My Only Earl

Heirs of Cornwall #3

by Veronica Crowe

Touted by The Gazette as The Most Handsome Man in All of England.

Edward Devlin Huntington, Earl of Calverston, has been friends with Diana since childhood. As the years went by, their friendship blossomed into young love that each found hard to deny. But when Diana debuted in her first London Season, she instantly became the diamond of the ton. The most eligible, high-ranking gentlemen vied for her hand. Competition was fierce, and Edward, an undergraduate with nothing to his name except for a mere courtesy title, felt unworthy of his beloved childhood friend, who took the ton by storm with her incomparable beauty, sharp wit, and impressive accomplishments. Discouraged, Edward sailed to America to manage a trading company in New York and make a name for himself.

Seven years later, he returned home a different man: Distinguished, worldly, successful, and breathtakingly wealthy. His only conundrum was, did Diana still hold a place in her heart for him?

Or was he too late?

The Incomparable Diamond of the upper ten thousand.

Diana Juliette Radcliffe, only daughter of the Duke of Grandstone, had everything—beauty, wealth, success, society’s admiration—but not the man she’s loved since her youth. She had convinced herself there was no sense in pining for someone who did not reciprocate her affections—until she saw him again at his Welcome Ball. Stunned by her reaction to his presence, and the sudden reemergence of the love she thought long gone, she vowed to deny her feelings and keep their relationship friendly.

If only it were that easy.

Because Edward’s kisses kept her wanting, and no matter how hard she tried to prevent herself from falling, every touch and every kiss rekindled her love for him. Terrified of going down that road again, she knew she could not go through the agony of another heartbreak. His show of affection sent her reeling with both joy and trepidation. What did Edward want from her? Why did he come back?

Would he leave her if he learned she was betrothed to another?

Genres: Historical Romance, Friends To Lovers

237 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 17, 2021

About the author

Veronica Crowe is the author of the Heirs of Cornwall series for Dragonblade Publishing.
If you like laugh-out-loud Regency romance full of romantic entanglements, hilarious misadventures, profound, heartfelt moments, and grand happy endings, this series is for you!

Reviews

[Julie - One Book More · Rating 4 out of 5]

After making a name for himself in America, Edward, the Earl of Calverston has returned home and is eager to see if his childhood friend Diana is still available. Diana, known for years as the Diamond of the Ton, has many admirers, but she is interested in none. She has a job that she loves and fears losing her independence. Plus, she has never stopped loving Edward. When Edward returns, all of the old feelings come to the surface. However, he rejected Diana more than once when they were younger. Can she really open her heart to him again and risk rejection? Plus, her parents promised her to someone else. Will Edward’s feelings change when he realizes her conundrum?

The chemistry between Edward and Diana is palpable, and their romance is totally swoon-worthy. I love their story – how they started as the best of friends in childhood, how they realized early on that they loved each other, how they spent years apart mooning for each other, never forgetting the wonderful bond and the feelings they had for each other, and how they reconnect as adults. Their banter is excellent, and you can tell how strongly they feel about each other in every interaction. Theirs is an epic love story bound by friendship and family, which is fantastic.

When Edward and Diana see each other again after so many years apart, they each realize that the other has changed. They are no longer children or young adults, and their lives have changed with their maturation. However, this doesn’t change the long-standing feelings they have for one another. Of course, finding their way back to each other proves difficult, angst-filled, and tumultuous.

One of my favorite characters, other than Edward and Diana, is Edward’s mother. She is a force to be reckoned with, and her love for her son knows no bounds. She is a very perceptive woman who realizes that her son has always loved Diana and knows that he went to America to prove he was worthy of Diana’s love. Edward’s mother, Diana’s brother, and many other members of Edward’s family, show how strong their family bonds are throughout the story. They often support and help each other in subtle and overt ways.

Diana’s brother and his friends are other fun characters that add a bit of levity to the story. It seems as if everyone knows that Diana and Edward are in love with each other except for Diana and Edward, and it’s fun to see how the characters do little things to encourage this romance. Diana and Edward are lucky to have such loyal and caring friends and family, even if they’re both a bit too stubborn to realize it at times.

I was so intrigued by Diana’s career as an investigator and wished this aspect of her life were explored a bit more. She is so independent and is steadfast in her determination to keep her job and contribute to society in a variety of ways, but the story doesn’t really delve far into this part of her life. There were also some scenes that felt a little long, and there were times when Edward and Diana’s decisions and actions frustrated me. However, their love story was fantastic and chemistry-laden, which I loved. Thanks so much to NetGalley, Dragonblade Publishing, and the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

[Olivia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to Dragonblade Publishing for providing me this arc via Netgalley!
This book was, in my opinion, flawed in various aspects:
- The transitions between scenes were confusing at times
- The beginning was not great. There were too many names, information and different timelines, which were not always clear.
- The drunken scene was extremely annoying. Why did she start pronouncing all of the "s" as "sh"??
- This is practically a childhood friends second chance romance, which has so much potential for angst and groveling, but it didn't deliver. Why didn't they circle around each other for a while after he came back to London? That would have been much mofe satisfying than the kiss and proposal that happened instantly.
- Diana's work as a "detective" was supposed to enrich her character but didn't. It felt very detached from her and from the plot in general.
Overall, not a horrible book but it didn't captivate me. Would not reread or recommend.

[Lori D · Rating 4 out of 5]

An entertaining second chance at love story, filled with humor and two people who really needed each other.

Edward and Diana had grown up together and were best friends. Of course that led eventually to love, but they were really young. They parted and then got back together years later, amazingly they were both unmarried.

A lot of struggle, family involvement and angst to get these two back together!

[Jaime · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars ⭐ | 4 Flames 🔥

I loved this story! First time reading this author and I will definitely be reading more of her work! A story that kept me awake all night, made me laugh, and made me cry. The author does an excellent job of developing the storyline, bringing the characters to life, and bringing these two MC to their HEA. Wonderful romance -- I am now reading the rest of the series!!

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edward Devlin Huntington, Earl of Calverston, has been friends with Diana Juliette Radcliffe, only daughter of the Duke of Grandstone, her twin brother Joshua is Edward’s best friend, since childhood. They were childhood sweethearts but Diana caused a storm when she debuted. Discouraged, Edward sailed to America to manage his family’s trading company in New York and make a name for himself. Seven years later, he returned home a different man: Distinguished, worldly, successful, and breathtakingly wealthy. Diana has everything – beauty, wealth, success, society’s admiration—but not the man she’s loved since her youth. She had convinced herself there was no sense in pining for someone who did not reciprocate her affections—until she saw him again at his Welcome Ball. Edward’s kisses kept her wanting, and no matter how hard she tried to prevent herself from falling, every touch and every kiss rekindled her love for him. However she has a secret
she’s about to be betrothed to another.
The third in the series but it’s very easily read on its one. A well written entertaining read, I really liked Edward & Diana but I loved Edward’s mother. A captivating second chance romance but secrets were always going to cause problems, thank goodness some family members & friends were proactive! As it looked at one stage if the pair weren’t going to fight for each other, which I found out of character for two such strong, intelligent people. I loved the humour throughout the book & of course the attraction between the pair sizzled
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Michelle Rupe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Lady Diana, the uttainable daughter of the Duke of Grandstone, has spent the last seven years of life dedicating her life to her investigative business and her charitable contributions to society to hide the fact that she has had her heart broken by Lord Edward. He left her to go to America to prove something to himself, but now he is back and wants to find out her love for him is still real.

I was really enjoying this in the beginning, but then I felt it fell apart a little bit. I thought Diana was charming and likeable even with all her suitors, and she really came across great. Then there was a scene where she drinks too much, and yeah we all get a little messed up and do weird stuff but it came across very childish. It was so different from what I was expecting from her especially during her and the hero's first meeting. I wanted her to have more courage, and go up to him and say "yeah, you left. I'm great and happy. Better off without you". Instead it came across as cowardice. I just didn't enjoy that.

Also, misunderstandings are not my favorite trope. I just wish the plot had more substance than that and the betrothal to another man. I'm interested in reading more because I found the writing likeable. Just want some more depth in characters and plot.

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was instantly drawn to the cover of this book, which is really beautiful. I enjoyed the opening chapters of this novel and then found my attention wandering as the characters became less appealing and believable. In an era where women were married before the age of twenty, it was unrealistic of Edward to think that Diana would wait seven years for him. Surprisingly she did just that but then shies away as she fears having her heart broken once again. Despite manipulative and stubborn parents, the romance does come to a happy conclusion. I received a copy of this novel as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 4 out of 5]

"My Only Earl" entertains with a spirited and heartfelt second-chance-at-love romance that will make readers laugh and warm their hearts!

Read full review in the 2022 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Jocelynereadsromance · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be an enjoyable novel. Veronica Crowe's tone is very quippy and witty which gave a delightful lighthearted humor to the over all story. Crowe's pace clipped along fairly quickly and her writing was very accessible. I found the characters and the situations to be interesting and fun. This is a second chance romance between our hero and heroine and they both spend most of the novel struggling inside themselves with if the other person truly loves them. Through some silly situations and charming meddling from a loving mother, these two are bound to find their happily ever after.

Diana, the heroine, is the toast of the ton and has been for seven years, but she refuses to entertain any suitors and instead has been focused on her investigation business and charity work. Diana is a hard worker and has a very smart mind and she refuses to give up the work she does for a husband, she has also been pining for Edward, the hero since he went away 7 years ago. Edward, has been hard at work running his family shipping business in America (because his aristocratic family knows that they need more sources of income than just managing the land they rent out) and working hard to grow into a strong and successful man that Diana can be proud of. From afar both Diana and Edward have been nursing their feelings and never truly expressing them to the other, so when they are reunited they both find themselves on uncertain footing with each other.

Crowe intermixes a bit of Diana's investigation work, which she originally started with Edward, through out the novel and I found this to be a bit of fun, I would have liked to perhaps see more of this or perhaps Edward joining her on a mission to show their relationship growing stronger. I did really enjoy their re=meeting and the situation that follows is absolutely delightful because we see Diana in an uncertain position and how Edward helps her and keeps her safe. Diana and Edward's relationship, while sweet, did feel to be lacking a bit for me, I felt like I was told they loved each other 9and had for many years) but I missed seeing more moments where they were in each other's company where their softness and love could have been explored. Their moment of fall out also felt a bit contrived and I don't think it played out the way I would have hoped or expected from a man who is so in love. The climax and resolution does have a bit of fun and scheming around it which really leaned into the over all tone of the story.

Overall, this was a funny and delightful read, it is the first Veronica Crowe novel I have read and I don't think it will be my last. This book has a charming epilogue that gives a glimpse into who the next novel in the series might be about and that definitely have me intrigued.

3.5 Stars, thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an eArc in exchange for an honest review.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Only Earl by Veronica Crowe is a second chance romance between Edward Devlin Huntington, the Earl of Calverston, and Lady Diana Juliette Radcliffe, only daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Gladstone. Edward had been in New York for seven years where he had grown from an arrogant young lordling into a man of substance. He had proven himself and had become a full partner in the shipping business. That had been his goal and now that he had achieved it, it could return to England for the woman he loved: Lady Diana. She was as yet unmarried, according to his mother's letters. Lady Diana had established herself as unattainable. She was beautiful. She flirted and danced, but she would be claimed by no man. She loved her life as it was and she loved the mane she had lost, Edward. She had loved him always. Then her parents informed her they had signed a contract, which would end in betrothal and marriage. It was then that Edward finally returned.

Edward was strong, still arrogant, but secure in himself and his abilities. He didn't think to ask. He simply stated what he thought of as fact. Diana was desperate to avoid this arranged betrothal, so desperate when things began to work her way; she failed to tell Edward the truth. She knew she had to but she waited too long. It nearly cost her everything. This was an exciting and interesting novel. They both had loved for years and were now on the brink of losing it all out of arrogance and a failure to communicate. The rules of the ton were so strict. There were choices to be made and they didn't always make the right choice. Explosive! Dramatic! A compelling read!

I was invited the read a free e-ARC of My Only Earl by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #myonlyearl #dragonblade

[Gloria Pastorino · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t know this author and this book was really a very pleasant discover for me. It’s been a fun, entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable read from the beginning to the end. Our hero and heroine, Edward and Diana, have know each other all their life and they were fast friends before falling in love. But they were too young and they had to grow and forge their own path in life before thinking of a future together… or at least that’s what Edward thought (and he was right, I must add). When they reunite, they are changed, but their love is still very much alive. But it will take a concerted effort by both their families to help them reach their HEA.
I must say that I laughed out loud many times during the book and that I really appreciated the side characters, in particular Edward and Diana’s family members. And I’m determined to read the previous two books of the series with the stories of said, very intriguing family members…
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Linda J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read the whole series, but you don't have to because it can be a stand alone. As with most series, you have cross over character's so it would be a richer reading experience to read the series.

I absolutely loved these character's. Granted I think it would have been better if the H wasn't gone for 7 years and the h wasn't 26 now. I think her parents would have married her off a lot earlier because of the time period.

I loved the old man who helped her in her investigations - he was so funny! Mainly because he was hard of hearing and misunderstanding what people said. The H's mom was a delight and I enjoyed how she put many plans in place and realized who to turn to in the household. This story has many layers to it and I found it very enjoyable.

No lovemaking, but some passionate kisses and fondling. I felt a connection to the H/h and there interaction was realistic.

If you want a little suspense, lovable character's, humor, great banter this is your story. No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romantic and no lovemaking. (ljb)

[Allie · Rating 3 out of 5]

💕I’m a sucker for a historical regency romance novel so when I saw this book on Netgalley I was instantly intrigued! 👀

Edward is the Earl of Calverston, who has nothing except his title to recommend him before he sails off the America to earn his fortune. There, he became a successful businessman. He finally feels like he’s worthy of Diana, the girl he left behind. He doesn’t know if she’s still unmarried, but he’s returned to England to find out...

Diana, gorgeous daughter of a Duke, wants to deny her feelings when she sees Edward again, but she can’t. Especially when he starts to woo her in earnest 💕.

This was a really sweet love story. I’m going to be honest, if the guy I was interested in sailed to another country and stayed there for several years, I would probably aka definitely move on. So I suspended some belief in that department. Diana and Edward do have good chemistry and of course some steamy scenes keep the book fun 🔥.

Thank you to Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing for a free copy of the ebook in exchange for my honest review!

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too late or too early

Edward is a petulant spoiled toddler man! America was supposedly the making of him! Edward has a temper and acts like a caveman when he gets angry! The lack of communication and depth between these two is ridiculous! Diana supposedly loves her independence but makes childish decisions regarding Edward all the yelling and tears and letter writing girl bye! Yes you messed up but so did he and how all of a sudden it's love!? You acting weird when he came back!? That scene was weird and I almost gave it 4 stars because of Edward mom! Then the Dukes son was referred to as an Earl? Edward is a Marquis as a son of a Duke! The end was so abrupt and fake!? I have read other books by the author but this one was rushed and just not relatable! Never saw a heroine cry so much!! Edward was not moved by the tears and he was more of an ass when Diana cried!

[Farida · Rating 3 out of 5]

Compared to the previous book in the series, this one is quite disappointing.
It was a little bit hard to get into in the beginning, there were a lot of mundane day-to-day details mentioned, i was getting a little bit bored.
The storyline although well written, it was so unoriginal, the plot was such a cliche, which I'm not usually opposed to, but i was expecting more of the author to be honest.
The characters were okay, the main female was nice enough, but overly perfect in my opinion, the main male was so self-absorbed, he was unrespectful and gruff.
The ending was so... Childish?!
Overall, an okay read.
* I received an ARC of this book in exchange of an honest review via netgalley and the publisher*

[EVANGELIA MARAGKOPOULOU · Rating 3 out of 5]

First of all what a beautifull cover . This is a story about two people who knew each other from when they were young . They both were secretly in love with each other but they never confess their feelings . After 7 years in America he returns to England and he has the chance to win her . At 26 her parents demand that she was to marry a heir to a Dukedom and she has to obey . What will happen when the man who is her real love came back to her life ?
I received this book from net galley and the publisher as an ARC. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Danelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute!

This was a cute little story about live that almost got away. Edward and Diana have loved each other since childhood, but Edward wanted to have his own source of income before marrying Diana. So he went off to the U S & stayed for seven years, amassing his fortune. He came back to England, though, almost too late to claim Diana, which led them through an ordeal in trying to be together.

[Margarida · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love 2nd chance romances, and this one was great. Diana is our heroine, and she's loved Edward since childhood. Edward loves her too. This should be easy right. Of course not. He doesn't feel worthy and just leaves to make his fortune... breaking Diana's heart. Now, he's back=large and in charge. He's ready for her, but she's not exactly ready for him. Lots has happened in his 7 years away. Great story of love's triumph and 2nd chances. Seize them!

[Rainelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely freaking loved this book. The author had me at the first laughter. This love story had a lot of emotions intertwined in this book. The romance was so beautiful between Edward and Diana, but it’s the comedy that put them over the moon. The story is easy to read. All the characters were entertaining. I thought that the romance was the most exciting part of the story. Until next time my fellow readers… read on!

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've read by this author but it won't be the last.
This is a funny and witty book with a tendency for the absurd.
Edward and Diana are too funny and absurdly right for each other.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story! What a beautiful story about the importance of patience and trust and the power of love. The fact that these two waited so long for each other was so sweet. I was happy all involved had a satisfying ending, and loved the extra touch of a woman saving the day. #netgalley #myonlyearl

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I haven't laughed this hard at a book in a while. I love the cast of side characters so much! I wasn't a huge fan of the moments when the pov switched to Edward's mother. I understand why they were added but they slowed the story down, in my opinion. Overall, a fun read.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book 3 in the heirs of Cromwell series. I loved this series. This was a fun ride. I enjoyed the story and the characters. They were unique and fun. I am looking forward to more in the series

[Jill Long · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book ok. The plot had a lot of potential, this was a friends to lovers/second chance romance, but it felt lackluster. The romance fizzled out for me. Neither character was mature enough to say what they wanted and they spent a lot of time apart.

[V · Rating 3 out of 5]

Childhood friends, but did they ever emotionally grow up? The conflicts in this book were immature and annoying. It was a fine story but my least favorite in the series, it seems childish even though both characters are 26-27!

[Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

There seemed to be more substance in this book compared to the others in the series. I liked that it seemed a little more realistic in terms of intimacy than the other books in the series as well.

[Denise Westlake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love these sexy proper English society novels!

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

Diana Radcliff has been in love with Edward Huntington since she was sixteen. Edward never encouraged her, even though he loved her. When Edward suddenly goes to America, Diana's heart is broken. Keeping herself busy with her investigation business and charities, she is convinced she does not love him anymore, until after seven years Edward returns. He is ready to commit to Diana, unfortunately circumstances have changed and Diana doesn't reveal what it is. (Edward has a dark side that can be violent and on the edge for him to contain).
A heartbreaking love story of a couple who cannot stop loving each other and are prohibited from being together. Only an interfering mother just might solve their problem. Talk about angst!

[Tara Baisden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time reading anything written by Veronica Crow, and it will not be the last for sure! I've recently fallen in love with historical romance, and this novel just adds to my growing fondness for this genre.

The author uses her wit and humor throughout the story and it's fabulous! The pacing of the story was quick and easy to follow. This is the 3rd installment in the Heirs of Cornwall series and I have not read the others yet. I had no problem at all starting this series at the 3rd book at all, but I will be going to search out the first two to read for sure now!

And might I add - I love this beautiful cover for the story!

Thank you #NetGalley, #VeronicaCrow, #DragonbladePublishing

[Marika · Rating 1 out of 5]

⛔️ (in notes)