What do you think?
Rate this book
The Beautiful Barringtons #1
The Theory of Earls
“Chemise. Stockings. Piano.”
Three words, uttered by the beautifully rakish Lord Welles, leave Margaret Lainscott speechless. His improper request, that she play the piano for him in her…underthings is as shocking as it is titillating. Margaret should never have asked his help in reintroducing her to Lord Carstairs. But his friend meets all of Margaret’s criteria for a husband; passably attractive, of below-average intelligence, and possessed of an obsessive outdoor hobby which will leave her free to pursue her own life.
Welles is one of London’s most committed bachelors, known for his notorious dealings with women and his part ownership of one of London’s pleasure clubs. He’s long admired Miss Lainscott’s unrestrained passion at the piano; a passion he suspects is not reserved only for her music. Welles is certain Miss Lainscott will not entertain his improper request despite the attraction burning between them.
A young lady such as Miss Lainscott would never ruin herself willingly.
And Welles? Nothing would make him compromise his heart…
Until a duet with a passionate pianist changes his mind.
The Theory of Earls is a steamy, sexy regency romance with a guaranteed happily ever after and the first in a new series, The Beautiful Barringtons.
Three words, uttered by the beautifully rakish Lord Welles, leave Margaret Lainscott speechless. His improper request, that she play the piano for him in her…underthings is as shocking as it is titillating. Margaret should never have asked his help in reintroducing her to Lord Carstairs. But his friend meets all of Margaret’s criteria for a husband; passably attractive, of below-average intelligence, and possessed of an obsessive outdoor hobby which will leave her free to pursue her own life.
Welles is one of London’s most committed bachelors, known for his notorious dealings with women and his part ownership of one of London’s pleasure clubs. He’s long admired Miss Lainscott’s unrestrained passion at the piano; a passion he suspects is not reserved only for her music. Welles is certain Miss Lainscott will not entertain his improper request despite the attraction burning between them.
A young lady such as Miss Lainscott would never ruin herself willingly.
And Welles? Nothing would make him compromise his heart…
Until a duet with a passionate pianist changes his mind.
The Theory of Earls is a steamy, sexy regency romance with a guaranteed happily ever after and the first in a new series, The Beautiful Barringtons.
310 pages, Paperback
First published August 28, 2020
1093 people are currently reading
1669 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Ayers
42 books629 followersKathleen Ayers has been a hopeful romantic since the tender age of fourteen when she first purchased a copy of Sweet Savage Love at a garage sale while her mother was looking at antique animal planters. Since then she’s read hundreds of historical romances and fallen in love dozens of times. In particular she adores handsome, slightly damaged men with a wicked sense of humor. On paper, of course.
Kathleen lives in Houston and is married with one college aged son and two very spoiled dogs.
Kathleen lives in Houston and is married with one college aged son and two very spoiled dogs.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 330 reviews
December 5, 2022
I absolutely adored this book.
It was a beautiful story of attraction, chemistry, multi-layered seduction and passionate, sensual soulmate love. A story of two kindred spirits powerfully drawn to each other by not only their physical attraction but their mutual love of and passion for music.
This book was pure seduction in so many different forms.
After witnessing Margaret play the piano at a party, Welles was utterly captivated and powerfully drawn to her. Her soulful, passionate virtuoso performance fired his blood, spoke to his soul, and he was seduced.
Margaret, living under the thumb of her cruel, manipulative aunt, was just as powerfully drawn to Welles. To his physical beauty, his rakish charm, his sexy voice, yes, but it went deeper. Welles saw her in a way no one else did, saw not only her beauty but her heart and soul, and she was seduced.
Welles turned in her direction, a small lazy smile gracing the corner of his wide mouth. He was so beautiful sitting at the Broadwood, like Hades playing Chopin in the underworld.
The scene where Margaret plays for Welles in just her chemise and stockings was deliciously sensual and erotic, and I was seduced.
Here is just a little tease from that scene:
“I’ve come to play for you.” She undid the clasp of her cloak, letting it fall to the floor, and lifted her chin. Her chemise was only a thin barrier of cotton between her body and Welles; she was certain he could see her naked form beneath. “As you requested, my lord. Stockings. Chemise. Piano.”
The piece she would play came to her in a moment, accompanied by an insistent ache between her thighs. It was for him, after all. Two frail notes echoed in the room before she bent forward, allowing the music to flow into her veins, moving through her slender body as if a match had been struck to set her aflame.
She could feel his eyes on her, sensed he was mentally stripping the chemise from her body, and exploring the curve of her spine. When she arched back, Margaret wasn’t surprised at the firm wall of muscle circling her.
When she bent forward, Welles matched each movement, his fingers running over the length of her arms, sending flames down through her fingertips. The burn of his lips pressed against her neck as Margaret struggled to focus on the music. His arm snaked around her waist, holding her pressed tight to the hardness at the juncture of his thighs.
It wasn’t all just passion and piano, though. Welles had some serious daddy issues that caused a lot of angst and unfortunately Margaret bore the brunt of Welles’ deep-seated anger for his father. Welles’ spiteful nastiness brought tears to my eyes and made my heart hurt for her, and made me so angry with him that I wanted to slap him.
”You blame me for this.” A tic appeared in his cheek. He looked as if he wanted to strangle her. Dear God, he did. The unfairness of the situation, the feeling she was nothing but a burden, a piece of bloody spoiled fruit no one wanted but couldn’t dispose of, bubbled to the surface, exploding in a torrent. “I don’t want to marry you, either.” Her hands curled into fists as she faced him. “I’ve no desire to be subjected to your foul mood and resentment for the remainder of my days. Good Lord, I already live with someone who hates me. I didn’t trap or ensnare you, my lord, so please cast your withering stare elsewhere.”
In the end, Welles had to decide if he was going to continue to hold on to his toxic anger, letting it destroy the best thing that ever happened to him, or let go and choose love.
A truly captivating story.
It was a beautiful story of attraction, chemistry, multi-layered seduction and passionate, sensual soulmate love. A story of two kindred spirits powerfully drawn to each other by not only their physical attraction but their mutual love of and passion for music.
This book was pure seduction in so many different forms.
After witnessing Margaret play the piano at a party, Welles was utterly captivated and powerfully drawn to her. Her soulful, passionate virtuoso performance fired his blood, spoke to his soul, and he was seduced.
Margaret, living under the thumb of her cruel, manipulative aunt, was just as powerfully drawn to Welles. To his physical beauty, his rakish charm, his sexy voice, yes, but it went deeper. Welles saw her in a way no one else did, saw not only her beauty but her heart and soul, and she was seduced.
Welles turned in her direction, a small lazy smile gracing the corner of his wide mouth. He was so beautiful sitting at the Broadwood, like Hades playing Chopin in the underworld.
The scene where Margaret plays for Welles in just her chemise and stockings was deliciously sensual and erotic, and I was seduced.
Here is just a little tease from that scene:
“I’ve come to play for you.” She undid the clasp of her cloak, letting it fall to the floor, and lifted her chin. Her chemise was only a thin barrier of cotton between her body and Welles; she was certain he could see her naked form beneath. “As you requested, my lord. Stockings. Chemise. Piano.”
The piece she would play came to her in a moment, accompanied by an insistent ache between her thighs. It was for him, after all. Two frail notes echoed in the room before she bent forward, allowing the music to flow into her veins, moving through her slender body as if a match had been struck to set her aflame.
She could feel his eyes on her, sensed he was mentally stripping the chemise from her body, and exploring the curve of her spine. When she arched back, Margaret wasn’t surprised at the firm wall of muscle circling her.
When she bent forward, Welles matched each movement, his fingers running over the length of her arms, sending flames down through her fingertips. The burn of his lips pressed against her neck as Margaret struggled to focus on the music. His arm snaked around her waist, holding her pressed tight to the hardness at the juncture of his thighs.
It wasn’t all just passion and piano, though. Welles had some serious daddy issues that caused a lot of angst and unfortunately Margaret bore the brunt of Welles’ deep-seated anger for his father. Welles’ spiteful nastiness brought tears to my eyes and made my heart hurt for her, and made me so angry with him that I wanted to slap him.
”You blame me for this.” A tic appeared in his cheek. He looked as if he wanted to strangle her. Dear God, he did. The unfairness of the situation, the feeling she was nothing but a burden, a piece of bloody spoiled fruit no one wanted but couldn’t dispose of, bubbled to the surface, exploding in a torrent. “I don’t want to marry you, either.” Her hands curled into fists as she faced him. “I’ve no desire to be subjected to your foul mood and resentment for the remainder of my days. Good Lord, I already live with someone who hates me. I didn’t trap or ensnare you, my lord, so please cast your withering stare elsewhere.”
In the end, Welles had to decide if he was going to continue to hold on to his toxic anger, letting it destroy the best thing that ever happened to him, or let go and choose love.
A truly captivating story.
March 22, 2021
This is the second time I've read this, and I think I forgot/didn't write a review the first time was because of my enjoyment level over some character issues.
LOVE Kathleen Ayers, but this one was more rage inducing.
An evil Aunt and a gross suitor connive to take the heroine's dowry and her happiness. The debonair Earl or Duke steps in to steal wreck havoc on their plans. He is intrigued by the somewhat plain heroine's passion for music. The dynamics between them were fun and flirty until it came time to get serious.
It's his drive to spite his father that is his downfall as a character. We have another Mommy's boy who hates Daddy and won't be happy, marry and have an heir... so there! I'm over that trope. See The Duke and I.
The H is Lord Sparkle and Fun even when he's seducing the heroine then goes into a bad boy sulk where the heroine is ruined, he doesn't want to make good even though he wants her, he makes her suffer for doing the right thing and then says some UNFORGIVABLE things. Bad. Mean. Rotten. Needs a skillet.
I wasn't crazy about her attempts to be compromised by another suitor in order to avoid her pear shaped, greedy lech suitor endorsed by the Aunt from hell.
This may be a case of It's me not you.
LOVE Kathleen Ayers, but this one was more rage inducing.
An evil Aunt and a gross suitor connive to take the heroine's dowry and her happiness. The debonair Earl or Duke steps in to steal wreck havoc on their plans. He is intrigued by the somewhat plain heroine's passion for music. The dynamics between them were fun and flirty until it came time to get serious.
It's his drive to spite his father that is his downfall as a character. We have another Mommy's boy who hates Daddy and won't be happy, marry and have an heir... so there! I'm over that trope. See The Duke and I.
The H is Lord Sparkle and Fun even when he's seducing the heroine then goes into a bad boy sulk where the heroine is ruined, he doesn't want to make good even though he wants her, he makes her suffer for doing the right thing and then says some UNFORGIVABLE things. Bad. Mean. Rotten. Needs a skillet.
I wasn't crazy about her attempts to be compromised by another suitor in order to avoid her pear shaped, greedy lech suitor endorsed by the Aunt from hell.
This may be a case of It's me not you.
February 10, 2022
The first thought I had reading this book was that it must have been written by Stacy Reid. The writing style is so similar that I had to check the cover to make sure I wasn't reading the "wrong" book.
The second thought was that the conversations were little bit too modern for my tastes. Specially when the hero was swearing. He used a few times the f bomb (but that word started in the 16th century and I have seeing it used before but not as much as here) as well as the word ass. The second was so modern that I even researched when the slang word was first used and it started in 1860, whether this story takes place in 1839. Just technicalities that makes a story not feel quite as old as it should be.
Anyway, this is the story of a rake who's obsessed about a plain girl. But the thing is, she is plain on purpose. She does not want to marry, the only thing she wants is to play her piano. But circumstances make her change her mind and I liked the heroine a lot, she was unwanted and unloved and not once I was able to feel pity for her because she was so strong and not at all a winning person. She is a doer and it was nice seeing her story unfolding.
The hero on the other hand I thought to be a bloody fool. My feeling toward him were a roller-coaster. Sometimes I liked him, he's quite sexy and irresistible, and other times I wanted to seriously injury him. I am so glad his brother was there to put some sense in him.
What I enjoyed most was the family dynamics. I often enjoy this the most in my stories. I know a lot of people prefer the story to be focused more on the couple, and I enjoy that as well, but I feel it is fundamental to see how the family works with the couple. Because for better or for worse, we marry into a family not only the one person.
Anyway, I enjoyed the story, and never have I imagined that playing the piano and making music could be so sexy. Their love scenes were super steamy.
I am already looking forward to reading the second book.
4.5 stars. The idiot hero deserves to loose half a point! Lol
The second thought was that the conversations were little bit too modern for my tastes. Specially when the hero was swearing. He used a few times the f bomb (but that word started in the 16th century and I have seeing it used before but not as much as here) as well as the word ass. The second was so modern that I even researched when the slang word was first used and it started in 1860, whether this story takes place in 1839. Just technicalities that makes a story not feel quite as old as it should be.
Anyway, this is the story of a rake who's obsessed about a plain girl. But the thing is, she is plain on purpose. She does not want to marry, the only thing she wants is to play her piano. But circumstances make her change her mind and I liked the heroine a lot, she was unwanted and unloved and not once I was able to feel pity for her because she was so strong and not at all a winning person. She is a doer and it was nice seeing her story unfolding.
The hero on the other hand I thought to be a bloody fool. My feeling toward him were a roller-coaster. Sometimes I liked him, he's quite sexy and irresistible, and other times I wanted to seriously injury him. I am so glad his brother was there to put some sense in him.
What I enjoyed most was the family dynamics. I often enjoy this the most in my stories. I know a lot of people prefer the story to be focused more on the couple, and I enjoy that as well, but I feel it is fundamental to see how the family works with the couple. Because for better or for worse, we marry into a family not only the one person.
Anyway, I enjoyed the story, and never have I imagined that playing the piano and making music could be so sexy. Their love scenes were super steamy.
I am already looking forward to reading the second book.
4.5 stars. The idiot hero deserves to loose half a point! Lol
September 7, 2022
Re-read July 2022 - And I still love it!
4.85 Stars
My Thoughts
- Where have you been Kathleen Ayers? She has just risen to my top five favourite HR authors of all time. Such was the impact of this one book I read. Did I mention this was my first Ayer's book?
- This story was so beautiful and emotionally charged that it had me hooked enough to have read it in one sitting. Spinster meets rake is not new in this genre, and there are only so many permutations & combinations one can come up with, oh, but not this one. It was a common trope, wonderfully wrapped in delectability and was presented to you on a silver platter of angst.
- I have many, many wonderful things to say about this book, so let's start with the technicalities. The prose was engaging and era-appropriate, the pacing was fast, and the characters were unique. Even though the plot moved a little up and down, it never lost sight of the main thread. There was romance, drama, humour, steam, and angst. What more can you ask for?
- Now, emotionally speaking, I felt it all. And I felt it all physically. I rarely have this type of reaction to a book as I am what many would call a detached reader. I don't think I have intrinsically reacted to a book after The Highwayman. The reason I called this story emotionally charged is that I had a pit in my stomach, felt my chest contract, my throat constrict, my eyes well up, and my toes curl. I was with the characters in every experience, so powerful was Ms Ayer's writing. The cynic in me says it's confirmation bias, as in, I was determined to like this book because the last few I read were not that great, but I don't think so.
- The romance in this story was absolutely subtle - blink, and you might miss it. As both the main characters were musically inclined virtuosos, there was a lyrical and sensual depth to this romance. Music can be a very emotional thing when you hear a particularly beautiful composition, and I am happy to say that I read that music here. That author has not gone into a lot of detail about insta-love, but I got the feeling that Anthony & Margaret were meant for each other. They were opposites who tempered one another and created something beautiful. There was a symphony in their togetherness, a soulful harmony if you will.
- There is only one way to describe Maggie, and that is resilient. This girl endured so many things but always found a way out. She was an intelligent girl who knew when and how to fight, when to back off and solve her problems. I thoroughly admired her pragmatism.
- If Maggie took the resilient approach, Tony took the bitterness road. Initially, he came across as a run-of-the-mill rakish scoundrel who hates his father. Later, when his secrets came out, I hated the duke too. I understood his hurt, bitterness and his need to punish his father, I did not enjoy it, but I understood it. What I loved about Tony's character is that I could not judge him black or white. There were shades to him, a lot of darker shades, brought on by years worth of misery that could not just go away because he spent a few weeks with Maggie. But he also had many underlying admirable qualities beneath the rough facade.
- The supporting characters were enjoyable, interesting, sufficiently annoying (Agnes & Winthrop), and well fleshed out, considering their limited visibility. I am looking forward to reading the stories of the other Barringtons.
- Another brilliant, non-romantic aspect was the raw emotional pain. The author did not shy away from the bitter truths. There wasn't a final resolution to all the anguish, no goodbyes, and a lot of things that were left unsaid. The only option available was to learn to live with the regret or let the hatred go.
Problem, if it can be called that
- I understood that Tony was hurting, but it was difficult for me to see how much of his anger he took out on Maggie. After a point, his words were daggers that he regretted saying almost immediately, but they hurt nonetheless. Having said that, there wasn't much grovelling on his part. He should have dropped to his knees to grovel. But I am not laying all the blame at Tony's feet, as Maggie too was very quick to forgive him. Under the circumstances it was slightly acceptable, very, very slightly. This made for a rather convenient and rushed resolution. I expected more as the context of such rawness was set.
PS (After having read The Study of a Rake) - The epilogue was wonderful, heartwarming, and tear-jerking.
My Recommendation
If this gushing review is not a recommendation, then I don't know what is? I am looking forward to devouring Ms Ayer's entire bibliography. I hope The Study of a Rake holds the mantel.
4.85 Stars
My Thoughts
- Where have you been Kathleen Ayers? She has just risen to my top five favourite HR authors of all time. Such was the impact of this one book I read. Did I mention this was my first Ayer's book?
- This story was so beautiful and emotionally charged that it had me hooked enough to have read it in one sitting. Spinster meets rake is not new in this genre, and there are only so many permutations & combinations one can come up with, oh, but not this one. It was a common trope, wonderfully wrapped in delectability and was presented to you on a silver platter of angst.
- I have many, many wonderful things to say about this book, so let's start with the technicalities. The prose was engaging and era-appropriate, the pacing was fast, and the characters were unique. Even though the plot moved a little up and down, it never lost sight of the main thread. There was romance, drama, humour, steam, and angst. What more can you ask for?
- Now, emotionally speaking, I felt it all. And I felt it all physically. I rarely have this type of reaction to a book as I am what many would call a detached reader. I don't think I have intrinsically reacted to a book after The Highwayman. The reason I called this story emotionally charged is that I had a pit in my stomach, felt my chest contract, my throat constrict, my eyes well up, and my toes curl. I was with the characters in every experience, so powerful was Ms Ayer's writing. The cynic in me says it's confirmation bias, as in, I was determined to like this book because the last few I read were not that great, but I don't think so.
- The romance in this story was absolutely subtle - blink, and you might miss it. As both the main characters were musically inclined virtuosos, there was a lyrical and sensual depth to this romance. Music can be a very emotional thing when you hear a particularly beautiful composition, and I am happy to say that I read that music here. That author has not gone into a lot of detail about insta-love, but I got the feeling that Anthony & Margaret were meant for each other. They were opposites who tempered one another and created something beautiful. There was a symphony in their togetherness, a soulful harmony if you will.
- There is only one way to describe Maggie, and that is resilient. This girl endured so many things but always found a way out. She was an intelligent girl who knew when and how to fight, when to back off and solve her problems. I thoroughly admired her pragmatism.
- If Maggie took the resilient approach, Tony took the bitterness road. Initially, he came across as a run-of-the-mill rakish scoundrel who hates his father. Later, when his secrets came out, I hated the duke too. I understood his hurt, bitterness and his need to punish his father, I did not enjoy it, but I understood it. What I loved about Tony's character is that I could not judge him black or white. There were shades to him, a lot of darker shades, brought on by years worth of misery that could not just go away because he spent a few weeks with Maggie. But he also had many underlying admirable qualities beneath the rough facade.
- The supporting characters were enjoyable, interesting, sufficiently annoying (Agnes & Winthrop), and well fleshed out, considering their limited visibility. I am looking forward to reading the stories of the other Barringtons.
- Another brilliant, non-romantic aspect was the raw emotional pain. The author did not shy away from the bitter truths. There wasn't a final resolution to all the anguish, no goodbyes, and a lot of things that were left unsaid. The only option available was to learn to live with the regret or let the hatred go.
Problem, if it can be called that
- I understood that Tony was hurting, but it was difficult for me to see how much of his anger he took out on Maggie. After a point, his words were daggers that he regretted saying almost immediately, but they hurt nonetheless. Having said that, there wasn't much grovelling on his part. He should have dropped to his knees to grovel. But I am not laying all the blame at Tony's feet, as Maggie too was very quick to forgive him. Under the circumstances it was slightly acceptable, very, very slightly. This made for a rather convenient and rushed resolution. I expected more as the context of such rawness was set.
PS (After having read The Study of a Rake) - The epilogue was wonderful, heartwarming, and tear-jerking.
My Recommendation
If this gushing review is not a recommendation, then I don't know what is? I am looking forward to devouring Ms Ayer's entire bibliography. I hope The Study of a Rake holds the mantel.
May 16, 2022
3.7 stars
Such an unexpected treat! I loved the good-looking Earl who say the h as a passionate musician. He is the only one not fooled by her shy pretense.
I especially love when she throws up on that pear shaped toad when he proposed.
Rtc
Such an unexpected treat! I loved the good-looking Earl who say the h as a passionate musician. He is the only one not fooled by her shy pretense.
I especially love when she throws up on that pear shaped toad when he proposed.
Rtc
December 10, 2020
Wanted to like this, but I couldn't stand the hero by the 3/4 point. Stylistically, this is well-written, with only a few grammar/spelling errors (and missing commas here and there). Also, I love the allusions to the piano and classical music. I was really into this book until the hero got out of control with his jealousy. Until then, his attitude toward the h was a bit condescending, but I figured his character would change for the better. (Nope).
SPOILERS:
First, H sets h up, sending the nice guy she is hoping to marry on a wild goose chase, leading her awful aunt to press her into marriage to an unpleasant loser with weird shoes who is just after her money (the detailed descriptions of loser and aunt are funny at first, but then get a bit stale).
Next, H sets h up AGAIN so that she and he are discovered in a compromising position--by the nice guy she had hoped to marry. H takes off and lets h deal with the fallout: the awful aunt, humiliation, emotional uncertainty, and continued nasty gossip, being too much of a child to offer for h's hand right away (he'd already had sex with her, but of course, he blames that on her). In fact, he only seems concerned about his own reputation, drunkly ruminating about how people see him now.
Subsequently, H is completely nasty during the wedding and still weeks after, blaming h for the marriage and even accusing her of conspiring with his sweet stepmother (!). At this point the only characters I liked were the stepmom and brother. I started skimming.
The last straw came a few sex scenes later, after h had already told H I love you. She gathered the courage to let him know she's pregnant, and he tells he to get rid of the baby. She tells him she loves him again, and he tells her to get out of his sight.
At this point, h leaves H (as she should) and spends time with his family. All along, H is supposedly putting h through all this because of his lousy father and the stupid revenge he's been wanting (to spite his dad, H vowed to never marry or have an heir). Turns out dad's not such a bad guy after all.
What?
It's an unconvincing HEA. The h is constantly down on herself for being plain, the H is constantly described as beautiful, and so her love for him seems based more on lust and abysmal self-esteem.
I realize this is a historical romance, and you should expect tropes, but I am SO tired of h's in these books having to coddle alphas and put themselves aside in order for the guys to grow up enough to say "I love you" and show a shred of maturity. The ending would have been better if the h had truly realized her worth, opened a music school and continued to support artists. And lived her own life.
SPOILERS:
First, H sets h up, sending the nice guy she is hoping to marry on a wild goose chase, leading her awful aunt to press her into marriage to an unpleasant loser with weird shoes who is just after her money (the detailed descriptions of loser and aunt are funny at first, but then get a bit stale).
Next, H sets h up AGAIN so that she and he are discovered in a compromising position--by the nice guy she had hoped to marry. H takes off and lets h deal with the fallout: the awful aunt, humiliation, emotional uncertainty, and continued nasty gossip, being too much of a child to offer for h's hand right away (he'd already had sex with her, but of course, he blames that on her). In fact, he only seems concerned about his own reputation, drunkly ruminating about how people see him now.
Subsequently, H is completely nasty during the wedding and still weeks after, blaming h for the marriage and even accusing her of conspiring with his sweet stepmother (!). At this point the only characters I liked were the stepmom and brother. I started skimming.
The last straw came a few sex scenes later, after h had already told H I love you. She gathered the courage to let him know she's pregnant, and he tells he to get rid of the baby. She tells him she loves him again, and he tells her to get out of his sight.
At this point, h leaves H (as she should) and spends time with his family. All along, H is supposedly putting h through all this because of his lousy father and the stupid revenge he's been wanting (to spite his dad, H vowed to never marry or have an heir). Turns out dad's not such a bad guy after all.
What?
It's an unconvincing HEA. The h is constantly down on herself for being plain, the H is constantly described as beautiful, and so her love for him seems based more on lust and abysmal self-esteem.
I realize this is a historical romance, and you should expect tropes, but I am SO tired of h's in these books having to coddle alphas and put themselves aside in order for the guys to grow up enough to say "I love you" and show a shred of maturity. The ending would have been better if the h had truly realized her worth, opened a music school and continued to support artists. And lived her own life.
August 25, 2023
Margaret Lainscott is trying to avoid being forced into marriage with a repugnant suitor by her loathsome aunt. She approaches Anthony Barrington, Lord Welles, to help her reacquaint herself with his friend, Lord Carstairs, in hopes of making a more tolerable match. But Anthony has a shocking request in order to gain his assistance: that Margaret play the piano for him...in her underclothes.
This is the first book in the Beautiful Barringtons series. I have not read the previous series - The Wickeds - but Ayers mentions in the end notes that Margaret and Welles were introduced as secondary characters.
Margaret is the daughter of a tin-miner and a lady. When her father dies, she becomes a ward of her mother's sister, who hated her father and doesn't care much for Margaret either. Money talks though, and her awful aunt is happy to trade her for a cut of her dowry. To cope, Margaret shrinks herself, pretending to be quiet and docile, in order to avoid attracting attention. Unfortunately, there's always a disgusting fortune hunter waiting in the wings so Margaret is desperate to find a simple man who won't stiffle her or waste her dowry.
Enter, Tony! The two have met before at a house party, and he's enthralled by Margaret. He sees under the surface to the passionate miss she's hiding inside. He doesn't want his friend to have her, but he has daddy issues and refuses to marry and sire an heir. He doesn't really believe Margaret would entertain his improper request despite the attraction burning between them...but when she does, of course it's sizzling hot.
This story was really well layered and makes a lot of commonly used plot points still feel fresh. I really loved this book and Ayer's writing style. I look forward to reading more from her, especially Leo's story.
Tropes: Class Difference, Arranged Marriage, Matchmaking, Indecent Proposal
Steam: 3 (two longer scenes, one complete but short scene, and another very short scene)
This is the first book in the Beautiful Barringtons series. I have not read the previous series - The Wickeds - but Ayers mentions in the end notes that Margaret and Welles were introduced as secondary characters.
Margaret is the daughter of a tin-miner and a lady. When her father dies, she becomes a ward of her mother's sister, who hated her father and doesn't care much for Margaret either. Money talks though, and her awful aunt is happy to trade her for a cut of her dowry. To cope, Margaret shrinks herself, pretending to be quiet and docile, in order to avoid attracting attention. Unfortunately, there's always a disgusting fortune hunter waiting in the wings so Margaret is desperate to find a simple man who won't stiffle her or waste her dowry.
Enter, Tony! The two have met before at a house party, and he's enthralled by Margaret. He sees under the surface to the passionate miss she's hiding inside. He doesn't want his friend to have her, but he has daddy issues and refuses to marry and sire an heir. He doesn't really believe Margaret would entertain his improper request despite the attraction burning between them...but when she does, of course it's sizzling hot.
This story was really well layered and makes a lot of commonly used plot points still feel fresh. I really loved this book and Ayer's writing style. I look forward to reading more from her, especially Leo's story.
Tropes: Class Difference, Arranged Marriage, Matchmaking, Indecent Proposal
Steam: 3 (two longer scenes, one complete but short scene, and another very short scene)
Read
March 10, 2022I thought this was a little too Bridgerton ...which, is not my thing.
May 28, 2023
Exceptional writing makes a fairly common plot into a great read. The H hated his father so is determined to never marry, but he falls in love with the h. She's being bullied into a forced marriage by her wicked aunt. Loved the plot, characters and their stories. One of my all time favourite series. Every book's a winner.
April 7, 2021
Kathleen Ayers has a new fan! This is my second book by her - I read this out of order - but I loved it more than the other.
Tony and Maggie had me laughing. They also had me pacing as I read because of Tony's stubborn hatred that he wouldn't let go of. And there at the end I was crying. This was so good! I can't wait to read more of this series, and just more from this author.
Tony and Maggie had me laughing. They also had me pacing as I read because of Tony's stubborn hatred that he wouldn't let go of. And there at the end I was crying. This was so good! I can't wait to read more of this series, and just more from this author.
August 23, 2025
Kontlar Teorisi Aka Bridgertons Reloaded 🌟
Maggie' nin tek istediği piyanosunu huzur içinde çalmakken manipülatif teyzesi piyanosunu onu cezalandırmak için kullanır, bir gün bir ev toplantısında piyanoda bir şeyler çalar ve Antony' nin ilgisini çeker. Aradan biraz zaman geçer Maggie' nin acil evlenmeye ihtiyacı olur, Antony' den yardım ister ve olaylar gelişir. 🔥 Anthonyciğimiz de tabii ki babasını cezalandırmak için evlenmemeye yeminler etmiş bir kont 😒
Açıkçası 250 sayfalık bir kitap için sonu hariç iyi kotarılmıştı, her şey vardı gelecek kitaplar için göz kırpan yan karakterler, gerilim, kıskançlık, kendini bulma, yanlış anlaşılma, vs..
7. kitabı çok merak ettiğim için çıktım bu yola, ama umduğumu bulduğum için pişman değilim devam edeceğim. Uzun zamandır Historical de okumadığımdan olabilir çok sevdim. Artık 500 sayfa HR okumak istemiyordum da zaten güzel oldu. Bayadır evlenme tuzağına adamın çekme olayını okumamıştım.😌
Kitabın Özeti: Ummadık taş baş yarar 💁
Maggie' nin tek istediği piyanosunu huzur içinde çalmakken manipülatif teyzesi piyanosunu onu cezalandırmak için kullanır, bir gün bir ev toplantısında piyanoda bir şeyler çalar ve Antony' nin ilgisini çeker. Aradan biraz zaman geçer Maggie' nin acil evlenmeye ihtiyacı olur, Antony' den yardım ister ve olaylar gelişir. 🔥 Anthonyciğimiz de tabii ki babasını cezalandırmak için evlenmemeye yeminler etmiş bir kont 😒
Açıkçası 250 sayfalık bir kitap için sonu hariç iyi kotarılmıştı, her şey vardı gelecek kitaplar için göz kırpan yan karakterler, gerilim, kıskançlık, kendini bulma, yanlış anlaşılma, vs..
7. kitabı çok merak ettiğim için çıktım bu yola, ama umduğumu bulduğum için pişman değilim devam edeceğim. Uzun zamandır Historical de okumadığımdan olabilir çok sevdim. Artık 500 sayfa HR okumak istemiyordum da zaten güzel oldu. Bayadır evlenme tuzağına adamın çekme olayını okumamıştım.😌
Kitabın Özeti: Ummadık taş baş yarar 💁
Read
November 30, 2022DNF @13%. I’m just not feeling it.
January 8, 2024
I really enjoyed this one! Almost 4 stars
Which is a surprise for me, since I'm not a typical historical romance reader anymore. For that I read them way too seldom. And because of that, please don't take my rating too seriously.
Anyway, I'm really glad I picked up The Theory of Earls because it was a nice surprise, with many wonderful scenes and a main couple that was fantastic. It reminded me of all the things I love about this genre AND makes me want to re-read some of my all times favorite historical romances.
I tried to read the rest of the series but lost interest (which tells me I had my fill with The Theory of Earls, and should leave it at that).
Which is a surprise for me, since I'm not a typical historical romance reader anymore. For that I read them way too seldom. And because of that, please don't take my rating too seriously.
Anyway, I'm really glad I picked up The Theory of Earls because it was a nice surprise, with many wonderful scenes and a main couple that was fantastic. It reminded me of all the things I love about this genre AND makes me want to re-read some of my all times favorite historical romances.
I tried to read the rest of the series but lost interest (which tells me I had my fill with The Theory of Earls, and should leave it at that).
January 19, 2023
unexpected and sensual
April 11, 2022
4.5 ⭐️
This was my first book by this author and it definitely won't be the last!
This was a fantastic historical romance about a woman masquerading as a wallflower and a rake reluctant to reform.
Margaret wants nothing more than to focus on her music. Playing and composing piano music are her passion, and she doesn't want to sacrifice them for a marriage that will end her independence.
Welles will never forget the first glimpse he had of Margaret. Her virtuoso piano performance at a house party 2 years ago was the most scintillating thing he'd ever seen. When she enlists his assistance in landing one of his best friends at the altar, he doesn't feel the least bit guilty about demanding a very risque exchange.
But Welles keeps sabotaging Margaret's efforts to land his friend. And he is the polar opposite of all of her husband requirements- there is no possibility of her ever managing him.
Welles slowly realizes he wants the prickly pianist for himself, and soon circumstances spiral beyond their control.
The Things I loved:
1. An unforgettable, unapologetic heroine who is unafraid to chase her dreams.
2. A rake that is more than ready to be reformed- even if it's against his better judgment.
3. Intimacy against a piano that could burn down everything around it.
4. A unique setting and an intriguing take on the forced marriage of convenience trope.
Characters: 4⭐️
Plot: 4.5⭐️
Steam: 5 ⭐️
This was my first book by this author and it definitely won't be the last!
This was a fantastic historical romance about a woman masquerading as a wallflower and a rake reluctant to reform.
Margaret wants nothing more than to focus on her music. Playing and composing piano music are her passion, and she doesn't want to sacrifice them for a marriage that will end her independence.
Welles will never forget the first glimpse he had of Margaret. Her virtuoso piano performance at a house party 2 years ago was the most scintillating thing he'd ever seen. When she enlists his assistance in landing one of his best friends at the altar, he doesn't feel the least bit guilty about demanding a very risque exchange.
But Welles keeps sabotaging Margaret's efforts to land his friend. And he is the polar opposite of all of her husband requirements- there is no possibility of her ever managing him.
Welles slowly realizes he wants the prickly pianist for himself, and soon circumstances spiral beyond their control.
The Things I loved:
1. An unforgettable, unapologetic heroine who is unafraid to chase her dreams.
2. A rake that is more than ready to be reformed- even if it's against his better judgment.
3. Intimacy against a piano that could burn down everything around it.
4. A unique setting and an intriguing take on the forced marriage of convenience trope.
Characters: 4⭐️
Plot: 4.5⭐️
Steam: 5 ⭐️
March 22, 2023
☆☆☆.5
“The Theory of Earls” by Kathleen Ayers tells the story of Tony and Margaret. Tony is to his own distaste the heir of the title Duke of Averell. Out of revenge for what his mother had to endure during her marriage to his father, he decides to never marry and never sire an heir, therefore letting their bloodline die. For years he lives comfortably managing his gambling hall and jumping from bed to bed, until he meets Margaret, the daughter of a wealthy tin mine owner.
Margaret has only one passion in life, playing and composing music on her piano. But her aunt who is eager to rid herself of her unwanted niece has other plans for her, plans involving the pear-shaped and rather sweaty Lord looking for a rich wife. During a twist of events, Margaret sees her only chance of escaping a life of misery by seducing one of Tony’s friends.
Obviously, she needs the help of handsome Tony to do so. Yet, the rake is only willing to help her in exchange for some scandalous favours. Favours which feed his own infatuation with the musician, until Tony finds himself in despair between avoiding marriage and wanting Margaret.
I really enjoyed Margaret and Tony as characters. Both of them are very similar while also being different. Neither of them is particularly interested in matrimony, but while Tony has the privilege of a titled man, Margaret doesn’t. Her life depends more or less on her status as a wife of an aristocrat. Especially, considering that her seflish aunt’s livelihood also depends on Margaret marrying. Tony’s pursuit of Margaret is mostly motivated by his own egoistic needs for her. Though he is aware of her precarious situation and even offers help, there are many times his lack of self-awareness and empathy create more problems for Margaret. Funnily enough, more than often he blames all of the consequences of his own actions on Magaret. Tony is a very flawed character who is emotionally immature. There were scenes where I even considered him borderline abusive or at least capable of abuse towards Margaret. I understand that he went through terribly traumatic events in his teens, but I still don’t think that this is an adequate excuse for almost throwing bottles and glasses at your wife. Despite it all, I enjoyed reading about his affection and admiration for Margaret. In his own words, he was the only one who truly saw her for who she was and supported her every passion and pursuit. His inner conflict between wanting Margaret and wanting revenge on his father were executed rather nicely.
And while Tony was in denial about his strong feelings for Margaret, she was well aware of them pretty early. In comparison to Tony, Margaret respected his boundaries of not wanting to marry and was constantly aware that the relationship had no future. Some might call her cruel for being so direct about her seduction of Tony’s friends, but she was simply showcasing him that she didn’t expect him to pursue her and that she was aware he wouldn’t marry her. Obviously, that infuriatied him and motivated him to act against his own wishes. Margaret was the true victim in this story. All her wishes and passion were denied, be it music or the man she loved. The people around her saw her as a means to an end, but not an actual person. She tried her best to please the people around her, denying herself in the process. While the pressure was increasing on her, Tony was still more or less toying with her future, because he couldn’t make up his mind. Through it all, Margaret pulled herself together and faced the challenged head on with or without Tony at her side. Her strength was what eventually allowed their relationship to become a partnership.
Their dynamic was fun when dysfunctional at times. Only in each other’s company could they be themselves, let down their guard and open their heart. In some ways, Maggie needed Tony to learn to stand up for herself, while Tony needed Maggie to finally grow the fuck up and move on from his daddy issues. Now looking back, I can clearly say that Maggie was the dominant partner in the relationship.
As always I really enjoyed Tony’s family. His stepmother and half-sisters were adorable, loving and just a delight to read. I loved the scenes at Cherry Hill with all the girls swirling around, pursuing all sorts of hobbies and their black cat busy hunting every rodent possible. Even Leo, who was the mediator between him and Margaret at times, really spiked my interest and will probably be my main motivation to continue the series eventually.
The ending of the story was acceptable. I wish there would have been more growth visible when it comes to Tony’s characters, as in the last third of the novel, he truly was unlikable and I would have never put up with him if I were Margaret. There was a glimpse of him making peace with his father and his past, but that was mostly in the epilogue.
I don’t know how I feel about a plus-size character being one of the villains of the story and often ridiculed for his looks. It’s kind of this stereotyp of the conventional attractive and slim people being the good guys, while the less conventional attractive and bigger people being the bad guys. This isn’t the first Kathleen Ayers novel in which I detected this kind of stereotyping of plus-size people as less desirable, unwanted and straight up bad people, but I still think it’s important to point it out nonetheless.
The pacing of the story was alright. At points it felt slow and the scenes not completely fitting together. But overall not something that overly bothered me. The writing style of Ayers reminds very much of Tessa Dare and Stacey Reid. A bit on the lighter, romcom side of things, great for international readers like myself.
Overall, a good book, but its flaws and all. It’s a bit hard to rate, but I’d put it somewhere around 3.5 stars. It feels better than a 3 star book, but not good enough for a 4 star book. If you know what I mean. But for rating system possible on GoodReads, I'll round it up to 4 for now.
“The Theory of Earls” by Kathleen Ayers tells the story of Tony and Margaret. Tony is to his own distaste the heir of the title Duke of Averell. Out of revenge for what his mother had to endure during her marriage to his father, he decides to never marry and never sire an heir, therefore letting their bloodline die. For years he lives comfortably managing his gambling hall and jumping from bed to bed, until he meets Margaret, the daughter of a wealthy tin mine owner.
Margaret has only one passion in life, playing and composing music on her piano. But her aunt who is eager to rid herself of her unwanted niece has other plans for her, plans involving the pear-shaped and rather sweaty Lord looking for a rich wife. During a twist of events, Margaret sees her only chance of escaping a life of misery by seducing one of Tony’s friends.
Obviously, she needs the help of handsome Tony to do so. Yet, the rake is only willing to help her in exchange for some scandalous favours. Favours which feed his own infatuation with the musician, until Tony finds himself in despair between avoiding marriage and wanting Margaret.
I really enjoyed Margaret and Tony as characters. Both of them are very similar while also being different. Neither of them is particularly interested in matrimony, but while Tony has the privilege of a titled man, Margaret doesn’t. Her life depends more or less on her status as a wife of an aristocrat. Especially, considering that her seflish aunt’s livelihood also depends on Margaret marrying. Tony’s pursuit of Margaret is mostly motivated by his own egoistic needs for her. Though he is aware of her precarious situation and even offers help, there are many times his lack of self-awareness and empathy create more problems for Margaret. Funnily enough, more than often he blames all of the consequences of his own actions on Magaret. Tony is a very flawed character who is emotionally immature. There were scenes where I even considered him borderline abusive or at least capable of abuse towards Margaret. I understand that he went through terribly traumatic events in his teens, but I still don’t think that this is an adequate excuse for almost throwing bottles and glasses at your wife. Despite it all, I enjoyed reading about his affection and admiration for Margaret. In his own words, he was the only one who truly saw her for who she was and supported her every passion and pursuit. His inner conflict between wanting Margaret and wanting revenge on his father were executed rather nicely.
And while Tony was in denial about his strong feelings for Margaret, she was well aware of them pretty early. In comparison to Tony, Margaret respected his boundaries of not wanting to marry and was constantly aware that the relationship had no future. Some might call her cruel for being so direct about her seduction of Tony’s friends, but she was simply showcasing him that she didn’t expect him to pursue her and that she was aware he wouldn’t marry her. Obviously, that infuriatied him and motivated him to act against his own wishes. Margaret was the true victim in this story. All her wishes and passion were denied, be it music or the man she loved. The people around her saw her as a means to an end, but not an actual person. She tried her best to please the people around her, denying herself in the process. While the pressure was increasing on her, Tony was still more or less toying with her future, because he couldn’t make up his mind. Through it all, Margaret pulled herself together and faced the challenged head on with or without Tony at her side. Her strength was what eventually allowed their relationship to become a partnership.
Their dynamic was fun when dysfunctional at times. Only in each other’s company could they be themselves, let down their guard and open their heart. In some ways, Maggie needed Tony to learn to stand up for herself, while Tony needed Maggie to finally grow the fuck up and move on from his daddy issues. Now looking back, I can clearly say that Maggie was the dominant partner in the relationship.
As always I really enjoyed Tony’s family. His stepmother and half-sisters were adorable, loving and just a delight to read. I loved the scenes at Cherry Hill with all the girls swirling around, pursuing all sorts of hobbies and their black cat busy hunting every rodent possible. Even Leo, who was the mediator between him and Margaret at times, really spiked my interest and will probably be my main motivation to continue the series eventually.
The ending of the story was acceptable. I wish there would have been more growth visible when it comes to Tony’s characters, as in the last third of the novel, he truly was unlikable and I would have never put up with him if I were Margaret. There was a glimpse of him making peace with his father and his past, but that was mostly in the epilogue.
I don’t know how I feel about a plus-size character being one of the villains of the story and often ridiculed for his looks. It’s kind of this stereotyp of the conventional attractive and slim people being the good guys, while the less conventional attractive and bigger people being the bad guys. This isn’t the first Kathleen Ayers novel in which I detected this kind of stereotyping of plus-size people as less desirable, unwanted and straight up bad people, but I still think it’s important to point it out nonetheless.
The pacing of the story was alright. At points it felt slow and the scenes not completely fitting together. But overall not something that overly bothered me. The writing style of Ayers reminds very much of Tessa Dare and Stacey Reid. A bit on the lighter, romcom side of things, great for international readers like myself.
Overall, a good book, but its flaws and all. It’s a bit hard to rate, but I’d put it somewhere around 3.5 stars. It feels better than a 3 star book, but not good enough for a 4 star book. If you know what I mean. But for rating system possible on GoodReads, I'll round it up to 4 for now.
April 16, 2021
This was my first Kathleen Ayer's book and this author did grab my attention. I really liked the premise of this book and writing style. However, I felt like the heroine deserved better. Tony repeatedly said truly horrid things and Maggie always forgave him so easily. I need Tony to grovel about 300% more percent and I wish Maggie put him in his place. The ending was a little unsatisfying and sloppily done. That being said I'm on book 2 and can't wait to to see what is in store for the Barringtons.
February 15, 2022
oil and water i swear = me & historicals. but will that stop me from trying more? no. imma prove the shelf wrong
August 25, 2020
The Theory of Earls
The Beautiful Barringtons Series #1
Kathleen Ayers
https://www.facebook.com/kayersauthor/
Release date 08/28/2020
Blurb
“Chemise. Stockings. Piano.”
Three words, uttered by the beautifully rakish Lord Welles, leave Margaret Lainscott speechless. His improper request, that she play the piano for him in her…underthings is as shocking as it is titillating. Margaret should never have asked his help in reintroducing her to Lord Carstairs. But his friend meets all of Margaret’s criteria for a husband; passably attractive, of below-average intelligence, and possessed of an obsessive outdoor hobby which will leave her free to pursue her own life.
Welles is one of London’s most committed bachelors, known for his notorious dealings with women and his part ownership of one of London’s pleasure clubs. He’s long admired Miss Lainscott’s unrestrained passion at the piano; a passion he suspects is not reserved only for her music. Welles is certain Miss Lainscott will not entertain his improper request despite the attraction burning between them.
A young lady such as Miss Lainscott would never ruin herself willingly.
And Welles? Nothing would make him compromise his heart…
Until a duet with a passionate pianist changes his mind.
The Theory of Earls is a steamy, sexy regency romance with a guaranteed happily ever after and the first in a new series, The Beautiful Barringtons by Kathleen Ayers.
My review :
Will an oath made in anger destroy his possible happiness...
How I loved and was angry at Margaret and Welles from time to time, which demonstrates the author’s talent. I wanted to cheer them but also shake them.
She the heiress overlooked by everyone except by a man thoroughly wrong for her save for their common passion, music, notes that pour out from them when they lose themselves in the melody of their heart.
I disliked when Margaret played the demure obedient girl as she is the complete opposite. But with no means and no right, it was what she thought the easiest path. Until it is no more. Yet she tries every time to be a step ahead, if she is not let behind because Welles manipulated the cards.
Margaret is a passionate woman with a very naive side, thus how she blindly jumps in the many traps set for her, whether by her relative or Welles. But while she tries to disentangle herself from the web of deceit following her every moves, she grows to become whom she should have been if her father had lived.
I loved how she bounces after each deception, she does not let them crush her. She might not always choose the right course but she refuses to give up.
Welles is a conundrum, playing hot and cold, wanting Margaret but angry at himself for desiring her so much. Having swore to never marry but refusing to give her up, jealous when she sets her sight on another.
He wants to rescue her from her predicament but reject the idea of her with someone else than himself. He is caught between two fires, his anger and his desire. And denying himself is something he is not used to.
Yet in his battle with his conscience and anger, his fits of temper and his jealousy hurt her in more way than he had expected. Injuring her deeply.
I can’t wait for the nexts in this series as all the siblings are very unique in themselves.
5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
The Beautiful Barringtons Series #1
Kathleen Ayers
https://www.facebook.com/kayersauthor/
Release date 08/28/2020
Blurb
“Chemise. Stockings. Piano.”
Three words, uttered by the beautifully rakish Lord Welles, leave Margaret Lainscott speechless. His improper request, that she play the piano for him in her…underthings is as shocking as it is titillating. Margaret should never have asked his help in reintroducing her to Lord Carstairs. But his friend meets all of Margaret’s criteria for a husband; passably attractive, of below-average intelligence, and possessed of an obsessive outdoor hobby which will leave her free to pursue her own life.
Welles is one of London’s most committed bachelors, known for his notorious dealings with women and his part ownership of one of London’s pleasure clubs. He’s long admired Miss Lainscott’s unrestrained passion at the piano; a passion he suspects is not reserved only for her music. Welles is certain Miss Lainscott will not entertain his improper request despite the attraction burning between them.
A young lady such as Miss Lainscott would never ruin herself willingly.
And Welles? Nothing would make him compromise his heart…
Until a duet with a passionate pianist changes his mind.
The Theory of Earls is a steamy, sexy regency romance with a guaranteed happily ever after and the first in a new series, The Beautiful Barringtons by Kathleen Ayers.
My review :
Will an oath made in anger destroy his possible happiness...
How I loved and was angry at Margaret and Welles from time to time, which demonstrates the author’s talent. I wanted to cheer them but also shake them.
She the heiress overlooked by everyone except by a man thoroughly wrong for her save for their common passion, music, notes that pour out from them when they lose themselves in the melody of their heart.
I disliked when Margaret played the demure obedient girl as she is the complete opposite. But with no means and no right, it was what she thought the easiest path. Until it is no more. Yet she tries every time to be a step ahead, if she is not let behind because Welles manipulated the cards.
Margaret is a passionate woman with a very naive side, thus how she blindly jumps in the many traps set for her, whether by her relative or Welles. But while she tries to disentangle herself from the web of deceit following her every moves, she grows to become whom she should have been if her father had lived.
I loved how she bounces after each deception, she does not let them crush her. She might not always choose the right course but she refuses to give up.
Welles is a conundrum, playing hot and cold, wanting Margaret but angry at himself for desiring her so much. Having swore to never marry but refusing to give her up, jealous when she sets her sight on another.
He wants to rescue her from her predicament but reject the idea of her with someone else than himself. He is caught between two fires, his anger and his desire. And denying himself is something he is not used to.
Yet in his battle with his conscience and anger, his fits of temper and his jealousy hurt her in more way than he had expected. Injuring her deeply.
I can’t wait for the nexts in this series as all the siblings are very unique in themselves.
5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
August 27, 2023
Is there a better phrase in romance than “I see you” 😍
You know what I love? When a new-to-me-author knocks it out of the park.
This was the premise: our musical genius heroine’s original plan (pretend to be a mousy wallflower until she she could age out of the marriage market and play her piano as a spinster in peace) wasn’t going to work. So she needed a husband pronto—one sweet and dumb husband in particular. And who better to help but his “I’ll never get married” rakish friend who was secretly obsessed with her… and absolutely not going to jealously undermine her plans 😅
There was a lot to love here. Our heroine’s musical brain made her an interesting POV. Our MCs had so much chemistry and I loved that our hero also loved music. And I just have a soft spot for heroines who are trying to be free.
But the best parts were:
🤍 the mess
🤍 the angst
🤍 the way this hero 1000% effs up
🤍 “I see you"
You know what I love? When a new-to-me-author knocks it out of the park.
This was the premise: our musical genius heroine’s original plan (pretend to be a mousy wallflower until she she could age out of the marriage market and play her piano as a spinster in peace) wasn’t going to work. So she needed a husband pronto—one sweet and dumb husband in particular. And who better to help but his “I’ll never get married” rakish friend who was secretly obsessed with her… and absolutely not going to jealously undermine her plans 😅
There was a lot to love here. Our heroine’s musical brain made her an interesting POV. Our MCs had so much chemistry and I loved that our hero also loved music. And I just have a soft spot for heroines who are trying to be free.
But the best parts were:
🤍 the mess
🤍 the angst
🤍 the way this hero 1000% effs up
🤍 “I see you"
April 30, 2023
4.5♥
An unexpectedly good story.
Kathleen Ayers is slowly becoming one of my favorite historical romance authors.
An unexpectedly good story.
Kathleen Ayers is slowly becoming one of my favorite historical romance authors.
April 9, 2025
smidge under 4 stars
My first Kathleen Ayers.
I like her style. Great pacing and storytelling. Excellent dialogue.
Even though it had a more modern feel, I found it made it relatable.
That said, this was written in 2020.
Some of the author's decisions are weird. This is a romance novel. I want to read about men and women and relationships we can sigh over. Why make the hero such a douche bag?
Here are a few things that lowered my rating:
+Repetition issue. Especially descriptions.
+I hate when a heroine gets all tongue-tied when the hero touches her. A pet peeve of mine.
+The heroine came across as weak when she doesn't stand up for herself. Especially when she finally has the freedom to do so.
+I hate when the hero apologizes with sex.
+The heroine lets the hero off way too easily.
+This story needed a good grovel from the hero so I was left unsatisfied and not confident in an HEA
+The hero says "There she is" many times and it bugged the shit of me. I think there was even a "Good girl" in there too. Ick.
My first Kathleen Ayers.
I like her style. Great pacing and storytelling. Excellent dialogue.
Even though it had a more modern feel, I found it made it relatable.
That said, this was written in 2020.
Some of the author's decisions are weird. This is a romance novel. I want to read about men and women and relationships we can sigh over. Why make the hero such a douche bag?
Here are a few things that lowered my rating:
+Repetition issue. Especially descriptions.
+I hate when a heroine gets all tongue-tied when the hero touches her. A pet peeve of mine.
+The heroine came across as weak when she doesn't stand up for herself. Especially when she finally has the freedom to do so.
+I hate when the hero apologizes with sex.
+The heroine lets the hero off way too easily.
+This story needed a good grovel from the hero so I was left unsatisfied and not confident in an HEA
+The hero says "There she is" many times and it bugged the shit of me. I think there was even a "Good girl" in there too. Ick.
January 3, 2026
KU. Mad About Series HRBC Challenge 2026. Tropes: Victorian Romance (1839), Love at First Sight,
Family/Friends, Matchmaker (Aunt L. Dobson) Heiress.
MC's h. Margaret Lainscott, 21, orphaned and legal guardian L. Dobson her aunt, who wants to marry her to the Earl of Winthrop, an odious rediculous man. She is an accomplished pianist and composer.
H. Tony Barrington, Earl of Welles eldest of family. Has bitter feeling towards his father, Duke of Averell but loves his illigitmate half brother Leo Murphy ( mother was lady's maid to Tony's mother and also the Duke's mistress) His father married again and his stepmother Amanda is a patron of the arts especially music and greek lore etc. She and the Duke have a few daughters: Romy, Theo, Phaedra, Olivia. The family is known as the 'Beautiful Barringtons'
This is a story of a Rake who refuses to get married to get even with his father for the mistreatment of his mother and a young orphan being forced into an arranged marriage not of her choice.
Tony Welles, an Earl and future Duke of Averell? works with his illigitmate half brother Leo Murphy at their gaming hell, Elysium, in the ritzy part of London. Their father has remarried and Tony and Leo have 4 younger sisters, Romy, Theo, Olivia and Phaedra that they both adore along with Amanda their stepmother. Both son's don't want to have anything to do with their father because of his treatment of both of their mother's. Their father has tried to make ammends and peace with his son's but they won't budge.
Margaret Lainscott, 21, an orphan is now under her legal guardian's care, her aunt L. Agnes Dobson, who doesn't like her niece. She is trying to marry her off to the Earl of Winthrup an odious, pear shaped man, who is always sweating, uses to much talcum powder and has wierd feminine shoes. Margaret is a talented pianist and composer. She thinks in music and is very bright. She wants to marry Viscount Carstairs an avid sportsman but not too bright upstairs, so she can have her own life surrounding music. Tony Welles, the Earl notices Margaret when she plays the piano at a ton event. He is moved by her talent. He sees her and actually desires her.
They meet again at a ball a year later. The Duchess Amanda, Tony's stepmother and sisters travel to London and his oldest sister Romy is having her comeout. She would love to be a modiste as she loves to design and create beautiful gowns. Amanda, the Duchess supports women in the arts especially music. Two of her girls are quite accomplished on the violin and flute. She asks Margaret to accompany her girls and tutor Romy so she can play a tune for the Duke, her father on his birthday.
Margaret goes to the Duchess's townhouse twice a week and gets to play Tony's piano. She also is writing her composition there too.
Romance between Tony and Margaret: A year after Tony knew he would make "Maggie" his, he met her in the garden's at a "Ton" ball trying to avoid the Earl of Winthrup. He helps her hide from Winthrup. She asks him to aid her in meeting Viscount Carstairs. He makes an indecent proposal asking her to come play the piano for him wearing a chemise and nothing else. Then he would help her. She just laughed it off as a joke.
Amanda, The Duchess of Averell invites Margaret Lainscott over for tea to meet the women in the Royal Society for Female Musicians; Mrs. Lucy Anderson, Mrs. Anne Mounsey. Welles shows up afterwards to see his stepmother and sisters. He can't keep his eyes off her. Amanda had invited Margaret to tutor her girls, Theo and Olivia and help Romy with the piano twice a week. Tony made sure he visited during those times.
They are invited to Georgiana Mastersons' Garden party and Tony made sure she had an invitation without her Aunt L. Dobson. He made sure Carstairs was there and Margaret made an effort to charm him telling him about her hunting escapades but she had competition from another young lady. L. Carstairs invited both young ladies to go fishing with him. Tony just happened to show up for their fishing outing. He was jealous and left before he punched Carstairs. To keep Carstairs away from Maggie he asked him to go up north to check out a hunting property for him.
Lady Dobson encouraged the Earl of Winthrup to ask her charge Margaret to marry him. When he did she cast up her accounts in her aunt's rose bushes. She was desparate. Carstairs was away so she thought about Tony's indecent proposal and snuck out and went to the Elysium to play for Tony. She played her composition she had written about him. They made love. It was wonderful for both of them. Margaret was in love but knew he didn't ever wish to marry anyone. She asked him to help her catch Carstairs so she wouldn't have to marry Winthrup.
At Amanda, The Duchess of Averell's ball Tony told Margaret to go to the library at 11 pm and wait for Carstairs. He told him their was a fish mounted on the wall he should see. Tony played Chopin on his Broadwood piano known for quality of tone. He knew that Maggie would come to him. He drew her into his lap and kissed her. Amanda, Carstairs and Miss Turnbull walked in on them. The Duchess reprimanded Tony thoroughly and asked Carstairs and Miss Turnbull to not tell a soul. Carstairs kept quiet but Miss Turnbull couldn't tell enough people quickly enough.
Lady Dobson took Margaret home but was quite angry. She still thought Winthrup would marry her even though she was compromised. Two days later Welles made an offer and her aunt accepted.
The wedding took place at Lady Dobson's home. Lady Dobson and Leo Murphy, Tony's brother were the witnesses. Tony had ordered her wedding dress and gave her a beautiful ring. He took her to his townhouse but left to blow off steam. He was angry at himself, his father and Margaret all at once. Margaret talked to Leo. He explained about Katherine, Tony's mother's tragic death and how Tony was punishing their father by not providing an heir. Tony left to stay at Elysium. Margaret received her inheritance from her father now that she was married to Tony. She decided to invite musicians over to play.
Tony missed his wife and came home. He apologized and they made love but took precautions to prevent pregnancy. After a few weeks of wedded bliss, Maggie told Tony she loved him. He did quote from Wuthering Heights " Whatever our souls are made of his and mine are the same." Daisy, Maggie's maid told her she was pregnant. She knew because she had nine younger siblings.
Maggie told Tony she was with child. He was upset and said some terrible things telling her to leave. She did. She went to Cherry Hill where all the Barrington's were. Leo told him to wait a bit before he went to her and groveled. Unfortunately the Duke and Tony didn't have a deathbed reconciliation. The Duke died just before Tony arrived to ask Maggie's forgiveness. He did make peace with the rest of the family and did go to his father's grave to talk and vent.
They made up and Tony told her he loved her, quoting, " Whatever our souls are made of his and mine are the same."
Opinion: This story started out with a love for playing the piano and a love for Chopin. When Tony first saw Margaret it was love at first sight but he had such anger and bitterness toward his father he didn't pursue her until a year later. At first it appeared to be lust, then jealousy and then possesion, "MINE". The struggle Tony had with his grudge against his father and his possessive love for Maggie was good vs evil. Margaret just wanted to get away from her aunt, out of the clutches of Winhtrup, marry Carstairs and pursue her music. She did fall in love with Tony but knew he wasn't ever going to marry her, so her one night of passion would have to last her a lifetime. When Tony married her she asked 'Why". His answer was I wanted you. There are some quotable love quotes and confessions in this novel. It was a beautiful love story with the Hero struggling with his inner demons and the heroine loving him in spite of his conflicting heart. It thought it beautiful she composed a piece for him. He loved her passion. I gave this book 4.5 stars.
Family/Friends, Matchmaker (Aunt L. Dobson) Heiress.
MC's h. Margaret Lainscott, 21, orphaned and legal guardian L. Dobson her aunt, who wants to marry her to the Earl of Winthrop, an odious rediculous man. She is an accomplished pianist and composer.
H. Tony Barrington, Earl of Welles eldest of family. Has bitter feeling towards his father, Duke of Averell but loves his illigitmate half brother Leo Murphy ( mother was lady's maid to Tony's mother and also the Duke's mistress) His father married again and his stepmother Amanda is a patron of the arts especially music and greek lore etc. She and the Duke have a few daughters: Romy, Theo, Phaedra, Olivia. The family is known as the 'Beautiful Barringtons'
This is a story of a Rake who refuses to get married to get even with his father for the mistreatment of his mother and a young orphan being forced into an arranged marriage not of her choice.
Tony Welles, an Earl and future Duke of Averell? works with his illigitmate half brother Leo Murphy at their gaming hell, Elysium, in the ritzy part of London. Their father has remarried and Tony and Leo have 4 younger sisters, Romy, Theo, Olivia and Phaedra that they both adore along with Amanda their stepmother. Both son's don't want to have anything to do with their father because of his treatment of both of their mother's. Their father has tried to make ammends and peace with his son's but they won't budge.
Margaret Lainscott, 21, an orphan is now under her legal guardian's care, her aunt L. Agnes Dobson, who doesn't like her niece. She is trying to marry her off to the Earl of Winthrup an odious, pear shaped man, who is always sweating, uses to much talcum powder and has wierd feminine shoes. Margaret is a talented pianist and composer. She thinks in music and is very bright. She wants to marry Viscount Carstairs an avid sportsman but not too bright upstairs, so she can have her own life surrounding music. Tony Welles, the Earl notices Margaret when she plays the piano at a ton event. He is moved by her talent. He sees her and actually desires her.
They meet again at a ball a year later. The Duchess Amanda, Tony's stepmother and sisters travel to London and his oldest sister Romy is having her comeout. She would love to be a modiste as she loves to design and create beautiful gowns. Amanda, the Duchess supports women in the arts especially music. Two of her girls are quite accomplished on the violin and flute. She asks Margaret to accompany her girls and tutor Romy so she can play a tune for the Duke, her father on his birthday.
Margaret goes to the Duchess's townhouse twice a week and gets to play Tony's piano. She also is writing her composition there too.
Romance between Tony and Margaret: A year after Tony knew he would make "Maggie" his, he met her in the garden's at a "Ton" ball trying to avoid the Earl of Winthrup. He helps her hide from Winthrup. She asks him to aid her in meeting Viscount Carstairs. He makes an indecent proposal asking her to come play the piano for him wearing a chemise and nothing else. Then he would help her. She just laughed it off as a joke.
Amanda, The Duchess of Averell invites Margaret Lainscott over for tea to meet the women in the Royal Society for Female Musicians; Mrs. Lucy Anderson, Mrs. Anne Mounsey. Welles shows up afterwards to see his stepmother and sisters. He can't keep his eyes off her. Amanda had invited Margaret to tutor her girls, Theo and Olivia and help Romy with the piano twice a week. Tony made sure he visited during those times.
They are invited to Georgiana Mastersons' Garden party and Tony made sure she had an invitation without her Aunt L. Dobson. He made sure Carstairs was there and Margaret made an effort to charm him telling him about her hunting escapades but she had competition from another young lady. L. Carstairs invited both young ladies to go fishing with him. Tony just happened to show up for their fishing outing. He was jealous and left before he punched Carstairs. To keep Carstairs away from Maggie he asked him to go up north to check out a hunting property for him.
Lady Dobson encouraged the Earl of Winthrup to ask her charge Margaret to marry him. When he did she cast up her accounts in her aunt's rose bushes. She was desparate. Carstairs was away so she thought about Tony's indecent proposal and snuck out and went to the Elysium to play for Tony. She played her composition she had written about him. They made love. It was wonderful for both of them. Margaret was in love but knew he didn't ever wish to marry anyone. She asked him to help her catch Carstairs so she wouldn't have to marry Winthrup.
At Amanda, The Duchess of Averell's ball Tony told Margaret to go to the library at 11 pm and wait for Carstairs. He told him their was a fish mounted on the wall he should see. Tony played Chopin on his Broadwood piano known for quality of tone. He knew that Maggie would come to him. He drew her into his lap and kissed her. Amanda, Carstairs and Miss Turnbull walked in on them. The Duchess reprimanded Tony thoroughly and asked Carstairs and Miss Turnbull to not tell a soul. Carstairs kept quiet but Miss Turnbull couldn't tell enough people quickly enough.
Lady Dobson took Margaret home but was quite angry. She still thought Winthrup would marry her even though she was compromised. Two days later Welles made an offer and her aunt accepted.
The wedding took place at Lady Dobson's home. Lady Dobson and Leo Murphy, Tony's brother were the witnesses. Tony had ordered her wedding dress and gave her a beautiful ring. He took her to his townhouse but left to blow off steam. He was angry at himself, his father and Margaret all at once. Margaret talked to Leo. He explained about Katherine, Tony's mother's tragic death and how Tony was punishing their father by not providing an heir. Tony left to stay at Elysium. Margaret received her inheritance from her father now that she was married to Tony. She decided to invite musicians over to play.
Tony missed his wife and came home. He apologized and they made love but took precautions to prevent pregnancy. After a few weeks of wedded bliss, Maggie told Tony she loved him. He did quote from Wuthering Heights " Whatever our souls are made of his and mine are the same." Daisy, Maggie's maid told her she was pregnant. She knew because she had nine younger siblings.
Maggie told Tony she was with child. He was upset and said some terrible things telling her to leave. She did. She went to Cherry Hill where all the Barrington's were. Leo told him to wait a bit before he went to her and groveled. Unfortunately the Duke and Tony didn't have a deathbed reconciliation. The Duke died just before Tony arrived to ask Maggie's forgiveness. He did make peace with the rest of the family and did go to his father's grave to talk and vent.
They made up and Tony told her he loved her, quoting, " Whatever our souls are made of his and mine are the same."
Opinion: This story started out with a love for playing the piano and a love for Chopin. When Tony first saw Margaret it was love at first sight but he had such anger and bitterness toward his father he didn't pursue her until a year later. At first it appeared to be lust, then jealousy and then possesion, "MINE". The struggle Tony had with his grudge against his father and his possessive love for Maggie was good vs evil. Margaret just wanted to get away from her aunt, out of the clutches of Winhtrup, marry Carstairs and pursue her music. She did fall in love with Tony but knew he wasn't ever going to marry her, so her one night of passion would have to last her a lifetime. When Tony married her she asked 'Why". His answer was I wanted you. There are some quotable love quotes and confessions in this novel. It was a beautiful love story with the Hero struggling with his inner demons and the heroine loving him in spite of his conflicting heart. It thought it beautiful she composed a piece for him. He loved her passion. I gave this book 4.5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
December 1, 2022Pretty sure I read this, but can’t remember. Which says something.
April 9, 2024
Tony is an ass. Margaret is wonderful no notes. Tony is an ass. I do wish there was a cheat sheet of list of characters who they are and relations to one another there are so many. (This does seem to be a me problem as I haven't seen it in others reviews).
July 18, 2024
**Re-read this on July 15th-18th July and it was just as beautiful as the first time. This story means so much to me, and Maggie and Tony where made for each other. I’ll never stop thinking about this book.
“𝐇𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐰𝐨𝐨𝐝, 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝.”
the most beautiful quote ever.
honestly, I just loved this book so much that pulling out the words from my head to describe it is so hard.
Anthony Marcus Barrington was such a complex character. London’s most prominent rake, forbidding to ever marry and have children as punishment to his father, the Duke of Averell for his past discretions.
However, all things changed when he met Lady Margaret Lainscott. Margaret and Tony share a mutual love for music. I always admire when people have such deep passions, and in this story playing the piano was Margaret’s happy place, the sound of music calming her soul.
“𝐈𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐚 𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐬.” “𝐘𝐞𝐬.” 𝐇𝐞 𝐠𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐚 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤. “𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐬.”
please this man’s mouth is FILTHY??!!
The Theory of Earls was such a good story, and featured everything that you want in a historical romance. Passion, tension, chemistry, drama and scandals, and such a great family dynamic. Kathleen surely knows how to write a group of siblings, all with different and interesting personalities.
This series has to be one of my favourites, and I will be reading this book again, and again.
“𝐈 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐲𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐚 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐞.”
I just want to go ahead and binge read the rest of the series. This world is incredible.
“𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥, 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐭𝐭, 𝐈’𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮.”
“𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐦𝐲 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐨. 𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐭.”
nothing but love for my Duke and Duchess, this was incredible.
“𝐇𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐨 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐰𝐨𝐨𝐝, 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐇𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝.”
the most beautiful quote ever.
honestly, I just loved this book so much that pulling out the words from my head to describe it is so hard.
Anthony Marcus Barrington was such a complex character. London’s most prominent rake, forbidding to ever marry and have children as punishment to his father, the Duke of Averell for his past discretions.
However, all things changed when he met Lady Margaret Lainscott. Margaret and Tony share a mutual love for music. I always admire when people have such deep passions, and in this story playing the piano was Margaret’s happy place, the sound of music calming her soul.
“𝐈𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐚 𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐬.” “𝐘𝐞𝐬.” 𝐇𝐞 𝐠𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐚 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤. “𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐬.”
please this man’s mouth is FILTHY??!!
The Theory of Earls was such a good story, and featured everything that you want in a historical romance. Passion, tension, chemistry, drama and scandals, and such a great family dynamic. Kathleen surely knows how to write a group of siblings, all with different and interesting personalities.
This series has to be one of my favourites, and I will be reading this book again, and again.
“𝐈 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐭𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐁𝐮𝐫𝐲𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐦𝐲𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐚 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐞.”
I just want to go ahead and binge read the rest of the series. This world is incredible.
“𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥, 𝐌𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐋𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐜𝐨𝐭𝐭, 𝐈’𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮.”
“𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐦𝐲 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐨. 𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐢𝐭.”
nothing but love for my Duke and Duchess, this was incredible.
September 19, 2021
This was such a lovely HEA. My eyes were watering at the end of this story. A fab storyline and characters. 4.5☆
January 1, 2023
Historical fiction might be a stretch for category, but I'm still resisting the idea of having a 'romance' shelf. I just don't want to admit to reading that much of it.
This book was fun and easy. The characters are the typical young woman who wants to escape an overbearing marriage and the ready-to-be-reformed rake.
The rake in question was often quite a jerk, and a poor communicator. The conclusion seemed to wrap up really quickly and a bit too conveniently, but we don't really want these things to draw on too long anyway. There's really not enough depth for that.
This book was fun and easy. The characters are the typical young woman who wants to escape an overbearing marriage and the ready-to-be-reformed rake.
The rake in question was often quite a jerk, and a poor communicator. The conclusion seemed to wrap up really quickly and a bit too conveniently, but we don't really want these things to draw on too long anyway. There's really not enough depth for that.
November 7, 2022
This story is ridiculous Margret Lainscott is 26 years old. She is way pass the age of Spinsterhood!! She is an heiress but cant access her money. She lives off her aunt Agnus. Who punishes her if she does not obey. WTH is that about who punishes a 26 year old women? Also even if not married most heiress of this era could access there money somewhere between ages 21 to 23, but 26 and you still cant get your own money!! Ridiculous!!! The whole story is just unbelievable!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 330 reviews