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Regency Cocky Gents #1
Cocky Earl
An honorable Earl, an American Girl, and one lost bet that changes everything.
Miss Charley Jackson didn’t want to sail to England. The British are stuffy, and arrogant, and think far too highly of themselves. Particularly, the ones who referred to themselves as Lords.
Julian Wellstone, the Earl of Westerley, never walked away from a bet but should have known his luck would someday run out. He should have known a time would come when the gambling tables would turn against him.
Which is exactly what happened when he played “one more hand” and lost the game of a lifetime to American Whiskey King, Mr. Daniel Jackson. Jules has no choice but to honor the bet and court the man’s daughter—a chit who managed to get under his skin from the moment he met her. But honor is everything.
Until love deals him a new hand. And once the lines are blurred, all bets are off. Will he fold and walk away, or will he ante up his heart and risk everything for the love of a lifetime?
Miss Charley Jackson didn’t want to sail to England. The British are stuffy, and arrogant, and think far too highly of themselves. Particularly, the ones who referred to themselves as Lords.
Julian Wellstone, the Earl of Westerley, never walked away from a bet but should have known his luck would someday run out. He should have known a time would come when the gambling tables would turn against him.
Which is exactly what happened when he played “one more hand” and lost the game of a lifetime to American Whiskey King, Mr. Daniel Jackson. Jules has no choice but to honor the bet and court the man’s daughter—a chit who managed to get under his skin from the moment he met her. But honor is everything.
Until love deals him a new hand. And once the lines are blurred, all bets are off. Will he fold and walk away, or will he ante up his heart and risk everything for the love of a lifetime?
380 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2020
864 people are currently reading
925 people want to read
About the author
Annabelle Anders
115 books1,328 followersMarried to the same man for over 25 years, I am a mother to three children and two Miniature Wiener dogs.
After owning a business and experiencing considerable success, my husband and I got caught in the financial crisis and lost everything in 2008; our business, our home, even our car.
At this point, I put my B.A. in Poly Sci to use and took work as a waitress and bartender (Insert irony). Unwilling to give up on a professional life, I simultaneously went back to college and obtained a degree in Energy Management.
And then the energy market dropped off.
And then my dog died.
I can only be grateful for this series of unfortunate events, for, with nothing to lose and completely demoralized, I sat down and began to write the romance novels which had until then, existed only my imagination.
After publishing over twenty novels now, with one having been nominated for RWA’s Distinguished ™RITA Award in 2019, I am happy to tell you that I have finally found my place in life.
Thank you so much for being a part of my journey!
To find out more about my books, and also to download a free novella, get all the info at my website!
www.annabelleanders.com
JOIN MY NEWSLETTER: https://www.annabelleanders.com/newsl...
FOLLOW ME ON AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/Annabelle-Ande...
AND FACEBOOK: :https://www.facebook.com/Annabelle.An...
AND BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/annab...
After owning a business and experiencing considerable success, my husband and I got caught in the financial crisis and lost everything in 2008; our business, our home, even our car.
At this point, I put my B.A. in Poly Sci to use and took work as a waitress and bartender (Insert irony). Unwilling to give up on a professional life, I simultaneously went back to college and obtained a degree in Energy Management.
And then the energy market dropped off.
And then my dog died.
I can only be grateful for this series of unfortunate events, for, with nothing to lose and completely demoralized, I sat down and began to write the romance novels which had until then, existed only my imagination.
After publishing over twenty novels now, with one having been nominated for RWA’s Distinguished ™RITA Award in 2019, I am happy to tell you that I have finally found my place in life.
Thank you so much for being a part of my journey!
To find out more about my books, and also to download a free novella, get all the info at my website!
www.annabelleanders.com
JOIN MY NEWSLETTER: https://www.annabelleanders.com/newsl...
FOLLOW ME ON AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/Annabelle-Ande...
AND FACEBOOK: :https://www.facebook.com/Annabelle.An...
AND BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/annab...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
dnf-at-all
March 5, 2024My second attempt at the Regency Cocky Gents series. Once again, this hero is not cocky at all. So I am really confused as to why the titles all have "cocky" in them. I was hoping for some cocky, arrogant alphahole.
But for me, the real turn off to this story was the heroine. I swear every book that I have read in the last year, all heroines are suddenly ultra-feminist, "I don't need a man in my life and I will never ever never marry." I do not enjoy reading romance books where the heroine is needing to be convinced to get married thru out the whole book. It is not enjoyable and it is very hard for the author to not write the heroine as being anything other than bitchy, mule-headed, stubborn and irrational. Bummer.
Maybe it’s just me though, lots of people enjoy this series!
But for me, the real turn off to this story was the heroine. I swear every book that I have read in the last year, all heroines are suddenly ultra-feminist, "I don't need a man in my life and I will never ever never marry." I do not enjoy reading romance books where the heroine is needing to be convinced to get married thru out the whole book. It is not enjoyable and it is very hard for the author to not write the heroine as being anything other than bitchy, mule-headed, stubborn and irrational. Bummer.
Maybe it’s just me though, lots of people enjoy this series!
March 6, 2021
This was sweet but It would have been muuuuch better if we could experience their life as a married couple instead of seeing only the conquest. I liked that even though a wager took place, the hero was very honest about it and about his intentions to the heroine.
Beware, this series is about 6 idiot friends that keeps making the most outrageous and idiotic wagers just about their whole waking time. It was quite nice seeing their friendship.
Beware, this series is about 6 idiot friends that keeps making the most outrageous and idiotic wagers just about their whole waking time. It was quite nice seeing their friendship.
March 23, 2022
First Story in this series. It did not disappoint.
The Earl looses a bet with an American whiskey maker. In loosing this bet will he find the love of his life.
The Earl looses a bet with an American whiskey maker. In loosing this bet will he find the love of his life.
October 31, 2023
It wasn't anything special but I'm having trouble getting into HRs lately, and this book just managed to get me back into historicals feels. It was cute and it kept me entertained but I expected way more steam from the cover and the title but there was barley one single scene. Anyway, I might even return back to this series, we'll see.
June 30, 2022
3.5 Stars
My first Annabelle Anders, and it was cute.
Quick Review
- Lost on a wager & won on a wager! These Cocky gents wager a lot. Made for an interesting premise.
- Written well, had some depth, development and humour. There was a lot of sexual tension but was sorely lacking in steam.
- I liked Julian, I enjoyed Charlotte even more, quirky girl!
- Fun ancillary characters.
- Nice, teenagey kind of a romance. A refresher from angsty stories.
My first Annabelle Anders, and it was cute.
Quick Review
- Lost on a wager & won on a wager! These Cocky gents wager a lot. Made for an interesting premise.
- Written well, had some depth, development and humour. There was a lot of sexual tension but was sorely lacking in steam.
- I liked Julian, I enjoyed Charlotte even more, quirky girl!
- Fun ancillary characters.
- Nice, teenagey kind of a romance. A refresher from angsty stories.
May 1, 2022
Quite a nice little read, about an English earl and the daughter of a wealthy American businessman who fall for each other during a country house party. The earl and his male friends were a little immature, with their fairly empty lifestyles and their obsession with betting on anything. I also disliked the earl's horrible habit of cracking his knuckles or other joints when he was nervous. Ugh.
The book got better as I read on though, and the relationship between the two MCs developed quite nicely. There were a few modern words used by the writer at times, that felt somewhat out of place, but I ignored these and just kept reading. Overall, not a bad book. My first by this author, and I will consider reading on further in the series, about the earl's 'cocky' friends.
The book got better as I read on though, and the relationship between the two MCs developed quite nicely. There were a few modern words used by the writer at times, that felt somewhat out of place, but I ignored these and just kept reading. Overall, not a bad book. My first by this author, and I will consider reading on further in the series, about the earl's 'cocky' friends.
August 23, 2020
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Fantastic characters, excellent storyline and wonderful chemistry.
There are so many characters that your dying for their stories to be told.
I can hardly wait.
Charley is an American Whiskey heiress , has a rich American father , her mother was an English socialite herself an Earls daughter.
This girl is feisty , full of life and knows her mind.
Jules is an Earl who is feeling trapped in a possible betrothal he doesn’t want. Has a group of awesome friends that love alcohol and betting.
He also is the head of his family and has two sisters to bring out.
When Jules loses a card game he gains more responsibility, or is it destiny at play.
Wonderful book, loved it and can’t wait for more from Annabelle.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
💋💋
Fantastic characters, excellent storyline and wonderful chemistry.
There are so many characters that your dying for their stories to be told.
I can hardly wait.
Charley is an American Whiskey heiress , has a rich American father , her mother was an English socialite herself an Earls daughter.
This girl is feisty , full of life and knows her mind.
Jules is an Earl who is feeling trapped in a possible betrothal he doesn’t want. Has a group of awesome friends that love alcohol and betting.
He also is the head of his family and has two sisters to bring out.
When Jules loses a card game he gains more responsibility, or is it destiny at play.
Wonderful book, loved it and can’t wait for more from Annabelle.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
February 8, 2023
America Wins one
I loved the ending and the wonderful scheming Charley. She definitely is one of my favorite heroines. Very cunning. I liked the way it ended but I am still hating his Mother s actions and Mrs Crabtree. Two very disagreeable women. Just yuck. Almost ruined the book for me. Thank heavens for smart heroines.
I loved the ending and the wonderful scheming Charley. She definitely is one of my favorite heroines. Very cunning. I liked the way it ended but I am still hating his Mother s actions and Mrs Crabtree. Two very disagreeable women. Just yuck. Almost ruined the book for me. Thank heavens for smart heroines.
August 6, 2020
Starring Miss Charlotte “Charley” Jackson and Julian “Jules” Fitzwilliam, the Earl of Westerley.
A wager and a (not so fake) fake betrothal... this was a fun and heartfelt story.
Charley is smart, sweet, complex, and unique. A heroine who truly has a lot of depth... just like the whiskey she blends. Such a strong heroine and I absolutely loved everything about her character.
Jules is totally yum in a swoon-worthy package. I love that he was patient, yet persistent in his pursuit of Charley (sorry for the tongue twister). I also love that, even though his first impression of Charley wasn’t too favorable, he went out of his way to show her that he didn’t want to change her. Seriously, if she didn’t want him I would have been the next in line to grab him.
Jules and Charley are beautifully delicious together. Their romance is a nice slow burn that’ll have you smiling over their cat and mouse courtship. I love that this book was truly about them getting to know one another on a deeper emotional level before anything physical happened. But with that said, when they finally did get together... oh boy!! Get ready for all the giddy feely-feels. Seriously, these two made me giggle out loud... constantly. Such a wonderful couple. Charley and Jules are definitely climbing the charts on my All Time Favorite Annabelle Anders Couple List. I totally enjoyed their HEA!! And I had very nice Ugly Cry AF even before I reached “the end”. Bravo, Annabelle Anders, for writing another fabulous story that I will be re-reading.
This is the first book in the Regency Cocky Gents series. Annabelle Anders is starting out strong with this book and I can’t wait to see who she pairs the other RCGs with.
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 reading this story over and over and over again!!
A wager and a (not so fake) fake betrothal... this was a fun and heartfelt story.
Charley is smart, sweet, complex, and unique. A heroine who truly has a lot of depth... just like the whiskey she blends. Such a strong heroine and I absolutely loved everything about her character.
Jules is totally yum in a swoon-worthy package. I love that he was patient, yet persistent in his pursuit of Charley (sorry for the tongue twister). I also love that, even though his first impression of Charley wasn’t too favorable, he went out of his way to show her that he didn’t want to change her. Seriously, if she didn’t want him I would have been the next in line to grab him.
Jules and Charley are beautifully delicious together. Their romance is a nice slow burn that’ll have you smiling over their cat and mouse courtship. I love that this book was truly about them getting to know one another on a deeper emotional level before anything physical happened. But with that said, when they finally did get together... oh boy!! Get ready for all the giddy feely-feels. Seriously, these two made me giggle out loud... constantly. Such a wonderful couple. Charley and Jules are definitely climbing the charts on my All Time Favorite Annabelle Anders Couple List. I totally enjoyed their HEA!! And I had very nice Ugly Cry AF even before I reached “the end”. Bravo, Annabelle Anders, for writing another fabulous story that I will be re-reading.
This is the first book in the Regency Cocky Gents series. Annabelle Anders is starting out strong with this book and I can’t wait to see who she pairs the other RCGs with.
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 reading this story over and over and over again!!
August 25, 2020
An honorable Earl, an American Girl, and one lost bet that changes everything.
Miss Charley Jackson never wanted to come to England but to fulfill her mother’s last wish, her father has brought her to meet her English grandparents. Trouble is, they expect her to be her mother’s daughter, sweet and English, when in fact, she tends to favour her father who is one hundred percent American. Julian Fitzwilliam, the Earl of Westerley, has never walked away from a sure bet, but he should have known his luck would run out some day and the gambling tables turn against him when he plays “one more hand” and loses the game of a lifetime to the American Whiskey King. Jules has no choice but to honour the bet and court the man’s daughter a chit who’d managed to get under his skin from the moment he met her. But honour isn’t everything. It’s the only thing. Until love deals him a new hand. And once the lines are blurred, all bets are off.
This is the first in a new series & introduces us to Jules & his Cocky friends. Another very well written book from the author, it flows effortlessly. The characters have lots of depth but she doesn’t do two dimensional. I loved Jules (as a Brit I would have always called him Julian – far more sexy!!) who quickly found that it wasn’t a hardship to court Charley in fact the more time they spent together the harder he fell. Charley was a breath of fresh air who didn’t want to marry until she did. I also loved the other cocky friends & eagerly await their stories
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Miss Charley Jackson never wanted to come to England but to fulfill her mother’s last wish, her father has brought her to meet her English grandparents. Trouble is, they expect her to be her mother’s daughter, sweet and English, when in fact, she tends to favour her father who is one hundred percent American. Julian Fitzwilliam, the Earl of Westerley, has never walked away from a sure bet, but he should have known his luck would run out some day and the gambling tables turn against him when he plays “one more hand” and loses the game of a lifetime to the American Whiskey King. Jules has no choice but to honour the bet and court the man’s daughter a chit who’d managed to get under his skin from the moment he met her. But honour isn’t everything. It’s the only thing. Until love deals him a new hand. And once the lines are blurred, all bets are off.
This is the first in a new series & introduces us to Jules & his Cocky friends. Another very well written book from the author, it flows effortlessly. The characters have lots of depth but she doesn’t do two dimensional. I loved Jules (as a Brit I would have always called him Julian – far more sexy!!) who quickly found that it wasn’t a hardship to court Charley in fact the more time they spent together the harder he fell. Charley was a breath of fresh air who didn’t want to marry until she did. I also loved the other cocky friends & eagerly await their stories
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
August 24, 2020
Cocky Earl is the first book the Regency Cocky Gent series by Annabelle Anders, and it’s a great start to what promises to be another addictive series. I’m always eager to dive into a new release from the author, and I’m positive I’m going to be devouring this series as each book is released.
I’ll be honest and say Cocky Earl is a bit slower than some of the author’s other books, but that does not take away from the story. There is a lot to this one that sets up for the future books, and the slightly slower pace ensures you are curious about all the elements that are to take place. No matter how curious you are about the side characters and their stories – trust me, you’ll be super curious – it’s not enough to pull away from the romance between the main characters. They suck you in with ease, with their story hitting the feels repeatedly.
Without a doubt, this is a great start to another series I’m eager to devour.
I’ll be honest and say Cocky Earl is a bit slower than some of the author’s other books, but that does not take away from the story. There is a lot to this one that sets up for the future books, and the slightly slower pace ensures you are curious about all the elements that are to take place. No matter how curious you are about the side characters and their stories – trust me, you’ll be super curious – it’s not enough to pull away from the romance between the main characters. They suck you in with ease, with their story hitting the feels repeatedly.
Without a doubt, this is a great start to another series I’m eager to devour.
September 12, 2020
Don't let the cover fool you. Judging by the half-naked man and the titillating title, I assumed that said earl's fowl member would play a huge role in the story. Sadly, he only made an appearance once and was sorely underwhelming. The lack of steam in this one leads me to believe that the rest of the "Cocky Gents" would solely be known for their attitude.
August 14, 2025
I found this to be a rather slow-paced book and I did get a little frustrated at times by Charley's insistence on denying her feelings for Jules for so long. I think he also could have been a bit more forthcoming about his feelings for her and therefore his reasons for wanting to marry her. I found the ending satisfying, but I really did long to see the two of them put their parents in their places and while Charley did this a little bit with her father, we never saw Jules say a thing to his mother to correct her meanness towards Charley thinly veiled as her wanting the best for her son. Otherwise, I liked both these MCs and especially the fact that they each had flaws, admitted them to one another, and chose each other anyway.
January 27, 2023
A sweet story between an American and a British earl with lots of wagers and decisive card games. It doesn't have much smut; it's just a sweet romance.
The story flowed quite well. I've had this book to read for a while, but I don't know if I'm going to give the rest of the series a chance since I like spicier stories. 🤭
The story flowed quite well. I've had this book to read for a while, but I don't know if I'm going to give the rest of the series a chance since I like spicier stories. 🤭
August 18, 2020
Cocky Earl
Regency Cocky Gents Series #1
Annabelle Anders
https://www.facebook.com/Annabelle.An...
Release date 08/25/2020
Blurb :
An honorable Earl, an American Girl, and one lost bet that changes everything.
Miss Charley Jackson didn’t want to sail to England. The British are stuffy, and arrogant, and think far too highly of themselves. Particularly, the ones who referred to themselves as Lords.
Julian Wellstone, the Earl of Westerley, never walked away from a bet but should have known his luck would someday run out. He should have known a time would come when the gambling tables would turn against him.
Which is exactly what happened when he played “one more hand” and lost the game of a lifetime to American Whiskey King, Mr. Daniel Jackson. Jules has no choice but to honor the bet and court the man’s daughter—a chit who managed to get under his skin from the moment he met her. But honor is everything.
Until love deals him a new hand. And once the lines are blurred, all bets are off. Will he fold and walk away, or will he ante up his heart and risk everything for the love of a lifetime?
My review :
Will he be able to show her she can have a home among his kin ...
I confess I didn’t know what to expect from this book.
After Cocky Duke I read without an inkling about the plot, I preordered this one too and paid little attention to the summary.
This is a very different read than my previous by Mrs Anders. She surprised me, once again.
I probably expected a more tortured tale when here it is quite simple, while courting his lady to honor a wager he lost, the hero and heroine will alter their opinion about the other.
Charlotte or Charley for her friends has no interest in marrying and even less with an uppity haughty lord. She wants to stay at her father’s side and continue his Whiskey legacy. So mister lord can go hang, she won’t be swayed.
She just never expected to be attracted to him and his forthrightness surprises her even more.
She thought all the peers to be too stuffy to debase themselves to acknowledge herself, a lowly American girl.
Julian or Jules has during a second thought himself to be better than his American guests. Yet when this fiery slip of a girl refuses his proposal, she raises the stakes. Who is she to deny his offer.
Jules is a kind and caring man, honor is what is left when a man is stripped from everything else. And while it was a matter of his honor at the begging of their game together, soon it is more his attraction and curiosity that lead him to pursue her.
Charley has an unique light in her, she does not care for the same things than him but she is also not so very different than him, she does not want the shackles that come from living here in this new country for her. And Jules soon recognizes she does not have to change, or she would never be herself anymore. It is to him to help find her own place here.
Mrs Anders narrates a slow-burn tale of two individuals who in appearance were total opposite until scratching the society’s mask they discover they might have more in common than they expected.
4.5 stars
Now as the other books protagonists were introduced, I am rather intrigued.
I was granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
Regency Cocky Gents Series #1
Annabelle Anders
https://www.facebook.com/Annabelle.An...
Release date 08/25/2020
Blurb :
An honorable Earl, an American Girl, and one lost bet that changes everything.
Miss Charley Jackson didn’t want to sail to England. The British are stuffy, and arrogant, and think far too highly of themselves. Particularly, the ones who referred to themselves as Lords.
Julian Wellstone, the Earl of Westerley, never walked away from a bet but should have known his luck would someday run out. He should have known a time would come when the gambling tables would turn against him.
Which is exactly what happened when he played “one more hand” and lost the game of a lifetime to American Whiskey King, Mr. Daniel Jackson. Jules has no choice but to honor the bet and court the man’s daughter—a chit who managed to get under his skin from the moment he met her. But honor is everything.
Until love deals him a new hand. And once the lines are blurred, all bets are off. Will he fold and walk away, or will he ante up his heart and risk everything for the love of a lifetime?
My review :
Will he be able to show her she can have a home among his kin ...
I confess I didn’t know what to expect from this book.
After Cocky Duke I read without an inkling about the plot, I preordered this one too and paid little attention to the summary.
This is a very different read than my previous by Mrs Anders. She surprised me, once again.
I probably expected a more tortured tale when here it is quite simple, while courting his lady to honor a wager he lost, the hero and heroine will alter their opinion about the other.
Charlotte or Charley for her friends has no interest in marrying and even less with an uppity haughty lord. She wants to stay at her father’s side and continue his Whiskey legacy. So mister lord can go hang, she won’t be swayed.
She just never expected to be attracted to him and his forthrightness surprises her even more.
She thought all the peers to be too stuffy to debase themselves to acknowledge herself, a lowly American girl.
Julian or Jules has during a second thought himself to be better than his American guests. Yet when this fiery slip of a girl refuses his proposal, she raises the stakes. Who is she to deny his offer.
Jules is a kind and caring man, honor is what is left when a man is stripped from everything else. And while it was a matter of his honor at the begging of their game together, soon it is more his attraction and curiosity that lead him to pursue her.
Charley has an unique light in her, she does not care for the same things than him but she is also not so very different than him, she does not want the shackles that come from living here in this new country for her. And Jules soon recognizes she does not have to change, or she would never be herself anymore. It is to him to help find her own place here.
Mrs Anders narrates a slow-burn tale of two individuals who in appearance were total opposite until scratching the society’s mask they discover they might have more in common than they expected.
4.5 stars
Now as the other books protagonists were introduced, I am rather intrigued.
I was granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
Want to read
December 25, 2020DNF.
THIS WAS BASED ON A PERSONAL PREFERENCE, OBVIOULSY BY THE GLARING POSITIVE REVIEWS BY MANY OTHERS, THIS WAS A GOOD BOOK, but since I lean more towards dark, gritty and tortured with erotic smut, the characters here while witty, charming and brilliant FAILED to captivate me in that sense.
Dare I Say The Word?
Boring.
Don't hold this against me. For while I thought everything well written, I just wasn't sucked in. That's what happens when you don't read Vanilla stuff for a whole week running, and need angst and drama to keep me there. Haha.
THIS WAS BASED ON A PERSONAL PREFERENCE, OBVIOULSY BY THE GLARING POSITIVE REVIEWS BY MANY OTHERS, THIS WAS A GOOD BOOK, but since I lean more towards dark, gritty and tortured with erotic smut, the characters here while witty, charming and brilliant FAILED to captivate me in that sense.
Dare I Say The Word?
Boring.
Don't hold this against me. For while I thought everything well written, I just wasn't sucked in. That's what happens when you don't read Vanilla stuff for a whole week running, and need angst and drama to keep me there. Haha.
August 26, 2020
A refreshing romance! A spunky redhead, her incorrigible father and a cocky earl, need I say more? Jules and his gang of wagering friends are all distinctly different in intriguing ways. I loved Jules’ very human habit of cracking his knuckles and neck; just one of the little details that this author uses to spin a well crafted tale.
October 18, 2021
3.65 Stars
This pleasantly surprised me. It was actually really solid. I rather liked Charley and Jules (mmmm, tasty Man Name). Charley was odd and fierce and self conscious all at once. Jules was considerate and cocky and gets his prejudice-comeuppance.
Anders was totally willing to confront some glaring issues we rarely see confronted in our tasty aristocratic HR worlds: how the wealthy increased their profits and got wealthier (particularly in America)! Want to take a guess at what it was?
Slavery. It’s slavery.
It’s not an overarching theme but it is discussed (though not in detail, more abstractly). I appreciated this inclusion, but it is something to consider if it is a major triggers.
Anyhooo….
All was rolling along nicely. Great sexual tension. Beautiful pacing until BAM!— sudden, needless conflict was created AND resolved between the 80% and 95% mark. The resolution? Extravagant, complex, overwritten, overwrought Grand Gestures. It didn’t ruin it, it just… annoyed me. Anyways it came together quietly in the end, with many Feels which was more the way I like my HR.
Warning: this book is chalk full of blatant Americanisms, modern colloquialisms & anachronisms (I don’t know why I’m including this in reviews more than usual of late, but maybe this phase of caring/noticing will pass soon).
Otherwise, I liked it immensely. It was a very nicely constructed romance and so the flaws didn’t outweigh the lurrvvvee overmuch. Onto the next in the series! The Dowager better get what she deserves in the next book.
This pleasantly surprised me. It was actually really solid. I rather liked Charley and Jules (mmmm, tasty Man Name). Charley was odd and fierce and self conscious all at once. Jules was considerate and cocky and gets his prejudice-comeuppance.
Anders was totally willing to confront some glaring issues we rarely see confronted in our tasty aristocratic HR worlds: how the wealthy increased their profits and got wealthier (particularly in America)! Want to take a guess at what it was?
Slavery. It’s slavery.
It’s not an overarching theme but it is discussed (though not in detail, more abstractly). I appreciated this inclusion, but it is something to consider if it is a major triggers.
Anyhooo….
All was rolling along nicely. Great sexual tension. Beautiful pacing until BAM!— sudden, needless conflict was created AND resolved between the 80% and 95% mark. The resolution? Extravagant, complex, overwritten, overwrought Grand Gestures. It didn’t ruin it, it just… annoyed me. Anyways it came together quietly in the end, with many Feels which was more the way I like my HR.
Warning: this book is chalk full of blatant Americanisms, modern colloquialisms & anachronisms (I don’t know why I’m including this in reviews more than usual of late, but maybe this phase of caring/noticing will pass soon).
Otherwise, I liked it immensely. It was a very nicely constructed romance and so the flaws didn’t outweigh the lurrvvvee overmuch. Onto the next in the series! The Dowager better get what she deserves in the next book.
January 20, 2024
This started out well and took a turn for the slow and dull. The boredom hit me at about 40%. I kept on trudging all the way to 53%. By this time I said F it and skipped to about 80%. I went from chapter “Pesky chaperones” to “No Turning Back” chapter. I didn’t feel lost just relief. The story picks up again after this all through to the finish. The epilogue is so so as it is predictable and it mostly sets up the next books.
I’m on the fence about reading more of this series. I don’t want to skip large chunks of stories. But I am a bit curious of the sister’s stories. Hmm.
If anyone cares- this not erotica. The couple has premarital intercourse. They touch and kiss. But it is not erotica. I didn’t find it all that sexy. It was just there in the story.
The “cocky” used here is for the mens attitudes. Charley call them “cocksure.” In the sense of confidence not penises. This cocky or cocksureness didn’t really come across in the story well enough for me, but it didn’t change my opinion of the story.
I’m on the fence about reading more of this series. I don’t want to skip large chunks of stories. But I am a bit curious of the sister’s stories. Hmm.
If anyone cares- this not erotica. The couple has premarital intercourse. They touch and kiss. But it is not erotica. I didn’t find it all that sexy. It was just there in the story.
The “cocky” used here is for the mens attitudes. Charley call them “cocksure.” In the sense of confidence not penises. This cocky or cocksureness didn’t really come across in the story well enough for me, but it didn’t change my opinion of the story.
September 15, 2022
DNF 42%
First off, calling your book "Cocky Earl" and not making it a hard erotica just seems like a strange decision.
I had to stop reading it though because I was bored out of my mind. Almost halfway through and literally nothing has happened.
The hero is obsessed with honor, but didn't do anything honorable in the book. (Now then this could have been an interesting character dissection on how his actions do not line up with his ideals, but it did not seem like that was what the author intended) He was also completely indifferent to being forced to marry a stranger. It just made him passive and uninteresting.
The heroine refuses to marry for flimsy reasons that did not make me think she was endearing or quirky, just stupid. Some guy broke her heart so she decides to go against all societal expectations and cripples her potential business success in the extremely conservative and male dominated liquor industry. A smart business woman that wants to protect her heart would just find some spineless yes man to marry.
If the author had made the conflict about the heroine having to give up her home and her dreams in order to marry an English Earl, that would have made sense. That's a real obstacle. He can't just pack up and move to America, she would be the one to have to sacrifice. Instead rather than any real depth, she's just a toddler that doesn't want to get married period.
But, all those issues would have been tolerable if the book was not so boring.
First off, calling your book "Cocky Earl" and not making it a hard erotica just seems like a strange decision.
I had to stop reading it though because I was bored out of my mind. Almost halfway through and literally nothing has happened.
The hero is obsessed with honor, but didn't do anything honorable in the book. (Now then this could have been an interesting character dissection on how his actions do not line up with his ideals, but it did not seem like that was what the author intended) He was also completely indifferent to being forced to marry a stranger. It just made him passive and uninteresting.
The heroine refuses to marry for flimsy reasons that did not make me think she was endearing or quirky, just stupid. Some guy broke her heart so she decides to go against all societal expectations and cripples her potential business success in the extremely conservative and male dominated liquor industry. A smart business woman that wants to protect her heart would just find some spineless yes man to marry.
If the author had made the conflict about the heroine having to give up her home and her dreams in order to marry an English Earl, that would have made sense. That's a real obstacle. He can't just pack up and move to America, she would be the one to have to sacrifice. Instead rather than any real depth, she's just a toddler that doesn't want to get married period.
But, all those issues would have been tolerable if the book was not so boring.
August 27, 2020
What an intriguing book. The characters with their quick whit brought humor to this romance story. Jules and Charleys courtship is a most unique one where both people who had o interests in the other found a way to fall in love with each other. Their love is a slow burn, but when that wick flickers Jules and Charlie’s love burns bright. The comradely between all characters helps lighten the mood of the book. Having Jules friends around helped him keep his head on. The help of Jules sisters Charley was great full for. Being the only child was hard for her. Being among all the people of the ton was a bit much for her. The drama is interesting and the love romance between Jules and Charley is every girls dream.
I absolutely loved everything about this book. The innocent flirting between the main characters I so enjoyed reading. This book is wonderfully written. I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy.
I absolutely loved everything about this book. The innocent flirting between the main characters I so enjoyed reading. This book is wonderfully written. I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy.
August 25, 2020
Such a great start to this series!
Charley is our heroine and Jules, Earl of Westerley, our hero, have such a great story. Both have had some issues with parents that play into this story.
I love that Charley is an American and quite sassy too. She’s bright and feeling a little out of place while she’s visiting her maternal grandparents in England with her very American, Whiskey king father in tow. Charley and her father are invited to a proper country house party due to her grandparents place in society and upon attending her father does something to alter Charley’s life path. Jules, on the other hand, is very, very proper and always honor bound. He has a bit of history, but he is always very honorable and honestly, a really great catch in the book boyfriend game.
Their story is one of longing and I love everything about this book!
5.0 stars-highly recommend!
Charley is our heroine and Jules, Earl of Westerley, our hero, have such a great story. Both have had some issues with parents that play into this story.
I love that Charley is an American and quite sassy too. She’s bright and feeling a little out of place while she’s visiting her maternal grandparents in England with her very American, Whiskey king father in tow. Charley and her father are invited to a proper country house party due to her grandparents place in society and upon attending her father does something to alter Charley’s life path. Jules, on the other hand, is very, very proper and always honor bound. He has a bit of history, but he is always very honorable and honestly, a really great catch in the book boyfriend game.
Their story is one of longing and I love everything about this book!
5.0 stars-highly recommend!
August 14, 2020
Wonderful start to a new series. Julian Wellstone, the Earl of Westerley, is always getting himself and his friends into trouble. He has many regrets, and feels his honour is all he has left to uphold. Miss Charley Jackson, American Whiskey King, Mr. Daniel Jackson's daughter, is not happy to be in England, but at least she will be able to tour some of the whisky distilleries there. Forced together, this unlikely pair, are exactly what each other needs. The characters in this story, their relationships (especially the Cocksure Lords) and the ingenious way Ms Anders successfully finishes the book were amazing. Can't wait for more books in the series.
January 6, 2022
I understand this is the first book in a series, but there were so many characters to introduce that the romance was completely lost on the mix.
When I wasn’t trying to figure out who was who, I was puzzled by what made the Earl seem “cocky” other than Charley’s preconceived feelings on anything English.
When I wasn’t trying to figure out who was who, I was puzzled by what made the Earl seem “cocky” other than Charley’s preconceived feelings on anything English.
August 4, 2020
Normally with one of Annabelle's books, you're hooked within the first couple pages. This one, it took a bit longer. I'm thinking the author was setting the stage so we'd get to know her hero and heroine before things started rolling which was smart because only knowing where the two stood would the story make sense from the beginning.
I loved Charley. She was intelligent, saucy and loved her place beside her father in his whiskey business. But her father was determined to make good on a promise he made to his wife before she died: that he'd take Charley to London for a Season so she'd experience the life her mother gave up. Charley didn't know this, of course, and she was set on seeing England and then traveling to Scotland with her father as planned. But he had other ideas.
Jules was a man of honor. It was all he had left, according to him. He was born into a privileged status and would want for nothing in life. So honor was all he had. He felt responsible for his father's death and found it difficult to fill his shoes. So one evening while he's at a table playing cards, a perfect hand is dealt his way. So what could go wrong in betting high stakes with a perfect hand. Right?
FAVORITE LINES IN THE BOOK:
1) Because as much as she'd enjoyed tasting the earl's scotch, tasting the actual earl had been better.
2) Taking one last moment, he removed the flask Charley had given him from his pocket and threw back the last drops of her whisky. The flavor reminded him of her. It was sweet, strong, and apologetically American.
It's a beautiful story of a woman who wanted so desperately to be in the man's world of business but in those times, it just wasn't possible. Perhaps, there's a way for each of them to get what they want and find their own HEA. Great read! Highly recommend!!
I loved Charley. She was intelligent, saucy and loved her place beside her father in his whiskey business. But her father was determined to make good on a promise he made to his wife before she died: that he'd take Charley to London for a Season so she'd experience the life her mother gave up. Charley didn't know this, of course, and she was set on seeing England and then traveling to Scotland with her father as planned. But he had other ideas.
Jules was a man of honor. It was all he had left, according to him. He was born into a privileged status and would want for nothing in life. So honor was all he had. He felt responsible for his father's death and found it difficult to fill his shoes. So one evening while he's at a table playing cards, a perfect hand is dealt his way. So what could go wrong in betting high stakes with a perfect hand. Right?
FAVORITE LINES IN THE BOOK:
1) Because as much as she'd enjoyed tasting the earl's scotch, tasting the actual earl had been better.
2) Taking one last moment, he removed the flask Charley had given him from his pocket and threw back the last drops of her whisky. The flavor reminded him of her. It was sweet, strong, and apologetically American.
It's a beautiful story of a woman who wanted so desperately to be in the man's world of business but in those times, it just wasn't possible. Perhaps, there's a way for each of them to get what they want and find their own HEA. Great read! Highly recommend!!
August 11, 2020
While this book might be called the Cocky Earl it is his heroine who is the really cocky one. Julian Wellstone, the Earl of Westerley and his friends bet on all kinds of things and while a a house party his mother was throwing, Jules bet and lost against the American, Mr Jackson. The bet if he lost - to marry Mr Jackson's daughter Charley.
While he agreed to propose to Charley (out of honor) he wasn't excited about it and neither was Charley. Everyone thought Jules was practically betrothed to Lady Felicity. But that was more his dead father's plan than his own.
The more time Jules and Charley spent together the closer they got. She wasn't your regular deb and didn't really fit in with the women at the party. She was more interested in making whiskey (with an E) than painting or flower arranging.
Just when things look perfect and they plan to announce their engagement a problem comes up that will split them apart. There is nothing Jules can do to change it and remain honorable so Charley steps in and gathers all his friends to help her win the day. She steps up and makes sure they have the Happily Ever After they both deserve.
I received an advanced copy of this book.
While he agreed to propose to Charley (out of honor) he wasn't excited about it and neither was Charley. Everyone thought Jules was practically betrothed to Lady Felicity. But that was more his dead father's plan than his own.
The more time Jules and Charley spent together the closer they got. She wasn't your regular deb and didn't really fit in with the women at the party. She was more interested in making whiskey (with an E) than painting or flower arranging.
Just when things look perfect and they plan to announce their engagement a problem comes up that will split them apart. There is nothing Jules can do to change it and remain honorable so Charley steps in and gathers all his friends to help her win the day. She steps up and makes sure they have the Happily Ever After they both deserve.
I received an advanced copy of this book.
September 19, 2021
Loved the American heroine in this story. She's smart, self aware and not willing to be tricked into marriage. The H was disappointing to me, he and his friends gamble recklessly, and he still had not learned from his mistakes. He was a weak man, deferred decisions and allowed other to lead him. She could have done better. It was good but Hero was too weak for her.
Read
August 7, 2022DNF...
Maybe I really have developed a flair for the dramatics cause there was nothing wrong with the book per se. The FL is rationale and sweet the, ML quite the gentleman and unawarely besotted with her. There is barely any ripple in the calm waters of their relationship and that is boring me to bits. I guess smooth sailing romances aren't doing it for me anymore...
Maybe I really have developed a flair for the dramatics cause there was nothing wrong with the book per se. The FL is rationale and sweet the, ML quite the gentleman and unawarely besotted with her. There is barely any ripple in the calm waters of their relationship and that is boring me to bits. I guess smooth sailing romances aren't doing it for me anymore...
May 24, 2022
3 stars for being well-written but I gave up 80% because the author made too good a case for the American not being fit to be an earl's proper wife. I couldn't imagine anyone in Britain being friendly or welcoming to the Ameican h if the British H married her instead of the British lady everyone expected him to.
And although it's well-written, I felt no building heat between them
And although it's well-written, I felt no building heat between them
October 27, 2023
I enjoyed the book. It is the first in a set of intertwined stories about a group of friends. In each book you read about the some of the same events but from a different characters’ viewpoint.
There are detailed intimate scenes, but only a couple. No surprise given the books name.
It’s what I call a ‘light historical romance’ in that most elements are historically correct. Still the story flows along well, the characters are engaging and there is an HEA. It all makes for a pleasant read. I am going to red the rest of the series.
There are detailed intimate scenes, but only a couple. No surprise given the books name.
It’s what I call a ‘light historical romance’ in that most elements are historically correct. Still the story flows along well, the characters are engaging and there is an HEA. It all makes for a pleasant read. I am going to red the rest of the series.
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