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The Secrets of Charlotte Street #2
O conde que eu arruinei
Depois que lady Constance Stonewell sem querer arruína o futuro de Julian Haywood, o conde de Apthorp, com sua coluna de fofocas, ela faz a única coisa que resta a uma dama honrada: se oferece para casar com ele. Ou, pelo menos, para encenar um noivado às pressas e, assim, salvar a reputação do coitado.
Mesmo que isso signifique passar um mês inteiro na companhia do sujeito mais sem graça da Inglaterra, um homem que condena todos os prazeres que ela mais adora.
O conde de Apthorp está prestes a se tornar o homem que sempre desejou quando vê seu nome ser arrastado na lama. E assim que lady Constance, a mulher por quem ele é secretamente apaixonado, confessa que foi tudo culpa dela, não é só a vida dele que se parte em mil pedaços, mas também seu coração.
Agora os dois têm um mês para limpar o nome dele e convencer a sociedade de que estão perdidamente apaixonados. Ao longo desse tempo, Constance percebe que, por trás da fachada tediosa, seu falso pretendido é muito mais interessante do que ela poderia imaginar.
Só que conseguir o perdão dele e convencê-lo a levar o teatrinho para a vida real vai ser o plano mais difícil de todos os que Constance já criou. E o mais delicioso também.
Mesmo que isso signifique passar um mês inteiro na companhia do sujeito mais sem graça da Inglaterra, um homem que condena todos os prazeres que ela mais adora.
O conde de Apthorp está prestes a se tornar o homem que sempre desejou quando vê seu nome ser arrastado na lama. E assim que lady Constance, a mulher por quem ele é secretamente apaixonado, confessa que foi tudo culpa dela, não é só a vida dele que se parte em mil pedaços, mas também seu coração.
Agora os dois têm um mês para limpar o nome dele e convencer a sociedade de que estão perdidamente apaixonados. Ao longo desse tempo, Constance percebe que, por trás da fachada tediosa, seu falso pretendido é muito mais interessante do que ela poderia imaginar.
Só que conseguir o perdão dele e convencê-lo a levar o teatrinho para a vida real vai ser o plano mais difícil de todos os que Constance já criou. E o mais delicioso também.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 11, 2018
390 people are currently reading
2634 people want to read
About the author
Scarlett Peckham
9 books992 followersScarlett Peckham writes sexy, gothic, feminist historical romances about alpha heroines. She splits her time between Los Angeles and the spooky cliffs of Coastal Oregon.
For a taste at her critically acclaimed Secrets of Charlotte Street series, download her free novelette, The Emerald Widow: https://geni.us/EmeraldWidow
To be the first to hear about her new releases and cat photos, sign up for her legendary newsletter: https://geni.us/TheScarlettLetter
For a taste at her critically acclaimed Secrets of Charlotte Street series, download her free novelette, The Emerald Widow: https://geni.us/EmeraldWidow
To be the first to hear about her new releases and cat photos, sign up for her legendary newsletter: https://geni.us/TheScarlettLetter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 557 reviews
May 6, 2019
I am SPECIFICALLY interested in this book because the highest rated review on it slut-shames the hero and bashes people that enjoy that trope.
And then you can't even comment on that review! Ugh.
REVIEW BELOW
HOT FUCKING DAMN THIS BOOK.
This book is full of charm, appeal, and sexual tension and I tried to be patient and document at much of this book through updates as possible but I got ahead of myself and couldn't stop reading. I barrelled through this book at a million miles per hour because it was just that good.
This is a book about mistakes, forgiveness, gratitude, and regret. It's about love. It's about attraction and bone deep lust for the one you love.
Lady Constance Stonewall is a free spirit to say the least. She does not want to be burdened by society's norms but rather delights in making friends from unusual places, saying things that would get anybody else in trouble, and writing plays and poems that amuse her greatly. When she accidentally ruins the Earl of Apthorpe's reputation, she strives to fix her mistake.
Constance wants to rescue this man without knowing his secret desires and that big secret is the tension that holds this book together. As readers, we sort of figure out what it is by the end of the book but it is the secrecy which ups the heat in this book.
But you know what is even better than the heat?
The honesty of this book.
I love it when characters are held accountable for their actions. Consequences make books seem real and both of these main characters face major consequences for their action or inaction. They fail. They have normal human flaws that are both redeemable and part of their character. They make bad decisions and have to suffer because of that.
These are the things that make a book real and exciting
You sometimes can't resolve everything in the end. You can't fix everything but these characters sincerely saw the harm in what they had done and they actively worked to fix it. I cannot even begin to tell you how much I love that in a book.
This book also had genuine humor and personality. It made me laugh as these characters were just so full of spirit and energy. They seemed to jump off the page.
When I spend time thinking about how much I am looking forward to reading this book again, it makes me smile. This is a lovely story filled with heat, love, passion, friendship, and so much more. I want to visit this book and these characters again and again.
And then you can't even comment on that review! Ugh.
REVIEW BELOW
HOT FUCKING DAMN THIS BOOK.
This book is full of charm, appeal, and sexual tension and I tried to be patient and document at much of this book through updates as possible but I got ahead of myself and couldn't stop reading. I barrelled through this book at a million miles per hour because it was just that good.
"Lord Apthorp, I am here to do what integrity demands when one’s actions have, however inadvertently, ruined the reputation of another person. I have come to offer you my hand in marriage."
This is a book about mistakes, forgiveness, gratitude, and regret. It's about love. It's about attraction and bone deep lust for the one you love.
"For years, he’d struggled not to make a fool of himself in front of her, not to let his longing seep out at every family supper and ballroom soiree and chance passing in the corridor of his cousin’s town house."
Lady Constance Stonewall is a free spirit to say the least. She does not want to be burdened by society's norms but rather delights in making friends from unusual places, saying things that would get anybody else in trouble, and writing plays and poems that amuse her greatly. When she accidentally ruins the Earl of Apthorpe's reputation, she strives to fix her mistake.
Constance wants to rescue this man without knowing his secret desires and that big secret is the tension that holds this book together. As readers, we sort of figure out what it is by the end of the book but it is the secrecy which ups the heat in this book.
But you know what is even better than the heat?
The honesty of this book.
"It matters, Constance. It matters what you did. It matters when you hurt people."
I love it when characters are held accountable for their actions. Consequences make books seem real and both of these main characters face major consequences for their action or inaction. They fail. They have normal human flaws that are both redeemable and part of their character. They make bad decisions and have to suffer because of that.
These are the things that make a book real and exciting
You sometimes can't resolve everything in the end. You can't fix everything but these characters sincerely saw the harm in what they had done and they actively worked to fix it. I cannot even begin to tell you how much I love that in a book.
This book also had genuine humor and personality. It made me laugh as these characters were just so full of spirit and energy. They seemed to jump off the page.
When I spend time thinking about how much I am looking forward to reading this book again, it makes me smile. This is a lovely story filled with heat, love, passion, friendship, and so much more. I want to visit this book and these characters again and again.
December 29, 2018
OK I didn't write a review when I finished this book because I was too busy. I was so f*cking angry that the hero ended up being a former high class prostitute/courtesan, who worked in a secret sex club ! If I had known this IMPORTANT bit of information I would've NEVER read this novel ! I HATE when MC's are former prostitutes and I know some of my GR's friends share my opinion so I'm writing this very belated abridged review (( I'm still too busy to write details ) as a courtesy warning for those who don't want to waste money on a book with a H who used to be a Dom courtesan in a secret sex club.
There is no cheating, in case anybody isn't bothered by the H being a former whore, for those who want to read this. The other part that made me nauseous was that the H totally enjoyed being a skanky manslut; I might've been less judgemental if he had been, like the H in Ramsay by Mia Sheridan, sickened by the fact that his financial circumstances had forced him to accept money for sexual services. In Mia Sheridan's novel, that asshole H was a lot more sympathetic and it's easy to forgive a former prostitute H if he's tormented by his sordid past. I am not a total beast: I can feel a MC's pain if that person does sordid stuff to save his family BUT HATES HIMSELF FOR HAVING TO DO IT. This H, on the hand. totally loved whoring himself out for money. I actually felt a lot of pity for Mia Sheridan's H, in spite of Ramsay being a former gigolo/prostitute. The other ridiculous bit of information is that this H claimed he'd been in love with the heroine for 8 years but that hadn't stopped him for renting his dick out for money at his sleazy sex club.
I don't want to read about an Earl who was a former prostitute and I'm not sorry if anybody thinks I'm being too judgemental. I hate the former prostitute/gigolo MC trope with a cussing passion ! The author should've put the warning in the blurb ! And, the vague warning that was placed at the start of the novel ( which doesn't fucking help anybody AFTER they've already bought the novel ) doesn't address the specific issue either, because it doesn't say that the H used to be a prostitute.
Warnings are ONLY useful if they're placed in the blurb ! And once more I need to add that a proper warning would've prevented me from reading this book and thus prevented me from writing such a scathing review. I honestly thought, after that disgusting debacle with the prostitute heroine in The Duke and the Thief , by Ashe Barker, that my 2018 would end without any more MC's who used to be happy hookers ! Earlier in 2018, I was soured when I'd read Claiming His Hidden Heir by Carol Marinelli and discovered that that H had been a gigolo as well ! One of my 2019 GR resolutions is to pray that I will not have to encounter anymore of these prostitute MC's - high class or otherwise...
On the positive side, the novel was well written so if you don't object to a former prostitute H then you might enjoy it.
There is no cheating, in case anybody isn't bothered by the H being a former whore, for those who want to read this. The other part that made me nauseous was that the H totally enjoyed being a skanky manslut; I might've been less judgemental if he had been, like the H in Ramsay by Mia Sheridan, sickened by the fact that his financial circumstances had forced him to accept money for sexual services. In Mia Sheridan's novel, that asshole H was a lot more sympathetic and it's easy to forgive a former prostitute H if he's tormented by his sordid past. I am not a total beast: I can feel a MC's pain if that person does sordid stuff to save his family BUT HATES HIMSELF FOR HAVING TO DO IT. This H, on the hand. totally loved whoring himself out for money. I actually felt a lot of pity for Mia Sheridan's H, in spite of Ramsay being a former gigolo/prostitute. The other ridiculous bit of information is that this H claimed he'd been in love with the heroine for 8 years but that hadn't stopped him for renting his dick out for money at his sleazy sex club.
I don't want to read about an Earl who was a former prostitute and I'm not sorry if anybody thinks I'm being too judgemental. I hate the former prostitute/gigolo MC trope with a cussing passion ! The author should've put the warning in the blurb ! And, the vague warning that was placed at the start of the novel ( which doesn't fucking help anybody AFTER they've already bought the novel ) doesn't address the specific issue either, because it doesn't say that the H used to be a prostitute.
Warnings are ONLY useful if they're placed in the blurb ! And once more I need to add that a proper warning would've prevented me from reading this book and thus prevented me from writing such a scathing review. I honestly thought, after that disgusting debacle with the prostitute heroine in The Duke and the Thief , by Ashe Barker, that my 2018 would end without any more MC's who used to be happy hookers ! Earlier in 2018, I was soured when I'd read Claiming His Hidden Heir by Carol Marinelli and discovered that that H had been a gigolo as well ! One of my 2019 GR resolutions is to pray that I will not have to encounter anymore of these prostitute MC's - high class or otherwise...
On the positive side, the novel was well written so if you don't object to a former prostitute H then you might enjoy it.
December 13, 2018
4 stars
This is my first book from this author and definitely not my last.I was in mood for a historical romance and this has exactly what I needed.
The plot was interesting from the beginning.I like the characters especially Constance . Julian was an interesting character too.There is a lot of back and forth between these two.They are full of angst and there are some funny moments too.
Overall it was a great read.I'm excited to read more books from this author!
This is my first book from this author and definitely not my last.I was in mood for a historical romance and this has exactly what I needed.
The plot was interesting from the beginning.I like the characters especially Constance . Julian was an interesting character too.There is a lot of back and forth between these two.They are full of angst and there are some funny moments too.
Overall it was a great read.I'm excited to read more books from this author!
July 6, 2021
This was actually highly, bloody enjoyable despite the rocky start it had for me. The main heroine was so irrationally irritating at times, she triggered my violent side.
But once we got some backstory and the character arcs developed, I really sympathised with them both. I like the way the story progressed.
Scarlett Peckham told their story well and her writing really stood out to me and now I can’t wait to pick up the other two books in the series.
But once we got some backstory and the character arcs developed, I really sympathised with them both. I like the way the story progressed.
Scarlett Peckham told their story well and her writing really stood out to me and now I can’t wait to pick up the other two books in the series.
December 14, 2018
I pre-ordered this because I loved the first book in the series. I had every expectation of loving this one too, but alas. The Earl I Ruined had one of the most unlikable heroines I've ever come across.
June 10, 2019
I loved Constance in book one and getting to see her in this book was so fun. She's spunky, headstrong, and knows exactly what she wants. I loved also seeing her vulnerability that she hid so well.
This book was my obsession all day. I couldn't put it down and I'm sad that there's not more of Scarlett Peckham's words I can get lost in. Her writing is exceptional and I can't wait to devour all that writes in the future.
This book was my obsession all day. I couldn't put it down and I'm sad that there's not more of Scarlett Peckham's words I can get lost in. Her writing is exceptional and I can't wait to devour all that writes in the future.
January 18, 2019
Another entertaining historical romance.
This second instalment features Constance, who I found hilarious in book 1. ‘Incorrigible’ is the perfect adjective for her. Of course, her meddling causes trouble and lands her in impossible situations, even with the best intentions at heart. What puzzled me was how the author would portray the male main character, Apthorp, when he had been very much a caricature in the first novel... Apparently, very well :0)
This second instalment features Constance, who I found hilarious in book 1. ‘Incorrigible’ is the perfect adjective for her. Of course, her meddling causes trouble and lands her in impossible situations, even with the best intentions at heart. What puzzled me was how the author would portray the male main character, Apthorp, when he had been very much a caricature in the first novel... Apparently, very well :0)
December 7, 2018
The Earl I ruined by Scarlett Peckham
The Secrets of Charlotte Street #2
Two people that danced around one another for years, played games, misconstrued situations, said hurtful things, hid their feelings and then had to come up with a way to repair a ruined reputation could not have been more entertaining than Constance and Julian. I don’t know if you have ever written something that was not for public consumption that became common fodder but Lady Constance Stonewell had that happen to her and the impact it had on Julian Haywood, the Earl of Apthorp, sees her trying to fix things and THAT sees them engaged but with an expiration date. Little do they realize that their perceptions might be misperceptions and that the time they spend together might make them want more than a pretend engagement. With balls to attend, money matters to deal with, family matters to contend with, people to convince and a steamy scene or two this book was a joy to read from beginning to end. I kept thinking that Constance was immature and often didn’t see the bigger picture or how what she did might impact others but in spite of that I can say that I was thrilled for the couple when they finally achieved their happily ever after. I am rather curious about who will have their story told next and can’t wait to find out.
Thank you to NYLA and NetGalley for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
The Secrets of Charlotte Street #2
Two people that danced around one another for years, played games, misconstrued situations, said hurtful things, hid their feelings and then had to come up with a way to repair a ruined reputation could not have been more entertaining than Constance and Julian. I don’t know if you have ever written something that was not for public consumption that became common fodder but Lady Constance Stonewell had that happen to her and the impact it had on Julian Haywood, the Earl of Apthorp, sees her trying to fix things and THAT sees them engaged but with an expiration date. Little do they realize that their perceptions might be misperceptions and that the time they spend together might make them want more than a pretend engagement. With balls to attend, money matters to deal with, family matters to contend with, people to convince and a steamy scene or two this book was a joy to read from beginning to end. I kept thinking that Constance was immature and often didn’t see the bigger picture or how what she did might impact others but in spite of that I can say that I was thrilled for the couple when they finally achieved their happily ever after. I am rather curious about who will have their story told next and can’t wait to find out.
Thank you to NYLA and NetGalley for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
November 9, 2018
Thank you to NetGalley for providing the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely LOVED this book. I couldn't put it down and found it such a refreshing historical romance. There was no simpering miss in need of rescuing...instead, our heroine Constance was intellectual, savvy, intriguing, independent, charming and clever. She is not without faults, which makes her a sympathetic character that I could identify with. When she makes mistakes or hurts people, she is compelled to put things right, which is how she finds herself in the mix with Lord Apthorpe. Lord Apthorpe is also well-written. He's not a boorish, bearish, typical "my way or the highway because I'm a man" character. He's not the typical rogue either, or lacking morality that is written away with brash charm. He's pragmatic, he's hard-working. He doesn't have much money, only a title, and does whatever it takes to care for his family. He recognizes the value of having a strong woman by his side and that, I think, is what sets this book apart from the genre.
Constance and Julian have an incredible love story - one that I was invested in reading and couldn't wait to see how it turned out. They both have their moments, can be stubborn and strong-willed, but the volley between them is the bulk of the fun.
Phew - the love scenes were well-done. Nothing overly scandalous (not by today's standards anyway). Let's just say I might never look at a fruit basket the same way again. The scenes were well-placed inside the narrative and served to move along the plot, not just there for show.
Again. Loved it. Absolutely loved it. Will read more by Scarlett Peckham and will be re-reading this again and again!
#netgalley #theearliruined
I absolutely LOVED this book. I couldn't put it down and found it such a refreshing historical romance. There was no simpering miss in need of rescuing...instead, our heroine Constance was intellectual, savvy, intriguing, independent, charming and clever. She is not without faults, which makes her a sympathetic character that I could identify with. When she makes mistakes or hurts people, she is compelled to put things right, which is how she finds herself in the mix with Lord Apthorpe. Lord Apthorpe is also well-written. He's not a boorish, bearish, typical "my way or the highway because I'm a man" character. He's not the typical rogue either, or lacking morality that is written away with brash charm. He's pragmatic, he's hard-working. He doesn't have much money, only a title, and does whatever it takes to care for his family. He recognizes the value of having a strong woman by his side and that, I think, is what sets this book apart from the genre.
Constance and Julian have an incredible love story - one that I was invested in reading and couldn't wait to see how it turned out. They both have their moments, can be stubborn and strong-willed, but the volley between them is the bulk of the fun.
Phew - the love scenes were well-done. Nothing overly scandalous (not by today's standards anyway). Let's just say I might never look at a fruit basket the same way again. The scenes were well-placed inside the narrative and served to move along the plot, not just there for show.
Again. Loved it. Absolutely loved it. Will read more by Scarlett Peckham and will be re-reading this again and again!
#netgalley #theearliruined
August 23, 2022
3.5 stars.
Not a bad book. The characters are refreshing, and the storyline is original. The book is engaging, and the author has an easy-to-read style. I thought Constance could be a bit immature at times and Julian too quick to jump to conclusions. However, they both carried a lot of baggage, so it’s understandable. They have been carrying a torch for each other for nearly a decade but have been going about it the wrong way (him berating her for her improper behaviour, and her taunting him and dismissing him). They both are definitely a case of opposites attract. I thought the whipping club would play a more prominent role, but this was just mentioned in passing. This book has piqued my interest, so I’ll be looking out for the author’s other work.
Steam factor: Mid steam. I honestly thought the steam count would be higher because of Julian’s involvement in the whipping, ie BDSM club. The first half only has a few stolen kisses and fondling scenes. There are about 3 love scenes (self loving, role-playing, spanking, blowjob; a bit of variety there). Explicit but not overly long. I think the sexual tension build-up is fantastic. Another virginal miss who takes to sex like a fish to water (There must be something in the water back then, who knows?)
Not a bad book. The characters are refreshing, and the storyline is original. The book is engaging, and the author has an easy-to-read style. I thought Constance could be a bit immature at times and Julian too quick to jump to conclusions. However, they both carried a lot of baggage, so it’s understandable. They have been carrying a torch for each other for nearly a decade but have been going about it the wrong way (him berating her for her improper behaviour, and her taunting him and dismissing him). They both are definitely a case of opposites attract. I thought the whipping club would play a more prominent role, but this was just mentioned in passing. This book has piqued my interest, so I’ll be looking out for the author’s other work.
Steam factor: Mid steam. I honestly thought the steam count would be higher because of Julian’s involvement in the whipping, ie BDSM club. The first half only has a few stolen kisses and fondling scenes. There are about 3 love scenes (self loving, role-playing, spanking, blowjob; a bit of variety there). Explicit but not overly long. I think the sexual tension build-up is fantastic. Another virginal miss who takes to sex like a fish to water (There must be something in the water back then, who knows?)
October 30, 2023
What a pleasant surprise!
This book had all my favorite tropes executed to the most pleasurable degree of perfection.
I must have had Scarlett Peckham confused with someone else because in my mind I thought I read one of her books and didn’t like it but I don’t think I would ever forget this writing style.
Julian with his long hidden feelings got me all swooning from the beginning but it was the character of Constance that drew me into the book from the chapter one. She was lively, intelligent l, slightly mischievous but also incredibly strong and kind.
It was a thrilling rollercoaster ride to watch these two finally come together in trust and peace with one another.
After reading Lorraine Heath book in which the hero absolutely did not care for heroine possibly getting pregnant and had sex with her every time he could without even considering marrying her, Scarlett Peckham approach to sex was spot on.
Julian would not compromise Constance no matter how much she was asking unless he was completely sure she will marry him. He did all kinds of other things but not penetration. Love that. Sex is pretty imaginative in this book.
Now a little note on pacing: the details from their past were revealed in just perfect time I would even say they came earlier than I expected them to and that is what made me stay up late and finish this book in one day. But not once I was left waiting hanging on. Little satisfactory details were sprinkled through out the book.
Oh and our MCs were just perfect for each other.
This was one lovely surprise prompted by Reformed Rakes podcast and I will read more by Ms Peckham.
This book had all my favorite tropes executed to the most pleasurable degree of perfection.
I must have had Scarlett Peckham confused with someone else because in my mind I thought I read one of her books and didn’t like it but I don’t think I would ever forget this writing style.
Julian with his long hidden feelings got me all swooning from the beginning but it was the character of Constance that drew me into the book from the chapter one. She was lively, intelligent l, slightly mischievous but also incredibly strong and kind.
It was a thrilling rollercoaster ride to watch these two finally come together in trust and peace with one another.
After reading Lorraine Heath book in which the hero absolutely did not care for heroine possibly getting pregnant and had sex with her every time he could without even considering marrying her, Scarlett Peckham approach to sex was spot on.
Julian would not compromise Constance no matter how much she was asking unless he was completely sure she will marry him. He did all kinds of other things but not penetration. Love that. Sex is pretty imaginative in this book.
Now a little note on pacing: the details from their past were revealed in just perfect time I would even say they came earlier than I expected them to and that is what made me stay up late and finish this book in one day. But not once I was left waiting hanging on. Little satisfactory details were sprinkled through out the book.
Oh and our MCs were just perfect for each other.
This was one lovely surprise prompted by Reformed Rakes podcast and I will read more by Ms Peckham.
December 2, 2025
I loved the first book in this series (The Duke I Tempted). I also very much liked/loved the unusual premise that set up the series (Charlotte Street and its secrets). Charlotte Street is a salvation for the hero in the first book; I didn’t find his visits titillating or feel that Ms. Peckham exploited his need to submit to advance the series. Everything worked and made sense.
I know that for many readers (historical and/or contemporary) D/s relationships and/or sex clubs (regardless of their membership base) are a major turnoff. I think those readers are missing out on a great story – but I understand why they opted to avoid this series. Taste is subjective.
Why does that matter? Because, much to my dismay, the author (or her publisher) seems to have listened to the naysayers (and/or historical readers who refused to read the first novel based on the series premise), and she basically abandons the Charlotte Street premise! Our hero is seen at the club...but it takes a l o n g time for Ms. Peckham to reveal his connection…and when it is finally revealed, it’s completely underwhelming & not in keeping with the backstory of the club and its membership.
I absolutely hate this obvious ploy to redirect the series and the sanctimonious moralizing littered throughout the narrative as a substitute for the initial direction of the series. If you are committed to your premise Ms. Peckham, then COMMIT TO IT. I’m sorry some potential readers were turned off by the premise – but that's their choice. PLEASE don’t vent your frustrations behind thinly veiled lectures on how we SHOULD feel about what consenting adults get up to in their private lives. I was with you! I didn’t need the lecture.
Those complaints aside, this story is a mess. There's much, much too much going on - enemies to lovers, virgins with sex toys, secrets and lies, gossip crazy newspapers, villainous acquaintances, secret babies, fake homes...OMG IT WAS TOO MUCH. And Charlotte Street is NOWHERE to be found.
The heroine is (surprisingly) lovely but her story lacks substance, Lord Bore WAS a bore and so was the relationship. I hoped for more insight into Lord Bore's secret life at Charlotte Street (since IT IS the premise for the series), and instead his role was teased and then relegated to a mere afterthought in order to advance the plot. These characters are sexually WAY ahead of their time and place, and the heaping on of difficulties followed by the ridiculous runaway scene at the end added up to a book #2 disappointment for me.
I like the writing and I loved the original premise. I didn’t like the re-direction of the series or our BORING hero. This was a miss for me and may have ruined me for Ms. Peckham.
I know that for many readers (historical and/or contemporary) D/s relationships and/or sex clubs (regardless of their membership base) are a major turnoff. I think those readers are missing out on a great story – but I understand why they opted to avoid this series. Taste is subjective.
Why does that matter? Because, much to my dismay, the author (or her publisher) seems to have listened to the naysayers (and/or historical readers who refused to read the first novel based on the series premise), and she basically abandons the Charlotte Street premise! Our hero is seen at the club...but it takes a l o n g time for Ms. Peckham to reveal his connection…and when it is finally revealed, it’s completely underwhelming & not in keeping with the backstory of the club and its membership.
I absolutely hate this obvious ploy to redirect the series and the sanctimonious moralizing littered throughout the narrative as a substitute for the initial direction of the series. If you are committed to your premise Ms. Peckham, then COMMIT TO IT. I’m sorry some potential readers were turned off by the premise – but that's their choice. PLEASE don’t vent your frustrations behind thinly veiled lectures on how we SHOULD feel about what consenting adults get up to in their private lives. I was with you! I didn’t need the lecture.
Those complaints aside, this story is a mess. There's much, much too much going on - enemies to lovers, virgins with sex toys, secrets and lies, gossip crazy newspapers, villainous acquaintances, secret babies, fake homes...OMG IT WAS TOO MUCH. And Charlotte Street is NOWHERE to be found.
The heroine is (surprisingly) lovely but her story lacks substance, Lord Bore WAS a bore and so was the relationship. I hoped for more insight into Lord Bore's secret life at Charlotte Street (since IT IS the premise for the series), and instead his role was teased and then relegated to a mere afterthought in order to advance the plot. These characters are sexually WAY ahead of their time and place, and the heaping on of difficulties followed by the ridiculous runaway scene at the end added up to a book #2 disappointment for me.
I like the writing and I loved the original premise. I didn’t like the re-direction of the series or our BORING hero. This was a miss for me and may have ruined me for Ms. Peckham.
March 12, 2023
She rolled her eyes. “Apthorp, my dear, fretting about what is appropriate between us now is like worrying one does not have one’s parasol whilst drowning in the ocean.”This is my first Scarlett Peckham, but will assuredly not be my last! Absolutely loved it; definitely one of the most enjoyable enemies-to-lovers romances out there, and combined with a great twist of the secret love trope to top it all off.
Setting. London, England, Spring 1754.
Summary. Lady Constance Stonewell is not my usual preferred type of heroine—she can come off as flighty and irresponsible, reckless and too concerned with society and people's opinions. She's a belle of the ball who loves to be a bit outrageous, and is in stark contrast to "Lord Bore," aka Julian, our hero and Earl of Apthorp. The truth is though, one can't help but love Constance; she's a real firecracker and I love her spirit and gumption. At the heart of things, she's really a wonderful person who just wants to be loved and accepted, and with her wit, genuine kindness, and hilarity, I would totally want to be her friend were she not a fictional character lol.
Turns out Julian, Lord Bore, has hidden depths that have to do with certain sexual proclivities (let's just say he's a bit more domineering and not as boring as one is led to believe), and Constance, in an attempt to warn a friend whom she thinks will soon be betrothed to Julian, lets his secret get out ... to everyone. It basically ruins him and puts, more specifically, his political future in jeopardy, including a bill he's been working on that will make a huge financial difference to the people of Cheshire and his own lands there. Given he's poor and living practically hand to mouth, while trying to keep his mother and sister in somewhat still comfortable fashion, that's a pretty key point.
Constance does what any person should do who ruins another person's life—offers to rectify the situation. It all involves a false engagement, which tests Julian's control, because while this may all be a pretense to her, Julian has actually been in love with Constance for eight years. She sees him as stiff, reserved, and staid, always scolding her and telling her what she's doing wrong, but in fact it's all been in an attempt to protect her and also an attempt to protect himself and his own feelings from being divulged.
Of course, the more time they spend with one another, the more complex their feelings for each other are revealed to be. But both is self-sacrificing and thinks they aren't right or good enough for the other ... so what will happen in the end? Will they finally reveal their true love for one another, or will an attempt to "do the right thing" leave them forever alone?
Being in love with Constance Stonewell, and not pretending that he wasn’t, was like breathing fresh air after a decade in a cave under the ocean. It was like feeling the heat of fire on your skin after a long, cold march through the snow without a coat.Thoughts. It's funny how Julian and Constance are diametric opposites—yet in many ways, also so, so similar to one another. They're both quite lonely, always putting on a mask in order to hide and protect themselves, both trying to be what they think they should be for others. The antagonism between them is so fun to watch, though at the same time you're just wanting to shake them both out of their stupidity and have them realize/admit their feelings for one another.
He did not have to feign enjoyment of her wit, nor appreciation of that delicate way she bit her lip when she was thinking. He did not need to pretend that his eyes drifted toward her whenever she was near him, nor affect an appearance of longing for her company when she was not. He was left with the task of doing what many men never had the chance to do in all their lives: carry out a lovely springtime romance with the woman of his dreams.
But the obstacles aren't always silly—understandably, Julian has a lot of trouble trusting Constance after what she's done to him, and he is saddened, hurt, and angered by her actions. Constance, for her part, feels like she is always doing the wrong thing when it comes to Julian and that she can never get anything right, even when she's trying to do the right thing—albeit in a maybe somewhat roundabout unusual way.
Given the spicy premise and Julian's secret, I thought this was going to border on erotica, but it doesn't, it's clearly firmly in the historical romance category. Don't get me wrong though, there is definite chemistry between the two leading characters, but I actually wish there had been a bit more spiciness. It's difficult though, because given their conflicting feelings and everything, it would be hard to figure out where that could reasonably fit in, which I get.
Bottom Line. A super enjoyable read that I highly recommend! It's book two in the series, and I haven't yet read Book 1, which features Constance's brother. Constance and Julian appear in that one, and for the pure enjoyment of watching further interactions between them, it would probably be fun to read beforehand, but this can be read as a stand-alone and still enjoyed a great deal, so don't worry on that score.
July 29, 2023
Constance Stonewell-- a beautiful, charming aristocrat, has done a very bad thing. When she hears that her long-term acquaintance (and quasi-friend), Julian, the Earl of Apthorp has what she perceives to be unsavory sexual proclivities, she writes about him in her gossip column in hopes of warning off other women. The column gets picked up by the religious rag Saints and Satyrs, who further expose Julian to public mockery in the name of "justice."
Realizing that she's gravely misstepped, Constance proposes, among other things, a marriage of convenience to Julian to help rehabilitate his reputation and save him from ruin.
In my second read of this, I spent a lot of time thinking about how Constance's bad act was in the name of protecting other women, and how the whisper networks that women utilize to warn each other of men's bad behavior can be commodified by bad actors.
For example, think about West End Caleb from TikTok: A few women made posts about this guy who they had bad dating experiences with. Some of the accusations were serious, but the ones that the Internet latched onto (ghosting) were not.
Caleb was no longer a person using a dating app, a shitty guy in a city packed full of similarly shitty guys. He was a curiosity, a meme, and a source of righteous indignation to be used by corporations trying to cash in, or uninvolved influencers seeking clout.
Rayne Fisher-Quann has a Substack essay called west end Caleb and the feminist panopticon where she says, “i feel like the ongoing trend of mass surveillance based in puritanical ethics needs to be called out when it is most visible, and I believe that the reaction to people like caleb — however distasteful they might be — normalizes a standard of violent and punitive participative spectacle that can and will be swiftly turned against more vulnerable people for even less reason.” Julian's ruination by similar forces (Saints and Satyrs, caring less about justice than selling papers) does have a floor -- if he was poor or a woman, it would be much more devastating.
This was definitely something that was on Peckham's mind when she wrote this. She told the Whoa!mance podcast that, The Earl I Ruined was a "melange of musings about outing, public shaming, callout culture, toxic masculinity, paternalism."
Who benefits from the exposure of Julian's private life? It's certainly not the women of the ton, who were in no danger of lechery from a soft-hearted man with a fondness for whips and roleplay.
It's not Constance either. She finds that, not only does she have a fondness for that soft-hearted man, she's quite amenable to being tutored in his "perversities."
Realizing that she's gravely misstepped, Constance proposes, among other things, a marriage of convenience to Julian to help rehabilitate his reputation and save him from ruin.
In my second read of this, I spent a lot of time thinking about how Constance's bad act was in the name of protecting other women, and how the whisper networks that women utilize to warn each other of men's bad behavior can be commodified by bad actors.
For example, think about West End Caleb from TikTok: A few women made posts about this guy who they had bad dating experiences with. Some of the accusations were serious, but the ones that the Internet latched onto (ghosting) were not.
Caleb was no longer a person using a dating app, a shitty guy in a city packed full of similarly shitty guys. He was a curiosity, a meme, and a source of righteous indignation to be used by corporations trying to cash in, or uninvolved influencers seeking clout.
Rayne Fisher-Quann has a Substack essay called west end Caleb and the feminist panopticon where she says, “i feel like the ongoing trend of mass surveillance based in puritanical ethics needs to be called out when it is most visible, and I believe that the reaction to people like caleb — however distasteful they might be — normalizes a standard of violent and punitive participative spectacle that can and will be swiftly turned against more vulnerable people for even less reason.” Julian's ruination by similar forces (Saints and Satyrs, caring less about justice than selling papers) does have a floor -- if he was poor or a woman, it would be much more devastating.
This was definitely something that was on Peckham's mind when she wrote this. She told the Whoa!mance podcast that, The Earl I Ruined was a "melange of musings about outing, public shaming, callout culture, toxic masculinity, paternalism."
Who benefits from the exposure of Julian's private life? It's certainly not the women of the ton, who were in no danger of lechery from a soft-hearted man with a fondness for whips and roleplay.
It's not Constance either. She finds that, not only does she have a fondness for that soft-hearted man, she's quite amenable to being tutored in his "perversities."
December 12, 2018
“Lord Apthorp, I am here to do what integrity demands when one’s actions have, however inadvertently, ruined the reputation of another person. I have come to offer you my hand in marriage.”
I have been breathlessly recommending Scarlett Peckham’s writing from the moment I first discovered her magnificent prose in The Duke I Tempted, and I’ve been eagerly awaiting her second novel ever since. A mix of tropes that are essentially my catnip—a marriage of convenience between two people who appear to hate one another, with an unrequited love twist thrown in to up the angst—this Regency-era romance continues the Secrets of Charlotte Street series with a story that is so much more than the sum of its tropes. Brimming with emotion, passion, and plenty of pining, Scarlett Peckham’s latest offering is a touching portrayal of two people finding out what they mean to themselves and to each other by pretending to be something they are not. It’s by far one of my favourite reads of the year.
Continue reading this review...
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November 21, 2018
I enjoyed this just as much as the first book in the series! I love historical romances, they make me so happy. Both characters are flawed and are playing roles to hide their true feelings/personalities from the world, unbeknownst to each other and their families.
I loved Constance, she’s so bubbly and fun with so much heart and kindness. She gets into trouble but tries her hardest to fix her mistakes that she always appears endearing. And i love, love, loved Julian. More so than Archer in the first book. If only he’d had the confidence to let his feelings be known from the off! He’d have had any woman swooning rather than proclaiming him Lord Bore.
I’m quite picky when it comes to historical romances and i only have a small number of trusted auto-buy authors - Scarlett Peckham has now been added to that list. I can’t wait to read more of her work.
Huge thanks to the author for the advanced copy.
I loved Constance, she’s so bubbly and fun with so much heart and kindness. She gets into trouble but tries her hardest to fix her mistakes that she always appears endearing. And i love, love, loved Julian. More so than Archer in the first book. If only he’d had the confidence to let his feelings be known from the off! He’d have had any woman swooning rather than proclaiming him Lord Bore.
I’m quite picky when it comes to historical romances and i only have a small number of trusted auto-buy authors - Scarlett Peckham has now been added to that list. I can’t wait to read more of her work.
Huge thanks to the author for the advanced copy.
June 5, 2020
I have a great fondness for pining heroes. And I suspect someone recommended this to me when I asked for books in that vein.
And it was some really good pine.
Julian and his secret deep love for Constance hooked me. But it was Constance’s foibles that kept me coming back for more.
I’ve not read this author before. And I found myself a bit shocked by the edge to this book. It’s a bit more raw than I’ve come to expect of a historical romance, and I found that I was rather delighted to encounter something a bit gritty.
I bought the other two books in the series when I was at around 70% in this one. I look forward to seeing if this was a one off or if the author can do it again.
It won’t be right away though. Bc it’s been a day or two since I’ve read Michael Nava - and I need my fix.
And it was some really good pine.
Julian and his secret deep love for Constance hooked me. But it was Constance’s foibles that kept me coming back for more.
I’ve not read this author before. And I found myself a bit shocked by the edge to this book. It’s a bit more raw than I’ve come to expect of a historical romance, and I found that I was rather delighted to encounter something a bit gritty.
I bought the other two books in the series when I was at around 70% in this one. I look forward to seeing if this was a one off or if the author can do it again.
It won’t be right away though. Bc it’s been a day or two since I’ve read Michael Nava - and I need my fix.
June 13, 2021
4.5 stars
Dramatic emotions yet carefully structured, the most impressive aspect of The Earl I Ruined is the construct of its romantic relationship, which is a very nuanced dance of 'double bluff' performed by both the hero and the heroine. Scarlett Peckham has gone a layer deeper comparing to the typical 'enemies to lovers' trope, by having a couple with genuine positive feeling acting to hate each other and then feign marriage. The book takes its time to unpack the reasoning behind their hesitations, and keeps the rather complicating 'real versus deceit' acts decipherable for the reader. The inclusion of BDSM element is also tastefully done and doesn't overpower. Even though the hero's 'grand gesture' at the end is borderline outrageous, and the book conveniently skips over a couple obvious threats in order to arrive at its happily ever after, overall The Earl I Ruined is an engrossing historical romance that maintains its lively spirit without falling into jokey silliness.
***The Rake Appreciation Book Club | July 2021 Selection***
Dramatic emotions yet carefully structured, the most impressive aspect of The Earl I Ruined is the construct of its romantic relationship, which is a very nuanced dance of 'double bluff' performed by both the hero and the heroine. Scarlett Peckham has gone a layer deeper comparing to the typical 'enemies to lovers' trope, by having a couple with genuine positive feeling acting to hate each other and then feign marriage. The book takes its time to unpack the reasoning behind their hesitations, and keeps the rather complicating 'real versus deceit' acts decipherable for the reader. The inclusion of BDSM element is also tastefully done and doesn't overpower. Even though the hero's 'grand gesture' at the end is borderline outrageous, and the book conveniently skips over a couple obvious threats in order to arrive at its happily ever after, overall The Earl I Ruined is an engrossing historical romance that maintains its lively spirit without falling into jokey silliness.
***The Rake Appreciation Book Club | July 2021 Selection***
June 30, 2021
Full thoughts will be in Rake Appreciation Society live show 7/8
February 13, 2021
Julian Haywood, the Earl of Apthorp, has been ruined for the second time now and is devastated to learn that he's been betrayed by the girl of his dreams, Lady Constance Stonewell. Constance had good intentions, but as usual they've blown up in her face and she's wound up causing problems. To fix everything and save Julian's latest Parliamentary bill from the scandal, she suggests a faux engagement, of course they won't go through with it, but it should be enough to save his reputation. Since it's all pretend and they're not really in love, what could possibly go wrong?
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed this book, but the level of angst and back and forth between these two just got to be a bit much after awhile. Constance created so many unnecessary problems with her (albeit well-intentioned) meddling and generally made Julian feel awful about himself. Her reasoning for why Julian also made her feel bad about herself was rather immature and a bit of a stretch for me. I just wanted them to communicate like adults and get it together. When one of them finally did, the other didn't. Eventually, they did get it together and we got a satisfactory ending, but it was hard fought. Despite the angst, this was still an enjoyable read and I'd recommend it and intend to go back and read the first book in the series now and continue with the future installments. This was a very well-written book and once I got into it I really didn't want to put it down until I finished.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed this book, but the level of angst and back and forth between these two just got to be a bit much after awhile. Constance created so many unnecessary problems with her (albeit well-intentioned) meddling and generally made Julian feel awful about himself. Her reasoning for why Julian also made her feel bad about herself was rather immature and a bit of a stretch for me. I just wanted them to communicate like adults and get it together. When one of them finally did, the other didn't. Eventually, they did get it together and we got a satisfactory ending, but it was hard fought. Despite the angst, this was still an enjoyable read and I'd recommend it and intend to go back and read the first book in the series now and continue with the future installments. This was a very well-written book and once I got into it I really didn't want to put it down until I finished.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
January 7, 2019
This is the second book I have read from this author. The series looks at the intersection between mid-eighteenth century English upper class people and a covert sex club that caters to them.
Lady Constance from the first book is back as the main character in this one. , She's still a reckless gossip, even though she has the best of intentions,A piece of her gossip goes far afield it's planned audience to ruin Julian, the Earl of Aptorp, someone who Constance has been long acquainted with. She believes that Apthorp disapproves of her, but she couldn't be further from the truth, as he's had a crush on her for five years. When she confesses her part in his ruin, he's desolate, even though she proposes that they marry as part of a plan to redeem him.
It's a romance book: of course they end up loving each other, but the dance of truth and lies the two weave between themselves and everyone around them is something to behold. It's frustrating in places, but it rarely ventures past the realms of unbelievability. There's less steamy activity in the first book, but it's still there, and written very well.
Looking forward to where this series goes next.
Lady Constance from the first book is back as the main character in this one. , She's still a reckless gossip, even though she has the best of intentions,A piece of her gossip goes far afield it's planned audience to ruin Julian, the Earl of Aptorp, someone who Constance has been long acquainted with. She believes that Apthorp disapproves of her, but she couldn't be further from the truth, as he's had a crush on her for five years. When she confesses her part in his ruin, he's desolate, even though she proposes that they marry as part of a plan to redeem him.
It's a romance book: of course they end up loving each other, but the dance of truth and lies the two weave between themselves and everyone around them is something to behold. It's frustrating in places, but it rarely ventures past the realms of unbelievability. There's less steamy activity in the first book, but it's still there, and written very well.
Looking forward to where this series goes next.
August 18, 2020
This book features a pairing of a flighty, flirtatious heroine and an uptight/boring hero. I happen to be a bit of a sucker for that combination. When done well, it's just SO GOOD. Particularly when the hero is also pining for the heroine (see also: Ruined by Rumor). What makes this book extra appealing is that it's a kinky historical romance.
I haven't had much luck the few other times I've read HR with a kinky edge. Those other times the sexy language used didn't sit right or the stories just weren't to my taste.
But this... this was so good. My complaints are nitpicky things, like that I thought the POV changes happened a little too often. I don't even care though. I flew through it. The characters just pop, and it was fun to read about them. The hero and heroine both called each other out on their flaws constantly. But they also forgave each other and talked through things. Ugggghhhh I just really, really enjoyed this.
4.5 stars
I haven't had much luck the few other times I've read HR with a kinky edge. Those other times the sexy language used didn't sit right or the stories just weren't to my taste.
But this... this was so good. My complaints are nitpicky things, like that I thought the POV changes happened a little too often. I don't even care though. I flew through it. The characters just pop, and it was fun to read about them. The hero and heroine both called each other out on their flaws constantly. But they also forgave each other and talked through things. Ugggghhhh I just really, really enjoyed this.
4.5 stars
August 3, 2021
Such a surprising lovely book! Probably not for everyone, but Constance was my absolute favorite kind of prickly heroine. She's reckless, witty, assertive and defiant. What I love about her so much is that she's all of those qualities in both the best AND the worst ways. She gets herself into trouble and often stays there over and over again which just makes her feel more realistic and consistent as a character through the whole book. It was also a refreshing role reversal to see a heroine be the one to screw up so badly and have to work hard at making amends to her hero.
Speaking of Lord BORE, Julian, with all of his wicked secrets and secret pining for the bold Constance, is just so much fun as a main character to watch over and over botch showing Constance that he actually cares for her. I love how much passion they have for each other and how it boils over during their fake engagement.
So basically, if you can get over Constance's "Constance-ness" - the sizzling chemistry definitely makes this one worth a read!
Speaking of Lord BORE, Julian, with all of his wicked secrets and secret pining for the bold Constance, is just so much fun as a main character to watch over and over botch showing Constance that he actually cares for her. I love how much passion they have for each other and how it boils over during their fake engagement.
So basically, if you can get over Constance's "Constance-ness" - the sizzling chemistry definitely makes this one worth a read!
June 30, 2021
Read this for Rake Appreciation Society July 2021.
The heroine was a bit much. I loved the hero though.
I also get sick of being promised sexy times and then we are told of what he has done with others but there are very few scenes with him and her together.
4/5 stars for me.
The heroine was a bit much. I loved the hero though.
I also get sick of being promised sexy times and then we are told of what he has done with others but there are very few scenes with him and her together.
4/5 stars for me.
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September 8, 2022Getting it out of the way: I loved this book. I think the Charlotte Street series shows some growing pains of pacing and plotting that don't exist in The Rakess, but I think Peckham has indeed grown out of them because The Rakess is basically perfect. So I'm more than happy to look past them, especially because it doesn't take her any time to learn how to craft characters and conflicts.
Constance Stockwell is one of the worst heroines I've ever read. Or one of the worst people who happens to be a heroine in a romance novel that I've ever read. The precipitating act that creates the conflict is BAD. Like truly unforgiveable. (Of course, this means I loved her).
But that's the whole of the genre, isn't it? Or at least part of the whole of the genre. I think defining romance novels using the RWA guidelines is a little bit of a hollow exercise. Talking to anyone who doesn't read romance, I would emphasize those (HEA and romance is the central story). But to me, that's not really how genres work, definitionally! I think it makes more sense to think of the definition not as an elements test, but as a multivalent factor test. Think of a genre like film noir: there is a visual style that clues you in (can a noir be low contrast?), there are structural elements (the use of flashbacks, VO narration), a central focus on some sort of sordid crime with alienated characters, a pessimistic world view. None of these things necessitate something being a film noir, but it does paint the edges of where a noir is or is not.
It is also a genre that parodies itself pretty early in its history--creators are aware of the conventions of film noir before film noir has a name.
I think this is more useful way of defining Romance! Especially HR, which is my only real experience with Romance. And I'm not definitely not an expert. But I think it is okay if the definition is messy and has edge cases--that is how genre works. Defining it this way would also reconcile the distance between a lot of ur-Romances and modern publishing romance (as much as people in my TikTok comments want to argue--modern Regency romance is not! structurally similar to Jane Austen and I feel crazy when they suggest these novels are built in ways that model her story telling).
Some offered definitional factors: style (setting it in one of the heavy hitter aesthetic periods, Regency, highlands, medieval, or a period where similar nostalgia can be cultivated), structure (dual POV! again, as much as contemporary romance readers might want to argue with me here, I think dual POV is kind of an structural edict of HR! Obviously not having dual POV does not make it NOT a historical romance, but it is used so prevalently and widely), the idea that marriage representations a reconciliation of multiple layers of connection (yes, of course the love has to be there in a HEA, but the money has to work to! the duty has to work!).
And I think a potentially defining tenet of at least HR (which I would also argue...might be a totally different genre than contemporary romance) is one character doing a harm to another. (I talk a little about this in review of Flowers from the Storm). This is the plot of a bodice ripper, right? It starts with the hero committing violence to the heroine and ends with a HEA and the question of the book is the journey in-between. The scales of this conflict can be much, much smaller in a lot of romance novels (sometimes, the harm done is just not being honest about feelings you didn't know you had! but most often, the hero is the one doing the main correction).
In The Earl I Ruined, the bad act, that is not directly, literally violent, but edges on something I think we could call a type of violence now in 2022 with ease, is committed by the heroine.
The journey toward understanding why she would do this, or think it was remotely okay to do, is done by the hero. Much like The Proposal, this book is really about intersecting power dynamics. Constance is much richer than Julian, moves with society with much more ease, seemingly is more comfortable in her own skin. But Julian is a man, older than Constance and has full information available to him about the precipitating conflict, that he hides from Constance (though for good reason!).
So I could see how the dynamic that mostly involves Julian apologizing to Constance could grate some readers--she did the way worse thing! But the way I am reconciling is this: Constance *does* bad things, while Julian *says* cruel things (or doesn't say nice things). His injuries to Constance need to be coupled with a verbal apology, which he gives freely based on his remorse, not conditional on Constance figuring out how to behave more compassionately. Constance's verbal apologies are kind of hollow. But her actions are what shifts and she swings big, so there are bigger missteps that Julian's verbal barbs.
I thought Peckham handled these ever shifting power inequities expertly AND it coupled with the sexual dynamic well, which was maybe my biggest issue with The Duke I Tempted, where the Duke's interest just so happened to align with Poppy's sexual tastes that she has no idea that she wanted before he explains it to her.
Constance is similarly innocent to ways of Charlotte Street, but I thought Peckham did a better job of provided scaffolding in her characterization up to and beyond her understanding and aligning with Julian's preferences.
Anyway I loved the book, but now I'm going to do some meta-discourse and there will be spoilers below!
Constance Stockwell is one of the worst heroines I've ever read. Or one of the worst people who happens to be a heroine in a romance novel that I've ever read. The precipitating act that creates the conflict is BAD. Like truly unforgiveable. (Of course, this means I loved her).
But that's the whole of the genre, isn't it? Or at least part of the whole of the genre. I think defining romance novels using the RWA guidelines is a little bit of a hollow exercise. Talking to anyone who doesn't read romance, I would emphasize those (HEA and romance is the central story). But to me, that's not really how genres work, definitionally! I think it makes more sense to think of the definition not as an elements test, but as a multivalent factor test. Think of a genre like film noir: there is a visual style that clues you in (can a noir be low contrast?), there are structural elements (the use of flashbacks, VO narration), a central focus on some sort of sordid crime with alienated characters, a pessimistic world view. None of these things necessitate something being a film noir, but it does paint the edges of where a noir is or is not.
It is also a genre that parodies itself pretty early in its history--creators are aware of the conventions of film noir before film noir has a name.
I think this is more useful way of defining Romance! Especially HR, which is my only real experience with Romance. And I'm not definitely not an expert. But I think it is okay if the definition is messy and has edge cases--that is how genre works. Defining it this way would also reconcile the distance between a lot of ur-Romances and modern publishing romance (as much as people in my TikTok comments want to argue--modern Regency romance is not! structurally similar to Jane Austen and I feel crazy when they suggest these novels are built in ways that model her story telling).
Some offered definitional factors: style (setting it in one of the heavy hitter aesthetic periods, Regency, highlands, medieval, or a period where similar nostalgia can be cultivated), structure (dual POV! again, as much as contemporary romance readers might want to argue with me here, I think dual POV is kind of an structural edict of HR! Obviously not having dual POV does not make it NOT a historical romance, but it is used so prevalently and widely), the idea that marriage representations a reconciliation of multiple layers of connection (yes, of course the love has to be there in a HEA, but the money has to work to! the duty has to work!).
And I think a potentially defining tenet of at least HR (which I would also argue...might be a totally different genre than contemporary romance) is one character doing a harm to another. (I talk a little about this in review of Flowers from the Storm). This is the plot of a bodice ripper, right? It starts with the hero committing violence to the heroine and ends with a HEA and the question of the book is the journey in-between. The scales of this conflict can be much, much smaller in a lot of romance novels (sometimes, the harm done is just not being honest about feelings you didn't know you had! but most often, the hero is the one doing the main correction).
In The Earl I Ruined, the bad act, that is not directly, literally violent, but edges on something I think we could call a type of violence now in 2022 with ease, is committed by the heroine.
The journey toward understanding why she would do this, or think it was remotely okay to do, is done by the hero. Much like The Proposal, this book is really about intersecting power dynamics. Constance is much richer than Julian, moves with society with much more ease, seemingly is more comfortable in her own skin. But Julian is a man, older than Constance and has full information available to him about the precipitating conflict, that he hides from Constance (though for good reason!).
So I could see how the dynamic that mostly involves Julian apologizing to Constance could grate some readers--she did the way worse thing! But the way I am reconciling is this: Constance *does* bad things, while Julian *says* cruel things (or doesn't say nice things). His injuries to Constance need to be coupled with a verbal apology, which he gives freely based on his remorse, not conditional on Constance figuring out how to behave more compassionately. Constance's verbal apologies are kind of hollow. But her actions are what shifts and she swings big, so there are bigger missteps that Julian's verbal barbs.
I thought Peckham handled these ever shifting power inequities expertly AND it coupled with the sexual dynamic well, which was maybe my biggest issue with The Duke I Tempted, where the Duke's interest just so happened to align with Poppy's sexual tastes that she has no idea that she wanted before he explains it to her.
Constance is similarly innocent to ways of Charlotte Street, but I thought Peckham did a better job of provided scaffolding in her characterization up to and beyond her understanding and aligning with Julian's preferences.
Anyway I loved the book, but now I'm going to do some meta-discourse and there will be spoilers below!
December 11, 2018
Originally posted on Smitten by Books Reviews blog
4.5 Stars ~ Top Pick
What an absolute joy it was for me to discover a historical romance author whose writing surpassed all my expectations. After reading The Earl I Ruined, I immediately put Scarlett Peckham on my author-to-watch list. Watch this space. She is definitely going places.
Okay, let’s get to the story, which is just as amazing as the prose. The story is set in 1754, a century I’m not used to reading about. The heroine is Lady Constance Stonewell, the sister of the Duke of Westmead, and the unfortunate victim of some untoward things she wrote about him which ended up in a gazette is Julian Haywood, the Earl of Apthorp.
Unfortunately for Constance and Julian, the things she wrote about him not only have the ability to ruin his “Lord Bore” reputation of moral rectitude but also derail the bill he has coming to a vote in Parliament. This vote about waterways is extremely important to him for the sake of the citizenry and one he hopes will help restore his fortunes. The fact is Julian is broke and hasn’t been good with his family finances. You’ll see that when you meet his mother and sister. Now with rumors painting him a veritable sexual degenerate, his future is bleak. No decent woman will have anything to do with him now.
That’s where Constance comes in; and is she ever a joy. I say that with fondness. I adored Constance as flawed a woman and heroine as she is. She doesn’t mean to do and say horrible things, she’s simply forthright to an agonizing degree. And when she realizes the damage her poem has wrought, she’s determined to rectify the situation—by offering her hand in marriage. You can imagine how Julian responds to that after she has just confessed to being the author of the poem that’s dragging his reputation through the mud. But alas, this is a romance so in an effort to save Julian’s reputation and his bill, a faux romance you will get.
Constance and Julian are one of those couples who are imperfectly perfect for each other. She’s a mass of contradictions whose emotions runs deep. On the surface she’s this in your face English beauty, unwilling to back down from any fight or crumble under the weight of a slight, but underneath she feels the nick of the cuts and the pain of rejection. The way she treats Julian, whom she nicknamed ‘Lord Bore’, has everything to do with the pain of rejection. What she discovers about herself is that she’s not nearly as smart as she thinks she is. Certainly not when it comes to Julian.
I loved Julian. He’s another one whose emotions run deep and who reveals only his superficial self to the people around him (society people). The fun in this story is watching as the real Julian is revealed, especially to Constance. It’s the peeling of an onion, layer after layer is stripped away and the man she thought she knew turns out to be not what she thought at all and her opinion and feelings about him change (or maybe they don’t). Julian in turn discovers the Constance (I believe) he dare believed existed. The one he yearned for for years and years. Now if only he can bring himself to trust her.
As I stated in the beginning, the writing is a dream. I devoured every word and ended up with a wicked case of prose envy at the end of the book. The pacing is pitch perfect, the story is engaging and exquisitely plotted and each and every one of the characters are as fully rounded and complex as they need to be. For instance, Julian’s sister’s backstory is one I was both delighted and surprised by and I appreciated the way it tied seamlessly into another storyline.
And you may think that because the entire story is based on Julian’s alleged licentious behavior, you get examples of it in spades. Not precisely, although the love scenes are fan flutteringly hot as is the buildup. I certainly could have stood another one of them. 😉 All in all, The Earl I Ruined was a lovely introduction to the writing and storytelling talent that is Scarlett Peckham and I can’t wait to see what she writes next.
~ Beverley
4.5 Stars ~ Top Pick
What an absolute joy it was for me to discover a historical romance author whose writing surpassed all my expectations. After reading The Earl I Ruined, I immediately put Scarlett Peckham on my author-to-watch list. Watch this space. She is definitely going places.
Okay, let’s get to the story, which is just as amazing as the prose. The story is set in 1754, a century I’m not used to reading about. The heroine is Lady Constance Stonewell, the sister of the Duke of Westmead, and the unfortunate victim of some untoward things she wrote about him which ended up in a gazette is Julian Haywood, the Earl of Apthorp.
Unfortunately for Constance and Julian, the things she wrote about him not only have the ability to ruin his “Lord Bore” reputation of moral rectitude but also derail the bill he has coming to a vote in Parliament. This vote about waterways is extremely important to him for the sake of the citizenry and one he hopes will help restore his fortunes. The fact is Julian is broke and hasn’t been good with his family finances. You’ll see that when you meet his mother and sister. Now with rumors painting him a veritable sexual degenerate, his future is bleak. No decent woman will have anything to do with him now.
That’s where Constance comes in; and is she ever a joy. I say that with fondness. I adored Constance as flawed a woman and heroine as she is. She doesn’t mean to do and say horrible things, she’s simply forthright to an agonizing degree. And when she realizes the damage her poem has wrought, she’s determined to rectify the situation—by offering her hand in marriage. You can imagine how Julian responds to that after she has just confessed to being the author of the poem that’s dragging his reputation through the mud. But alas, this is a romance so in an effort to save Julian’s reputation and his bill, a faux romance you will get.
Constance and Julian are one of those couples who are imperfectly perfect for each other. She’s a mass of contradictions whose emotions runs deep. On the surface she’s this in your face English beauty, unwilling to back down from any fight or crumble under the weight of a slight, but underneath she feels the nick of the cuts and the pain of rejection. The way she treats Julian, whom she nicknamed ‘Lord Bore’, has everything to do with the pain of rejection. What she discovers about herself is that she’s not nearly as smart as she thinks she is. Certainly not when it comes to Julian.
I loved Julian. He’s another one whose emotions run deep and who reveals only his superficial self to the people around him (society people). The fun in this story is watching as the real Julian is revealed, especially to Constance. It’s the peeling of an onion, layer after layer is stripped away and the man she thought she knew turns out to be not what she thought at all and her opinion and feelings about him change (or maybe they don’t). Julian in turn discovers the Constance (I believe) he dare believed existed. The one he yearned for for years and years. Now if only he can bring himself to trust her.
As I stated in the beginning, the writing is a dream. I devoured every word and ended up with a wicked case of prose envy at the end of the book. The pacing is pitch perfect, the story is engaging and exquisitely plotted and each and every one of the characters are as fully rounded and complex as they need to be. For instance, Julian’s sister’s backstory is one I was both delighted and surprised by and I appreciated the way it tied seamlessly into another storyline.
And you may think that because the entire story is based on Julian’s alleged licentious behavior, you get examples of it in spades. Not precisely, although the love scenes are fan flutteringly hot as is the buildup. I certainly could have stood another one of them. 😉 All in all, The Earl I Ruined was a lovely introduction to the writing and storytelling talent that is Scarlett Peckham and I can’t wait to see what she writes next.
~ Beverley
August 25, 2021
I almost never write a review (which, I admit, is not something to sing about considering people’s reviews plays such a massive role in the books I choose).
However, I’m pushed to write this one because … by God, what an awful awful character Constance is. I’ve encountered my fair share of annoying female characters, but I truly think Constance has distressed herself right to the top of my list. I’m confused why this book has so many 3-4 stars. Did we read the same book? It’s making me lose faith in the review-reader sanctity.
This girl is untrustworthy. Fiddles with people’s lives for her own distorted purposes. She makes mistakes throughout the book, till the end, but never absorbs any blame for more than 3 paragraph, which in turn means she’s never truly punished and as a result, she never grows.
Constance acts like she does not what she does because she’s an independent woman who doesn’t want to leave hers or other women’s destinies to the hand of men. When really, she’s just a spoilt pretty manipulative girl with a charming personality who fancies herself a societal outcast.
She’s untrustworthy and never quite corrects that narrative or grow from it. She lacks impulse control, reneges on promise under the pretext of “I know what’s good for you”, “you can’t tell me what to do”.
Frankly, I never quite got over her original sin. I really tried, but i couldn’t, because she was never humble for too long in realising how awful, damaging, betraying and hypocritical her actions were. She reveled a secret about Apthorp based on passing comments from a random unknown person at a party? (yes, I know she read his diary entries too). That to me is her most irredeemable action because Apthorp was a close friend she interacted with regularly (love/hate or not), someone she lived in the same house as and who’s pretty much in her family. It was just downhill from there.
Despite how hateful of a character Gillian Bastian was portrayed to be, she was the only person that saw Constance for the impetuous, selfish, self important, self-centred, self-righteous, oblivious and un-listening person she is. The most “come to Jesus” moment in this book was when Gillian told Constance “being honest with you has never paid off” and “you’re bold but never plain dealing”. I mean… this was a mic drop moment. How did we not actually have her begin to fully transform from that moment and reference those lines over and over? That was enough for Constance to realise her fault and see her interactions with Apthorp and his frustrations with her, from an entirely new light.
I’m all for a good angsty love-hate story, but I despise how Apthorp is blamed for 90% of thing that go wrong in the relationship. Constantly (no pun intended) apologising for behaviours that are massive and constinous red flags.
I’d give this half a star if I could.
However, I’m pushed to write this one because … by God, what an awful awful character Constance is. I’ve encountered my fair share of annoying female characters, but I truly think Constance has distressed herself right to the top of my list. I’m confused why this book has so many 3-4 stars. Did we read the same book? It’s making me lose faith in the review-reader sanctity.
This girl is untrustworthy. Fiddles with people’s lives for her own distorted purposes. She makes mistakes throughout the book, till the end, but never absorbs any blame for more than 3 paragraph, which in turn means she’s never truly punished and as a result, she never grows.
Constance acts like she does not what she does because she’s an independent woman who doesn’t want to leave hers or other women’s destinies to the hand of men. When really, she’s just a spoilt pretty manipulative girl with a charming personality who fancies herself a societal outcast.
She’s untrustworthy and never quite corrects that narrative or grow from it. She lacks impulse control, reneges on promise under the pretext of “I know what’s good for you”, “you can’t tell me what to do”.
Frankly, I never quite got over her original sin. I really tried, but i couldn’t, because she was never humble for too long in realising how awful, damaging, betraying and hypocritical her actions were. She reveled a secret about Apthorp based on passing comments from a random unknown person at a party? (yes, I know she read his diary entries too). That to me is her most irredeemable action because Apthorp was a close friend she interacted with regularly (love/hate or not), someone she lived in the same house as and who’s pretty much in her family. It was just downhill from there.
Despite how hateful of a character Gillian Bastian was portrayed to be, she was the only person that saw Constance for the impetuous, selfish, self important, self-centred, self-righteous, oblivious and un-listening person she is. The most “come to Jesus” moment in this book was when Gillian told Constance “being honest with you has never paid off” and “you’re bold but never plain dealing”. I mean… this was a mic drop moment. How did we not actually have her begin to fully transform from that moment and reference those lines over and over? That was enough for Constance to realise her fault and see her interactions with Apthorp and his frustrations with her, from an entirely new light.
I’m all for a good angsty love-hate story, but I despise how Apthorp is blamed for 90% of thing that go wrong in the relationship. Constantly (no pun intended) apologising for behaviours that are massive and constinous red flags.
I’d give this half a star if I could.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2018
THIS BOOK WAS EVERYTHING I EVER WANTED (UNTIL IT WASN'T)
i have no words to properly describe how enjoyable it was. so you know how sometimes a book is marketed as a fake dating one, but then they fake date for barely 30% of the book and then that's it? not in this case! this book is wholly immersed in the trope, with a healthy dose of a marriage of convenience and the ever-delicious enemies-to-lovers. moreover, it includes the incredibly rare role reversal - the scandalous heroine ruins a respectable hero and offers him marriage to save his reputation. also present: a stuffy, stern, respectful BLOND HERO!! (i know i know i kNOW), an absolute delight of a heroine (was she supposed to be unlikable?? because in all honestly she was a JOY, a STAR, and simply the best), SIBLINGS!!, male relations prone to dramatics and hysterics at the tiniest displays of affection from the main couple & a whole lot of charm and humor and hot stuff.
the first half of the book had me howling at the skies - it was so perfect. the execution of all those tropes - the absolutely wonderful development of the story, their relationship- i was SOLD. i believe the chapters where julian and constance are announcing their engagement to her family for the first time - and the whole wig room incident, the eye-opening revelations, and westmead's reaction - might be in my top 5 favourite scenes in romance of all time. AND THEN THE OPERA. THE VISIT AT LADY SPENCE'S. i can't believe i was blessed like this!!
the second half got messier, and the will-they-won't-they was giving me a vertigo, but i would have been FINE had it not been for the last 10% i couldn't get through without cringing and sighing in disappointment. everything beginning with the articles in the newspaper felt so unnecessary, overly-dramatic, and completely improbable, i couldn't believe the words in front of my eyes. WHY ME!!! WHY CAN'T I HAVE NICE THINGS!!
tl;dr let's just say i loved this book & im pretending the last 10% of it doesn't exist because of self-care and what about it
i have no words to properly describe how enjoyable it was. so you know how sometimes a book is marketed as a fake dating one, but then they fake date for barely 30% of the book and then that's it? not in this case! this book is wholly immersed in the trope, with a healthy dose of a marriage of convenience and the ever-delicious enemies-to-lovers. moreover, it includes the incredibly rare role reversal - the scandalous heroine ruins a respectable hero and offers him marriage to save his reputation. also present: a stuffy, stern, respectful BLOND HERO!! (i know i know i kNOW), an absolute delight of a heroine (was she supposed to be unlikable?? because in all honestly she was a JOY, a STAR, and simply the best), SIBLINGS!!, male relations prone to dramatics and hysterics at the tiniest displays of affection from the main couple & a whole lot of charm and humor and hot stuff.
the first half of the book had me howling at the skies - it was so perfect. the execution of all those tropes - the absolutely wonderful development of the story, their relationship- i was SOLD. i believe the chapters where julian and constance are announcing their engagement to her family for the first time - and the whole wig room incident, the eye-opening revelations, and westmead's reaction - might be in my top 5 favourite scenes in romance of all time. AND THEN THE OPERA. THE VISIT AT LADY SPENCE'S. i can't believe i was blessed like this!!
the second half got messier, and the will-they-won't-they was giving me a vertigo, but i would have been FINE had it not been for the last 10% i couldn't get through without cringing and sighing in disappointment. everything beginning with the articles in the newspaper felt so unnecessary, overly-dramatic, and completely improbable, i couldn't believe the words in front of my eyes. WHY ME!!! WHY CAN'T I HAVE NICE THINGS!!
tl;dr let's just say i loved this book & im pretending the last 10% of it doesn't exist because of self-care and what about it
December 10, 2018
The Duke I Tempted was the first book I read by Scarlett Peckham, and I absolutely loved it. I was extremely excited when I saw this, the second book in The Secrets of Charlotte Street series. I was a bit nervous....could this book be anywhere near as wonderful as the first, or was that one a fluke? Nope, not a fluke! This book kept me enthralled from start to finish. Ms. Peckham is now officially one of my favorite authors.
I'm not going to explain the plot; you can read the synopsis yourself. I will share the "feels" with you. This story was a fabulous mix of wit, heartbreak, embarrassment, sexual delights, love and yearning. Lots of yearning. It started out at a slow simmer and ended up in a burst of flame. Julian and Constance were complicated, marvelous leads. They were not as they appeared on the surface. They made me laugh, snicker, tear up and outright cry. I was swept into their Georgian period romance and didn't want to leave their world when the story ended. Am I gushing? I can't help it. It touched me that much. I want much more from this author.
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
I'm not going to explain the plot; you can read the synopsis yourself. I will share the "feels" with you. This story was a fabulous mix of wit, heartbreak, embarrassment, sexual delights, love and yearning. Lots of yearning. It started out at a slow simmer and ended up in a burst of flame. Julian and Constance were complicated, marvelous leads. They were not as they appeared on the surface. They made me laugh, snicker, tear up and outright cry. I was swept into their Georgian period romance and didn't want to leave their world when the story ended. Am I gushing? I can't help it. It touched me that much. I want much more from this author.
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
February 3, 2019
“𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐥𝐲, 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐝 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥?”
If you tell me that you don’t like historical romance, then it’s clear to me that you've never read Scarlett Peckham’s work. I'm completely blown away with how much I loved this book! 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹 𝗜 𝗥𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 is book two in Peckham’s 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑆𝑒𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑙𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑒 𝑆𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑡 series, and I’m beyond excited that this author has opened my eyes up to this genre! I think this might only be her second book, but her beautiful prose, flawless writing, and incredible characters would give the illusion that she is a veteran in this game! With enough passion, emotion, and delicious angst to keep you entranced and enamored the whole way through, Constance and Julian’s happily ever after is one that will stick with me for a very long time!
𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗕 𝗜𝗧 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘:
Amazon → https://amzn.to/2Sn4AeR
B&N → https://bit.ly/2SmjvpM
Kobo → https://bit.ly/2UJc3mj
Apple Books → https://bit.ly/2HNNx1F
If you tell me that you don’t like historical romance, then it’s clear to me that you've never read Scarlett Peckham’s work. I'm completely blown away with how much I loved this book! 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹 𝗜 𝗥𝘂𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 is book two in Peckham’s 𝑇ℎ𝑒 𝑆𝑒𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝐶ℎ𝑎𝑟𝑙𝑜𝑡𝑡𝑒 𝑆𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑒𝑡 series, and I’m beyond excited that this author has opened my eyes up to this genre! I think this might only be her second book, but her beautiful prose, flawless writing, and incredible characters would give the illusion that she is a veteran in this game! With enough passion, emotion, and delicious angst to keep you entranced and enamored the whole way through, Constance and Julian’s happily ever after is one that will stick with me for a very long time!
𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗕 𝗜𝗧 𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘:
Amazon → https://amzn.to/2Sn4AeR
B&N → https://bit.ly/2SmjvpM
Kobo → https://bit.ly/2UJc3mj
Apple Books → https://bit.ly/2HNNx1F
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