How to Catch an Errant Earl

The Disreputable Debutantes #2

by Amy Rose Bennett

A debutante with a scandalous past is whisked away from London only to create new headlines on the Continent.

After being expelled from a young ladies’ academy, it seems Miss Arabella Jardine will never find a well-connected husband. Not that she minds. A bluestocking at heart, she’d rather bury her nose in a medical text than wed. When Arabella is forced to accompany her family on a Grand Tour in Switzerland, she unexpectedly encounters the irresistible rakehell-in-exile, Gabriel, the Earl of Langdale. Arabella soon realizes the only thing worse than getting married to a charismatic but unrepentant rake would be to fall in love with him.

Dubbed the Errant Earl by the ton, Gabriel Holmes-Fitzgerald is no stranger to scandal. However, when Gabriel is caught in flagrante with the utterly delectable Arabella Jardine, he’s obliged to offer for her hand. He’ll endeavor to do the right thing even though he’s not a prize catch. He’ll certainly never let Arabella get close enough to discover the demons of his dark past. Indeed, there is one particular demon out to destroy Gabriel by exposing a long-buried family secret.

Soon Gabriel and Arabella find they are not just battling overwhelming desire, but in a fight to save their future together.

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

336 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published April 28, 2020

About the author

Amy Rose Bennett is an award-winning Australian author who has a passion for penning emotion-packed historical romances and more recently, historical rom-coms with a dash of fantasy. A former speech pathologist, Amy is happily married to her very own romantic hero and has two lovely, exceedingly accomplished adult daughters. When she’s not creating stories, Amy loves to cook up a storm in the kitchen, lose herself in a good book, and when she can afford it, travel to all the places she writes about.

Reviews

[Lady Nilambari Reads HR · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

This was my first Amy Rose Bennett book, and it was a very enjoyable read. I am ridiculously travel fatigued, and I just about have the energy to post the highlights...

- Excellent, engaging writing
- A common trope - compromised - wrapped up in a lovely story
- Gabriel was a delicious hero. Honest, sweet, caring, adorable, and sexy.
- Arabella was a wet blanket. She single-handedly doused every single tender/ sensual moment.
- Romance was sweet because Gabriel was a man one can fall in love with. Add to that some great steamy moments.
- I was entertained by the subplot. I had fun predicting what would happen, and I adored being right!
- I liked the side characters.

I am definitely going to explore more of Ms Bennet's work!

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell into this story and didn’t want to put it down, getting to know Arabella Jardine, one of the Disreputable Debutantes was a lot of fun, seeing her and rake Lord Langdale, Gabriel Holmes-Fitzgerald fall in love is a journey that I would highly recommend, one that is sensual, moving and a must read.

Miss Arabella Jardine and her three friends caused a scandal three years before and finding a husband is not what Arabella wants, she is more interested in caring for orphans and reading medical books, she is a bluestocking through and through, but when her aunt takes her on a Grand Tour she meets the man who will turn her life upside down in Switzerland, a rake when they get caught in a situation marriage is the only way to stop another scandal, it takes a bit before Arabella agrees and then she is starting a new life as Lady Langdale and opening up to a sensual world.

Gabriel is in exile and searching for some answers on the continent, when he meets the most beautiful woman in a dungeon would you believe but when a good deed and a storm bring them together in flagrante, he might be a rake but he is a gentleman and married they will be, but he will never love that is not him and he has a past that he would rather her not know, but he finds her alluring and captivating, but she is strong and puts some restrictions on their marriage which push him.

This is really a fabulous story, I loved Arabella her strength and personality shine, she stands up for what she thinks and the love and caring she shows is beautiful and Gabriel what a rake but hat a lover he truly is, there is a lot going on in this story, family secret’s that need to be uncovered, but the sensual pull and love that grows throughout the book had me cheering this couple on. MS Bennett has taken me on a journey that is filled with romance, suspense, characters that come to life, they feel like friends, it is beautifully written. I am loving this series and am eagerly awaiting the next story, this story has everything that a romance wants in a story, it is a keeper, I loved it thank you MS Bennett.

[Elodie’s Reading Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to Catch an Errant Earl
The Disreputable Debutantes Series #2
Amy Rose Bennett
https://www.facebook.com/amyrosebenne...
Release date 04/28/2020
Publisher Berkley

Blurb :

A debutante with a scandalous past is whisked away from London only to create new headlines on the Continent.
 
After being expelled from a young ladies’ academy, it seems Miss Arabella Jardine will never find a well-connected husband. Not that she minds. A bluestocking at heart, she’d rather bury her nose in a medical text than wed. When Arabella is forced to accompany her family on a Grand Tour in Switzerland, she unexpectedly encounters the irresistible rakehell-in-exile, Gabriel, the Earl of Langdale. Arabella soon realizes the only thing worse than getting married to a charismatic but unrepentant rake would be to fall in love with him.
 
Dubbed the Errant Earl by the ton, Gabriel Holmes-Fitzgerald is no stranger to scandal. However, when Gabriel is caught in flagrante with the utterly delectable Arabella Jardine, he’s obliged to offer for her hand. He’ll endeavor to do the right thing even though he’s not a prize catch. He’ll certainly never let Arabella get close enough to discover the demons of his dark past. Indeed, there is one particular demon out to destroy Gabriel by exposing a long-buried family secret. 
 
Soon Gabriel and Arabella find they are not just battling overwhelming desire, but in a fight to save their future together.

My review :

When forced to a marriage of convenience, can they find a way to the heart of the other or is their union already doomed ...

So here is the sequel of How To Catch A Wicked Viscount, I wondered how Arabella and Gabriel would meet.
They were both introduced this the first installment and while Gabriel was portrayed as a roguish rake never able to stop his profligate way even when he risks to be caught, and he is still at the beginning of the story. While Arabella is still the Bluestocking with medical knowledge from the first book.
Gabriel, despite his dissolute path is a kind man. He might have strayed on the sins road but he had known nothing else thanks to his awful devoid of care father.
When he kissed Arabella, he could have turned his bad and left, but he stayed and promised not to be faithful but to always be honest and to never keep secrets from her.
Which is an admirable trait, and whatever his past, he accepted Arabella’s every demands when as her husband, he could have done as he pleased, having every rights to listen only to his needs.
I do think I loved him even more than Arabella. Even if he does not recognize the signs, from their first encounter, he was smitten by her and wooed her immediately. He listens to her, shares his secrets and predicaments, tries to please her, and never belittles nor disregards her for her opinions and projects.
He is the best husband she could have wished, he might have flaws, he redeems himself by his deeds.
Arabella is a lovely woman with grand ideas and knowledges but in many ways she is also very naive and demanding. Hopefully she finds herself wed to such an awesome and accommodating man.
Her main problem was her lack of faith in her own worth, still when people are hurt, she jumps in and shows she is to be relied upon. But outside medical fields, she is unable to believe she can attract anyone eyes. Why at time her own lack of faith in Gabriel grated as not once did he do something to cause her to doubt his words. She was the root of her many struggles.
Their romance is sweet and mostly it was Gabriel who reaches out to her, he is opens and despite his mistakes, never shies away from a discussion nor to say the truth.
4.5 stars.
Mrs Amy Rose Bennett delivers a sexy and sweet journey to the heart of two people who do not know their own value.

I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Berkley through Netgalley, but prior to it I had my own preordered. Here is my true and unbiased opinion.

https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...

[Ghazal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of How to Catch an Errant Earl from Netgalley and the author, Amy Rose Bennett. This author is spectacular. I love the wit and humor she brings to her characters. Arabella Jardine, a bespectacled young lady who knows a lot about being a doctor and Gabriel Holmes Fitzgerald, an Earl trying to prove his legitimacy meet accidentally and are thrown together in a marriage of convenience. Amy Rose Bennett made me grin, made me tear up and brought me into the fairytale romance and I could clearly see everything she was describing. Fantastic story!

[ChasingLeslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Miss Arabella Jardine is forced to accompany her family on a Grand Tour on the continent, though she'd rather be supporting orphan charities and studying medicine. Gabriel Holmes-Fitzgerald, the Earl of Langdale, is on a mission to find his mother and stop his rotten cousin from stealing his title. When Gabriel and Bella meet and are unexpectedly caught in a compromising position, they find themselves married and fighting to resist one another.

This is the second book in the Disreputable Debutantes series. It works better when read in order because all the characters crossover and there is a continuation of Gabriel's story from the previous book. That said, I really didn't connect to this story or this couple.

For me, there were too many things going on and it felt like there was a lot of "oh, by the way, here's another thing from my past" coming from both the hero and the heroine. A couple of plot points seemed like they were thrown in for seemingly no reason (like Arabella's family history or Gabriel's history with laudanum, or numerous mentions of "the pox"). They just seemed like distractions that didn't have a purpose. I think if the story had been streamlined around Gabriel protecting his title and Arabella worrying about falling in love with a rake, I would have liked it a lot more. Instead I was just glad it was over. 2.5 stars rounded to 3.

Tropes: Bluestocking, Reform-a-Rake, Compromised

[eyes.2c · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reforming rake!_________3.5

Another rather satisfying episode in The Disreputable Debutantes series. That delightful group of young women expelled from their exclusive boarding school. Forced to rethink their debut strategies, they decide to seek husbands from the ranks of the rakish rogues.
A Waterloo hero with a emotionally stunted childhood who's a seductive rake of the first order meets a rather unusual member of the group, an orphaned Bluestocking, Arabella Jardine in a ruined dungeon whilst touring Switzerland, and then ... ah well life takes quite a different turn for both of them.
Gabriel Holmes-Fitzgerald, the Earl of Langdale, also known as the Errant Earl is on the continent searching for his mother. A gifted artist BTW, he spends a lot of time during the story either lounging around naked drawing his wife, or naked pursuing her, whilst she spends time wondering how to attain his love, help him prove his legitimacy in order to retain the earldom, how to support various medical clinics in the slums, and set up well run orphanages.
I rather liked both lead characters. Arabella is an unusual women who spent time in an orphanage and then was reclaimed by her grandfather, a physician. From him she learnt many medical skills ... and of course if times were different she would have pursued that calling.
Then there's the villain of the piece, the drug enslaved wicked cousin of the earl's who's convinced the earl is illegitimate and is bent on fighting for the title.
Despite all these factors this is a surface skim type read that has a somewhat familiar air. Still, a pleasing read that possibly dwelled too much on the 'bed sport' aspect of things, nevertheless an enjoyable addition to the series.

A Berkley Group ARC via NetGalley

[Rainelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have another 5 star book for you my fellow readers. Ms. Amy Rose Bennett is a fantastic writer. This book, How To Catch An Errant Earl was awesome. The book was written like a movie with intense drama, enough action and a lot of steamy love action in the bedroom. Gabriel’s character was well thought out and well written for all the females imagination.
The details for this strong irresistible man was very, very hot. As they say in historical times, Gabriel made females sway wantonly toward his distinguished male anatomy. Poor Arabella had no clue what she was getting into when she met him in the dungeon. I would love to have read where Gabriel and Timothy had one good scene together. One could only imagine what happened there, but let’s just say this would be one case where Arabella wouldn’t have brought her medical bag with her.
I also would love to have read a scene, where Gabriel gave a thoroughly good tongue lashing to Arabella’s aunt. Man if someone slapped me and demanded that I marry someone, because of their insecurities, the bleep would have been on in that bedroom. Hair would have been in disarray, corsets torn apart like a bear attacked her butt. And her tale would have been hanging off the balcony with just her chemise on and me saying whose the Queen B around here?
Yes my fellow readers, this book was deliciously good. Please read the book.

[Barbara Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Series: The Disreputable Debutantes #2
Publication Date: 4/28/20
Number of Pages: 336

In the first book of the series, How to Catch a Wicked Viscount, we met Sophie Brightwell, Lady Charlotte (Charlie) Hastings, Arabella Jardine, and Olivia de Vere who were expelled from Mrs. Rathbone’s Academy for Young Ladies of Good Character. In that book, the four of them created a list of rakes they could consider and pursue as husbands – because no respectable peer would deign to marry one of the disgraced quartet. Sophie got her rake, now it is Arabella’s turn.

While she is medically skilled, Arabella Jardine has one of the lowest self-esteems I’ve seen in a long while. Her aunt is a nasty piece of work and has constantly belittled Arabella. The fact that Arabella’s mother abandoned her in an orphanage only adds to that low self-esteem. So, when a most unexpected man compliments her, she believes he is lying. Now, I do have to tell you that Arabella’s constant doubt and neediness got on my last nerve. In general, I liked her, and I could even see a bit of why she thought the way she did – but – her demands were just designed to drive Gabriel away.

Gabriel Holmes-Fritzgerald, Earl of Langdale, is known to the ton as The Errant Earl because of his constant womanizing. Evidently, he is insatiable. His father was a rake and a cad as well and Gabriel is following in many, but not all, of his footsteps. Gabriel’s latest escapade – dallying with a married woman – has landed him in yet another scandal. That isn’t unusual, but maybe he needs to lay low for a while. At the same time, his nasty cousin, Timothy, is threatening to challenge him for his title by saying that Gabriel is illegitimate. Gabriel can kill two birds with one stone. He’ll travel to the continent to track down the mother who abandoned him when he was thirteen because he needs to get proof of his parent's marriage and he can be away from London while the scandal dies down. I really liked Gabriel and the fact that he was always honest with Arabella. He even kept telling her he would always be honest with her.

When Arabella and Gabriel meet on the continent – and Arabella is compromised by Gabriel – they begin their very rocky road to their HEA. Arabella’s low self-esteem won’t let her believe Gabriel could possibly find her attractive and Gabriel’s firm belief that he cannot love anybody dampens his hope that they can make a happy marriage. He is very honest with Arabella and tells her everything before she even agrees to the marriage. But – can they find it within themselves to let go of their insecurities and make their marriage work? They’ll both have their work cut out for them, but maybe with the aid of some very caring friends they can figure it all out.

This was a fun read with lovely characters, fun visits with previous characters, a mystery, kidnapping, rescues– you name it. I hope you enjoy it.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Niki (mustreadalltheromance) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Arabella Jardine has yet to live down the scandal that saw her expelled from finishing school three years ago. She's not too bothered by her lack of marriage prospects as she'd rather pursue medical practice and her dream of opening an orphanage. On a trip with her family to Switzerland, Arabella meets rakish Gabriel, the Earl of Langdale, and is rather surprised by the strong pull she feels toward the enigmatic man.

Gabriel Holmes-Fitzgerald, the Earl of Langdale, is the subject of many a scandal, but he remains unrepentant in his rakish ways. But when he's caught in a compromising position with the lovely Arabella, h still finds himself trying to do the right thing by offering for her hand. He's determined to keep her at arm's length and away from his dark past and she's equally determined to protect her heart from the man she's sure will break it. Soon the desire between them is nearly too great to resist, but they must also contend with other threats to their future.

I really wound up liking Arabella and Gabriel together, though it did take awhile for him to grow on me. The characters were lovely and complex and the action picked up near the end and kept me engrossed. I think the fact that it took me so long to finish this is down to the strange and stressful nature of life right now and not the book itself. I would've liked to see a bit more of Arabella's developing confidence in the end and a bit less callousness and borderline manipulation from Gabriel at the beginning. Regardless, I think both main characters were well-developed and a good match. I would like to go back and read the first book now and then continue on with this series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...

[Pam _P who cusses A Lot · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sometimes these young heroines are too young emotionally for me *sigh* C'mon smart girl he's always been completely forthright and honest and yet your 21 year old self continues to disbelieve him and make ridiculous demands 🙄 I'm too old for this shit

[Tracy Emro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gabriel Holmes-Fitzgerald, the Earl of Langdale is not having a good day – he is recovering from a night of debauchery after being punched by his lover’s husband while attending a ball at their home and if that was not bad enough, his cousin has informed him that once his father, Gabriel’s uncle passes away, Timothy plans to challenge Gabriel’s right to the Earldom. He contends that Gabriel’s parents were not legally married in England, therefore rendering him illegitimate. Gabriel needs proof and there is only one person who can help – his mother, problem is, he hasn’t seen her since she left his father many, many years ago. But a little digging and he finds out where she was last year and since London is not the best place for him right now, he heads off to Switzerland to find her.

Arabella Jardine thought that the scandal caused by her “unbecoming” behavior at finishing school ruined her life, she was sadly mistaken. She quickly learns that being caught in a passionate embrace with a half-dressed, well-known rake is much more ruinous and life changing. Arabella is in Switzerland with her family when she runs into Gabriel, he tells her he has a letter for her and promises to deliver it – which he does, but ends up injured and in need of medical assistance. Lucky for him, Arabella has medical knowledge as she often assisted her grandfather in his medical practice. She tends him and he begs for a kiss, which quickly spirals out of control and has him proposing.

Arabella has no choice but to marry him – a man who is honest and tells her he will probably never love her and most likely won’t be faithful. She never expected to marry for love, but the idea of him breaking her heart has her throwing up a wall between them, a wall he desperately wants to knock down.

This was a very good book, it was well written and paced nicely. Both Gabriel and Arabella have had less than stellar childhoods and their experiences have scarred them both in different ways. Arabella is guarded and cautious, while Gabriel is self-indulgent and promiscuous – but deep down they are both insecure and have abandonment issues – they just deal with them differently. There is a lot going on in the book and I wondered if the romance would be lost in the mix, but it works, so be prepared for outrageous flirting, steamy love scenes, secrets, jealousy, addiction, evil relatives, kidnapping, a bit of angst, great secondary characters and a wonderful HEA (complete with an epilogue!!!) This is the second book in the series, but it can easily be read as a stand-alone title. I am happy to recommend this this book, it was a delightful read and am looking forward to the next installment.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review of an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*

[Cathleen Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss Arabella Jardine, is a blue-stocking who is not particularly interested in finding a husband. What she wants to do is start her own orphanage in Scotland. She soon proves her worth by discovering their is a measles epidemic starting in an orphanage she visits.

Gabriel Holmes-Fitzgerald has a devious cousin determined to make a claim on Gabriel's title. When Gabriel has to travel to Europe to find his mother to prove his parent's marriage was legal he gets thrown by his horse and imposes on the practical Arabella to look after him.

Caught having a errant kiss, Gabriel proposes to Arabella and soon these two have not only to deal with getting to know one another, but saving everything Gabriel has from his devil of a flagrant cousin.

This is a wonderful read. I devoured it page by page as I do all of the books I've read by Bennett.

[Debra Martin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gabriel Holmes-Fitzgerald, Earl of Langdale, a known rake has a bigger problem than a furious cockolded husband. His hot-tempered cousin is planning on challenging his right to the earldom based on flimsy evidence that his parents did not have a lawful marriage. Now Gabriel is on the hunt for his mother who he'd not seen for more than two decades. His search takes him to Switzerland where he runs across blue-stocking Arabella Jardine. While trying to deliver a letter to Arabella, he is caught in a violent storm and when his horse throws him not far from the villa where she is staying, Arabella is the one who sets his dislocated shoulder. Impressed with her medical skills, Gabriel kisses her and is soon caught by Arabella's strict aunt. Will he do the honorable thing and marry her?

It seems that challenging legitimacy of a title seems to be a popular trope these days. This is the third book I've read with this issue. I was hoping that there would be some witty banter between Gabriel and Arabella, but that's not the case in this book. As soon as Gabriel kisses Arabella, she becomes unable to form a coherent sentence. I also wasn't fond of Arabella and what she does to Gabriel once they marry. The constant back and forth in her resolve was annoying. I did like the mystery of trying to find Gabriel's mother, but it wasn't enough to carry the book to 4 stars.

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.

[Fae Crate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing follow up to How to Catch a Wicked Viscount. I loved both characters and getting so see glimpses of our previous couple as well. I cannot wait to read more about the other girls in their friend group be paired off. The rebeliousness and uniqueness of the girls so far keep me interested and in love until the last page!

[Mary Yarde · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I must warn you, Miss Jardine," he said in a voice that was almost a purr. "I'm a man prone to acting on impulse, and I'm sorely tempted to kiss you right now…"

Arabella really shouldn't. Gabriel Holmes-Fitzgerald, Earl of Langdale, is a notorious rake. But the way he was looking at her — no one had ever looked at her that way before. And it was not as if her reputation was as spotless as newly fallen snow, she had, after all, been expelled from Mrs. Rathbone's Academy three years previous, and it wasn't as if the Earl of Langdale was Lord Byron. It would just be one little kiss, and no one would know. It would be their secret, forever…

From a chance meeting in the dungeons of Château de Chillon to the proclamation of true love, How to Catch an Errant Earl (The Disreputable Debutantes #2) by Amy Rose Bennett is the emotionally charged story of two very lonely souls discovering love when they least expected it.

One of my favourite Regency Romance authors is back with another passionate tale of love, heartache, danger, romance, and desire. Bennett is an author that keeps on giving. Her stories are always richly detailed with dashing heroes that a reader can fall in love with, and feisty heroines that one cannot help but admire. How to Catch an Errant Earl is everything I expected it to be, and then some.

With an enthrallingly sensual narrative, and a story that is as impressive in its sweep as in its brilliance, How to Catch an Errant Earl has a lot to recommend it. This book swept me away with its emotional love scenes, and its message that love, with the right person, is enduring, and happy endings can and do happen.

Miss Arabella Jardine is a young woman who is forced to hide her dreams. Her willful and spirited personality is tempered by her demanding and insulting aunt, who despises her. Arabella's treatment by her family is beyond cruel, and how she puts up with her vile aunt without losing her temper is a mystery. However, despite her past and current situation, Arabella is a compassionate and caring woman who is passionate about improving the conditions of orphaned and abandoned children. She is determined to help in any way she can. Her interest and understanding of medicine, thanks to her grandfather, also does not help with her domestic situation, for such interests are unseemly. It isn't until Arabella meets Gabriel that she begins to think about her own wants. I adored Arabella. She is intelligent, quick to smile, more than a match for Gabriel, and she is also this wonderful, passionate woman who isn't afraid to speak her mind, except when she is in her aunt's company — then she behaves submissively, but then you would when such abuse is unrelenting. Her depiction is superb. Kudos Ms Bennett.

Gabriel is a dashing rogue, who leaves a trail of broken hearts behind him. Women fall over themselves to be with him, and I can see why. Bennett has certainly depicted a swoon-worthy hero. However, Arabella is not like the other women he has been in a relationship with before. He is drawn towards her like a moth is to a flame. He initially passes it off as lust, having never been in love. However, he soon discovers that what he feels isn't just lust because he wants to know her — her thoughts, her feelings, what she likes, what she doesn’t. He cares about what happens to her. Gabriel’s life, despite his wealth and position, is not what it appears. A scandal, and not just because of his many passionate liaisons, threatens to destroy his reputation beyond salvation. He is unfailingly honest with Arabella about what the consequences could mean for her, and I think that is one of the reasons why I liked him so much. He is a rake, but he is an honest one. Gabriel is in all ways a contradiction. He never promises his lovers anything, until he meets Arabella, and then his promises take a significance that will change the course of his life. Bennett has portrayed a man who is scared of commitment, who is terrified that if he should love, then it will be thrown back in his face. His backstory is utterly heartrending, and it goes some way to explain why he does what he does. I thought his depiction was absolutely fabulous. Gabriel really drove this story forward, and I so enjoyed reading about him.

Bennett evokes a strong sense of time and place in this novel. The depiction of the Château de Chillon was sublime, and one could understand through Bennett's portrayal why the castle attracted so many romance writers in the 19th century, including, of course, the notorious Lord Byron!

There was nothing about this book I did not love. I was enchanted from the opening sentence to the last full stop. How to Catch an Errant Earl (The Disreputable Debutantes #2) by Amy Rose Bennett is a beautiful Regency Romance, and it is a book that I could happily read over and over again.

I Highly Recommend.

Review by Mary Anne Yarde.
The Coffee Pot Book Club.

[WTF Are You Reading? · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arabella and Gabriel's story though sweet, lacked a certain cohesiveness. While Gabriel is busy trying to find the information that he needs to be sure that his title doesn't fall into the hands of his opium addicted cousin.
Arabella is doing her level best to follow in the footsteps of her physician grandfather. Who saved her from live in an orphanage as a child. By dedicating her time to working in hospitals and orphanages.
So finding herself on a Grand Tour of the continent. In a compromising position in a castle dungeon.
In the arms of the dashing but notorious Gabriel Holmes Fitzgerald. The now in-exile Earl of Langdale.
Resulting in a rather impromptu 'marriage of convenience'.
Is far from the way that this blue stocking Miss ever envisioned her happily...
But, oh well...
What is a woman to do when in flagrante delito...

This second offering in the Disreputable Debutantes series features Arabella for the girls and Gabriel for the boys.
They are mentioned in this review in that way because it is quite clear in reading these books that all the Lords given leading roles. Will in some form or fashion find their happiness with their corresponding leading Lady of the adjacent friend set.
With the pairing options becoming more obvious as the playing field narrows.

In as much as both Gabriel and Arabella are both likable and equally tragic character in their own rights.
Their story as a couple while sweet, really seems to lack the emotional crazy glue needed to really appeal to the heart of readers until the very end.
What we have until that point boils down to a 'romantic fight for the covers' as these two try to adjust to the reality of having the other in his / her space at all.
Let alone the actual business of facing the reality of what that truly comes to mean.
It is in fact, the parts of the story that revolve around Gabriel's struggle to find his mother and secure his title that offer the most captivating aspects of this story's plot

This story suffers from a case of second book-itiis. Otherwise known as "I owe my publisher a story. So let me get something together...fast!
In short.
Was it good?
Yes
Could it have been better
Most definitely.

*Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Books for providing the review copy on which this unbiased review is based.
*This book may be read as a standalone or as part of its intended series.

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book two in this series. It was the story of Arabella and Gabriel.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Riz · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[EstelaReadsRomance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starring Miss Arabella “Belle” Jardine and Gabriel Holmes-Fitzgerald, the Earl of Langdale. Compromised trope.

I absolutely love Gabriel and Arabella. What a delicious couple with total make-your-toes-curl chemistry. They continuously made me want to fan myself. These two absolutely scorch the pages with their hotness. Arabella and Gabriel made me so giddy and I enjoyed every second I spent reading about their road to HEA.

Gabriel is the perfect kind of alpha hero... totally swoon-worthy!! Aaaand he’s an artist so that puts him over the charts in the hotness scale. He is also a rake of the first water, unrepentant when it comes to his debaucherous ways. But his fascination with Arabella is making him change his views on fidelity and all of a sudden he wants to be a better man for her... I know, right?!?! Le sigh!!

Arabella is a bluestocking who is confident when it comes to her medical knowledge, but is completely at loss that someone like Gabriel would find her beautiful. I love that even though Gabriel turns her insides to mush with his kisses, she stands her ground when it comes to what she wants in their marriage. She’s an absolutely wonderful heroine who is about to bring Gabriel to his knees. You go get your man, Arabella!!!

I totally ugly cried AF in this book.... so much feels for Gabriel and Arabella. Amy Rose Bennett did a fabulous job with this story. She was a “new to me” author in 2019 and I’m so glad I ”discovered” her. I’ve only read a few titles of hers but she’s fast becoming a keeper shelf author. Her books are sensually steamy, with a lot of romance. I absolutely enjoy her writing style and cannot wait to read more of her books!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily review it and the comments are 100% my own.

My star rating: 5 stars
Ugly cried AF. Major book hangover. Characters and storyline were freaken amazeballs. Made me wanna hug the author for writing a book that gave me all the feels!! Will definitely be re-reading this story over and over and over again!!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to Catch an Errant Earl, book two in The Disreputable Debutantes, makes wicked proper as only Amy Rose Bennett can!

This author brought to her work two vastly different characters yet their shared traits of innate goodness and underestimating their personal value bonded them in a unique way. Gabriel Holmes Fitzgerald, the Earl of Langdale very much personified the role of "rake" with his unrepentant escapades and lack of commitment to anything but his next bout of decadence. With adept writing this author was able to allow his honor to breakthrough while still maintaining glimmers of his incorrigible behavior for a captivating hero. Arabella Jardine while having dabbled in naughty actions was wrongly labeled as a woman of loose morals. Her bluestocking tendencies and her parent’s poor choices further isolated her. Ms. Bennett did an admirable job of showing the struggles of an intellectual woman in Regency England in her portrayal of Arabella in a realistic and poignant manner making her character one that modern readers will easily form a kinship with even as their historic sensibilities are appeased. The unease and emotional grappling between Gabriel and Arabella felt real and the sparks that ignited between this couple were spicy but never gratuitous. Their angst and fears were brought to the pages with a clarity and logic that defied the turmoil of their feelings.

Finding the perfect balance of edgy and risqué without disparaging her characters in the eyes of her audience is a strength of this writer. Amy Rose Bennett's stories are full of details and wonderfully descriptive, from her portrayal’s feelings to the historic period they are living in. She creates very real characters that while derived from the past feel close enough to engage directly with her readers in the present with their emotional experiences and timeless behaviors. This author's writing is fluid, never lagging and ever evolving, engaging her audience's interest throughout her work. Her attention to details is exemplary and she goes to great lengths to bring an understanding of the times she is showing and the rational of her characters choices and concerns without detracting from her story. Amy Rose Bennett's How to Catch an Errant Earl adds another quality historical romance to her growing list of engaging works!

*I was given an advanced copy. All opinions expressed are my own. *
*While part of a series this book can be read as a standalone. *

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
After being expelled from a young ladies’ academy, it seems Miss Arabella Jardine will never find a well-connected husband. Not that she minds. A bluestocking at heart, she’d rather bury her nose in a medical text than wed. When Arabella is forced to accompany her family on a Grand Tour in Switzerland, she unexpectedly encounters the irresistible rakehell-in-exile, Gabriel, the Earl of Langdale. Arabella soon realizes the only thing worse than getting married to a charismatic but unrepentant rake would be to fall in love with him. Dubbed the Errant Earl by the ton, Gabriel Holmes-Fitzgerald is no stranger to scandal. However, when Gabriel is caught in flagrante with the utterly delectable Arabella Jardine, he’s obliged to offer for her hand. He’ll endeavour to do the right thing even though he’s not a prize catch.
This is the second book in the series, we met Sophie Brightwell, Lady Charlotte (Charlie) Hastings, Arabella Jardine, and Olivia de Vere who were expelled from Mrs. Rathbone’s Academy for Young Ladies of Good Character in the first book, the four of them created a list of rakes they could consider and pursue as husbands – because no respectable peer would deign to marry one of the disgraced quartet. Sophie got her rake, now it is Arabella’s turn. A fun read that had everything romance, a kidnapping, a mystery, I was drawn in from the start & loved Gabriel & Arabella’s road to a HEA, which was strewn with obstacles. Strong characters with plenty of depth added to my enjoyment. There were cameos from previous characters, which I love. A well written captivating read that lifted my mood & made me smile, I look forward to Charlie & Olivia's stories
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Viper Spaulding · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Gabriel and Arabella's story!

A chance meeting, mutual friends, and a well-placed lightning bolt all conspired to guide Gabriel and Arabella to a love for the ages! I absolutely adored this sweet and tender love story. Gabriel is a resolute rake, a man who has convinced himself that he's not worthy of anything more than sharing pleasurable moments with all manner of women. Arabella considers herself too plain to ever entice a man, which works fine because she'd rather devote herself to caring for the unfortunate sick and poor orphans, following in her physician grandfather's footsteps as much as a woman can be allowed to. When Gabriel needs his dislocated shoulder fixed, her expert care leads to a demonstration of his expert skills and once their exchange is witnessed by her disapproving aunt, a marriage is inevitable.

Theirs is not an easy marriage as Arabella seeks to protect her heart while Gabriel only knows one way to express his feelings. I loved the way the story built up their friendship even while they were at an impasse over their sleeping arrangements, and I nearly cried at the long-awaited reunion with the one person who held the key to saving Gabriel's estate and title. These characters were carefully nuanced and laced with plenty of humor and steam. I enjoyed the inclusion of their circle of friends and how they supported each other throughout all the trials.

Despite its length, this book was an easy read that I couldn't put down. There was just enough action to keep me glued to the page, yet the story never lost its focus on the emotional foundation of the main characters. I highly recommend it for anyone who loves historical romance. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story full of everything I love about historical romance! An expelled student of Mrs. Rathbone's Academy for Young Ladies of Good Character (yes, I love it!), Miss Arabella Jardine and her three friends had come up with a plan for their debut and a list of men. Unfortunately she was being forced to go on a tour of the continent with her Aunt Flora and Cousin Lilias. But Arabella had secret plans of her own. She wanted to get into the medical field and had her eye on a gentleman she had met through her grandfather.
Gabriel Holmes-Fitzgerald, the Earl of Langdale, better known as the Errant Earl due to his rakish ways, found out his cousin TImothy was going to try to snatch his title and lands away by proving his parent's marriage was not legitimate. They were married in Scotland and it seemed there was no record to be found. So he set out to find the mother who had left him all those years ago and it seemed she had been in Switzerland last.
Well what do you think happens next? The two meet in a dungeon (oh yes) in a castle in Switzerland and.... Well let's just say the journey begins! An intellectual with no self confidence and a handsome rake with his own demons make this the perfect tale and I loved every second!
Amy Rose Bennett's writing is magical as she weaves an unexpected, but enthralling storyline with Gabriel and Arabella, both flawed but perfect for each other. A little adventure, humor, angst and of course and unexpected romance that flares to life and ensnares the heart. Can I just sigh? Perfect.

[Julie Eichelberger-Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to Catch an Errant Earl is the second in The Disreputable Debutantes series but can be read as a stand alone story. This is a story of the magnetism between a bluestocking and a rake. Arabella and her friends were expelled from a young ladies academy and have been labelled disreputable but that doesn't bother her. She and her friends made a list of rakes to reform but Arabella believes she is too plain to find love, so she focuses on her medical studies and her charitable projects. Gabriel is a rake of the first order and believes he is incapable of love and commitment. When his vile cousin challenges his title and legitimacy, he travels to Switzerland to find his mother to get proof of a legal marriage. While touring the dungeons where Byron was kept, Arabella and Gabriel meet for the first time and instant attraction is present but both deny their feelings. Realizing they have mutual friends, Gabriel delivers a letter to Arabella during a severe storm and is injured in the process. Arabella renders medical aid but the attraction is so great that they kiss and are caught in a compromising situation. The story that follows is filled attraction, danger, a marriage of convenience turned true love and variety of emotions to engage the reader. This is a wonderfully written story that will entertain until the very end.

[Lindsay pinkcowlandreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amy Rose Bennett manages to harken back to classic historical romances, yet she gives her writing a fresh spin! Fans of Loretta Chase’s Lord of Scoundrels will be pleased with this tale.

As I started How to Catch an Errant Earl, I wasn’t sure what to make of the motley crew… a group of friends expelled from a young ladies’ academy together, but the story quickly picks up speed when the focus narrows in on Miss Arabella as she prepares to leave London with her family for a a grand tour. She is an orphan living off the kindness of her mother’s family (which isn’t so kind!). It’s hard reading how the extended family treats her so poorly based on her mothers action. When she comes across Gabriel Holms-Fitzgerald is known as the Errant Earl, as she explores a dungeon in Switzerland sparks fly. Soon they are found in a compromising position and forced to marry.

Since Arabella has found herself married to one of Londons most notorious rakes, you would expect things to get pretty steamy… but alas, his parents marriage has been put into question by his heir (cousin). Not willing to risk creating a child that will suffer from the consequences they decide to not make a baby… Arabella takes this even further and pushes all intimacy away, fearing that her rake of a husband will only tire of her eventually and pursue passion elsewhere. She must guard her heart.

Too bad that while she trie to guard her heart she is erecting a wall between them. Can they find a way to get back the early intimacy and sparks from the beginning?

The characters both suffer from major trust issues, but are bot h genuine and likeable. There is nothing better than the union of a reformed rake and a bookish spinster to make my heart melt. I loved how the character end up supporting each other in their pursuits and grow together.

How to Catch an Errant Earl by Amy Rose Bennett is scheduled to release April 28th, 2020.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Berkley Publishing Group through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Blog link: https://pinkcowlandreads.blogspot.com...

#HowToCatchAnErrantEarl #AmyRoseBennett #Netgalley #pinkcowlandreads

[Carly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one a lot more than I thought I would, especially since the story has so many romance tropes that I really enjoy. A real marriage of convenience! A bluestocking heroine with medical knowledge! A former rake who has to learn to love someone! Ultimately, the first 75% of the book was my favorite and the last 25% seemed to have a LOT of plot shoved in (including a kidnapping that was resolved very quickly, btw), but I was way more interested in the emotional conflict between the love interests than any of the external issues they had to face.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Amy Alvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arabella and her friends were expelled from a you ladies' academy and since then, they have been shunned by most of polite society. It doesn't really bother her as she would rather spend her time reading medical texts and helping those around her. When she is forced to accompany her family on a grand tour, she makes the best of it and sneaks off to see the things she wants to see along the way. On one of those jaunts, she runs into the Earl of Langdale. Arabella knows what he is a rake, but when they spend time together, she can't seem to fight the attraction between the two.

Gabriel has left London after a scandal involving a married woman. Because of additional trouble on the home front, he is on the search for his mother who left the family years ago. His latest destination is Switzerland where he meets Arabella. They in up getting caught kissing and Gabriel is obligated to offer marriage.

Neither wants the marriage, but Gabriel is enough of a gentleman to not let Arabella be ruined by their actions. While their marriage starts as one of convenience, is soon turns into something more. But the trouble on the home front didn't go away in Gabriel's time away. Can they fight this enemy and save their new family?

I absolutely adored Arabella and Gabriel's story!! We met both of them in the previous story in the series and I love how Bennett redeemed Gabriel in this one. I like marriage of convenience stories because the H/H are stuck with one another and it is aways interesting how they find their way to their HEA. I've loved both stories in this series so far and can't wait to read book 3!!

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

A debutante with a scandalous past is whisked away from London only to create new headlines on the Continent.
Poignant moments. This is a wonderful romance.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel says nothing new and takes a long time to say it. Rake accidentally ruins ordinary young intelligent woman who is gorgeous once she takes those glasses off, tells her he'll never change his ways even though it is clear his feelings for her differ from those he's had for any other woman, they are violently sexually attracted to each other - and yet. And yet, once they are married and have consummated the marriage, she refuses to have sex with him. *eye-roll* AND YET she also wants him to promise not to have sex with any other woman because he might catch something and eventually she WILL have sex with him, just often enough to produce an heir.
*eye-roll eye-roll eye-roll*

"If she were truly honest with herself, she'd admit she already missed his flirting - how it caused her pulse to race and made her think she might be special to him in some way, even when she wasn't. She was such a contrary fool." (p. 143 of the e-ARC)

YES SHE IS A CONTRARY FOOL. I patently disliked the heroine for much of the book because she is such a ninny.

This book is well crafted enough, but it is nothing remarkable. I'm not interested in reading more books in the series. I read an advance reader copy of How to Catch an Errant Earl from Netgalley.

[Lauren · Rating 1 out of 5]

I loathed Arabella. We were told she was this cool, practical, and logical bluestocking, but in reality she was a whiney, overly emotional, unreasonable hypocrite. Reading her whinging about how he doesn't love her while she was doing everything in her power to guarantee he would never fall for her, made me want to throw my phone at the wall.

Also, the book is boring. The main subplot added almost no narrative tension and was resolved with almost no effort. All the emotional beats lacked weight because they weren't given enough setup to land properly. And I had no investment in the romance to carry me through.