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The Unconventional Ladies of Mayfair #1
Not the Kind of Earl You Marry
Fans of Netflix's Bridgerton series will adore this stunning historical romance debut, where a wary wallflower enters a fake engagement with one of London's most eligible bachelors.
The one woman in London who doesn’t want to marry him is now his fiancée.
William Atherton, Earl of Norwood, is as shocked as the rest of London to discover his betrothal via an announcement in the morning paper. Furious at what appears to be a shrewd marriage trap, William tracks down his alleged fiancée before her plans can affect his campaign for a coveted political post. But then William realizes an engagement, however fake, may benefit them both...
Miss Charlotte Hurst may be a wallflower, but she’s no shrinking violet. She would never attempt such an underhanded scheme, especially not with a man as haughty or sought-after as Norwood. Yet his suggestion to play along with the betrothal has its merits... and the longer they pretend, the more undeniably real their feelings become. But when the true culprit behind their engagement is revealed, can their newfound happiness survive the scandal?
The one woman in London who doesn’t want to marry him is now his fiancée.
William Atherton, Earl of Norwood, is as shocked as the rest of London to discover his betrothal via an announcement in the morning paper. Furious at what appears to be a shrewd marriage trap, William tracks down his alleged fiancée before her plans can affect his campaign for a coveted political post. But then William realizes an engagement, however fake, may benefit them both...
Miss Charlotte Hurst may be a wallflower, but she’s no shrinking violet. She would never attempt such an underhanded scheme, especially not with a man as haughty or sought-after as Norwood. Yet his suggestion to play along with the betrothal has its merits... and the longer they pretend, the more undeniably real their feelings become. But when the true culprit behind their engagement is revealed, can their newfound happiness survive the scandal?
349 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 27, 2021
54 people are currently reading
2905 people want to read
About the author
Kate Pembrooke
3 books138 followersKate Pembrooke lives in the Midwest with her husband and two adorable pups. When she's not tapping away at her keyboard, she enjoys reading, puttering amongst her flowerbeds, taking beach vacations, and adding to her already extensive collection of cookbooks. She's ecstatically happy that being a writer allows her to indulge her passion for colorful pens and sticky notes.
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You can find Kate online at:
Website: https://katepembrooke.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KatePembrook...
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katepembrooke/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/katepembrooke
Sign up for Kate’s News & Updates to hear about cover reveals, Kate’s upcoming appearances, and other fun tidbits.
Sign up for Kate’s Newsletter for less frequent, but more in-depth updates like sneak peeks of upcoming releases, Q & A’s with Kate, character interviews, etc.
You can find both sign-ups here: https://katepembrooke.com/contact/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 247 reviews
July 22, 2021
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
2.5 stars
It was the announcement of her betrothal to the Earl of Norwood.
With a storming morning visit that has William, the Earl of Norwood, interrupting their breakfast, Charlotte Hurst and her brother Philip are accused of trying to trap William into marriage. When it becomes clear that Charlotte and her brother are just as shocked as him, William apologizes and realizes a political opponent is probably at fault. To save Charlotte's reputation and William's chance at gaining a political appointment to a committee Liverpool is forming, they agree to enter into a temporary engagement.
This betrothal was only a means to an end---a political appointment for him, an intact reputation for her.
Not the Kind of Earl You Marry, struggled with providing the emotions for a character driven story as it felt pretty plotless. Charlotte and William had never met before they are engaged and they didn't get enough time together to develop and provide a relationship that could carry the story for three hundred plus pages. When they were together, it's an amiable time but Charlotte considers herself a homebody and prefers reading books to the social whirl. She continuously holds the feeling that she would never be good enough or be able to support William enough in his political career. We don't get a lot of insight from William but you can tell he likes spending time with her.
She'd briefly let herself imagine what it might be like if things between them were real.
When I say there wasn't much plot, I mean there wasn't enough there to keep me engaged or following along. The political rival setting-up William to cause a scandal with the betrothal in the newspaper is largely forgotten until around seventy-five percent and then William just confronts the guy and goes to Liverpool with the whole story. Why was William spending three-hundred pages avoiding this? The same with Charlotte's refusal to consider it a real engagement, she doesn't think she'll make a good politician's wife, so much so, she feels this way up to only twenty pages left in the book. However, when William proposes, she just says yes, leaving me to feel like the previous three-hundred pages I read didn't matter because of the lack of development.
Miss Hurst might claim that kiss hadn't changed anything, but he begged to differ.
The majority of the story was dedicated to following the characters around to the hotspots of the romance Regency sub-genre (Gunter's and the like). It seemed to want to be like a traditional Regency and more quiet like a Grace Burrowes (it lacked the emotional heft of a Burrowes). Regency is such an oversaturated sub-genre and perhaps I've read too many, but oof, was there nothing new or fresh here. What was a surprise because of how it felt more towards traditional Regency, was how good I found the late second half sex scene, it gave me the emotion I was looking for between these two and took it's time exploring.
This is a debut and while the technicalities seem to be nailed down, the emotion and heart I look for in romance was missing for me. There was some letter writing between the two that played well, giving us some sweet byplay between them. The political rival plot was mostly forgotten and Charlotte's motivation for not accepting a real engagement between her and William was bemoaned for three-hundred pages to only be up and forgotten at the end. There simply wasn't enough story or emotion for me in this book.
2.5 stars
It was the announcement of her betrothal to the Earl of Norwood.
With a storming morning visit that has William, the Earl of Norwood, interrupting their breakfast, Charlotte Hurst and her brother Philip are accused of trying to trap William into marriage. When it becomes clear that Charlotte and her brother are just as shocked as him, William apologizes and realizes a political opponent is probably at fault. To save Charlotte's reputation and William's chance at gaining a political appointment to a committee Liverpool is forming, they agree to enter into a temporary engagement.
This betrothal was only a means to an end---a political appointment for him, an intact reputation for her.
Not the Kind of Earl You Marry, struggled with providing the emotions for a character driven story as it felt pretty plotless. Charlotte and William had never met before they are engaged and they didn't get enough time together to develop and provide a relationship that could carry the story for three hundred plus pages. When they were together, it's an amiable time but Charlotte considers herself a homebody and prefers reading books to the social whirl. She continuously holds the feeling that she would never be good enough or be able to support William enough in his political career. We don't get a lot of insight from William but you can tell he likes spending time with her.
She'd briefly let herself imagine what it might be like if things between them were real.
When I say there wasn't much plot, I mean there wasn't enough there to keep me engaged or following along. The political rival setting-up William to cause a scandal with the betrothal in the newspaper is largely forgotten until around seventy-five percent and then William just confronts the guy and goes to Liverpool with the whole story. Why was William spending three-hundred pages avoiding this? The same with Charlotte's refusal to consider it a real engagement, she doesn't think she'll make a good politician's wife, so much so, she feels this way up to only twenty pages left in the book. However, when William proposes, she just says yes, leaving me to feel like the previous three-hundred pages I read didn't matter because of the lack of development.
Miss Hurst might claim that kiss hadn't changed anything, but he begged to differ.
The majority of the story was dedicated to following the characters around to the hotspots of the romance Regency sub-genre (Gunter's and the like). It seemed to want to be like a traditional Regency and more quiet like a Grace Burrowes (it lacked the emotional heft of a Burrowes). Regency is such an oversaturated sub-genre and perhaps I've read too many, but oof, was there nothing new or fresh here. What was a surprise because of how it felt more towards traditional Regency, was how good I found the late second half sex scene, it gave me the emotion I was looking for between these two and took it's time exploring.
This is a debut and while the technicalities seem to be nailed down, the emotion and heart I look for in romance was missing for me. There was some letter writing between the two that played well, giving us some sweet byplay between them. The political rival plot was mostly forgotten and Charlotte's motivation for not accepting a real engagement between her and William was bemoaned for three-hundred pages to only be up and forgotten at the end. There simply wasn't enough story or emotion for me in this book.
April 21, 2021
Not the Kind of Earl You Marry, by Kate Pembrooke, is a truly delightful regency from a fresh new authorial voice. When a marriage announcement appears in the morning paper and neither party has met the other, you know you’re in for a good time. From the very first encounter between the heroine, Charlotte and her erstwhile fiancé, William Atherton, the Earl of Norwood, it becomes clear that these are two truly likeable characters about to find their way together but not without some introspection and real growth.
Pembrooke knows her stuff. The historical part of this historical romance is impeccably done. The details such as dresses, balls, even how to drive a carriage – all runs smoothly so you can focus on the romance and the character development. Charlotte, sensibly, doesn’t want to get too attached to William when they decide to go ahead with the pretend engagement, because it’s, well, pretend. William agrees to the pretense because he is in contention for a position of power on a government committee and can’t have any scandal attached to his name.
It doesn’t take him long in Charlotte’s company before he considers taking the “pretend” out of the engagement. I especially enjoyed their epistolary banter midway through the book and the moments of levity that balanced out the romance.
Charlotte is an intelligent, thoughtful heroine and William is a considerate and swoonworthy hero and it’s lovely to watch the two of them try to navigate their different backgrounds and goals as they slowly start to fall in love.
Pembrooke is a talented writer with an eye for the quiet moments when the characters uncover the truth of one another – and themselves. Not the Kind of Earl You Marry is a beautifully written regency of the highest caliber. I am anxiously awaiting the next installment in The Unconventional Ladies of Mayfair series.
Pembrooke knows her stuff. The historical part of this historical romance is impeccably done. The details such as dresses, balls, even how to drive a carriage – all runs smoothly so you can focus on the romance and the character development. Charlotte, sensibly, doesn’t want to get too attached to William when they decide to go ahead with the pretend engagement, because it’s, well, pretend. William agrees to the pretense because he is in contention for a position of power on a government committee and can’t have any scandal attached to his name.
It doesn’t take him long in Charlotte’s company before he considers taking the “pretend” out of the engagement. I especially enjoyed their epistolary banter midway through the book and the moments of levity that balanced out the romance.
Charlotte is an intelligent, thoughtful heroine and William is a considerate and swoonworthy hero and it’s lovely to watch the two of them try to navigate their different backgrounds and goals as they slowly start to fall in love.
Pembrooke is a talented writer with an eye for the quiet moments when the characters uncover the truth of one another – and themselves. Not the Kind of Earl You Marry is a beautifully written regency of the highest caliber. I am anxiously awaiting the next installment in The Unconventional Ladies of Mayfair series.
May 25, 2021
I love discovering new authors and for a first novel - this book was excellent.
An unknown villain publishes a fake engagement announcement for the handsome and popular Earl of Norwood and the shy and unknown Baron's sister, Charlotte Hurst. They are forced into a pretend relationship to save Norwood's political career and protect Charlotte's reputation.
From the beginning, Charlotte wants nothing to do with Norwood and Norwood finds himself drawn to this "country nobody". I loved that they went from hate, at first sight, to fall in love. From the minute Charlotte puts Norwood's ego in place, I was hooked.
Overall, this was just a nice and beautiful love story. There was a lot of character development for both Charlotte and Norwood. Both are forced to assess what they want in life and if that includes each other. I love that they can't keep away from each other. And almost immediately their pretend engagement transforms into a real relationship. There was a lot of heat between Charlotte and Norwood, some steamy scenes, and a love scene towards the end. I also love how everything resolved. Norwood was a swoon-worthy hero. He's the likable, standup guy every girl hopes to meet despite the rocky beginning.
I was so into this book and excited to see that it's going to be a series. I loved the author's writing style and found it really easy to immerse myself in her world. I can't wait to see what she does next!
An unknown villain publishes a fake engagement announcement for the handsome and popular Earl of Norwood and the shy and unknown Baron's sister, Charlotte Hurst. They are forced into a pretend relationship to save Norwood's political career and protect Charlotte's reputation.
From the beginning, Charlotte wants nothing to do with Norwood and Norwood finds himself drawn to this "country nobody". I loved that they went from hate, at first sight, to fall in love. From the minute Charlotte puts Norwood's ego in place, I was hooked.
Overall, this was just a nice and beautiful love story. There was a lot of character development for both Charlotte and Norwood. Both are forced to assess what they want in life and if that includes each other. I love that they can't keep away from each other. And almost immediately their pretend engagement transforms into a real relationship. There was a lot of heat between Charlotte and Norwood, some steamy scenes, and a love scene towards the end. I also love how everything resolved. Norwood was a swoon-worthy hero. He's the likable, standup guy every girl hopes to meet despite the rocky beginning.
I was so into this book and excited to see that it's going to be a series. I loved the author's writing style and found it really easy to immerse myself in her world. I can't wait to see what she does next!
January 9, 2022
✨Three words: Norwood’s bang-up equipage✨
Warning: If you don’t read this book I will break into your house and steal all of your favorite sweaters. Yeah the sweaters you got from the thrift store that are absolutely one of a kind, can’t be replaced. The sweaters you think about on vacation. Those sweaters. I will take them all. I will take them all and I will wear them while reading this book. I will be present in your nightmares and this book will be present in my sweet, sweet dreams.
This book was absolutely incredible. It did things that I didn’t think I liked in books and it did the shit out of them. This is the type of book that will make you want to read the entire back catalogue of the author because if they had words this pretty, you’d read their grocery lists if you could. Since Not the Kind of Earl You Marry is a debut book (and it hasn’t even been released yet), I don’t know what to do. Wrap myself in a cardigan (maybe YOUR cardigan) and stare out the window waiting for book two to come home I suppose.
I can’t get enough of William. He was the perfect non-rake cinnamon roll hero with bang-up decorum and ✨equipage✨. He was very proper until he wasn’t and that inevitability made his character addicting. I normally find myself a little bored with unrakish heroes but there was ✨that✨ side to William that had me wrapped around his finger like a custom fit diamond ring. If you need a perfect example, I’d recommend page 305. I couldn’t wait for him to lose control. I was out of breath by the time they even kissed. Slow burn until it wasn’t.
Plus the man was desperately in love and completely besotted by Charlotte. He didn’t try to hide his feelings and was a puppy by the end. I was even anticipating the third act break up because I couldn’t wait to see how each of the characters handled it. That simply doesn’t happen for me! I loved how their separation was handled because it wasn’t overdrawn. It was necessary and helped the characters grow and made the reward even more sweet. It was all simply delicious. And then the ending!! We got a glimpse of them being in love and completely happy.
The premise was so intriguing and that forced proximity was perfect. There was a tiny mystery about who drafted up the fake engagement notice and I loved how we got to see it all play out. The letters between Charlotte and William were SO CUTE and I applaud Charlotte for her self-control because everything about William screamed “climb me like a tree.”
Now, onward to the steam, the spice, the sex. By about midway through this book, I really had no clue where it was going to go in the bedroom. It was about 50/50 for closed door or a really ✨really✨ good time. I know it’s nice to know what you’re in for, so never fear dear reader, I’ve got you babe.
Safe to say this was of the really ✨really✨ good time variety. The sauciness was given its time to SHINE. So shine it did. Charlotte decided that she wanted William—an excellent choice—and she wasn’t going to let society dictate her actions. William was so in awe of the whole situation and his good fortune that he was reverent. “So while she appreciated his solicitudes, she rather wished he were less focused on her welfare, and more focused on . . . well, just her.”
I absolutely loved how Charlotte took a while to get there and William was completely eager to fulfill ✨all✨ of her needs and desires. They understood each other perfectly. The moments weren’t rushed, but savored for many, many pages. The fact that it was all precipitated by a completely sexy and meddling rainstorm was icing on the cake.
From page one, the banter was on point and never wavered. It was funny and saucy and found it’s way into the bedroom. Further, who knew William was a horse girl? That scene was absolutely heartwarming and endearing. Ten points to cute kids. I really liked Charlotte’s relationship with her brother and William’s with his sisters and Serena. Plus Charles is absolutely going to be ravishing and I just know Phillip will be a gem.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶🌶*/5
*I found that the spice perfectly suited the story. The chemistry was off the charts and the slow burn made it all the better. I gave it 4🌶s because the two just fit so well together in just about every way possible. But in actuality it’s 3/5 for two scenes and no oral.
_____________
Initial Reaction:
Yeah so this was absolutely incredible
Warning: If you don’t read this book I will break into your house and steal all of your favorite sweaters. Yeah the sweaters you got from the thrift store that are absolutely one of a kind, can’t be replaced. The sweaters you think about on vacation. Those sweaters. I will take them all. I will take them all and I will wear them while reading this book. I will be present in your nightmares and this book will be present in my sweet, sweet dreams.
This book was absolutely incredible. It did things that I didn’t think I liked in books and it did the shit out of them. This is the type of book that will make you want to read the entire back catalogue of the author because if they had words this pretty, you’d read their grocery lists if you could. Since Not the Kind of Earl You Marry is a debut book (and it hasn’t even been released yet), I don’t know what to do. Wrap myself in a cardigan (maybe YOUR cardigan) and stare out the window waiting for book two to come home I suppose.
I can’t get enough of William. He was the perfect non-rake cinnamon roll hero with bang-up decorum and ✨equipage✨. He was very proper until he wasn’t and that inevitability made his character addicting. I normally find myself a little bored with unrakish heroes but there was ✨that✨ side to William that had me wrapped around his finger like a custom fit diamond ring. If you need a perfect example, I’d recommend page 305. I couldn’t wait for him to lose control. I was out of breath by the time they even kissed. Slow burn until it wasn’t.
Plus the man was desperately in love and completely besotted by Charlotte. He didn’t try to hide his feelings and was a puppy by the end. I was even anticipating the third act break up because I couldn’t wait to see how each of the characters handled it. That simply doesn’t happen for me! I loved how their separation was handled because it wasn’t overdrawn. It was necessary and helped the characters grow and made the reward even more sweet. It was all simply delicious. And then the ending!! We got a glimpse of them being in love and completely happy.
The premise was so intriguing and that forced proximity was perfect. There was a tiny mystery about who drafted up the fake engagement notice and I loved how we got to see it all play out. The letters between Charlotte and William were SO CUTE and I applaud Charlotte for her self-control because everything about William screamed “climb me like a tree.”
Now, onward to the steam, the spice, the sex. By about midway through this book, I really had no clue where it was going to go in the bedroom. It was about 50/50 for closed door or a really ✨really✨ good time. I know it’s nice to know what you’re in for, so never fear dear reader, I’ve got you babe.
Safe to say this was of the really ✨really✨ good time variety. The sauciness was given its time to SHINE. So shine it did. Charlotte decided that she wanted William—an excellent choice—and she wasn’t going to let society dictate her actions. William was so in awe of the whole situation and his good fortune that he was reverent. “So while she appreciated his solicitudes, she rather wished he were less focused on her welfare, and more focused on . . . well, just her.”
I absolutely loved how Charlotte took a while to get there and William was completely eager to fulfill ✨all✨ of her needs and desires. They understood each other perfectly. The moments weren’t rushed, but savored for many, many pages. The fact that it was all precipitated by a completely sexy and meddling rainstorm was icing on the cake.
From page one, the banter was on point and never wavered. It was funny and saucy and found it’s way into the bedroom. Further, who knew William was a horse girl? That scene was absolutely heartwarming and endearing. Ten points to cute kids. I really liked Charlotte’s relationship with her brother and William’s with his sisters and Serena. Plus Charles is absolutely going to be ravishing and I just know Phillip will be a gem.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶🌶*/5
*I found that the spice perfectly suited the story. The chemistry was off the charts and the slow burn made it all the better. I gave it 4🌶s because the two just fit so well together in just about every way possible. But in actuality it’s 3/5 for two scenes and no oral.
_____________
Initial Reaction:
Yeah so this was absolutely incredible
May 4, 2021
I absolutely adored this book! The fake engagement set-up between Charlotte and William was wonderfully done, and they were both such delightful characters. I loved being in both of their heads, watching them grow and grapple with their feelings. They had such great banter, and the letter exchanges added some fabulous comedy. The supporting characters were also great, and I'm excited to see more of them! I can't speak to the historical details, but Pembrooke's world felt very grounded and lived in (for lack of a better term), with lots of interesting details. I can't wait for the next one in this series!
November 22, 2021
2.5 stars
This was just okay, however it is definitely not a bad book; I just think it wasn't for me. I loved the side characters more than the main characters, so I will definitely be on the lookout for later books in the series.
Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via Netgalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
This was just okay, however it is definitely not a bad book; I just think it wasn't for me. I loved the side characters more than the main characters, so I will definitely be on the lookout for later books in the series.
Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via Netgalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
June 10, 2021
I love the opening scene where a fake engagement is well underway and our Hero William, Earl of Norwood practically barges in on the heroine, Charlotte Hurst having breakfast and announces that she’ll never get away with the engagement announcement in the paper. Of course she didn’t leave it there and that’s the basis for the story.
William and Charlotte are very likable from the get-go. After William convinces her to go along with the engagement announcement for the sake of his upcoming political placement, he and Charlotte embark on a friendship that leaves them both wishing for a real engagement. Their correspondence back and forth was fun and made me laugh.
The banter between them is fun and a good portion of the story is full of quaint moments between the H/h and his sisters. That is, until the last quarter when the culprit of the fake engagement announcement and the plot is revealed. A few kisses in the moonlight, or in the broad daylight LOL, lead up to some pretty nice scenes full of chemistry, wow.
All in all I really liked these characters. One of my favorites was his crazy aunt with a handsome ginger cat.
I am reminded of Caroline Linden's What a Gentleman Wants. If you like Linden, you'll like Pembrooke.
I would love to read an epilogue and hoping that maybe in the next installment in the series we’ll see some more of William and Charlotte.
William and Charlotte are very likable from the get-go. After William convinces her to go along with the engagement announcement for the sake of his upcoming political placement, he and Charlotte embark on a friendship that leaves them both wishing for a real engagement. Their correspondence back and forth was fun and made me laugh.
The banter between them is fun and a good portion of the story is full of quaint moments between the H/h and his sisters. That is, until the last quarter when the culprit of the fake engagement announcement and the plot is revealed. A few kisses in the moonlight, or in the broad daylight LOL, lead up to some pretty nice scenes full of chemistry, wow.
All in all I really liked these characters. One of my favorites was his crazy aunt with a handsome ginger cat.
I am reminded of Caroline Linden's What a Gentleman Wants. If you like Linden, you'll like Pembrooke.
I would love to read an epilogue and hoping that maybe in the next installment in the series we’ll see some more of William and Charlotte.
May 18, 2021
A fun, perfect for the beach or weekend read.
I have to say that the first scene in the book between the two main characters sets the stage for the rest of the book. I love how unflappable Charlotte is when Norwood confronts her / blames her for putting the announcement in the paper about their engagement when in fact they have never even met. The chemistry and slow burn throughout the book is on par, and makes the world building between the characters even better. A great historical read, and I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
I have to say that the first scene in the book between the two main characters sets the stage for the rest of the book. I love how unflappable Charlotte is when Norwood confronts her / blames her for putting the announcement in the paper about their engagement when in fact they have never even met. The chemistry and slow burn throughout the book is on par, and makes the world building between the characters even better. A great historical read, and I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
September 2, 2021
Someone puts a surprise notice in the paper that William Atherton, Earl of Norwood, is going to marry Miss Charlotte Hurst. For Plot Reasons, William and Charlotte decide to go along with it which is all well and good until Feelings and assorted Boners get in the way of their arrangement.
1. Y'all. This was...absolutely not my cup of tea. Normally a circumstances-require-proximity trope is my fucking jam (see: my fascination with marriages of convenience, aka exhibits a-z) but this one was just so...sloppy. There's inklings of something interesting but it's undermined by the lack of development everywhere else: until waaaay too late in the book, Charlotte's convinced that William needs a "different type" of wife and William's just....content with the engagement. And so the audience is dropped into circumstance after circumstance where William enjoys hanging out with Charlotte and Charlotte keeps herself at a distance.
And then. And then Plot Shit happens and Charlotte decides that she DOES love William and she will save him from villains and so she goes and sleeps with him.
Don't get me wrong: I am not judging the sleeping together. I, the patron saint of boners, do support ladies Getting It. What I do NOT support is fucking goddamned lazy plotting that has a couple who has experienced a maximum of 3 vaguely chaste kisses suddenly fucking going for it out of nowhere. You can't even argue that William's a horndog because he's not: he makes like half a dozen nearly scandalous remarks but won't go beyond make-outs in the garden. And Charlotte, allegedly a bluestocking bookworm, is like "YEP SET PHASERS TO BONE" and we're just meant to go with it?
Yeah, nope.
2. The writing was also just a little messy? At one point a fire was described as both [adverb] and [adjective] and I mean, I may not know a lot but I know that wasn't right? And are plane trees a thing? Maybe they are but maybe they're not and somebody should edit the thing.
3. I don't know: maybe I'm just a little bit burned out on the standard historical romance fare right now but wow did this feel like somebody watched Bridgerton, read some Heyer, and churned this thing out based on a list of requirements provided by a publishing house and a Reddit starter pack. It feels so goddamned clunky, y'all. Just tired and plodding and bored by its own lack of verve, of character, of momentum. There aren't any sparks or joy or anything. I'm tired just thinking about it.
3.5 Oh right and the Pride & Prejudice references, I guess? Are a thing? That happened?
4. Listen. If I'm going to complain about the sex scene in your romance, there's a PROBLEM.
1. Y'all. This was...absolutely not my cup of tea. Normally a circumstances-require-proximity trope is my fucking jam (see: my fascination with marriages of convenience, aka exhibits a-z) but this one was just so...sloppy. There's inklings of something interesting but it's undermined by the lack of development everywhere else: until waaaay too late in the book, Charlotte's convinced that William needs a "different type" of wife and William's just....content with the engagement. And so the audience is dropped into circumstance after circumstance where William enjoys hanging out with Charlotte and Charlotte keeps herself at a distance.
And then. And then Plot Shit happens and Charlotte decides that she DOES love William and she will save him from villains and so she goes and sleeps with him.
Don't get me wrong: I am not judging the sleeping together. I, the patron saint of boners, do support ladies Getting It. What I do NOT support is fucking goddamned lazy plotting that has a couple who has experienced a maximum of 3 vaguely chaste kisses suddenly fucking going for it out of nowhere. You can't even argue that William's a horndog because he's not: he makes like half a dozen nearly scandalous remarks but won't go beyond make-outs in the garden. And Charlotte, allegedly a bluestocking bookworm, is like "YEP SET PHASERS TO BONE" and we're just meant to go with it?
Yeah, nope.
2. The writing was also just a little messy? At one point a fire was described as both [adverb] and [adjective] and I mean, I may not know a lot but I know that wasn't right? And are plane trees a thing? Maybe they are but maybe they're not and somebody should edit the thing.
3. I don't know: maybe I'm just a little bit burned out on the standard historical romance fare right now but wow did this feel like somebody watched Bridgerton, read some Heyer, and churned this thing out based on a list of requirements provided by a publishing house and a Reddit starter pack. It feels so goddamned clunky, y'all. Just tired and plodding and bored by its own lack of verve, of character, of momentum. There aren't any sparks or joy or anything. I'm tired just thinking about it.
3.5 Oh right and the Pride & Prejudice references, I guess? Are a thing? That happened?
4. Listen. If I'm going to complain about the sex scene in your romance, there's a PROBLEM.
June 27, 2021
William Atherton, Earl of Norwood, is shocked read an announcement of his betrothal to Miss Charlotte Hurst in the morning paper. Furious at what appears to be a shrewd marriage trap, William tracks down his alleged fiancée but Charlotte is as perplexed as he is. Going forward with a temporary engagement may benefit his campaign for a coveted political post and save her reputation.
This is an excellent debut novel for Kate Pembrooke! The story jumps right in, with William discovering the newspaper pronouncement and rushing to confront Charlotte and her brother. She is not having any of his attitude and thinks the situation will blow over on its own. She grudgingly agrees to keep up the pretense, not understanding how real it would become.
For me, the best part of the story was a series of letters that William and Charlotte exchange. It was really playful and such a fun way for the characters to build their connection! I would have liked a little more from the ending, but overall I really liked the writing and can't wait for Townsend and Lady Serena's book next!
Tropes: Fake Relationship, Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Bluestocking
Steam Rating: 1.5 (two scenes but were almost back to back)
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #NotTheKindOfEarlYouMarry #NetGalley
This is an excellent debut novel for Kate Pembrooke! The story jumps right in, with William discovering the newspaper pronouncement and rushing to confront Charlotte and her brother. She is not having any of his attitude and thinks the situation will blow over on its own. She grudgingly agrees to keep up the pretense, not understanding how real it would become.
For me, the best part of the story was a series of letters that William and Charlotte exchange. It was really playful and such a fun way for the characters to build their connection! I would have liked a little more from the ending, but overall I really liked the writing and can't wait for Townsend and Lady Serena's book next!
Tropes: Fake Relationship, Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Bluestocking
Steam Rating: 1.5 (two scenes but were almost back to back)
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #NotTheKindOfEarlYouMarry #NetGalley
August 1, 2021
Not necessarily a bad read but it bored me to death.
It took me 3 days to finish, when usually it gets me a few hours up to a day to finish a book.
If this was 150 pages shorter I would have liked it more.
It took me 3 days to finish, when usually it gets me a few hours up to a day to finish a book.
If this was 150 pages shorter I would have liked it more.
July 11, 2021
It's such a sweet book!!!! (I do not mean closed-door sweet, just FYI)
The book of course talks about the fake engagement plot but some more of my favorite romance tropes in the book are:
Slow burn
sort of enemies to lovers
Not much known in society/Bluestocking heroine
Class difference
Rain scene! (This is the fave).
William almost accuses Charlotte that she has trapped him in marriage without ever meeting him. Charlotte sets him straight. Even if she wanted to be married he would be the last person on the earth.
And that's how they meet. It's really a fun chapter. The politically involved Earl must preserve his position and campaign while he also doesn't want Charlotte to suffer the consequences of the morning post announcement announcing their betrothal to the town.
While Charlotte is a sensible head, once she starts to know William, how he is considerate (mostly thanks to 3 sisters keeping him in line) and also progressive in terms of how he cares for reforms as well as his nephews, she is losing her practical side of arguments of why can't she agree to the betrothal to be turned into a real one.
He gives her driving lessons. That's my fave too! It is such a detailed and stomach fluttering event where she becomes aware of him first and then of course the lessons continue. I loved the slow portrayal of their attraction (but then, I love slow burn!). And then Charlotte's yearning is palpable when she decides she must jilt the earl for his own good. You know, in books when heroes do it, I call them dunderheads while reading (it must happen but still lol) but when heroines do it, I simply empathize. (Yes, yes, I know how it sounds :-D ) So I had a good laugh as well as sympathy with her.
The book reminded me of the younger times of my life, the slow first thrumming of attraction, (not just physical) but also the emotional pull towards another person cause of his virtues and how he treats others. Very very nicely laid out. The banter is good. William is as his friend Serena calls him the 'too goody' guy to losen up but when he does..... ummmm. I got goosebumps when the poor guy was trying everything to steal a kiss alone with Charlotte!
And the rain scene is where it culminates. I can not resist a rain romance. I just can't. This is the ultimate
The book of course talks about the fake engagement plot but some more of my favorite romance tropes in the book are:
Slow burn
sort of enemies to lovers
Not much known in society/Bluestocking heroine
Class difference
Rain scene! (This is the fave).
William almost accuses Charlotte that she has trapped him in marriage without ever meeting him. Charlotte sets him straight. Even if she wanted to be married he would be the last person on the earth.
And that's how they meet. It's really a fun chapter. The politically involved Earl must preserve his position and campaign while he also doesn't want Charlotte to suffer the consequences of the morning post announcement announcing their betrothal to the town.
While Charlotte is a sensible head, once she starts to know William, how he is considerate (mostly thanks to 3 sisters keeping him in line) and also progressive in terms of how he cares for reforms as well as his nephews, she is losing her practical side of arguments of why can't she agree to the betrothal to be turned into a real one.
He gives her driving lessons. That's my fave too! It is such a detailed and stomach fluttering event where she becomes aware of him first and then of course the lessons continue. I loved the slow portrayal of their attraction (but then, I love slow burn!). And then Charlotte's yearning is palpable when she decides she must jilt the earl for his own good. You know, in books when heroes do it, I call them dunderheads while reading (it must happen but still lol) but when heroines do it, I simply empathize. (Yes, yes, I know how it sounds :-D ) So I had a good laugh as well as sympathy with her.
The book reminded me of the younger times of my life, the slow first thrumming of attraction, (not just physical) but also the emotional pull towards another person cause of his virtues and how he treats others. Very very nicely laid out. The banter is good. William is as his friend Serena calls him the 'too goody' guy to losen up but when he does..... ummmm. I got goosebumps when the poor guy was trying everything to steal a kiss alone with Charlotte!
And the rain scene is where it culminates. I can not resist a rain romance. I just can't. This is the ultimate
May 13, 2021
*thank you to net-galley for a free copy of this in return for an honest review!*
Fans of Bridgerton will find a similar delight Kate Pembrooke’s first novel in her new series “the unconventional ladies of Mayfair”!
As a huge fan of Bridgerton I definitely got my “fix” in this book.
Charlotte and her brother Phillip are eating breakfast one day until they are rudely interrupted by Lord Norwood who accuses Charlotte of announcing their betrothal in the paper while having no acquaintances much less courtship with him. When she denies having done so, he insists they need to follow through for the time being, so as to not tarnish her reputation. What follows is a classy version of one of the most entertaining tropes (fake dating) in which Charlotte and William (Lord Norwood) cross the line from bantering and getting off the wrong foot... to falling in love.
I absolutely loved how this played out. It had a touch of enemies to lovers which I always am here for, and the writing of the time period felt so authentic! I loved the mystery in who wrote the paper about their “Betrothal”. I found that both Charlotte and Williams personalities were both so likable and I found myself falling for Williams big heart revealed under all that seriousness.
High recommend for fans of romances set in this time period, fans of Bridgerton and fans of contemporary who want to branch out from modern day tales!
Fans of Bridgerton will find a similar delight Kate Pembrooke’s first novel in her new series “the unconventional ladies of Mayfair”!
As a huge fan of Bridgerton I definitely got my “fix” in this book.
Charlotte and her brother Phillip are eating breakfast one day until they are rudely interrupted by Lord Norwood who accuses Charlotte of announcing their betrothal in the paper while having no acquaintances much less courtship with him. When she denies having done so, he insists they need to follow through for the time being, so as to not tarnish her reputation. What follows is a classy version of one of the most entertaining tropes (fake dating) in which Charlotte and William (Lord Norwood) cross the line from bantering and getting off the wrong foot... to falling in love.
I absolutely loved how this played out. It had a touch of enemies to lovers which I always am here for, and the writing of the time period felt so authentic! I loved the mystery in who wrote the paper about their “Betrothal”. I found that both Charlotte and Williams personalities were both so likable and I found myself falling for Williams big heart revealed under all that seriousness.
High recommend for fans of romances set in this time period, fans of Bridgerton and fans of contemporary who want to branch out from modern day tales!
April 30, 2021
William Atherton, Earl of Norwood, and Miss Charlotte Hurst are as shocked as the rest of London to discover their betrothal via an announcement in the morning paper. Furious at what appears to be a shrewd marriage trap, William tracks down his alleged fiancée before her plans can affect his campaign for a coveted political post. But then William realizes an engagement, however fake, may benefit them both.... Of course, along the way, they fall in love for real.
The fun is in how they fall in love of course. Lots of witty banter, sweet romance and great chemistry. The two characters are genuinely likable.... Both are smart, thoughtful and funny. Totally enjoyed it.
Thanks to the publisher for providing an ARC.
The fun is in how they fall in love of course. Lots of witty banter, sweet romance and great chemistry. The two characters are genuinely likable.... Both are smart, thoughtful and funny. Totally enjoyed it.
Thanks to the publisher for providing an ARC.
June 21, 2021
This charming book gets off to a strong start and continues on being enjoyable right through. I very much liked the characters and their banter together was fun! They really suited each other, and I found myself invested in them reaching their HEA. The letters they exchanged were the high point of the novel. Altogether a lovely and beautifully written historical romance featuring one of my favourite tropes.
May 1, 2021
This is a lovely story about a mistake and where that leads to. The couple is enchanting and I very much enjoyed their banter from enemies to more.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes a good story.
I recommend this book to anyone who likes a good story.
July 20, 2021
Fake engagements are great, aren't they? The participants make a mutually-beneficial deal that they'll get engaged but just won't get married at the end of it. But of course, all that fake courting means they have to act like they're for-real courting, and at the end of the day fake courting and real courting are basically the same thing, amirite?
All that to say that the premise for Not the Kind of Earl You Marry was one of our favorites. William and Charlotte enter into their "temporary engagement" because someone put their betrothal announcement in the paper. Once they straighten out that it wasn't either of them who did it, they decide to defy whoever did it and go along with the plan.
The book starts off really strong, with fun banter, witty correspondence, and (of course) sexual tension. The plot does drag a bit whenever Charlotte and William are not on the page together, which happens relatively often (William is kind of a big deal in parliament, which is why he can't have any scandal attached to his name, but is also why he and Charlotte can't hang out together more often). We are looking forward to reading more from Kate Pembrooke.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
All that to say that the premise for Not the Kind of Earl You Marry was one of our favorites. William and Charlotte enter into their "temporary engagement" because someone put their betrothal announcement in the paper. Once they straighten out that it wasn't either of them who did it, they decide to defy whoever did it and go along with the plan.
The book starts off really strong, with fun banter, witty correspondence, and (of course) sexual tension. The plot does drag a bit whenever Charlotte and William are not on the page together, which happens relatively often (William is kind of a big deal in parliament, which is why he can't have any scandal attached to his name, but is also why he and Charlotte can't hang out together more often). We are looking forward to reading more from Kate Pembrooke.
This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.
June 8, 2021
I enjoyed reading this story. Brilliantly done. The banter of the two lead character was so much fun. Lovely story that starts with a mistaken engagement announcement and continues into a grand story. Well done.
July 7, 2021
When the morning paper announces his engagement to a woman he's never met, William Atherton, the Earl of Norwood, is rightfully confused. Confused and more than a little pissed off. Filled with righteous anger, he calls upon the chit, a one Charlotte Hurst, to give her a piece of his mind and to inform her that her ill-thought out marriage trap will not work.
He makes an utter cake of himself.
To his chagrin, he finds that not only did Charlotte not publish the announcement but that she is as much a victim of this announcement as he is. And that while she has considerably more to lose, she informs him that she wouldn't marry him if he were the last eligible man on earth. Shocked and now more than a little intrigued, William proposes a solution: go through with the engagement for a time and then have Charlotte publicly jilt him to save face. Because while the scandal of this false announcement might cost him a coveted and competitive posting in the Prime Minister's government, it could cost Charlotte her whole future.
It's the perfect solution. Assuming one doesn't fall in love in the process.
--
Okay... you all know me. You know that Fake-Dating-Becomes-Real is one of my favorite tropes in like the history of forever. It's right up there with Time Travel, Enemies-to-Lovers, and The-Big-One-Keeps-The Small-One-From-Murdering-People. I have a lot of favorite tropes. LOL So this book, with the whole Fake Dating as well a hint of Enemies-to-Lovers is seriously right up my alley. And this Debut novel by Kate Pembrooke scratched my itch quite nicely.
Charlotte is definitely the shy, retiring kind of wallflower with a hint of steel underneath. She's not comfortable with small talk. She's nervous in large crowds. She's much more interested in books than the weather. And she desperately wants to do something with her life. She has no interest in landing a titled husband just for the sake of landing a titled husband. She wants love, mutual affection, and she's not willing to settle. She's an interesting character--a little naive at times. a little prudish at others-- she is most definitely a product of her time. She doesn't consider herself the kind of woman an ambitious Earl like William would want to marry and that forms the basis for much of their conflict.
As for William, he's also a bit of a prude... but in the "he's part of the establishment" kind of way. Part of his arc is understanding that he does need to unbend for things to improve between him and Charlotte as well as sorting out his priorities. Part of me really likes that his arc features the potential sacrifice of something he really wants in order to both do the right thing and also to get the girl. It's something that generally the woman has to be the one making the sacrifice instead of the man. So I liked that. But... another part of me doesn't like it. I think that there should be solutions that form a compromise. I'm weird like that. I do like that William is very willing to apologize when he is wrong. It's refreshing to see that honestly. But I didn't love his jealousy and possessiveness. I did like that during the first sex scene that there was very good consent and there was a lot of implied consent in the earlier kisses. This is important, y'all.
The Side characters are fun and actually really offered good advice and were generally stand up characters... well rounded even if they were clearly not going to get their own book later -- like some of William's sisters. The antagonist of the book needed more depth, though. They were very over the top in an almost melodramatic kind of way. They were also introduced way too late in the book as an actual character and not an idea.
Plot-wise, it took me a little bit understand why the announcement would be a big deal. I knew right off that Charlotte could just jilt him and be done with it. And while it was eventually explained the rationale, It didn't land for me immediately. I also didn't love a few other things that happened in this book. There's a very large TSTL moment which does have a VERY good lampshade hung on it, but the fall out from it is very predictable. I also felt that the ending was rushed. In fact the pacing was a bit off for the beginning of the book. While I totally loved the adorable epistolary banter in the beginning, I do think that a few scenes early on could be cut while some of the later scenes in the book felt rushed and missing components. This is why this book isn't a five star from me.
As a note something I didn't love but am not dinging the book for are the few anachronisms that slipped through (Giving someone "An Out" is from 1919 and "Being square" with someone... as in settled up isn't from 1868 and is an Americanism), some very weird punctuation choice, and a few missing scene breaks which turn into headhops. My hope is that these mistakes are limited to the ARC I read and are not in the final product. But in case they are, I am noting them in this review.
In all, this was a very good debut novel that did a good job of setting up the world and introducing us to future characters. I am definitely interested in reading Serena and Charles' book when it is available.
Because I liked this book despite a few missteps this gets:
Four stars
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley
He makes an utter cake of himself.
To his chagrin, he finds that not only did Charlotte not publish the announcement but that she is as much a victim of this announcement as he is. And that while she has considerably more to lose, she informs him that she wouldn't marry him if he were the last eligible man on earth. Shocked and now more than a little intrigued, William proposes a solution: go through with the engagement for a time and then have Charlotte publicly jilt him to save face. Because while the scandal of this false announcement might cost him a coveted and competitive posting in the Prime Minister's government, it could cost Charlotte her whole future.
It's the perfect solution. Assuming one doesn't fall in love in the process.
--
Okay... you all know me. You know that Fake-Dating-Becomes-Real is one of my favorite tropes in like the history of forever. It's right up there with Time Travel, Enemies-to-Lovers, and The-Big-One-Keeps-The Small-One-From-Murdering-People. I have a lot of favorite tropes. LOL So this book, with the whole Fake Dating as well a hint of Enemies-to-Lovers is seriously right up my alley. And this Debut novel by Kate Pembrooke scratched my itch quite nicely.
Charlotte is definitely the shy, retiring kind of wallflower with a hint of steel underneath. She's not comfortable with small talk. She's nervous in large crowds. She's much more interested in books than the weather. And she desperately wants to do something with her life. She has no interest in landing a titled husband just for the sake of landing a titled husband. She wants love, mutual affection, and she's not willing to settle. She's an interesting character--a little naive at times. a little prudish at others-- she is most definitely a product of her time. She doesn't consider herself the kind of woman an ambitious Earl like William would want to marry and that forms the basis for much of their conflict.
As for William, he's also a bit of a prude... but in the "he's part of the establishment" kind of way. Part of his arc is understanding that he does need to unbend for things to improve between him and Charlotte as well as sorting out his priorities. Part of me really likes that his arc features the potential sacrifice of something he really wants in order to both do the right thing and also to get the girl. It's something that generally the woman has to be the one making the sacrifice instead of the man. So I liked that. But... another part of me doesn't like it. I think that there should be solutions that form a compromise. I'm weird like that. I do like that William is very willing to apologize when he is wrong. It's refreshing to see that honestly. But I didn't love his jealousy and possessiveness. I did like that during the first sex scene that there was very good consent and there was a lot of implied consent in the earlier kisses. This is important, y'all.
The Side characters are fun and actually really offered good advice and were generally stand up characters... well rounded even if they were clearly not going to get their own book later -- like some of William's sisters. The antagonist of the book needed more depth, though. They were very over the top in an almost melodramatic kind of way. They were also introduced way too late in the book as an actual character and not an idea.
Plot-wise, it took me a little bit understand why the announcement would be a big deal. I knew right off that Charlotte could just jilt him and be done with it. And while it was eventually explained the rationale, It didn't land for me immediately. I also didn't love a few other things that happened in this book. There's a very large TSTL moment which does have a VERY good lampshade hung on it, but the fall out from it is very predictable. I also felt that the ending was rushed. In fact the pacing was a bit off for the beginning of the book. While I totally loved the adorable epistolary banter in the beginning, I do think that a few scenes early on could be cut while some of the later scenes in the book felt rushed and missing components. This is why this book isn't a five star from me.
As a note something I didn't love but am not dinging the book for are the few anachronisms that slipped through (Giving someone "An Out" is from 1919 and "Being square" with someone... as in settled up isn't from 1868 and is an Americanism), some very weird punctuation choice, and a few missing scene breaks which turn into headhops. My hope is that these mistakes are limited to the ARC I read and are not in the final product. But in case they are, I am noting them in this review.
In all, this was a very good debut novel that did a good job of setting up the world and introducing us to future characters. I am definitely interested in reading Serena and Charles' book when it is available.
Because I liked this book despite a few missteps this gets:
Four stars
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley
July 29, 2021
'The one woman in London who doesn’t want to marry him is now his fiancée.
William Atherton, Earl of Norwood, is as shocked as the rest of London to discover his betrothal via an announcement in the morning paper. Furious at what appears to be a shrewd marriage trap, William tracks down his alleged fiancée before her plans can affect his campaign for a coveted political post. But then William realizes an engagement, however fake, may benefit them both...
Miss Charlotte Hurst may be a wallflower, but she’s no shrinking violet. She would never attempt such an underhanded scheme, especially not with a man as haughty or sought-after as Norwood. Yet his suggestion to play along with the betrothal has its merits... and the longer they pretend, the more undeniably real their feelings become. But when the true culprit behind their engagement is revealed, can their newfound happiness survive the scandal?'
________________________________
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.
Not the Kind of Earl You Marry is the first book in Kate Pembrooke's debut series, The Unconventional Ladies of Mayfair.
The start of this book was perfect. I loved reading about William on the defensive, thinking that Charlotte and potentially her brother had plotted to trap him into marrige, and Charlotte giving him an almighty set down for his arrogance. But despite the rocky start, they plan to play into the engagement notice in order to protect her reputation and his political ambitions. I found their interactions together to be, by turns, amusing and endearing. I really enjoyed the letters that they exchanged, I feel that that almost gave us a better picture of their personalities than their interactions face-to-face. If I had to say what bothered me about the book though, it would probably be Charlotte's stubborn insistance that the engagement be pretend, rather then temporary and that the ending felt a bit rushed,
Not the Kind of Earl You Marry was a great debut book. I will be reading more from this author in the future and I look forward to reading the next in the series and reading Townshend and Serena's story.
_____
I would like to thank Grand Central Publishing, Forever and NetGalley for sharing an eARC of Not the Kind of Earl You Marry by Kate Pembrooke. This is my honest review.
William Atherton, Earl of Norwood, is as shocked as the rest of London to discover his betrothal via an announcement in the morning paper. Furious at what appears to be a shrewd marriage trap, William tracks down his alleged fiancée before her plans can affect his campaign for a coveted political post. But then William realizes an engagement, however fake, may benefit them both...
Miss Charlotte Hurst may be a wallflower, but she’s no shrinking violet. She would never attempt such an underhanded scheme, especially not with a man as haughty or sought-after as Norwood. Yet his suggestion to play along with the betrothal has its merits... and the longer they pretend, the more undeniably real their feelings become. But when the true culprit behind their engagement is revealed, can their newfound happiness survive the scandal?'
________________________________
3.5 stars, rounded up to 4 stars.
Not the Kind of Earl You Marry is the first book in Kate Pembrooke's debut series, The Unconventional Ladies of Mayfair.
The start of this book was perfect. I loved reading about William on the defensive, thinking that Charlotte and potentially her brother had plotted to trap him into marrige, and Charlotte giving him an almighty set down for his arrogance. But despite the rocky start, they plan to play into the engagement notice in order to protect her reputation and his political ambitions. I found their interactions together to be, by turns, amusing and endearing. I really enjoyed the letters that they exchanged, I feel that that almost gave us a better picture of their personalities than their interactions face-to-face. If I had to say what bothered me about the book though, it would probably be Charlotte's stubborn insistance that the engagement be pretend, rather then temporary and that the ending felt a bit rushed,
Not the Kind of Earl You Marry was a great debut book. I will be reading more from this author in the future and I look forward to reading the next in the series and reading Townshend and Serena's story.
_____
I would like to thank Grand Central Publishing, Forever and NetGalley for sharing an eARC of Not the Kind of Earl You Marry by Kate Pembrooke. This is my honest review.
July 15, 2021
Not the Kind of Earl You Marry
Book 1 in The Unconventional Ladies of Mayfair
Rating: 5 stars
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC given through NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own.
Not the Kind of Earl You Marry was a lovely story about two people who are brought together for the wrong reasons and end up falling in love.
Charlotte and William are forced to pretend to be betrothed when someone announces their engagement in the paper. They have never met each other before William barges into her house to get the truth about who made the announcement. Neither one of them made the announcement, but due to his political standing and her reputation they decide to carry on as a couple in love for a period of time.
These two were so sweet and cute together. They had many tender moments and William won my heart when he gave his nephews horse rides on his back in the middle of his sisters house. I loved how William was all in to make it real and official but Charlotte had her doubts due to her social standing, especially without knowing who was responsible for posting their engagement in the paper.
I highly recommend it! I look forwards to reading more of this series!
Book 1 in The Unconventional Ladies of Mayfair
Rating: 5 stars
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC given through NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own.
Not the Kind of Earl You Marry was a lovely story about two people who are brought together for the wrong reasons and end up falling in love.
Charlotte and William are forced to pretend to be betrothed when someone announces their engagement in the paper. They have never met each other before William barges into her house to get the truth about who made the announcement. Neither one of them made the announcement, but due to his political standing and her reputation they decide to carry on as a couple in love for a period of time.
These two were so sweet and cute together. They had many tender moments and William won my heart when he gave his nephews horse rides on his back in the middle of his sisters house. I loved how William was all in to make it real and official but Charlotte had her doubts due to her social standing, especially without knowing who was responsible for posting their engagement in the paper.
I highly recommend it! I look forwards to reading more of this series!
July 14, 2021
Fake engagement with the best start of it ever, I just loved loved this plot. William aka Earl of Norwood has a shock of his life when his enemy puts an engagement post in the time to Charlotte who he has never meet and is a wallflower. To be honest the author had me at scene one- I just lol - could wait to see what would happen with these two after that. William finds he is wanting to take away the pretend more and more as he spends time with her, but she is not so sure. Its very one sided until the end but still could feel the chemistry and draw to each other.
Great add in to the historical parts but not over powering, loved the details. Loved the plot, flow of it all, super super slow burn with some steam at the end and great start to a series! I can't wait for more of this!
4.5 stars
3 steam
Great add in to the historical parts but not over powering, loved the details. Loved the plot, flow of it all, super super slow burn with some steam at the end and great start to a series! I can't wait for more of this!
4.5 stars
3 steam
April 4, 2022
This was a fun, historical romance. I really enjoyed the writing style because as much as the content fit with the historical romance genre, the writing style was more modern which made it flow and easy to read.
I loved the trope involved and the main characters of William and Charlotte; however, I think the overarching plot and side story needed some work. Maybe it was due to the political involvement but I found that plot point dry and boring. I wasn't very interested in what was going on in the background as much as I hoped to be and found myself holding on only for the scenes between William and Charlotte.
There were a few interesting characters that were also introduced and as I now know this will be a series, I'm hoping some of those side characters will have their own stories published.
***Thank you to Forever Publishing for sending me a copy of this book to read and review.***
I loved the trope involved and the main characters of William and Charlotte; however, I think the overarching plot and side story needed some work. Maybe it was due to the political involvement but I found that plot point dry and boring. I wasn't very interested in what was going on in the background as much as I hoped to be and found myself holding on only for the scenes between William and Charlotte.
There were a few interesting characters that were also introduced and as I now know this will be a series, I'm hoping some of those side characters will have their own stories published.
***Thank you to Forever Publishing for sending me a copy of this book to read and review.***
May 3, 2021
William Atherton, Earl of Norwood, and Miss Charlotte Hurst are as shocked as the rest of London to discover their betrothal via an announcement in the morning paper. Ofcourse, he assumes Charlotte has attempted to trap him but quickly realizes he is in error when she declares he is the last man she would consider marrying. Because of his political aspirations, they decide to let the fake betrothal stand for a short time until seats on a government committee are announced.
I enjoyed the banter between these two strong characters who were well developed through the author's writing. This is a fun enemies to lovers trope novel.
I enjoyed the banter between these two strong characters who were well developed through the author's writing. This is a fun enemies to lovers trope novel.
June 25, 2021
This was such an enjoyable and, more importantly, satisfying read. Both leads are strong and smart, and witnessing them falling in love was a joy. I look forward to reading more from Kate Pembrooke and her Wednesday Afternoon Social Club.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
August 4, 2021
Not the Kind of Earl You Marry was a phenomenal start to a new historical romance series featuring a fake engagement.
William Atherton, Earl of Norwood, is shocked to discover the announcement of his betrothal in the morning paper to a woman he has never met. Convinced he's been roped into a marriage trap, William confronts the woman over the scheme. But Miss Charlotte Hurst has no knowledge of the situation and tells William he is the last man on Earth she would ever wish to marry. Not wanting to jeopardize his chances at an upcoming political appointment, William convinces Charlotte to maintain the ruse of their engagement at least until the selection has been made. But the longer the pair pretend to be in love, the more real their feelings become.
Charlotte has always been shy, preferring to stay home and read than go to social engagements. After a disastrous time in finishing school, Charlotte has kept her distance from society as much as possible. I really enjoyed Charlotte's character as she's intelligent, knows her own mind, and isn't afraid to speak it. William grew up as the only son with four sisters who didn't allow him to become spoiled, something that benefits him as an adult. He feels a duty to help his country which isn't motivated by political ambition, but rather as a true desire to help people. I liked that William didn't just want more power and that he was going for the committee appointment to ensure it actually went to someone who planned to help people.
The first scene of this book is William arriving at Charlotte's residence and confronting her, and her brother, over the betrothal announcement. This meeting does not put William in a good light and Charlotte rightly distrusts him. As their ruse goes on, the two develop a lovely friendship that quickly turns into something more. I loved the banter between these two and that Charlotte didn't let William get away with anything just because he was a titled man. The chemistry between them is fantastic and I loved when their relationship developed into something more. The book doesn't have a ton of steamy scenes, but the ones it does have are well done. I also really liked how they handled their relationship becoming a real one rather than just a ruse.
Overall Not the Kind of Earl You Marry was a fantastic start to the series and I highly recommend the book if you're looking for a new historical romance to pick up.
**I received an advanced finished copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
William Atherton, Earl of Norwood, is shocked to discover the announcement of his betrothal in the morning paper to a woman he has never met. Convinced he's been roped into a marriage trap, William confronts the woman over the scheme. But Miss Charlotte Hurst has no knowledge of the situation and tells William he is the last man on Earth she would ever wish to marry. Not wanting to jeopardize his chances at an upcoming political appointment, William convinces Charlotte to maintain the ruse of their engagement at least until the selection has been made. But the longer the pair pretend to be in love, the more real their feelings become.
Charlotte has always been shy, preferring to stay home and read than go to social engagements. After a disastrous time in finishing school, Charlotte has kept her distance from society as much as possible. I really enjoyed Charlotte's character as she's intelligent, knows her own mind, and isn't afraid to speak it. William grew up as the only son with four sisters who didn't allow him to become spoiled, something that benefits him as an adult. He feels a duty to help his country which isn't motivated by political ambition, but rather as a true desire to help people. I liked that William didn't just want more power and that he was going for the committee appointment to ensure it actually went to someone who planned to help people.
The first scene of this book is William arriving at Charlotte's residence and confronting her, and her brother, over the betrothal announcement. This meeting does not put William in a good light and Charlotte rightly distrusts him. As their ruse goes on, the two develop a lovely friendship that quickly turns into something more. I loved the banter between these two and that Charlotte didn't let William get away with anything just because he was a titled man. The chemistry between them is fantastic and I loved when their relationship developed into something more. The book doesn't have a ton of steamy scenes, but the ones it does have are well done. I also really liked how they handled their relationship becoming a real one rather than just a ruse.
Overall Not the Kind of Earl You Marry was a fantastic start to the series and I highly recommend the book if you're looking for a new historical romance to pick up.
**I received an advanced finished copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
July 21, 2021
Not the Kind of Earl You Marry by Kate Pembrooke
Wallflower and Bluestocking Charlotte Hurst is just trying to have a normal breakfast with her brother when William Atherton, Earl of Norwood bursts in to demand how an announcement of their marriage has appeared in the papers. Charlotte is just as shocked as William, especially since they've never actually met. William comes up with a great idea to keep their false engagement going to determine who has been playing with his life. However, soon William and Charlotte are fighting their feelings for each other and the person who has it out for William.
This book is the first in a new series. It was wonderful! Kate Pembrooke has a refreshing voice and I loved every minute of this story. I cannot wait for the next book in this series!
*I was provided an ARC from Netgalley and the publisher for my honest review
Wallflower and Bluestocking Charlotte Hurst is just trying to have a normal breakfast with her brother when William Atherton, Earl of Norwood bursts in to demand how an announcement of their marriage has appeared in the papers. Charlotte is just as shocked as William, especially since they've never actually met. William comes up with a great idea to keep their false engagement going to determine who has been playing with his life. However, soon William and Charlotte are fighting their feelings for each other and the person who has it out for William.
This book is the first in a new series. It was wonderful! Kate Pembrooke has a refreshing voice and I loved every minute of this story. I cannot wait for the next book in this series!
*I was provided an ARC from Netgalley and the publisher for my honest review
April 12, 2024
It was fun, but i did not enjoy it as much! It was an activity log more than anything else! Meh..
July 21, 2021
When a political rival falsely places an announcement of William's engagement in the paper, he's left with a dilemma. If he cries off, he'll humiliate Charlotte and ruin his own reputation. But how can he move forward with a betrothal to a woman he's never met? As he gets to know Charlotte, though, he realizes they're perfectly matched., But his rival isn't done scheming against him, and doesn't care who his ambition destroys.
This book is delightful. I love the author's writing style. The banter between Charlotte and William is witty and endearing. The plot is brisk and never boring. A wonderful debut!
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
This book is delightful. I love the author's writing style. The banter between Charlotte and William is witty and endearing. The plot is brisk and never boring. A wonderful debut!
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
August 8, 2021
3.5 Oh, What To Do Stars
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
There is nothing worse than learning you are about to be married while reading the morning news. That is how William Atherton, Earl of Norwood discovered he had a fiancee! The last he checked, he hadn't proposed to anyone, let alone a Miss Charlotte Hurst.
This must be a shrewd marriage trap, and he will have none of it.
Miss Charlotte Hurst and her brother were then interrupted by this man, huffing and puffing about a marriage trap. They were just as upset if not more because Miss Hurst's reputation was on the line. There was no choice in the matter for either of them, a fake engagement is the only answer.
Oh, the tangled web we weave, etc., etc., etc...What starts out as fake so turns into something else as a kiss between them changes everything.
Not the Kind of Earl You Marry (The Unconventional Ladies of Mayfair Book 1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Say You'll Be My Lady
(The Unconventional Ladies of Mayfair #2)
A gifted copy was provided by Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free-A Quick Review
There is nothing worse than learning you are about to be married while reading the morning news. That is how William Atherton, Earl of Norwood discovered he had a fiancee! The last he checked, he hadn't proposed to anyone, let alone a Miss Charlotte Hurst.
This must be a shrewd marriage trap, and he will have none of it.
Miss Charlotte Hurst and her brother were then interrupted by this man, huffing and puffing about a marriage trap. They were just as upset if not more because Miss Hurst's reputation was on the line. There was no choice in the matter for either of them, a fake engagement is the only answer.
Oh, the tangled web we weave, etc., etc., etc...What starts out as fake so turns into something else as a kiss between them changes everything.
Not the Kind of Earl You Marry (The Unconventional Ladies of Mayfair Book 1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Say You'll Be My Lady(The Unconventional Ladies of Mayfair #2)
A gifted copy was provided by Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
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