own.
There wasn’t a huge amount of conflict between the hero and heroine. They were attracted to each other and enjoyed spending time together, and it made a nice change for the two protagonists to be friends and kind to each other.
The book was more concerned with showing Christopher’s pain at his estrangements, and on developing Gwendolyn’s understanding.
The way that Lisa Berne developed Gwendolyn’s character and understanding of her feelings and also of the true nature of the Earl of Westenbury, who she is betrothed to, and how she develops Christopher’s character and feelings, I found charming.
I was glad to get another glimpse of the other Penhallow relations we met in previous books, and I just really enjoyed the book. I also liked the treatment of the supporting characters, the pain full and painful Helen, and her teenage tantrums and angst, Gwen’s brothers, the awful Diageo Countess of Westbury, and so on. I thought it was great fun.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book, and all opinions are my own.
February 11, 2023
Just what historical romance novels should be - or, at any rate, at least what one kind of historical novel should be. Lisa Berne creates inwardness like no other, which allows for subtle, realistic, long-term character development. Neither the heroine, hero, villains, nor villainess are caricatured in the slightest - all have good points mixed in with the bad; none are entirely evil or malicious, just a little self-involved -and yet the decisions are unambiguous, and there is definitely a Good and a Right. The plot is, therefore, subdued; yet it's a page-turner and I couldn't put it down and was resentful of anything in real life that made me stop reading for a moment. The real chemistry between the protagonists keeps it moving quickly, and there's plenty of sparkle without the need for explicit sizzle. The world is detailed, the setting is light-hearted Regency, and the research is thorough without calling attention to itself: you're not just in a novel, as in any good novel; you're in a particularly Regency novel.
March 5, 2020
I enjoyed this very much. Gwendolyn Penhallow goes to London for the Season and stays with her cousins there, especially Helen and Owen, who are a little younger than she and who know her twin brothers, Francis and Percy, well. Gwendolyn is swept off her feet by the Earl of Westonbury and accepts his proposal, without meeting his family first. Her childhood friend and neighbor, Christopher Beck, comes home from years wandering in Greece and Italy, and the parties meet up in London. I enjoy watching Gwennie and Christopher's relationship grow, and Christopher is an endearing hero. Gwennie's cousins are hard to take after a while; Helen is always miserable and they are always quarreling and it's definitely a relief when Helen elopes with an older man, although it would also have been nicer if that had happened earlier in the story because Helen is so annoying. Still, it's an enjoyable addition to an enjoyable Regency series
March 26, 2021
Ok. I'm out of gas writing reviews summaries. I enjoyed this 4th book of the series about gwendolyn, sister of Hugo. Shes very spunky and we find her engaged to the handsome and perfect Earl of Westenbury.
Christopher Beck a former neighbor is our hero. We've met him as an unhappy young man. He's been unsuccessful in school and is always at odds with his father. He leaves home and travels for several years. During that time he meets many people and learns to do all kinds of things, sail, farm, take care of animals. He is kind and self assured when he returns.
Eventually G realizes that the Earl really isn't for her, he's under his mother's thumb completely. G and C are both down to earth people who enjoy each other their families. Christopher reconciles with his father in a most dramatic fashion. (He saves his father's wife and their baby during her labor).
This is one of my favorite books of the series so far. I really liked C and his journey, and G came into her own as well.
Christopher Beck a former neighbor is our hero. We've met him as an unhappy young man. He's been unsuccessful in school and is always at odds with his father. He leaves home and travels for several years. During that time he meets many people and learns to do all kinds of things, sail, farm, take care of animals. He is kind and self assured when he returns.
Eventually G realizes that the Earl really isn't for her, he's under his mother's thumb completely. G and C are both down to earth people who enjoy each other their families. Christopher reconciles with his father in a most dramatic fashion. (He saves his father's wife and their baby during her labor).
This is one of my favorite books of the series so far. I really liked C and his journey, and G came into her own as well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2024
I adored Gwendolyn and Christopher. My only complaint with the book is how long she stayed with the Earle and how long it took any kind of development between them. But their story was so genuine and realistic. It was the perfect friends to lovers. And Helen drove me up a wall. She was so childish and annoying and hated Gwenny for no reason other than she got attention bc she wasn’t a bitch. I loved Gwenny, she was funny and considerate and just so real. Except she stayed with the Earle for wayyy too long and I was scared for a minute that she’d actually cheat on him. Also I liked that we got to see the growth in Christopher from him being a teenager to him coming back. I think he needed to leave and work and travel. He came back a better person for it. But I also appreciated that he wasn’t condescending or rude to Gwenny when they were younger even tho he wasn’t in a good mood and viewed her as his sister’s friend. I also liked the epilogue. It was really cute.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2020
Everything was going according to plan for young debutante Gwendolyn Penhallow, she had a chance meeting at her first ball that brought a very dashing man into her life, who is now her fiancee.
But that little plan of hers has just hit a little snag, a man from her past has come home seeking a bride of his own and he has his sights set on Gwendolyn!
Engaged to the Earl is a captivating friends to lovers historical romance novel that is destined to charm readers. Historical romances are normally not my cup of tea, but I gave this one a chance, and was a bit surprised by it, it's words and quirky characters kept me entertained from start to finish. If you are a fan of fun and sweet romances then I have no doubt you will enjoy this one...it promises to bring many smiles!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
But that little plan of hers has just hit a little snag, a man from her past has come home seeking a bride of his own and he has his sights set on Gwendolyn!
Engaged to the Earl is a captivating friends to lovers historical romance novel that is destined to charm readers. Historical romances are normally not my cup of tea, but I gave this one a chance, and was a bit surprised by it, it's words and quirky characters kept me entertained from start to finish. If you are a fan of fun and sweet romances then I have no doubt you will enjoy this one...it promises to bring many smiles!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
April 16, 2020
Engaged to the Earl by Lisa Berne is a lively tale of engagement, romance and marriage for Gwendolyn Penhallow. Gwendolyn is engaged to the Earl of Westenbury and she is extremely happy. Enter Christopher Beck, a childhood friend of Gwendolyn's, who has returned to England after living abroad for many years. The tale continues with an explanation of Christopher's and Gwendolyn's relationship as children and Christopher's travels abroad. The reader is then treated to a lively romantic adventure concerning Gwendolyn's relationships with both the Earl and Christopher. What's really going on and who wins the hand of Gwendolyn is the direction of the story line. I thoroughly enjoyed this story with it's twists and turns that include several other interesting characters besides Gwendolyn and Christopher.
February 21, 2020
A guilty pleasure even though I hadn't read the earlier books and was a little at sea with some of the characters. That said, this tale of two people who were childhood friends and then apart for many years before finding one another again- well, that's a plot that resonates back from the Regency setting, Gwendolyn is engaged to the Earl of Westenbury, who she thinks is going to be her happily ever after (but maybe not). Christopher and his father had a disagreement and he took off to Italy where he's been living until..he comes back and spies Gwennie. You know what's going to happen, don't you? Their dance has the added frisson of what to do about the Earl. Thanks to Edelweiss for the ARC. A fun light read.
October 14, 2019
Gwendolyn gets engaged to her Earl it had been love at first sight. Until Christopher Beck came back into her life after going on his great adventure.
Gwen has been bought to London for her season by Duchess of Egremont, Cousin Judith. There is plenty of adventure with the Duchess’s family with mixup and secret hatred causing confusion and a last minute elopement. Gwen is a modern lady for her time and it’s her sense of adventure which will find true love.
It’s worth sticking with this adventure and the many characters that come and go.
I was given an ARC of this book by Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Gwen has been bought to London for her season by Duchess of Egremont, Cousin Judith. There is plenty of adventure with the Duchess’s family with mixup and secret hatred causing confusion and a last minute elopement. Gwen is a modern lady for her time and it’s her sense of adventure which will find true love.
It’s worth sticking with this adventure and the many characters that come and go.
I was given an ARC of this book by Edelweiss and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
dnf
April 9, 2020I was so exited for this book,I read the others first three books just so i can read this one but i didn't even finish half of it. The writing is amazing. The story is great, though I felt it was stretched - not sure if it fit but couldn't think of another one- and made it annoying for me. I loved Gwendolyn in the previous book but here she was so annoying that i couldn't finish the book after trying to finish it more that five times. Christopher is a great hero but he was such a child while dealing with his family.
This my opinion, others said great thing about it though.
I may give it another try if the next book is interesting.
May 11, 2020
A delightful tale of the dreams of a girl coming true, finding her true love at a ball and thinking she will live happily ever after. That is until a childhood friend shows up who she has not seen since she was fourteen!
Gwendolyn really had a little bit of growing up to do and she does it beautifully as she rekindles her friendship with Christopher and they spend time together.
But what should she do? She needs to follow her heart and it may take her awhile to get there, but her journey is enjoyable, with she, Christopher and even the Earl she is engaged to getting to know each other. But will true love win out? Enchanting story of the power of love.
Gwendolyn really had a little bit of growing up to do and she does it beautifully as she rekindles her friendship with Christopher and they spend time together.
But what should she do? She needs to follow her heart and it may take her awhile to get there, but her journey is enjoyable, with she, Christopher and even the Earl she is engaged to getting to know each other. But will true love win out? Enchanting story of the power of love.
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