Fascínio da Nobreza

Sins for All Seasons #5

by Lorraine Heath, Daniela Rigon (Translator)

FANCY TREWLOVE sempre esteve determinada a cumprir o desejo de sua mãe de ver a filha casada com um nobre. Afinal, depois de todos os sacrifícios que a família fez por Fancy, era o mínimo que podiam esperar. Seu intelecto e sua formação a tornam a esposa perfeita para qualquer cavalheiro… desde que esteja disposto a ignorar sua origem escandalosa! Mas os planos da jovem são postos em xeque quando um plebeu misterioso começa a visitar sua livraria, e logo depois seus pensamentos, seus sonhos, seus planos para o futuro…

MATTHEW SOMMERSBY, o conde de Rosemont, está viúvo há um ano e vem sendo perseguido por praticamente todas as damas em idade de se casar. A última coisa que ele quer, porém, é uma nova esposa, ainda mais uma interessada apenas em seu título. Desesperado por um pouco de paz, ele foge de sua vida em meio à sociedade e acaba se tornando vizinho de uma certa livraria, cuja dona começa a lhe atrair mais do que qualquer título no catálogo.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Fiction, Regency

320 pages, Paperback

First published March 31, 2020

About the author

Also writes Young Adult under Rachel Hawthorne, Jade Parker, and with her son as J.A. London.

Lorraine Heath has always had a soft spot for emotional love stories. No doubt because growing up, watching movies with her mom, she was taught that the best movies "won't half make you cry."​​​​​​​

She is the daughter of a British beauty (her mom won second place in a beauty contest sponsored by Max Factor® during which she received a kiss from Caesar Romero, (the Joker on the original Batman TV series) and a Texan who was stationed at Bovingdon while serving in the air force. Lorraine was born in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, but soon after moved to Texas. Her "dual" nationality has given her a love for all things British and Texan, and she enjoys weaving both heritages through her stories.

When she received her BA degree in psychology from the University of Texas, she had no idea she had gained a foundation that would help her to create believable characters—characters that are often described as “real people.” She began her career writing training manuals and computer code for the IRS, but something was always missing. When she read a romance novel, she became not only hooked on the genre, but quickly realized what her writing lacked: rebels, scoundrels, and rogues. She's been writing about them ever since.

Her work has been recognized with numerous industry awards including RWA's RITA®. Her novels have appeared on bestseller lists, including ​​​​​​​USA TODAY and the New York Times.

The author of more than 60 novels, she writes historical and contemporary romance for adults and historical romance for teen readers.

Under the names Rachel Hawthorne and Jade Parker, she writes popular contemporary, historical, and paranormal r​​omance for teens readers. She also writes young adult novels with her son under the name J. A. London.

Reviews

[Anovelqueen · Rating 4 out of 5]

***4 STARS***

Fancy Trewlove is the youngest of the Trewlove siblings. She was born out of wedlock but has been raised and taught that she should land a member of the aristocracy for a husband. So through the connections of her siblings she will have a coming out for the Season. Although she has been spoiled and pampered by her family as the youngest she still gives back to others. She runs her own bookstore and helps adults learn to read.

Matthew Sommersby was burned with his first marriage. Therefore he believes that all women want is a titled husband at whatever cost. He meets Fancy and although she is also looking for a titled husband he falls for her. Not revealing who he truly is he begins to see Fancy for who she truly is.

This is the fifth book in the Sins For All Seasons series. I have not particularly liked the other books in the series except for Gillie’s. This one was very adorable. I found Matthew to be a gentleman and definitely swoon worthy. This is a slow burn romance and I loved their interactions with each other. Matthew is truly loveable and aside from miscommunications that would easily clear up misunderstandings the book was good.

I recommend this one if you are in the mood for a “sweet” romance. No alphas here. But Matthew is no wimp. I recommend this one.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Astrid - The Bookish Sweet Tooth · Rating 2 out of 5]

TITLE: THE EARL TAKES A FANCY
AUTHOR: Lorraine Heath
SERIES: Sins for All Seasons #5
RELEASE DATE: March 31, 2020
GENRE: Historical Romance
RATING: 2.5 STARS
CLIFFHANGER: No

READ MY REVIEW ON THE BLOG





It's really the worst feeling when one of your top favorite authors doesn't work for you. Lorraine Heath writes wonderful historical romance but this one, I felt, wasn't up to par. Please note that there are some spoilers in my review - I had to add them in order to explain my issues.

First there is the writing that felt different - I don't know if it was just because I couldn't connect with the story or if something's really different. I used to mark down a lot of beautiful quotes. This time I didn't find as many poignant lines. Apart from that though, my biggest issue was with the characters. The hero, Matthew, aggravated me in particular. Matthew's opinion of women isn't very high. His wife and the women in his family all deceived their significant others in order to get the men to marry them. I'm totally on board with his trust issues but if you're on the high horse you should be an example yet Matthew lies to Fancy about who he is throughout the whole book. Fancy on the other hand never gave him any reason to distrust her. Yet, even when he THOUGHT Fancy tried to lure another man into marriage (and of course it can ONLY be the woman being so deceitful and every attempt at convincing him otherwise failed) he shut her out. When his own lie blew up in his face it was like "Forgive me, I was an idiot. Marry me." "Mkay, I love you." The grand gesture at the end would have had more effect on me if Matthew hadn't been such a hypocrite.

“You think I wanted to be found in a compromising situation?”
“It’s what women do. They lure a man in and then they set their trap."

Fancy is a sweet bookworm, aware that, while being illegitimate, she is fortunate to have grown up in the Trewlove family. I had some issues with her too but I could get past them much easier. I didn't understand why Fancy held on to her decision to marry a lord when it wasn't really her own wish. Her family wanted a favorable marriage for her and even guilt-tripped her into it.

“But if I were to not marry—”
“It would break Mum’s heart, Fancy.”
What of her heart, what of her dreams? What if she found herself falling for a man who possessed no title? Still, she simply nodded.

That made me a little mad at her family who before her met their match. I realize that the wanted her to be happy and that a lot about it was miscommunication but damn, did it irritate me that she never said out loud that she had a right to be happy, too, until late in the book.
I still liked Fancy and her support of those who weren't as fortunate as she was. There is also the lack of pride that got to me when Matthew thought she trapped someone into marriage. Instead of holding her head up high she went to him after he accused her and just wanted to fling herself into his arms. That's not how I want a heroine to be.

I'm really sad that THE EARL TAKES A FANCY didn't work for me. In her author's notes she mentioned that she had writer's block with this one, so this may be an explanation for my dislike of this installment. I know how talented Lorraine Heath is so I hope the next one in this series will be a winner for me again!

[WhiskeyintheJar · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.7 stars

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

After widowed Matthew's, Earl of Rosemont, wife posthumously has a letter printed in the Times about what a great husband he was, ladies have been clamoring for his attention. He decides to rent rooms in a more middle class area of London to escape for awhile. There he walks into a bookshop and feels his world tilt when he meets the owner.
Fancy Trewlove loves her family but feels pressure to marry an aristocrat because of her mother's dreams for her and all that her brothers and sister have provided her. The more she gets to know Matthew, the more she wants to simply marry for love.
Fancy can't get Mr. Matthew Sommersby out of her mind but Matthew is going to have to see beyond his trust issues.

When she was done, she licked her lips before lifting her gaze back to his, and he couldn’t help but believe he’d never been so enthralled by a person in his entire life, nor would he.

Fifth in the Sins for All Seasons series, The Earl Takes a Fancy stars the youngest Trewlove. If you've been reading the series, you'll know that Fancy is the only biological child of Ettie Trewlove. Ettie took in the other children because of the money aristocrats were willing to pay her to take care of their born on the wrong side of the blanket children. You could feasibly enter the series here as Fancy's siblings pop in and out but no real prior knowledge is needed that isn't provided in her book.

He accepted her as she was. Her past didn’t matter. With him she didn’t have to pretend or put on airs or strive to meet expectations. It was what she’d always wanted, an honesty with a gentleman. And here she had it. As his hands skimmed over her, she thought, yours, yours, yours.

Fancy was a very sweet heroine, borderline angelic. It was nice to read about a character that came from humble beginnings but an extremely loving family and never take for granted or advantage of her siblings largess they found themselves in as adults and shared with her. She was not meek or a pushover, she took a stand against what she thought her mother and family wanted for her in the end, but it was also pretty clear that they just wanted her to be happy. I would have loved more scenes with Fancy and her mother as I thought that relationship could have provided a big chunk of the heart of the story. There were some scenes with her siblings but showcasing them all together or individually more with Fancy could have added extra emotion.

He’d fallen in love with her, damn it. Felled without realizing it. Wanted her as his wife.

Matthew also had his sweet side but I felt like I knew him less. The reader learns that he was trapped into marriage by his former wife and therefore has trust issues and he has a sister that briefly makes appearances but no real friends to help show sides of his personality. I felt like some background and layers were missing from his identity makeup, he still felt pretty static as a character at the end. Matthew shone the most when he was with Fancy and they did spend a good amount of time together, bolstering the romance feel in the story. These two didn't necessarily spark and burn but they did have a gentle quietness loving.

“I love you so much that I can barely remember a time when I didn’t.”

When Fancy enters society, she becomes friends with three woman who are obvious set-ups for a series of their own and I wish they could have spent more time with Fancy to flesh them out more. I also thought the premise of Matthew being able to sneak in and out of Fancy's bookstore without getting caught by Mick a little unbelievable; the way Heath has written Mick it seems like he would have someone watching the bookstore for Fancy's protection. Except for a few secrets to be revealed and an ending distrust issue, this was overall a gentle and low angst read, I can see some readers really appreciating that right now.

[Hannah B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know Fancy repairs books but ✨what if✨ I straight up tear that third act OUT the damn book I’ve got two copies and a vengeance

Matthew is definitely my second favorite hero of the series. The vibes of this book were immaculate (until the third act break-up). They just wanted to read next to each other and they were neighbors with windows facing each other. He was always leaning on the window frame with rolled up shirtsleeves 😩

If I ever feel the need to reread this I think I may actually have to skip over the third act breakup and catalyst which also means skipping a sex scene which hurts but it was pointless anyways I was so mad during it I felt NOTHING. That being said a reread would definitely be a better experience bc I won’t be stressed as FUCK bc I know what’s coming.

It hurts more than the last book bc I absolutely adored the first 75%. I thought this was a five star read we were so close 😭

It ended well enough but I just did not see the plot going that way at the end. Since there was inherently enough there with his hidden identity and her want of a nobleman to cause the fight, the attempted compromise was just too much in a previously very mellow book.

Let alone her want of a nobleman to please her family just seemed disjointed with the other books. It was a weird hill to die on when they never actually talked about what they wanted for her. Her family kinda annoyed me in this one ngl.

I loved it. I hated it. The epic highs and lows of high school football can’t even compare.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/5 🌶🌶🌶/5

[Caz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've given this a C+ at AAR, so 3.5 stars

The Earl Takes a Fancy is book five in Lorraine Heath’s Sins For All Seasons series, which features the six Trewlove siblings, all but one of them by-blows of members of the nobility who were handed over to baby farmer Ettie Trewlove who, instead of neglecting them (as was, sadly, the most common result of this practice), cared for them, loved them and brought them up as her own. The four preceding books have seen Mick, Gillie, Aiden and Finn fall in love and marry well, and in this book, it’s the turn of Ettie’s daughter Fancy – the only Trewlove to whom Ettie actually gave birth – to meet her match.

Fancy is the baby of the family – she’s just nineteen in this story – and as is natural, Ettie wants nothing but the best for her daughter. Even before the family’s fortunes begin to rise, she is determined Fancy will marry a fancy man, live in a fancy house and enjoy a fancy life. Now, it looks as though Ettie’s dreams for Fancy will come true; her sister Gillie, Duchess of Thornley, is soon to hold a ball to launch Fancy into society, which will surely lead to her finding the lord Ettie and her family are so keen for her to marry.

Matthew Sommersby, Earl of Rosemont lost his wife a year earlier, so to say he’s surprised to see a letter from her published in the newspaper one morning is an understatement. In the missive, she talks about Matthew’s husbandly devotion, how much they’d loved each other and how much she wants him to find love again – and Matthew is furious. He knows his late wife is mocking him from beyond the grave because their marriage was a sham; he’d been a besotted fool, tricked into marriage by a woman who wanted only his title and status and he’s determined never to be so gullible again. This letter, however, has brought scores of match-making mamas and their similarly minded daughters to his door – and he wants none of it. Less than a week after the letter first appears, Matthew closes up his London house and disappears.

Fancy is facing the prospect of her society début with some trepidation. She knows that her illegitimacy will count against her as she tries to secure a position within high society, but her family is still set on seeing her married into the aristocracy – nothing less than an earl will do. Fancy, though, would much prefer to marry a man she loves and who loves her; her sister and three of her brothers have married for love and Fancy wants what they have… but is unwilling to disappoint her mum, whom she adores. Fancy has a tender regard for stories brimming with romance, and along with most of the women in London, thought the late Countess of Rosemont’s letter was incredibly romantic, and keeps a copy of it in her pocket, believing it offers the hope that she might one day discover the same sort of passion. The jingle of the bell of her bookshop interrupts her musings, and she finds herself facing a strikingly handsome man and falling into easy conversation about books with him. Very shortly after she has closed the shop for the evening, she runs into the man again at the pub she goes to for her supper; the stranger introduces himself as Mr. Matthew Sommersby, and explains he’s new to the area, and they end up sharing a table and continuing their conversation over their meal. Matthew finds his companion’s lack of guile completely refreshing, until, that is, Fancy dislodges the copy of his late wife’s letter from her pocket and he immediately assumes Fancy is just the same as any of the other women who have besieged him seeking wealth and title. *eyeroll*

Fortunately, he does realise his mistake quickly, and apart from this, the relationship between Matthew and Fancy is very well developed, with a palpable pull of attraction between the pair from the moment they meet. Ms. Heath takes the time to show readers the couple getting to know each other, bonding over a mutual love of books and reading , and most importantly, she shows us – and Fancy – exactly who Matthew is as a person; a kind, thoughtful man who wants someone who loves him for himself and not for his money or title. I will say, however, that if you’re someone for whom deception of any kind in a romance is a dealbreaker, then this may not be the book for you.

For the first half of the book I was pulled in by the romance and the characters, both of whom are well-drawn and attractive, but that didn’t mean I couldn’t see the two huge plot-holes. 1. If Fancy’s family are so concerned for her happiness, why do none of them actually ask her what she wants? And 2. Why are the Trewloves so intent on introducing her to a society that they know will judge her for her illegitimacy and humble origins? Her brothers even point out that Gillie is the only one of them who is even vaguely accepted, and that’s because Thornley is a duke and can do whatever the hell he wants. They love Fancy so much, yet are prepared to subject her to humiliation and the potential misery of marrying a man she doesn’t love.

As the story wore on, however, it became repetitive – Fancy doesn’t want to disappoint her family so doesn’t tell them she doesn’t want what they want for her, and Matthew realises he needs to tell her the truth about who he is, but wants just a little bit more time to make sure she’s properly interested in him. Of course, he puts off telling her for too long, which leads to an eye-rolling eleventh-hour conflict that then rushes headlong into a hasty and credulity-snapping conclusion.

I’ve continued to read (and listen) to the books in this series in the hopes of a return to form by Lorraine Heath, but have so far been unable to rate any of them higher than a B (the last three have all been B-/C+ reads for me). As I read the first half, I was thinking things were looking up, and I’d be able to award The Earl Takes a Fancy a solid B grade, but in the end, the likeable characters couldn’t make up for the sagging middle, the holes in the premise and the ridiculous ending.

[OLT · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gotta say I didn't fancy this book at all. I'm a former reader of Lorraine Heath's HRs and hadn't picked up one of her books in several years. When I saw this one at a bargain price, out of curiosity, I decided to try her again.

Well, I shouldn't have bothered. This wasn't worth my time and, to be honest, I didn't quite finish it, I was so bored. I checked out reviews here afterwards to see if I had missed something by not reading that last third or so of the book, but there was no indication in any reviews that something happened to make reading to the end worth my while.

I'm really quite tired of reading historical romances in which a member of the peerage meets and marries someone on the fringes of society. Heath has been doing this for years, with, for example, gaming hall owners marrying duke's daughter, parentless street children growing up and making good, some of them even discovering they too are a duke's children, perhaps even legitimate but lost (how do you lose a kid?) or they are just beautiful, noble bastards who are accepted into society.

Whatever the case, Heath writes too much of this silly fairy-tale stuff. An occasional book perhaps would be okay but she writes whole multi-book series like this. However, if I had enjoyed the story here, maybe I would have given this a pass. But, really, the plot was thin and the characters boring. Even the romance and sexual attraction did nothing for me.

[Esther · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC provided by Edelweiss and Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Rating it 3.75

Review to come closer to publication.

[Topastro · Rating 1 out of 5]

Reading this was like eating dry, stale piece of toast.

There was little character development for the MC. Fancy had no personality beyond being nice and liking books. I found her a little too perfect and I could not connect with her. I also found her living alone in her bookshop not realistic for the time.I do t need perfect accuracy but her not only living alone but owning a book shop at only 19 made me roll my eyes. Matthew bitterness too much. He distrustfulness made it hard for me to root for him and Fancy. I was bored from chapter 2 on. This was a flop in an otherwise amazing series.

[Missy · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.85

This was a reeaallly slow-burn romance. Too slow for me but I persevered. The second half was better than the first half because the romance finally began. The ending/proposal was quite romantic. Made me cry tears of joy.

[ChasingLeslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite her low birth, Fancy Trewlove has been raised to marry into nobility. Widowed and reclusive Matthew Sommersby, Earl of Rosemont, has been inundated by women hoping to become his next countess. Desperate for anonymity, he rents a house in a working class area and finds a sense of peace in Fancy’s book shop.

This is the fifth book in the Sin For All Seasons series featuring the Trewlove siblings. I’ve read this one a few times because it’s my favorite in the series.

Tropes: Class Difference, Working Heroine, Widower, Mistaken/Hidden Identity, Compromised

Steam: 3

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up.

Fancy Trewlove dreams of marrying for love, though she knows she must also fulfill her mother's dream that she marry a titled nobleman. Fancy has the manners and educational polish to be a perfect aristocratic wife, if she can find someone to overlook her illegitimacy and scandalous family. But when an intriguing stranger wanders into her bookshop, he and Fancy strike up an unlikely sort of friendship and soon it is he she can't stop thinking of.

Matthew Sommersby, the Earl of Rosemont, has only been a widower for a year and he's been bombarded with calls from women eager to become his new countess. His marriage was cold and unhappy, mostly because his wife trapped him into it, and he's not eager to repeat either experience. Though he longs for love, he can't trust that any woman truly wants him and not his title. Needing relief, he secludes himself from society and winds up finding refuge and good company in Fancy's bookshop. When their connection leads to physical interactions, both are left wanting much more. Fancy wants to please the family that has done so much for her, even if it means forsaking her own feelings, but when secrets come out, she begins to question herself and the guidelines of her own heart.

I really enjoyed this book overall, especially how well-written it was, but it didn't hold my attention all that much and it took me longer than usual to finish; although perhaps part of me was just savoring that lovely writing. The second half especially was quite the slow burn and a bit too angst driven for my tastes. I found myself wanting to yell at Matthew and Fancy to just talk to each other and even more so at Fancy for her to just talk honestly with her family. Luckily they did get it together and the superb writing truly carried this book for me. I can't wait for the next one in this series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...

[Jenn (The Book Refuge) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was just so charming. This series has been so fun. I'm sad I only have one to go. Books and hot air balloons and a genuine friendship... This was great.

Fancy was sweet and loving and has big dreams.

Matthew just wants some peace and he is completely charmed by this bookshop owner.

5/5 stars
2 on my spice scale

[Elodie’s Reading Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Earl Takes a Fancy
A Sins for All Seasons Series #5
Lorraine Heath
https://www.facebook.com/LorraineHeat...
Release date 03/31/2020
Publisher Avon

Blurb :

She’s looking for a nobleman to wed…
Though born out of wedlock, Fancy Trewlove is determined to fulfill her mother’s wish that she marry into nobility. Fancy’s keen intellect and finishing school manners make her the perfect wife for any gentleman—if he’s willing to overlook her scandalous lineage. But Fancy’s plans are thrown into chaos when an intriguing commoner begins visiting her bookshop—and she finds herself unable to stop thinking about him.
He’s looking to escape his title…
Widowed just a year ago, the reclusive Matthew Sommersby, Earl of Rosemont, has been besieged by women hoping to become his next wife. Desperate for anonymity, he sheds Society life to search for the peace that eludes him. Fancy’s shop is his one refuge, until the night their passion erupts into a kiss that nearly leads to her ruin—and leaves both longing for much more. 
Together, they discover an unlikely love…
As Fancy finds herself torn between her family’s expectations and her growing feelings for Matthew, secrets are exposed—secrets that force Fancy to question if she can trust her heart’s desire...

My review :

Will she fulfills her family’s wishes for herself or decides for a different path, one answering her own dreams ...

During my first read by Lorraine Heath I was immediately entranced by these Trewloves, and while I remembered learning a different story for Fancy’s father than the one she was told about, I was curious to know how will she respond or not to her family’s expectations.
So far I have only read Aiden’s story, and it was a tale about more mature characters, when Fancy and Matthew are both younger.
Fancy was pampered and protected by her siblings, she lived the life of a well-bred miss but being illegitimate and coming from the rookeries, she also is aware of the struggles of the weakest and poorest, why in her pwn way she tries to better their life with her available means, education.
This journey teaches her a lot about herself, while she learned to be confident and sure, she will discover sides of herself she didn’t know, and when faced with a choice, it will be the new Fancy that must make a choice.

Matthew knows who he is but he has always taken everything around him as granted. Even if he was tricked and found himself brought to the altar without a second glance by his bride-to-be, he now views women as actresses with only schemes in their mind. So when from her grave, his late wife made him a fox hunted by all the debutantes, he decides to run away from the marriage part and hide. Thus when he meets a young woman who checks all the boxes, he keeps his identity secrets and slowly lower his guards to trust her.

So as they get to know and slowly fall for one another, I wondered when the second shoes will drop and how Fancy will react to his deceit even if it was unintentional at the beginning. Fancy wants to please her kin, when her heart calls her outside the ballrooms, Matthew wants to be chosen for him and not the title tagged on the man. Both have a long way to extricate themselves from the web of their heart and desires to seek what they finally really want.
5 stars

I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Avon through Edelweiss, I preordered my own.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.


https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...

[Mskychick · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars.
I struggled with so many issues with this book.
I remember when I used to love Heath’s books. But the last 5 or 6 have been not at all my cup of tea. I am unwilling to let so many completely inane and unlikely things go now in pursuit of the overall plot, I guess. I need at least a modicum of verisimilitude.

[Barbara Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Series: Sins for All Seasons #5
Publication Date: 3/31/20
Number of Pages: 400
*** 3.5 Stars Rounded Up To 4 ***

At the moment Fancy was born, her mother looked at her, loved her, and named her Fancy because someday she knew Fancy would marry a fancy gentleman and live in a fancy house. As her mother gazed at her with great, abiding love, her brothers, Mick, Aiden, Finn, and Beast along with her sister Gilly were smitten as well, and their mother’s goals for Fancy became their own. Fancy was protected and spoiled, yet she somehow managed to get through all of that spoiling with a remarkably level-headed, non-demanding, sweet, caring, and very loving personality. All of her life, Fancy has been groomed to meet her family’s goals for her. She’s never questioned the goals and nobody has ever asked her if that is what she wants. You’ll love Fancy when you meet her.

Every female Matthew Sommersby, Earl of Rosemont, has ever known is dishonest and deceitful. They stopped at nothing to get what they want – whether the other person wanted to give it or not. It was true of his mother and his sister – and then it was true of his wife when she trapped him into marriage. To say he was mistrustful of women would be a gross understatement. Then, to add insult to injury, a year after her death she had arranged for a letter from her to be delivered to the gossip sheets. That letter sent every unmarried lady of the ton to Matthew’s door. It was so bad that he abandoned his home to escape them. He took up residence in a newly built housing area and became just plain Matthew Sommersby for a while.

Fancy and Matthew met when he visited her bookshop. They soon bonded over their shared love of books. As they became friends, Fancy shared her family’s goals for her and when Matthew learned she was just another title hunting female, he tried to draw away. However, the attraction was too strong. I loved that it took them a while to get from meeting to falling in love because they had a chance to get to know each other. Of course, that didn’t do much good because, at the first opportunity, one of them readily believed the worst of the other and walked away.

I have enjoyed every book in this series, but if you haven’t read any of them, I do have to tell you that you will have to entirely suspend your disbelief. There are so many improbable and unlikely things that take place that, well – as I said – you’ll just have to suspend those disbeliefs in order to enjoy the story. While I loved Matthew, he annoyed me greatly when he so quickly believed the worst of Fancy – and didn’t come around until he decided to take the word of a woman he didn’t even know. Not well-done Matthew!

I really think you’ll enjoy this book. I loved the characters and the romance – and even the villain wasn’t too bad. One lovely thing is that we got nice visits with all of the brothers and sisters and even Beast. I assume Beast will get his own book next – at least I sure hope so. I have been waiting for his story from the beginning. He is such an intriguing character and the one we know the least about.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Lisa (Remarkablylisa) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A 3.5 star! Im rounding it up because i really liked the beginning but the middle and end got slow. This was similar to other lorraine heath novels. On the lighter side instead of the dark and gritty books we saw in books 1-3

[Christie«SHBBblogger» · Rating 3 out of 5]

Title:The Earl Takes a Fancy
Series: Sins for All Seasons #5
Author: Lorraine Heath
Release date: March 31, 2020
Cliffhanger: no

The Earl Takes a Fancy is about the youngest sibling in the Trewlove family, Fancy. She was probably the one I was most looking forward to. I loved the fact that she's a book lover who runs a bookstore. Fancy is sweet, if a little naive. She's also a romantic, but looks at her upcoming season pragmatically. She could have easily have been spoiled, being given so many more advantages than her brothers and sisters, but she chooses to help give back through educating the illiterate.

My fondest memories are of each of them reading to me, when I was quite small. It was magical. So, I wanted to open a bookshop in order to surround myself with the stories that my brothers and sister had loved enough to share with me. When I see the spines lined up on a shelf, it makes me happy. I’m happier still when someone takes a book home with them.

Fancy is a people pleaser, which is probably her biggest fault. Her family has been grooming her for her entire life to eventually marry into the nobility and have a "fancy life." She's been taught social niceties, expectations, and a substantial dowry to tempt the upper class. Now she feels as if she owes it to everyone to enter the season and make their dreams a reality. Never mind that she's perfectly content running her bookshop and would happily become a spinster who works and supports herself. Of course it was unheard of for women to own their own property back then, impossible in fact. So she sets her mind to giving everything up very soon and tries to cherish the time that she has left.

Matthew, the Earl of Rosemont, has become a bitter recluse after being trapped into marriage by a deceitful woman. After she passed away, he had no interest in entering back into society again, and avoids social gatherings at all costs. He doesn't care to live in his very comfortable estates either, but prefers to be incognito in Fancy's neighborhood at a more humble residence. There, he isn't Rosemont, the grieving widower being chased by greedy social climbers. He can enjoy a modicum of peace and privacy as a simple Mr. Sommersby. After meeting Fancy at her bookshop, he's quickly charmed by her, but isn't able to trust after being manipulated so easily before.

His thoughts came to an abrupt halt. He was not going to be enticed into falling into her web of deceit by her passion for books or her ability to create a shop that invited one in and offered comfort as welcoming as a warm blanket on a chilly evening. Or her large eyes or her pretty face or her kindness to a pub serving girl or her welcoming of a stranger.

There were a lot of really sweet scenes between the two of them as they got to know one another. Matthew heart and mind are in constant battle as he slips deeper and deeper under her spell. He anonymously gives her a priceless gift, they fly a kite together, volunteer teaching together, and he escorts her to a "scandalous" play in the seedy part of town. When she starts to attend balls after the season starts, his jealousy flares up and there are several nocturnal visits between the two of them. This is where is really started to feel that their interactions were pretty unrealistic for the time. She's a nineteen-year old virgin entering her first season on a husband hunt and her family lets her live alone and gallivant anywhere with anyone all hours of the day? It did start to bother me as the book wore on somewhat.

The biggest issue for me however, was the main conflict at the end. It really detracted from my rating because up until that point, I was really enjoying the progression of their romance. Matthew was being deceptive with her by not telling her his true identity, but I didn't get upset by it because he knew she was looking for a titled husband. This is a major sore point for him, and he wanted to be sure that she loved the man rather than the title. He was starving for true affection.

At the very first moment his trust in her was tested, he failed big time. He immediately jumped to the wrong conclusion despite falling hard for her and witnessing her true character. Through the entire book, he never mistreated her based on his late wife's actions. Until then. It was really maddening, especially the fact that he never came to his senses and realized on his own that he had been in the wrong. Instead, a vague acquaintance of Fancy's was the one to knock some sense into him. It all resolves in a rushed manner that wasn't very satisfactory, though I really loved how things conclude in the epilogue.

He could gaze into those brown depths for the remainder of his life and never fully uncover all the various facets to her.

The next in the series is titled Beauty tempts the Beast, and it's scheduled for publication September 2020. I look forward to seeing how the last Trewlove finds his HEA.

FOLLOW SMOKIN HOT BOOK BLOG ON:

[Julie reads romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a strong 4 stars for me. Intimate scenes are ON POINT. Both main characters are likeable, and they do have some originality. I honestly have little to say about this Regency romance oher than I enjoyed it. I suppose that tells you a lot!

[Beanbag Love · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really liked how this started out, but it completely stagnated in the middle. Then it went a bit haywire at the end and I was disappointed.

Fancy was great. I loved her confidence and excitement about life. I loved that she always tried to be kind and put time and effort into helping others. I loved that she was not only an avid reader, but owned a bookstore. There was just a lot to like about her.

Matthew, similarly, was a really great character. Burned by being tricked into marriage for his title by his first wife (who then died of cancer at a very young age), he doesn't trust women at all. His mother and sister also tricked their husbands into marrying them, so he's got a lot of anecdotal evidence to back up his distrust. So, when he meets Fancy, he doesn't let on that he's an earl. He seems like a wealthy commoner.

They hit it off right away. They both love reading and Fancy introduces him to new adventures in her world. It's all very enjoyable until it just lays there. It's another story where one person doesn't really know who the other one is until far too late for my liking. It just really fell into a rut.

Then the most egregious thing happens. I love Lorraine Heath. Her Scoundrels of St. James series is one of my all time favorite HRs. In some of her books, though, she uses the device of the female lead becoming shockingly TSTL to bring about the climax and resolution of the story. It's so annoying. Heath is better than this and it just really grates that she's gone to that well a number of times. Fancy, as a very enjoyable and strong female character, deserved better.

ETA: And too many long sex scenes. As I said in my review of the latest Kleypas book, long sex scenes are padding. If the story is thin, the more pages of sex you get. End ETA

So that's two disappointments in a row in the HR genre from two of my favorite authors. Bad week for Bean. :(

[Douglas Meeks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Matthew and Fancy were a delightful couple in the dance they were doing, he was avoiding women who he thought were just husband hunting (which included about all females) and she was looking for a husband with a title to please her family. It was a bit of a Cinderella story which I am a sucker for and not sure why so many reviewers seemed to find this book lacking, I thought it was close to 5 Stars but gave it 4 for a few inane things.

Bottom Line: There is less sex than most historical romance novels have these days which I thought was a real plus since it has gotten to the point where I just scan through those parts to get back to the story. The mental shifts that occur as our characters go along I found entertaining and the ending was amazing I thought so I give it a 4+ rating for entertainment value.

[Angie Elle]

OH. MY. GOD. That blurb!

Be honest, Lorraine Heath. You wrote this book just for me, didn't you?

[Lover of Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Earl Takes A Fancy is the newest release of the latest series by Lorraine Heath. And next in the sibling line we have Fancy’s book. Fancy is the baby of the family, the only one born and always well-loved and protected by her family. I have to say that out of all the books in the series so far, this installment might be my favorite or at least competition for book one. But this book is charming, delectable and endearing. There is some conflict as you find with every romance, especially by Lorraine Heath however this book was lighter in feeling and was the most heartfelt out of them all.

In this book we have our heroine, Fancy, who runs her own business a bookshop which has always been her dream. She has always adored reading and loves books but she has such a kind heart in helping others. She seeks out adult and children to help teach how to write and read. But soon there is a time for Fancy to start a new chapter in her life, one she doesn’t truly want for herself, but her family wants for her. The moment she was born, her mother wanted her to have a fancy life, with a fancy husband and a fancy home and that means marrying into the nobility. But all she really wants is a man to truly love her, to have the type of match that her siblings have with their spouses. She does wonder if she will ever find it or be stuck in a loveless match to appease her family and be who they want her to be.

Matthew Sommersby, Earl of Rosemont is a widower but when a letter from his dead wife claiming “her love for him” comes into the newspaper for everyone in London to read he wonders what his late wife’s motive could truly have been here. She never loved him and neither did he, he was betrayed by her lies and deceit into gaining a marriage with a member of the peerage. She never cared about Matthew the man and more about the Earl of Rosemont. So with his house overcome with young ladies and their mamas wanting a match with him, he runs away and gets a little home close to Fancy’s bookshop. When he comes into her shop looking for a book, chemistry sparks between them and as they keep running into each other, friendship and desire slowly builds between them. But Matthew is keeping a secret from her and Fancy’s new chapter is about to begin, but will she choose Matthew and love or duty to her family?

What a fabulous read we have here and I truly loved everything about it here. I truly love books like this, now I love all romance don’t get me wrong but this was the best book to kick off my read a thon with and I truly loved everything about this book. Even the “secret” and the conflict that builds between them at the end wasn’t drawn out throughout the whole book and was more soft-toned but fit just right with the feel of the story and didn’t get overplayed in the plot which I truly applaud to Lorraine Heath for doing here. The romance between Matthew and Fancy was adorable and sweet. There was such a calm passion that builds slowly between them that was truly adorable yet sexy. Its the type of romance that felt so real and relatable….felt almost normal. Wild passions are good in romance, but its those realistic love stories that I am drawn to the most and Heath did a great job in showing the sensuality, the realism and the true work of art this story is in the most monumental of ways.

Overall I found The Earl Takes A Fancy to be a romance packed with charm, delicious delights, and savory passions that will sweep you off your feet into a love story that soars in the majestic escape…

[Jen Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not expect this installment to be my favorite book in the Sins for All Seasons series, and it wasn’t. But not for the reasons I expected. I wasn’t super excited for this book because it features the youngest of the Trewlove clan, Fancy, who is not particularly angsty the way all of her bastard brothers and sisters are. And on top of that she is not nearly as old as I would prefer my heroines to be. She’s only 19 and, I don’t know, stories about a girl’s first season or not usually my favorites.

Those things I knew going in actually did not end up being so terrible. Yes, Fancy is young, but she is not ridiculously naïve or innocent. And the hero, Matthew, isn’t so much older that I felt it was creepy. He was only in his mid to late 20s. So it was fine. My issues came with the conflicts.

Quick set up. Matthew is a widowed Earl whose late wife left an article in the newspaper, soliciting young women to help her husband out of mourning. They had an unhappy relationship and she had tricked him into the marriage, so he is not thrilled about looking for a new wife. Instead he leaves the noble world behind and hides in the area where Fancy runs her book shop. That is where they meet.

Conflict number one: Fancy feels like she has to marry a nobleman because her family wants it for her. Maybe you can tie that one into youth after all. But as she clearly fell for Matthew, I would have appreciated her giving him consideration far earlier than she did.

Conflict number two: Matthew's hidden Lord status. I understand why he wanted a woman to love him for who he is rather than his title, especially after his experience with his first wife. But his deception went on far too long. And then, the problem it created brought him back to distrusting her, even after he knew the kind of person she was, which just bugged the snot out of me. If you wanted to make a conflict that didn’t crap all over the romance, let her be angry with him or hurt by him for keeping his secret. Instead, he gets off Scott free and she ends up groveling when she is clearly not the kind of person who would do what she ends up accused of.

I don’t want to give away too much, but I spent this entire book waiting for the other shoe of Matthew's secret to drop. And it dropped way too late. And when it did, his distrust was both predictable and disappointing.

There were also a few loose ends that bothered me, like why his late wife put the letter in the paper in the first place.

But despite my complaints, I did not actively dislike the book. I just did not really connect to it. Lorraine Heath is a good writer and it was easy to fall into the book. It was pretty low-key. and I liked the fact that Fancy ran a book shop and loved books and reading and so did Matthew, which while it felt a little meta, is likely to be a hit for all book lovers out there.

I am looking forward to getting a story for Beast, though. I am excited to return to the angsty bastards. This one was just a bit meh.

*ARC provided by publisher

[Ashlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5 stars

This book was so good! By far my favorite in the series! Fancy and Michael were incredible characters and I loved them so much together. I was in a reading slump, then listened to this book and it pulled me right out! The story and writing pulled me in and I didn’t want to let go. The fact that I can still remember the plot several days and books later, should tell you how amazing this book is. I seriously loved all the little interactions between the characters. It just made it so all the small moments added up to them falling for each other and I was here for it.

Read this if you love:
- Bookish FMC
- Widow MC
- False Identity

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fancy is the youngest Trewlove and poised for her debut season when into her bookshop walks a handsome man. Matthew is an earl in hiding after a letter from his dead wife is published in the paper. This letter described a perfect love and a perfect husband and asked that the ladies of London win his hand and make him happy again. Unfortunately the marriage was anything but happy. So Matthew goes into hiding to escape the marriage minded misses and lets a terrace house behind Fancy’s book shop. The two develop a lovely friendship but despite the connection between they can only be friends. At least that is what Fancy thinks. Fancy has always been told by her family that she would marry a member of the aristocracy. As the friendship grows into more and Matthew continues to hide his identity things get more complicated.

I really enjoyed this latest installment in the series. When it comes to writing romance novels, Lorraine Heath is a cut above the rest. Fancy and Matthew were very sweet. I did think Matthew need to grovel a bit more but that’s ok. I’m really looking forward to Beast’s story.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the cutest in the series! The slow bur romance, the joy for books and reading! So good!

[Maida · Rating 5 out of 5]

I requested this late because I wasn't super enthused about Fancy from her brief appearances in the four previous books. I’d thought she read young. Boy, was I wrong. After reading it, The Earl Takes a Fancy is now my favorite of the series (so far). I devoured this nonstop in 3 1/2 hours. I haven't cried this much from a Lorraine Heath book since The Duke and the Lady in Red.

Okay, how to explain why I’ve taken a fancy to Fancy? I thought she was a Mary Sue, at first. Little Miss Perfect with her bookshop and her teaching and her falling along with the plan to marry a lord. Then, together with Matthew, we discover more about her adventures and she turns out to be a fascinating young woman. Still too perfect, but how can you not love a heroine who adores books and reading and teaching others to read?

And, Matthew. Oh, Matthew. I shouldn’t like him because of his deception but I do because it gave him the freedom to be himself and not his title. His gifts are some of the best I’ve ever read in romance. But it's not the material things he gave that impressed me the most. It was the time, the attention, the care he bestowed upon Fancy. Also, that proposal was the very epitome of a grand gesture. Love it!

Another thing I love about this book is the language. It's so proper and appropriate for the time period it's set in.

I’m incredibly excited about Beast’s story next. Yay.

[WTF Are You Reading? · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of all the Trewlove tales. It must be said that Fancy's would be the one that readers might have the most difficult time warming to.
Especially if one has first become acquainted with the emotionally captivating and drama laced complexity that stands as an unchallenged hallmark of the previous four siblings' stories.
At least upon first perusal...
The reason?
Fancy has always been portrayed as the cossetted and sheltered youngest sister.
A china figurine wrapped in tissue paper. That no light or dust is ever to touch.

So the thought that her story might be worth anything more than a novella at best. Seemed a tad far fetched.
But as one who dared persevere through what were soon proven to be very unfounded misgivings. This reviewer can and will tell you the following.
The story found in The Earl Takes A Fancy is more than worthy to stand with any book in this series or any other. And is well worth multiple reads.

Fancy's story sets itself apart from the others because it is so unobtrusively sweet and full of her naivete.
The truth of Fancy's fight to be her own woman. By owning her business and being an asset to her community. In her efforts to promote adult literacy among the lower classes.
While at the same time dealing with what she has been led to believe is her duty to marry into the ton. In an effort to continue to assure her family's acceptance into the aristocracy. Even at what might well be the cost of her own happiness. Presents readers with quite the heartbreaking conundrum. But when you add in the secret pain of her love interest. One Matthew Somersby. The shocking truth of her past. And The overall precariousness of her future on all fronts. As happenings continue to redefine both her life and that of her leading man.
The story starts to take on a rich complexity all its own. Making Fancy a heroine to be reckoned with in the process.

Her forthright nature and willingness to love in the face of fear and adversity. Is the stuff that makes legends.
Couple that with her mastery of her own heart. And her willingness to boldly follow said heart wherever it may lead.
And you have the driving force for this incredible read.

There has been a lot made of the fact that she was deceived by Matthew.
In his defense...
It is his deception that allows them both to find and explore the relationship that serves as the making of this book.
Because they don't have to deal with his title versus her lack of one. Their relationship becomes a safe haven of sorts for the both of them. A place where they are just allowed to be who they are at their respective cores. Each with the other. While at the same time leaving the reader in suspense as to how and when the "other shoe is going to drop."
when the truth of her leading man's identity is revealed.
And what her reaction will be.

As if all of the previous accolades aren't enough to send one running to the nearest purveyor of bookish goodness.
The sheer romanticism of this story is enough to separate any heart from its beat.
Especially that of any card carrying book lover.
Both Fancy's and Matthew's love for the written word is apparent from word one.
And the use of books to mark pivotal moments in the story's course is simply fabulous.

The heat factor found here is best described as a slow but building burn. That crescendos in a resplendent firestorm of passion, forgiveness and forever.
This may be the fifth book in the series. But it could very well be the first in your heart.

I would like to thank Avon Books for providing me with a copy of the afore mentioned work. For the purposes of the honest review provided.

[NinaReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars!

This was actually the sweetest of the series. Nothing too dark that leaves you broken like the 3rd book in the series.

Fancy was sweet and I love how the 3 brothers just looked out for her, supported her, and loved her. She was nice, giving, and strong.

Her family wanted something more for her and they expected her to marry an aristocrat. But she was falling in love with a commoner who visited her bookstore...or was he?

Super sweet story.

[Christi (christireadsalot) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Earl Takes a Fancy is book five in Lorraine Heath’s Sins for All Seasons series, following the Trewlove children (children raised by a widowed woman who took in aristocrat’s children “born on the wrong side of the blanket”). This story I had been anticipating since the first book in the series when we meet the youngest Trewlove sibling, Fancy.

Fancy Trewlove is just 19 but already owns a bookshop, thanks in huge part to her brother, Mick. The youngest of the Trewlove family, Fancy’s mum and her siblings were determined to see her married to a noble and have the best of everything in life. Her siblings all helped pay for her schooling and finishing school, they paid for her to have a season and all chipped in funds to provide a large dowry. All in the hopes that Fancy marry into the aristocracy. But all Fancy years for is a marriage of love, like all her siblings have found.

Matthew Sommersby, Earl of Rosemont, lost his wife a year ago and is shocked when a letter she penned is published on the anniversary of her death. The letter exclaims what a wonderful husband he was and how women should snatch him up. Matthew immediately finds himself the catch of the season and wanting to escaping his London home (and the women who are flocking to him) he rents a flat from Mick Trewlove. He ventures out one day to the bookshop and meets the bookshop seller, and his new neighbor, Fancy. Due to a misunderstanding and his wariness of trusting women (thanks to his mother, sister, and wife), he assumes Fancy is husband-hunting for an aristocrat and doesn’t share that he’s an Earl. But they actually do hit it off and become friends while bonding over books.

I really enjoyed this class difference romance. I liked that Matthew and Fancy become friends first and get really close without her finding out his title. I feel like that was perfect for the worry he already had over women only wanting his title. Of course things get complicated with her debut into society and meeting other gentlemen of the ton. I loved Fancy’s close relationship with all of her siblings, especially her brothers. We also see a lot of the Trewlove siblings in this book, more so than any of the books in the series so far. I loved Fancy and Matthew’s love for books, her cat Dickens, and just all of the Trewlove family time.