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Rules of the Rogue #1
An Earl in Wolf's Clothing
A pursuit is underway…
From the hallowed halls of London’s Almack’s to the unkempt taverns of Drury Lane, from whispered words in glittering theatres to seductive kisses at Vauxhall Gardens – an earl must pursue his lady.
Propriety be damned. Anything is allowed. But for success, the Earl of Kelmarsh may have to enact the Rules of the Rogue…
A resolute lady.
Miss Sophie Beckford escaped to Ireland after her almost betrothed broke her heart. Now a year later, she’s back in London – stronger, better attired, armed with her cousin and determined not to fall for the blackguard’s wiles again.
A desperate gentleman.
What’s an earl to do when his almost betrothed refuses to speak to him, hear him out or even look at him after a misunderstanding of gargantuan proportions?
With dubious assistance from a roguish marquess, a strait-laced duke, and even the occasional poet and famous actor throwing in their sixpence, the earl will try any ruse, any rule in the book to recapture Sophie’s heart.
Failure is not an option.
A sensual Regency romance with warmth and wit.
From the hallowed halls of London’s Almack’s to the unkempt taverns of Drury Lane, from whispered words in glittering theatres to seductive kisses at Vauxhall Gardens – an earl must pursue his lady.
Propriety be damned. Anything is allowed. But for success, the Earl of Kelmarsh may have to enact the Rules of the Rogue…
A resolute lady.
Miss Sophie Beckford escaped to Ireland after her almost betrothed broke her heart. Now a year later, she’s back in London – stronger, better attired, armed with her cousin and determined not to fall for the blackguard’s wiles again.
A desperate gentleman.
What’s an earl to do when his almost betrothed refuses to speak to him, hear him out or even look at him after a misunderstanding of gargantuan proportions?
With dubious assistance from a roguish marquess, a strait-laced duke, and even the occasional poet and famous actor throwing in their sixpence, the earl will try any ruse, any rule in the book to recapture Sophie’s heart.
Failure is not an option.
A sensual Regency romance with warmth and wit.
255 pages, Paperback
First published September 28, 2017
1478 people are currently reading
826 people want to read
About the author
Emily Windsor
21 books531 followersEmily grew up in the north of England on a diet of historical romance and strong tea.
Unfortunately, you couldn’t study Regency slang, so she did the next best thing and gained a degree in Classics and History instead. This ‘led’ to an eight-year stint in engineering.
Having left city life, she now lives in a dilapidated farmhouse where her days are spent writing, fixing the leaky roof, battling the endless vegetation and finding pictures of well-tied cravats.
For details of new releases or to get in touch, find Emily on:
https://facebook.com/AuthorEmilyWindsor
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/emily...
https://uk.pinterest.com/EmilyWindsor...
Follow her Amazon Author Page, http://amazon.com/author/emilywindsor
https://www.instagram.com/emilywindso...
Or become a 'Lady of Windsor' and sign up for Emily's newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gehNKr
Unfortunately, you couldn’t study Regency slang, so she did the next best thing and gained a degree in Classics and History instead. This ‘led’ to an eight-year stint in engineering.
Having left city life, she now lives in a dilapidated farmhouse where her days are spent writing, fixing the leaky roof, battling the endless vegetation and finding pictures of well-tied cravats.
For details of new releases or to get in touch, find Emily on:
https://facebook.com/AuthorEmilyWindsor
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/emily...
https://uk.pinterest.com/EmilyWindsor...
Follow her Amazon Author Page, http://amazon.com/author/emilywindsor
https://www.instagram.com/emilywindso...
Or become a 'Lady of Windsor' and sign up for Emily's newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gehNKr
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 215 reviews
May 11, 2024
This book had a promising start. It had romantic sentiment, courtship, humor, likable characters, including Sophie’s parents (special shoutout to mama), and a too brief nod to The Scarlet Pimpernel.
You can hear the but coming, can’t you?
There was something about the writing. Actions weren’t crisply described, especially in the third act drama. The author also fell prey to quirky descriptions often relying on food: coffee hair, deep chocolate hair, cinnamon eyes, nutmeg eyes, and the one I’ll never forget as much as I might try—spinach eyes. I read every word of the story, but was no longer in the story.
Then, there was the final chapter. It felt like a form of fan service hocus pocus to ring down the final curtain. Unsure if I’ll continue.
You can hear the but coming, can’t you?
There was something about the writing. Actions weren’t crisply described, especially in the third act drama. The author also fell prey to quirky descriptions often relying on food: coffee hair, deep chocolate hair, cinnamon eyes, nutmeg eyes, and the one I’ll never forget as much as I might try—spinach eyes. I read every word of the story, but was no longer in the story.
Then, there was the final chapter. It felt like a form of fan service hocus pocus to ring down the final curtain. Unsure if I’ll continue.
December 11, 2017
This one was a pleasant surprise. It was an easy read with plenty of cheese and fluff. The funny chapter titles were a bonus. If you're a stickler for historical accuracy and are picky about societal norms, behaviour, and dialogue, this isn't for you. The historical aspect is very thin and the language is mostly modern with a random phrase or term thrown in there to keep the historical facade going. If you're open to reading an engagingly told HR, check this out. While the story itself wasn't anything particularly original, the MCs completely sold this one. The H was a study of a sweet and loyal H who made his blunders but then more than made up for them. The whole "I can't tell you the truth and correct your misunderstanding about what you heard" angst was a bit annoying, but his persistence and groveling overcame that.
I appreciated the h who wasn't a doormat. Seriously, I'm so done with stories that feature women who are just puddles of hormonal goo whenever the H smiles he way. Or looks at her. Or is in the same room. Or is mean to her. Er... You can tell this author likes strong women. The h's cousin was a little bit too sharp tongued and shrewish for my liking, but the h was an even handed portrayal of a strong woman. She knew her self worth and was kind, loyal, and didn't need to mouth off in an effort to make sure others knew how great she was.
Aside from the wonderful MCs, this was a safe read. Safety
I appreciated the h who wasn't a doormat. Seriously, I'm so done with stories that feature women who are just puddles of hormonal goo whenever the H smiles he way. Or looks at her. Or is in the same room. Or is mean to her. Er... You can tell this author likes strong women. The h's cousin was a little bit too sharp tongued and shrewish for my liking, but the h was an even handed portrayal of a strong woman. She knew her self worth and was kind, loyal, and didn't need to mouth off in an effort to make sure others knew how great she was.
Aside from the wonderful MCs, this was a safe read. Safety
December 17, 2021
My first Emily Windsor book and certainly not my last. After a misunderstanding Sophie Beckford calls off her engagement to the Earl of Kelmarsh. After fleeing from heartbreak she is back in London and ready get on with her life but Bram is not willing to let go of the woman he fell in love with at first sight. Bram makes its his mission to win Sophie back and make her see that things are not always what they seem.
My heart broke for Sophie in that first chapter I loved her determination and shiny spine when she reentered society. The side characters were well written and Aideen (can't wait to read her book) had me cracking up the whole book. The ending was a bit much and that's the only reason it wasn't a 5 star.
My heart broke for Sophie in that first chapter I loved her determination and shiny spine when she reentered society. The side characters were well written and Aideen (can't wait to read her book) had me cracking up the whole book. The ending was a bit much and that's the only reason it wasn't a 5 star.
May 25, 2019
Sweet sweet sweet!!
And Aww-so-adorable too!
If you are in mood for a regency rom-com, look no further!
I bet no one make it more fluffy, more endearing, more delightful and just plain rib-tickling funny (and punny) than this!
Low on substance maybe but not on charm!
No review! Just a lot exclamation marks!!!
And Aww-so-adorable too!
If you are in mood for a regency rom-com, look no further!
I bet no one make it more fluffy, more endearing, more delightful and just plain rib-tickling funny (and punny) than this!
Low on substance maybe but not on charm!
No review! Just a lot exclamation marks!!!
March 22, 2021
This story had a h who loved the hr and would do anything to get her back and a very sensible hr who (thank God) wasn't over emotionally. What's not to love, right? For some reason, I couldn't connect with the characters. The story was fast pace and well written, but something was missing for me.
I did love Aideen. I will read her story.
All and all, the book was just okay.
I did love Aideen. I will read her story.
All and all, the book was just okay.
March 25, 2021
I had so much fun reading this book! Loved Sophie and Bram!
Also the relationship between Bram, Jack and Alex was amazing! I laughed so much with their banter and antics. Love the 3 of them so much!
Also the relationship between Bram, Jack and Alex was amazing! I laughed so much with their banter and antics. Love the 3 of them so much!
April 6, 2023
Nice story to start this series. Liking the friendship between the main characters for this series. Good humour. 3.5 stars
August 31, 2018
Enjoyed the story
It kind of dragged around the 75% mark but I still enjoyed the story. The prologue slayed me and I wasn't sure I would go on but I muddled through and knew there had to be a reason. Loved the h . She was strong and wouldn't be cuckholded by the H. But he was son in love with her. You just felt it and I liked that. Those three men together were just too much. I loved how Jack kept getting the Dukes name wrong and all their silly antics. Can't wait for next book.
It kind of dragged around the 75% mark but I still enjoyed the story. The prologue slayed me and I wasn't sure I would go on but I muddled through and knew there had to be a reason. Loved the h . She was strong and wouldn't be cuckholded by the H. But he was son in love with her. You just felt it and I liked that. Those three men together were just too much. I loved how Jack kept getting the Dukes name wrong and all their silly antics. Can't wait for next book.
November 9, 2024
2.75
A nice change in that the hero pursues the heroine. It's a second-chance romance with some espionage. I thought it was funny how his friend Jack's advice to win her back seemed to fail each time. I felt that the story could have ended sooner.
The heroine's cousin has feelings for the hero's other friend, a duke. Their romance is the next installment, which I read before this book. It's an opposites-attract romance.
A nice change in that the hero pursues the heroine. It's a second-chance romance with some espionage. I thought it was funny how his friend Jack's advice to win her back seemed to fail each time. I felt that the story could have ended sooner.
The heroine's cousin has feelings for the hero's other friend, a duke. Their romance is the next installment, which I read before this book. It's an opposites-attract romance.
August 9, 2018
A delightful romp
Bram the Wolf and Sophie the ... sheep? Fortunately, she's no sheep.
The story starts with the backstory of how Bram screwed up their almost engagement. It's a misunderstanding, but one he can't correct and there's nothing he can do about it because she has left England.
SO 10 months later the story begins with Sophie newly returned to England and determined, with her cousin Aileen, to get on with her Bramless life.
Bram is still besotted with her and his two friends and co-workers are determined to help him with bad advice. The book threatens to turn into an awkward fiasco a few times but thankfully never goes so far.
Instead it was entertaining without being at the expense of any of the main characters.
There is a villain, a secret and a love unrequited.
The first 30% was a little painful as Sophie has Bram thoroughly in the doghouse, but then she starts to wonder about whether there is more to the misunderstanding and more to Bram than she had thought.
In any case, their separation did her a world of good as she is now much more self possessed and therefore even more alluring to Bram.
I am not sure about historical accuracy. It wasn't precisely modern, but somehow it was a bit. Yet the author had obviously done quite a bit of research into the times. I also quite enjoyed her use of colourful vernacular from the times. I love a person who can swear with imagination!
Safety is all good.
Bram the Wolf and Sophie the ... sheep? Fortunately, she's no sheep.
The story starts with the backstory of how Bram screwed up their almost engagement. It's a misunderstanding, but one he can't correct and there's nothing he can do about it because she has left England.
SO 10 months later the story begins with Sophie newly returned to England and determined, with her cousin Aileen, to get on with her Bramless life.
Bram is still besotted with her and his two friends and co-workers are determined to help him with bad advice. The book threatens to turn into an awkward fiasco a few times but thankfully never goes so far.
Instead it was entertaining without being at the expense of any of the main characters.
There is a villain, a secret and a love unrequited.
The first 30% was a little painful as Sophie has Bram thoroughly in the doghouse, but then she starts to wonder about whether there is more to the misunderstanding and more to Bram than she had thought.
In any case, their separation did her a world of good as she is now much more self possessed and therefore even more alluring to Bram.
I am not sure about historical accuracy. It wasn't precisely modern, but somehow it was a bit. Yet the author had obviously done quite a bit of research into the times. I also quite enjoyed her use of colourful vernacular from the times. I love a person who can swear with imagination!
Safety is all good.
Want to read
March 1, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (3/1/2019)! 🎁
Blurb:
A pursuit is underway…
From the hallowed halls of London’s Almack’s to the unkempt taverns of Drury Lane, from whispered words in glittering theatres to seductive kisses at Vauxhall Gardens – an earl must pursue his lady.
Propriety be damned. Anything is allowed. But for success, the Earl of Kelmarsh may have to enact the Rules of the Rogue…
A resolute lady.
Miss Sophie Beckford escaped to Ireland after her almost betrothed broke her heart. Now a year later, she’s back in London – stronger, better attired, armed with her cousin and determined not to fall for the blackguard’s wiles again.
A desperate gentleman.
What’s an earl to do when his almost betrothed refuses to speak to him, hear him out or even look at him after a misunderstanding of gargantuan proportions?
With dubious assistance from a roguish marquess, a strait-laced duke, and even the occasional poet and famous actor throwing in their sixpence, the earl will try any ruse, any rule in the book to recapture Sophie’s heart.
Failure is not an option.
Blurb:
A pursuit is underway…
From the hallowed halls of London’s Almack’s to the unkempt taverns of Drury Lane, from whispered words in glittering theatres to seductive kisses at Vauxhall Gardens – an earl must pursue his lady.
Propriety be damned. Anything is allowed. But for success, the Earl of Kelmarsh may have to enact the Rules of the Rogue…
A resolute lady.
Miss Sophie Beckford escaped to Ireland after her almost betrothed broke her heart. Now a year later, she’s back in London – stronger, better attired, armed with her cousin and determined not to fall for the blackguard’s wiles again.
A desperate gentleman.
What’s an earl to do when his almost betrothed refuses to speak to him, hear him out or even look at him after a misunderstanding of gargantuan proportions?
With dubious assistance from a roguish marquess, a strait-laced duke, and even the occasional poet and famous actor throwing in their sixpence, the earl will try any ruse, any rule in the book to recapture Sophie’s heart.
Failure is not an option.
June 13, 2018
Miss Sophie Beckford overhears what she thinks is a liaison with her betroth Abraham/Bram, Earl of Kelmarsh and a French women Celeste. She is so hurt she leaves her betrothal ring so Bram can see it when he leave the room with Celeste. What Sophie doesn't know is it's all a ruse. Bram is a spy for the Crown and Celeste is a double agent.
I loved Bram. For 10 long months he sends Sophie a special gift on the same day of the month he asked her to marry him. The gifts are so lovely and this is just so romantic. But he can't tell her what was really going on when she overheard the conversation with Celeste. When Sophie returns to London from Ireland Bram ramps up his campaign to Marry her.
This was a well thought out story and great characters. I can't wait to read the next one in the series.
I loved Bram. For 10 long months he sends Sophie a special gift on the same day of the month he asked her to marry him. The gifts are so lovely and this is just so romantic. But he can't tell her what was really going on when she overheard the conversation with Celeste. When Sophie returns to London from Ireland Bram ramps up his campaign to Marry her.
This was a well thought out story and great characters. I can't wait to read the next one in the series.
June 15, 2025
⭐
1 star.
👎
DNF @ 55%.
Too OTT and farcical.
Nonsensical/illogical.
Disjointed.
Underwhelming.
The heroine is only 22 years old but also acts younger.
Uninteresting and annoying main characters (especially the heroine.)
Very lacking romance/romantic build-up and chemistry.
Formulaic.
Lackluster.
Rather stereotypical heroine.
("Curvy" and rather insecure etc.)
Immature main characters.
Too tame and Too much like a YA story rather than a romance for adults.
July 15, 2018
I read this series out of order and I wish I hadn't....because this book increases the charm of the characters in the book with Alex (the duke) and Aideen (the Irish beauty). I enjoyed this book as well....especially the scenes where the women give the men a taste of their own medicine....hahahahah. It is a really well written romance and I am sure Ms. Windsor will soon join the ranks of my favorite HR writers like Balogh and Hoyt. My only problem with her books are the extremely lengthy love scenes.....it just gets too verbose and then instead of enjoying it I end up skimming it. I am so going to reread the book with Aideen and the Duke because I absolutely love her and her paragraph long curses lol.
December 4, 2025
HR Letter vs Sci-Fi Letter Fun Read
For my own entertainment (because I never know what to choose from my TBR) I've chosen a book starting with the same letter from two genres: Historical Romance and Sci-Fi Romance.
This the HR for the letter E
3.5 stars rounded down to 3
★★★☆☆
I sooo wanted to like this more than I did. I laughed so many times and I don't know how accurate they are and I really don't care, but Aideen's curses will be added to my repertoire. Every single one made me laugh.
So why only 3.5 and why rounded down?
・
・
・
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
For my own entertainment (because I never know what to choose from my TBR) I've chosen a book starting with the same letter from two genres: Historical Romance and Sci-Fi Romance.
This the HR for the letter E
3.5 stars rounded down to 3
★★★☆☆
I sooo wanted to like this more than I did. I laughed so many times and I don't know how accurate they are and I really don't care, but Aideen's curses will be added to my repertoire. Every single one made me laugh.
So why only 3.5 and why rounded down?
・
・
・
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐲 𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
December 17, 2022
It took me forever to finish this book and I can't even recall the plot a day or so later. Dull characters and much ado about nothingness. The hero is a secret agent for the Crown whose disguise is somnolence. Well it must have been infectious as the book effectively put me to sleep within a few paragraphs each time I picked it up. Emily Windsor is so much more capable than what this mediocre book reflects.
August 15, 2018
No One Gets Laid
These books are for teenagers. Squeaky clean and predictable. I didn't bother finishing because if I wanted a clean romance I would read Austen.
Still, they are good for a teenager, if they happen to have never owned a computer or phone.
These books are for teenagers. Squeaky clean and predictable. I didn't bother finishing because if I wanted a clean romance I would read Austen.
Still, they are good for a teenager, if they happen to have never owned a computer or phone.
June 15, 2020
Regency. Where was the love? I skimmed ahead to
finish this.
I was underwhelmed by "Bram" (an earl) & Sophie.
She became whiney about: who was the real Bram?
Why did he rely on personas? Why would he retire
from the spy game? For her? Sophie was too self-
absorbed. His friends sparked an interest but would
I read 'their' stories?
finish this.
I was underwhelmed by "Bram" (an earl) & Sophie.
She became whiney about: who was the real Bram?
Why did he rely on personas? Why would he retire
from the spy game? For her? Sophie was too self-
absorbed. His friends sparked an interest but would
I read 'their' stories?
October 5, 2021
So.Much.Fun. The prose is bright and lively, clever and irreverent, and the characters are too. This universe, these characters, are swiftly sketched, but with enough detail to ground and engage the reader. I truly enjoyed this book and cannot wait to continue the series.
April 6, 2024
I have read Windsor’s books before. This one seemed familiar and I later realized it was because I read one from later in the series so I knew of these characters already. It was nice to read their story and see how their second-chance romance came about. It’s a fun and entertaining read for a weekend.
July 13, 2022
Regency Romance with a side of espionage
Nice start to this Regency series. Nice character development, some interesting “Irish” cursing and some suspense to move the plot forward.
Nice start to this Regency series. Nice character development, some interesting “Irish” cursing and some suspense to move the plot forward.
September 14, 2021
Capturing💘 Her Wolf 🐺
ADULT Alpha Male 🐺🍆⛲Regency Romance 💕 and Adventure.
Bram, the Earl of Kelmarsh is a man in the employ of the 👑Crown, a spy. But he has set his sights on Sophie, his almost betrothed , and the woman he caused to have a broken heart💔.
Wonderful second chance love 💘 story!
ADULT Alpha Male 🐺🍆⛲Regency Romance 💕 and Adventure.
Bram, the Earl of Kelmarsh is a man in the employ of the 👑Crown, a spy. But he has set his sights on Sophie, his almost betrothed , and the woman he caused to have a broken heart💔.
Wonderful second chance love 💘 story!
March 17, 2024
Honestly this book gave me some bangiexty (not that clean romances are bad but I just feel like you shouldn’t be talking about love making if you aren’t going to follow through) but there was nice follow through at the end.
August 5, 2020
I believed in the love this couple shared, and the h's reactions were understandable and I really liked the ending, and how the h explained what she knew about men and women. It was very cute, and the H was charmed. I liked it, a sweet read.
December 30, 2021
Super charming, delightful and funny ❤
The ending was a tad dramatic but I liked the romance and absolutely loved the banter between the hero and his friends. Can't wait to read their books!
The ending was a tad dramatic but I liked the romance and absolutely loved the banter between the hero and his friends. Can't wait to read their books!
June 9, 2024
Relatively frothy and fun Regency spy romp that ultimately fails to stick the landing.
November 16, 2017
As originally reviewed at The Romance Reviews: https://www.theromancereviews.com/vie...
Sophie Beckford has had six seasons to become totally disillusioned with society, and to just about give up hope of finding a match. When she meets Abraham "Bram" Walcott, the Earl of Kenmarsh, she is thrilled to finally have found a man she wants to spend the rest of her life with. They have a whirlwind courtship, and tonight's the night they'll announce their engagement. Sophie searches for Bram at the ball, and she finds him, alone in a room with another woman. From the conversation, it's clear that the woman and Bram have a past, and she wants to pick up where they left off. When Sophie hears Bram state that he's only marrying her to get an heir, she's heard enough. She leaves her engagement ring where Bram is sure to see it as he exits the room, leaves the ball, and refuses any contact with Bram. Shortly thereafter, she and her family depart for an extended visit to relatives in Ireland.
Little does Sophie know, but Bram is an agent for the crown, and the woman he was meeting was another agent, one who wouldn't hesitate to sink her claws into him while causing trouble for Sophie. Bram's disparaging remarks were solely meant to not let the agent know how much Sophie means to him. In fact, Bram comes from a family who has long served as spies for the crown, though it's not something he enjoys. When he met and fell in love with Sophie, he began the process of untangling his life from the spy community. However, he still has assignments to complete, and he does not have permission to tell Sophie the truth about himself.
Bram is a true romantic at heart, and I fell in love with the man who was forced into being something he's not by his family. All the dreams he shared with Sophie about their future life in the country were true. He never gives up hope, sending her letters (which she doesn't open) and gifts. Finally, after ten months, Sophie and her family return, but she seems like a different woman. She has poise, dresses differently, and seems to enjoy the society that made her feel so awkward before. Still, Bram loves her, and will do whatever it takes to win her back.
I am always thrilled when a new (or new-to-me) author makes me sit up and take notice, and Emily Windsor did this, big time! There is so much to love about AN EARL IN WOLF'S CLOTHING - aside from a wonderful romance with characters I loved, there is subtle humor, witty conversation, and a relationship between the three spies that is just brilliantly written. There are moments that are poignant and sad, interspersed with fun and levity. I am in totally in love with this book that held me captive from beginning to end, and had me sniffling, smiling, then sighing.
Sophie Beckford has had six seasons to become totally disillusioned with society, and to just about give up hope of finding a match. When she meets Abraham "Bram" Walcott, the Earl of Kenmarsh, she is thrilled to finally have found a man she wants to spend the rest of her life with. They have a whirlwind courtship, and tonight's the night they'll announce their engagement. Sophie searches for Bram at the ball, and she finds him, alone in a room with another woman. From the conversation, it's clear that the woman and Bram have a past, and she wants to pick up where they left off. When Sophie hears Bram state that he's only marrying her to get an heir, she's heard enough. She leaves her engagement ring where Bram is sure to see it as he exits the room, leaves the ball, and refuses any contact with Bram. Shortly thereafter, she and her family depart for an extended visit to relatives in Ireland.
Little does Sophie know, but Bram is an agent for the crown, and the woman he was meeting was another agent, one who wouldn't hesitate to sink her claws into him while causing trouble for Sophie. Bram's disparaging remarks were solely meant to not let the agent know how much Sophie means to him. In fact, Bram comes from a family who has long served as spies for the crown, though it's not something he enjoys. When he met and fell in love with Sophie, he began the process of untangling his life from the spy community. However, he still has assignments to complete, and he does not have permission to tell Sophie the truth about himself.
Bram is a true romantic at heart, and I fell in love with the man who was forced into being something he's not by his family. All the dreams he shared with Sophie about their future life in the country were true. He never gives up hope, sending her letters (which she doesn't open) and gifts. Finally, after ten months, Sophie and her family return, but she seems like a different woman. She has poise, dresses differently, and seems to enjoy the society that made her feel so awkward before. Still, Bram loves her, and will do whatever it takes to win her back.
I am always thrilled when a new (or new-to-me) author makes me sit up and take notice, and Emily Windsor did this, big time! There is so much to love about AN EARL IN WOLF'S CLOTHING - aside from a wonderful romance with characters I loved, there is subtle humor, witty conversation, and a relationship between the three spies that is just brilliantly written. There are moments that are poignant and sad, interspersed with fun and levity. I am in totally in love with this book that held me captive from beginning to end, and had me sniffling, smiling, then sighing.
October 4, 2017
When I first read the blurb for this book, I thought that this was going to be a typical lovers separated by a misunderstanding story, and to a certain extent it was, but it was also so much more!
The opens with Sophie Beckford searching for her betrothed, Bram, the Earl of Kelmarsh. They are to supposed to be in the ballroom announcing their betrothal but he has gone missing and when Sophie finally locates him - he is with another woman! Sophie overhears their conversation and is heartbroken, she rips off her betrothal ring and leaves the ball without speaking to him. Days later, her family leaves for Ireland with Bram in hot pursuit.
Bram just misses the boat taking them to Ireland and for reasons unknown to the reader, he is not able to follow her. He has secrets that he cannot share with Sophie, he is a spy for the crown and the meeting she overheard was not what it seemed, but sworn to secrecy and unable to explain, it appears that he will lose his lady love, but he is not willing to give her up without a fight - he is unable to go to Ireland, but he writes to her and sends gifts, hoping to win her back. Now almost a year later, she is back in London, but she is not the Sophie that he remembers.
Armed with a new wardrobe and her feisty Irish cousin, Sophie is back and determined to forget Bram and his betrayal. She makes her intentions painfully clear to Bram when he corners her at Almack's and tries to explain the misunderstanding without revealing his secrets.
With the "help" of his fellow agents, Bram sets out to complete a final mission for the crown, retire and win back his lady. Ah, the best laid plans.........
This story is both amusing and heartfelt. I loved that Sophie didn't immediately forgive Bram, she made him work for her forgiveness. And I loved that Bram never gave up, he knew he hurt her (unintentionally) and owned it, while I wouldn't say he groveled, he did work hard for her forgiveness. The book has both amusing and tense moments, a great cast of secondary characters, secrets, revelations, kidnapping, some warmish love scenes and finally a very hard earned HEA.
I had not read any of Ms. Windsor's previous books, but after reading this book I am definitely going to be checking out her backlist while I wait for the next book in this series!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an copy that was provided to me by the author - all opinions in this review are my own*
The opens with Sophie Beckford searching for her betrothed, Bram, the Earl of Kelmarsh. They are to supposed to be in the ballroom announcing their betrothal but he has gone missing and when Sophie finally locates him - he is with another woman! Sophie overhears their conversation and is heartbroken, she rips off her betrothal ring and leaves the ball without speaking to him. Days later, her family leaves for Ireland with Bram in hot pursuit.
Bram just misses the boat taking them to Ireland and for reasons unknown to the reader, he is not able to follow her. He has secrets that he cannot share with Sophie, he is a spy for the crown and the meeting she overheard was not what it seemed, but sworn to secrecy and unable to explain, it appears that he will lose his lady love, but he is not willing to give her up without a fight - he is unable to go to Ireland, but he writes to her and sends gifts, hoping to win her back. Now almost a year later, she is back in London, but she is not the Sophie that he remembers.
Armed with a new wardrobe and her feisty Irish cousin, Sophie is back and determined to forget Bram and his betrayal. She makes her intentions painfully clear to Bram when he corners her at Almack's and tries to explain the misunderstanding without revealing his secrets.
With the "help" of his fellow agents, Bram sets out to complete a final mission for the crown, retire and win back his lady. Ah, the best laid plans.........
This story is both amusing and heartfelt. I loved that Sophie didn't immediately forgive Bram, she made him work for her forgiveness. And I loved that Bram never gave up, he knew he hurt her (unintentionally) and owned it, while I wouldn't say he groveled, he did work hard for her forgiveness. The book has both amusing and tense moments, a great cast of secondary characters, secrets, revelations, kidnapping, some warmish love scenes and finally a very hard earned HEA.
I had not read any of Ms. Windsor's previous books, but after reading this book I am definitely going to be checking out her backlist while I wait for the next book in this series!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an copy that was provided to me by the author - all opinions in this review are my own*
November 14, 2024
This was such an enjoyable book! I read it in a day and found myself laughing throughout the story. There were so many misunderstandings, and you want to yell in frustration while reading, but the characters were delightful and made it all worthwhile. Emily Windsor has a gift for creating characters you wish existed in real life.
Abraham, the Earl of Kelmarsh, more commonly known as the Lazy Lord, is a spy. Miss Sophie Beckford, his former fiance, doesn't know it. Believing Bram to be unfaithful on the eve of their betrothal ball, Sophie flees the country in her grief, and Bram is unable to follow. One year later, Sophie has returned, and Bram is determined not to let her get away again. Thus ensues a comedy of errors for Bram and Sophie as they try to navigate their feelings, heal old wounds, and solve a mystery that could disrupt their renewed love forever.
Bram and Sophie were wonderfully relatable characters, drawing me in with their inner monologues and keeping me entertained with their witty banter with each other and their friends. The cast of secondary characters was also a delight, particularly the two men who are sure to be the heroes of future books. I enjoyed Bram's persona and Sophie's obvious love for him in spite of his flaws, and I was a bit disappointed that he wasn't the poor narcoleptic lord who fell asleep at parties. However, his actual character was so dashing that I, along with Sophie, fell in love all over again. It was nice to see that their love was so strong, considering all of the obstacles in their path.
I am so excited to have read this book and am eager to read the next in the series! Emily Windsor is sure to be a must-read author going forward, and her characters are ones you will never forget.
**I received a free copy from the author and I have a relationship with the author as a paid beta reader for other books. This is my honest review.**
Abraham, the Earl of Kelmarsh, more commonly known as the Lazy Lord, is a spy. Miss Sophie Beckford, his former fiance, doesn't know it. Believing Bram to be unfaithful on the eve of their betrothal ball, Sophie flees the country in her grief, and Bram is unable to follow. One year later, Sophie has returned, and Bram is determined not to let her get away again. Thus ensues a comedy of errors for Bram and Sophie as they try to navigate their feelings, heal old wounds, and solve a mystery that could disrupt their renewed love forever.
Bram and Sophie were wonderfully relatable characters, drawing me in with their inner monologues and keeping me entertained with their witty banter with each other and their friends. The cast of secondary characters was also a delight, particularly the two men who are sure to be the heroes of future books. I enjoyed Bram's persona and Sophie's obvious love for him in spite of his flaws, and I was a bit disappointed that he wasn't the poor narcoleptic lord who fell asleep at parties. However, his actual character was so dashing that I, along with Sophie, fell in love all over again. It was nice to see that their love was so strong, considering all of the obstacles in their path.
I am so excited to have read this book and am eager to read the next in the series! Emily Windsor is sure to be a must-read author going forward, and her characters are ones you will never forget.
**I received a free copy from the author and I have a relationship with the author as a paid beta reader for other books. This is my honest review.**
July 30, 2018
I loved this book. I hadn't laughed so many times during a read in a long time. These characters were hysterical. Finished it in two days. I also thought it was romantic. The hero, Bram, was persistent, which was pretty hot; even I thought the heroine should have given in at some points (smile). However, it was nice to read about a heroine that didn’t gasp and utterly fall into the hero’s arms at every word and touch. But, there were times when she was stubborn, yet it worked for her. This was my first time reading a book by this author. I believe I will try the second book in this series, since it continues on with the other interesting and hysterical characters from the first book.
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