She is a strong woman who doesn’t want to settle... When faced with a suitor who is only seeking her wealth, will she choose to follow her heart or end up locked in a loveless marriage forever?
When Edward was sent away from Bellham Manor to join the military after an argument with his father, he never expected to return to London. Forced back by his father's death - he must fulfill a mysterious stipulation or risk losing everything that’s rightfully his. He must find a bride of noble birth within ninety days. Having already lost one woman he loved dearly, Edward does not want to marry for convenience.
Lady Adelaide has lived her whole life being told what to do and how to do it by her overbearing, relentless mother, the Duchess of Strafford. The duke and duchess are determined that she will find a husband during this London season, but their daughter is unconventional; she cares nothing for the trappings of the ton or the strictures of the society.
Fate brings our heroes to meet unexpectedly, in the dark, alone - then again in a great ball...but all is not what it seems! Nefarious forces are conspiring to keep them apart and destroy their newfound interest and happiness. Will their love be enough to flourish despite the constraints and expectations of society?
Follow Eleanor into an exciting world of whirlwind romance and fairytale, of wild passion and treacherous intrigue, and live unforgettable happy-ever-after's along with her protagonists that are guaranteed to stay in your thoughts and memories forever.
3.5 stars. A fun historical romance that was very pleasant to read as a palette cleanser. Didn't expect much more than that and was surprised in how much I enjoyed it. Will most likely read more from Eleanor Keating the next time when I'm in the mood for an historical romance
I was provided a copy for an honest review. This was my first book by the author, but I would definitely read more.
The story immediately drew me in:
"If there was a better way to pass the time on a long carriage ride than reading, Adelaide had not found it. Her personal library was immense, and she whiled away whole days meandering between shelves, picking dozens of books to stack on tables and choose from later. Sometimes, she read a few pages and decided the story was not for her, and moved on to the next."
Hey, what's better than books?
The hero was mysterious and honorable. The heroine was bright and adventurous but also loving and loyal to her family. I liked them both.
The writing style was unique. Almost every scene between the H/h was written twice - once from each point of view. This allowed me to better understand and relate to both MCs.
The two met at a masquerade, and I love masquerades. However, even though they felt a soul connection, for much of the story they were courting others. Per their parents' guidance, they happened to be seeing a brother and sister. This put them in proximity to each other over and over. I do think this portion was too long. The Earl should have formally requested permission to court the woman he was attracted to much sooner rather than continuing to see a woman he couldn't stand. However, in the end, all worked out right; and these two got their HEA.
True Love for the Reluctant Earl by Eleanor Keating is a new author to this reader and I truly enjoyed this clean regency historical romance. I sometimes like a little spice in my romance readings but sometimes I do on occasion love a nice worthwhile clean novel that has a happy ending.
Adelaide has resigned herself to being a spinster but her parents have other plans. They want to her to marry this season and her father has made it possible through a very large dowry. The dowry catches the eyes of some and especially a family needing the money. However, here we have the Earl of Bellham who really doesnt want a wife but needs one to gain his full inheritance left by his father. When Edward and Adelaide meet there is an attraction and they grown closer.
I loved this story and the HEA. The added bonus to the epilogue was very nice also.
A very enjoyable historical romance. Clean and romantic with enough drama to keep it interesting. My first book by this author and I will definitely read more by her.
This was a fine book. It is my first regency novel and I liked it just fine. But I didn’t fall in love with it.
The story was a good clean love story with a HEA. There were a few minor mistakes in continuity but nothing major. I’m sure it will be a great read for fans of the genre.
True Love for the Reluctant Earl is a standalone book by Eleanor Keating.
The reluctant Earl in this story is Edward, the Earl of Bellham. He has returned home after his father's death and is shocked when the will is read stating that he must marry within three months or lose everything he is set to inherit. If he had only himself to think of he would have happily lost the lot rather than be pushed into marriage. BUT he does have others to think of and with that in mind attends the season's entertainments in order to find a woman to marry. His mother has advised him which woman she believes would be a good match for him, but he is only left feeling cold in her presence.
Adelaide is a woman happiest left to her own devices and likes nothing but to escape into the adventures of books. Two seasons in London have passed and there have been no offers of marriage which she isn't bothered in the least about. Unfortunately, her parents aren't of the same mind and have told her that she must find a husband this season, and are pushing her towards one man in particular. A man who makes Adelaide's skin crawl.
Adelaide and Edward meet at a masquerade party and there is an immediate attraction between them. It's an attraction that Edward doesn't really want because he has given his heart once, to his late wife, and he feels guilt at the thought of being able to love another. Adelaide, on the other hand, would love nothing more than to be closer to Edward. She even hopes that he could be the man she could marry, rescuing her from marrying her parents' choice...that is until she finds out a secret he is hiding, one that hurts her and makes her realise that he isn't going to be the man to rescue her after all.
Will Edward be able to let himself love again, and if he does, will he be able to not only convince Adelaide to forgive him but that he loves her and wants to marry her? Will he be able to convince her father that the man he wants Adelaide to marry is bad and definitely not somebody she should marry.
On the positive side it's obvious that the author spent time researching the clothing of the era and I enjoyed reading about the various ensembles that Adelaide wore. I also enjoyed reading about Almacks, and enjoyed the book being set during a London season.
The storyline was a good one that I very much looked forward to reading, but there are inconsistencies that spoiled it somewhat for me. Much of the time I found the wording too modern and in places too American, such as when a character called her Mother 'MOM'.
I found Adelaide's attitude and behaviour towards her parents to be too modern also. She came across as a spoilt teenager of today sometimes with her eye-rolling, backchat and mumbling beneath her breath. I think a woman can be independent, unhappy with her parents' machinations and in that era still be more respectful as the times dictated. Especially a woman of breeding which is what Adelaide is meant to be.
The storyline where Adelaide finds out Edward's secret didn't work for me either. Yes, they had shared two special moments on their own, but they didn't have much time to talk or get to know each other. Why then did Adelaide take such offence when she discovers his secret. It isn't what she finds out that upsets her so much as the fact that she believes he should have told her. Pray tell, when did he have the opportunity to tell her even if he wanted to? I could write more of the problems I found with the story but that would give too many spoilers, suffice to say they stopped this being the 5-star read that I think it could have been.
Rormid - per RFS . Ben ritrovate, carissime Fenici. Oggi vi parlerò di un libro ancora inedito in Italia, un romanzo storico: True Love for the reluctant Earl, ovvero “Il vero amore per il conte restio”. Io devo ammetterlo, non son una romanticona, ma le storie d’amore ambientate nel passato mi affascinano, per l’intensità dei sentimenti e per l’elaborato concetto di corteggiamento tanto lontano dalla nostra realtà moderna. L’etichetta del comportamento della donna, dell’uomo e dell’intera società è intrigante, per quanto possa essere anni luce dal proprio pensiero, quasi inaccettabile per noi adesso.
Da una parte abbiamo Lady Adelaide, la figlia del Conte e della Contessa di Strafford. Lei non è interessata alla vita della nobiltà inglese, né a trovarsi un marito degno del suo titolo al più presto, vorrebbe solo leggere i suoi amati libri e viaggiare, ma non ha scelta e durante la stagione Londinese, dove tutte le ragazze di famiglia nobile si espongono per cercar marito, anche lei lo dovrà fare. Perché è ciò che i suoi genitori desiderano, e una donna a un certo punto diventa troppo “vecchia” per sposarsi rischiando quindi di restare zitella e questo non è assolutamente possibile in una famiglia come la sua. Lei però è anticonvenzionale, non ama le regole che la sua società detta e crede che un matrimonio debba avere come principale ingrediente l’amore. Sarà possibile per lei avere un legame simile o dovrà piegarsi al volere dei suoi genitori?
Dall’altra parte abbiamo il neo Conte Edward, che lo diventerà in realtà solo se sposerà una donna di origine nobile entro novanta giorni dalla lettura del testamento, così ha voluto il suo defunto padre, il Conte di Bellham. Ma lui ha già amato una donna in passato, immensamente, e non crede di esser capace di tale sentimento un’altra volta. Quindi anche Edward sarà costretto a un matrimonio di convenienza, a meno che non voglia rinunciare al suo titolo e alla sua eredità. Eredità che è importante non soltanto per lui.
I nostri “eroi” riusciranno ad avere ciò che desiderano o si uniformeranno alla società Londinese?
Lady Adelaide è una donna intelligente, anticonvenzionale, emancipata e amante dei libri, in cui si rifugia non appena può, per sfuggire alla realtà che la opprime. Lei desidera conoscere il mondo, vuole dedicarsi alla lettura, trovare un amore come quelli di cui legge sempre nei suoi romanzi. Non tollera le regole che la sua nobiltà detta, perché una nobildonna deve vestirsi in un modo preciso, non importa se con quei vestiti e corsetti si riesca a respirare a malapena, avere il giusto portamento, saper ballare, saper suonare il pianoforte, saper rispondere secondo etichetta al proprio interlocutore, e trovare marito. Tutto questo non le sta bene assolutamente e il suo spirto ribelle si fa sentire.
Il Conte Edward, un uomo elegante, colto e affascinante è tornato a casa dopo tanti anni nell’esercito, anche lui è anticonvenzionale a modo suo. Ha amato intensamente una donna di cui non doveva assolutamente essere innamorato e per questo ha pagato. Non sa se il suo cuore è pronto ad amare nuovamente e anche lui desidera un matrimonio d’amore e non d’interesse e ciò lo rende frustrato poiché per aver ciò che gli spetterebbe di diritto si ritrova invece a dover scegliere tra il sentimento e la sua eredità.
È una bellissima lettura che ti trasporta nella Londra di quei tempi, le descrizioni degli abiti e degli eventi tipici di quell’epoca son precise, quasi dipinte sulle pagine, a tal punto da sentirsi immersi dentro quei momenti. Tendenzialmente non amo i romance, ma quelli storici hanno la capacità di incantarmi, l’atmosfera, i vestiti, i balli, i corteggiamenti di allora mi affascinano, son lontani dal mio essere e dal mio pensiero, anzi non potrebbero esser più lontani da me, ma ciononostante li adoro. Avrei desiderato un approfondimento maggiore sull’evoluzione del rapporto tra Adelaide e Edward all’inizio della storia, ma tuttavia son soddisfatta dal racconto e la consiglio vivamente a tutte le romantiche lì fuori e, perché no, anche a quelle meno romantiche come me.
I really enjoyed this clean regency by Eleanor Keating. Adelaide has accepted that she will be a spinster. Her parents have decided this is the season for her to find a husband. So her father has put aside a large dowry hoping that will interest an eligible suitor for his only child. And indeed it does get the attention of a family in need of that dowry. The new Earl of Bellham doesn't desire a wife, but the only way Edward can get his full inheritance is to marry within 3 months of the reading of his father's will. As the season begins, Edward and Adelaide meet and feelings for each other begin. This is new to her, but Edward was in love before so tries to distance himself from her. He has secrets that he is not ready to share. But as a moth to a flame, he returns time and again. Once Adelaide's father accepts a proposal from a lustful opportunist for her hand in marriage, she has no help in getting out of the arrangement. She longs for a love match. Edward's secret is exposed, and now Adelaide has doubts. There was just the right amount of suspense to keep me reading (finished in 2 days) and was very happy to get the extended epilogue. My heart is happy.
This is my first time reading a book by Eleanor Keating. The story moved along at a good pace. This book has a lot of detail, the scenery descriptions were pretty detailed, bringing the characters to life, with their own personalities, issues, and dreams. My only problem was the way the main character who held the title of an Earl was constantly addressed as "Your Grace" an appellation which is reserved for a character with a title of Duke or Duchess. I also noticed a few typo's but most books have mistake or two. This was an intense, sweet, historical romance story that I thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish.
The epilogue was so nice but I enjoyed the extended epilogue even more. The look into the characters life that they led after marriage and their children's lives was very well done. It was almost like a bonus story.
An absolutely sweet and charming read!! The book is well written and easy to read. Edward and Adelaide are simply heart-warming together. I loved the fact that Adelaide loved to read. A bookworm for a heroine is simply fantastic. You don’t get to read it often. Elspeth was an absolute sweetheart. I loved the additional prologue about her party and her John. All in all a good read. This is the first time, I’ve read this author and will surely be continuing. I received a copy in exchange of an honest review.
This is a well written book with strong characters and an entertaining story line. The author does a great job developing their story and gives them a strong chemistry but many obstacles to work through. She adds in humor and suspense and had me glued to the pages with all the twists and turns. Great extended epilogue!! Well done!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I was allowed to download this book to read and review. It’s the first book I’ve done this with , and first time I’ve read this author.
If you’re not very familiar with this genre , then this book is fine. It’s not particularly good , but it’s not bad either. I think I judge it a bit more harshly cause I’ve read a lot in this genre already.
The basic plot has been done a lot , but isn’t bad. I had bigger issues with the lack of natural development between the two main characters. There’s so very little interaction between them that her expectations of him and the overall reported love and desire seem baseless. All of the characters were kind of bland too, and there was no real humor or smart dialogue.
Based on this book , I wouldn’t read more by this author.
Adelaide would rather read than participate in the expectations society has for a young lady. As a rest she doesn’t it fit in with the other young ladies. Her parents have high expectations and want her married by the end of the season as she will be a spinster if she does not. The book is entertaining. It brings in some interesting facets from that time period
This romance was the perfect weekend read! “True Love for the Reluctant Earl” is a sweet story with some wonderful twists and turns that make its ending all the more satisfying. Edward and Adelaide’s story is heartwarming and I love that Eleanor Keating didn’t just let it end at the usual spot but provided the ending I wish more Regency Authors would! Loved it!
Edward comes home after learning of his Father's death. He is now the Earl of Bellham and according to his Father's will, must marry in 90 days to keep the title. What is he to do? He is a widower, who vowed never to love again, plus he has a secret. Adelaide is a strong willed lady, in her third season. Her parents want her to put her books down, stop daydreaming and concentrate on finding a husband or they will for her. She only wants to marry for love. She meets Edward at one of the many balls to be given that season. Will the rules of the ton, push her dreams away for love. Follow this sweet love story. I enjoyed their journey!
This was my first read from Eleanor Keating and it was a great book. Adelaide was trying to find a balance between being a strong woman and a pleasing and dutiful daughter. Times called for a female to marry and uphold or help improve her families status as much as possible, her feelings not taken into consideration. Edward also walked a similar path as the only male to carry on his family legacy, while keeping his daughter Elspeth protected and secret. Adelaide and Edward are drawn to each other and yet unsure how to appease their families. They struggle to follow their hearts while dealing with others that would do anything to keep them apart. I look forward to more books from this author! I am giving my honest review after reading an ARC.
Really enjoyed this book and the historical era depicted. For me it was a case of 'just one more chapter' to see what happened next! Adelaide was typical of young women of the time...on show for the Marriage Mart and tied by the restrictions and expectations of her parents....regardless of her personal desires. The relationships between Adelaide, Edward, Maria & Charles maintain the intrigue, especially as the reader knows the thoughts of each person, but the personalities in the story have to work through it themselves. An entertaining read!
A really sweet and heartbreaking story. Very well written and highly recommended. Everything to the supporting characters to the times flows so nicely. A heartbroken and lonely man and a feisty, single woman who wants to stay that way. But her parents have other ideas. Exciting, fun, surprising, intriguing, emotional read with twists and turns. I received a review copy and voluntarily review it.
Adelaide loves her books but not "Ton" functions. The mean spirited, numerous females that just love to spread as well as make up gossip to drag others down. Being the only child has its disadvantages as she needs to keep her parents happy. Now she is in her third season and still not happy about it. She wants adventure and travel but get lecherous, evil men. That is until a masquerade ball, there she meets a stunning, handsome, real gentkeman.
Edward returns home after receiving the news of his father's death. He is nervous and unsure of what to expect. He does have a secret that he is not sure how his mother will handle. Now with the reading of the will be finds out just how mad his father was still. He has three months, 90 days, to find a noble bride or lose it all. With so many counting on him, what is a new Earl to do. Why go to a Masquerade Ball of course!
With all the witty banter and nitpicking mama's advise/demands we get two people that are just trying to cope in a world that they never really got into. I would love to give a little more details but if I did it would give away the mystery surprise that you find out what it is a third of the way through the book. But believe me it is worth the read.
Very well written. My newest favorite author. I took a chance on this author to see how well she wrote and she did not disappoint. She manages to throw surprise twists at pivotal moments in the story. She throws out little tidbits of information that leaves you guessing at what was intimated and then brings it to light during a moment when least expected. Very enjoyable.
A wonderful Regency Romance story. The characters and settings are vivid and realistic. Has a gripping story line and I found it difficult to put the book down. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it, and I highly recommend it to fans of the Regency Romance genre.
Drama, romance, and happy endings – in short, everything I love in romances. Eleanor Keating is a new author for me but her books will be on my TBR list from now on.
The Duke and Duchess of Strafford are determined that their daughter will be married before the end of the Season. Lady Adelaide is in no hurry to oblige them unless she marries for love, but her parents are no longer willing to humor their unconventional, soon-to-be-spinster daughter.
Edward is returning to Bellham Manor after seven years to assume the title of Earl, following the death of his father. It was not his choice to leave England and it is not his choice to return, but he must put his painful memories aside and fulfill the duties of his new position. His father’s will stipulates that he must marry a woman of nobility within ninety days or forfeit his inheritance. Edward buried his heart with the woman he loved but a marriage of convenience to one of the insipid young ladies of the Ton will be required to meet the terms of the will.
It is refreshing to read a clean, well-written romance with an educated, determined leading lady. This is a book for any age of reader that enjoys historical romances. I received a free copy of the book but my review is voluntary and honest.
"True Love for the Reluctant Earl" by Eleanor Keating I loved this story, and to think I almost missed reading it. I was offered an ARC of the story by the author; and, to my shame I did not immediately jump on that chance. But a few weeks later I checked to see if the offer was still available, and, obviously it was. I downloaded my ARC copy from the author via Bookfunnel and read the epub edition. By the way the epub edition had the chapter links which I find very helpful. Anyway, back to the review. I read the story in less than two days. Once I started reading I just couldn't stop. Well, yes, I took short breaks, and did make myself go to bed at a reasonable hour, but you must know what I mean when I said I couldn't stop. This was an intense, sweet, clean, historical romance story that I thoroughly enjoyed from start to finish. I did notice a couple of typo's but I was reading an ARC copy so I expect those were caught and repaired before the final printing. I do hope you enjoy reading this story as much as I did. Happy Reading ! ! Note: as I stated in the review, I received the ARC (free Advanced Reader Copy) from the author with the expectation of my posting my honest review.
3.5-4 Stars!!! This book was pretty good. Maybe I just couldn’t connect with the main character, Adelaide, because I’m not like her at all! I can’t sit by and let others dictate my life with no say. I prefer books where the main character is less doormat-ish, letting everyone and their mother step all over them. I know women in the 1800’s England were treated very differently then present day American women but still, it irks me to no end!
SEMI-SPOILER... I felt like Adelaide got too upset over something she really had never asked outright and had no right knowing after less than a handful of meetings with Edward. If he had lied straight to her face, she would still have been overreacting, in my opinion.
Good thing I wasn’t born back then, I don’t believe I’d have faired well. (Plus- NO air conditioning, running water/showers/toilets, epidural’s, tampons, cars, electric/electronic’s or Amazon.... I’ll pass, thank you very much!) Still, by the end, I was glad I finished reading the book. I always enjoy a good HEA ending!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an ARC that was provided to me by the author!*
This was the first book I have read by this author and I was interested to see how she would handle the historical aspect of the novel. I do enjoy a story with a good plot line and this story had some intrigue tied in with the “does the boy get the girl” and vice versa. The background story of the earl is slowly revealed and then that secret is revealed by the wrong person at the wrong time. I had suspected a different character was going to be the antagonist...but it wasn’t. I like the little twist to the plot. Overall it was an enjoyable read with insights into the constraints of society and the consequences of expectations. Both the male and female character had to deal with these, though in different ways.