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Reluctant Titles #1
The Earl from Eastbend
He wants her gone.
She wants to leave.
The problem? She can't remember where she came from.
Hugh Longville keeps his distance from everyone. Especially anyone who may recognize him and remember what he did ten years before. So when he comes to the rescue of a strange woman deep in the forest that's been his home for so long, he wants her back where she came from as soon as possible. But there's a hitch.
Waking up after a bump on the head is unpleasant, but especially terrifying when you wake up in a strange place with no recollection of how you got there. Thus, Diana Stilwell finds herself at Eastbend Lodge, deep in New Forest with only a foreboding man and his servants for company.
Stranded by rains, Diana and Hugh are forced to find a middle ground for their tumultuous natures. But the more Diana sees of this strange and formidable man, the more she sees passed his façade of surliness and into the kind and hurting heart he carries. Can she convince him that forgiveness and love are possible?
She wants to leave.
The problem? She can't remember where she came from.
Hugh Longville keeps his distance from everyone. Especially anyone who may recognize him and remember what he did ten years before. So when he comes to the rescue of a strange woman deep in the forest that's been his home for so long, he wants her back where she came from as soon as possible. But there's a hitch.
Waking up after a bump on the head is unpleasant, but especially terrifying when you wake up in a strange place with no recollection of how you got there. Thus, Diana Stilwell finds herself at Eastbend Lodge, deep in New Forest with only a foreboding man and his servants for company.
Stranded by rains, Diana and Hugh are forced to find a middle ground for their tumultuous natures. But the more Diana sees of this strange and formidable man, the more she sees passed his façade of surliness and into the kind and hurting heart he carries. Can she convince him that forgiveness and love are possible?
183 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 6, 2021
227 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Panhorst
12 books44 followersAmanda writes clean regency and contemporary romance. She was raised along the Wasatch Front on a hearty diet of Georgette Heyer and Jane Austen novels. She firmly believes that the Three Rs: Reading, Riding and wRiting are a great recipe for happiness. Other ingredients include her family of three boys, a fantastic husband, and their pets, Ginny and Darcy, and Flint.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
February 13, 2022
The overall story was fine, but there were quite a few things I didn't like about the book. While it was a clean book, we learn (about 2/3rd the way through) that he has 3 kids from 3 different women! argh! Wish I had known that to begin with, and I never would have started it.
It was a bit like Beauty-and-the-Beast, him being a recluse for the past 2 years, rough around the edges but with a heart of gold. She being trapped in his home, unable to "escape" for 2 weeks. I guess the characters were ok, but nothing special and they both had some annoying traits (like how she's very bossy). And then, to really bother me...once they both realize they're in love, they can't agree on where to live (London where her family is or in the woods where they've been this whole time). So they go their separate ways, and of course he ends up chasing after her and agreeing to move to London, all the while she never even considers going back to him. That did it for me...I might have been convinced to give this book 3-stars, but after that ending I just couldn't.
It was a bit like Beauty-and-the-Beast, him being a recluse for the past 2 years, rough around the edges but with a heart of gold. She being trapped in his home, unable to "escape" for 2 weeks. I guess the characters were ok, but nothing special and they both had some annoying traits (like how she's very bossy). And then, to really bother me...once they both realize they're in love, they can't agree on where to live (London where her family is or in the woods where they've been this whole time). So they go their separate ways, and of course he ends up chasing after her and agreeing to move to London, all the while she never even considers going back to him. That did it for me...I might have been convinced to give this book 3-stars, but after that ending I just couldn't.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2025
This is a captivating story with depth, encompassing tragedy, mystery, and redemption. The question arises - can a notorious womanizer truly reform his ways? The main characters are dynamic, each overcoming personal flaws, and the dialogue is filled with wit and charm. Overall, it is a delightful and clean romance set in the Regency era.
March 17, 2022
I didn't care for neither the hero nor the heroine.
April 25, 2022
This was a beauty and the beast retelling. There were enough parallels to make it a bit predictable. It was a very sweet story, and I enjoyed her writing. I think this is the first book I've read by this author, and I'll definitely be looking for the next in the series.
February 27, 2023
Downgraded Pride & Prejudice/Bridgerton season 2 🥸
Not a bad read at all, but not a book I would read again 🤷♀️
3/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Not a bad read at all, but not a book I would read again 🤷♀️
3/5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️
November 21, 2021
Stay up till all hours kind of book!
Loved this book and definitely stayed up way too late reading it many nights!!! Highly recommend it for a fabulous clean romance!
Loved this book and definitely stayed up way too late reading it many nights!!! Highly recommend it for a fabulous clean romance!
July 12, 2024
This was a retelling of Beauty and the Beast Regency England style. I liked it but found it a bit boring. I am not sure what it was. The writing was good but it just felt like nothing was happening and the characters changed a bit too easy. Going from hating each other to liking each other. I needed to see why.
November 8, 2021
This was my first book from this author, and halfway through this book I joined her newsletter
This book had it all: tragedy and redemption, a bit of a mystery of identity which is revealed in a most stunning way, amnesia, and an accident that requires the dark brooding hero to reluctantly save the damsel, but a strong damsel who is stubborn and prideful. Even some references to the Bible that were done so tastefully that Christians will be grateful for the reference, and non-Christians can easily gloss over.
It had enough elements of all my favorite stories (beauty and the beast, Persephone and hades, pride and prejudice) while also being its own tale.
My only peeve was that the epilogue was a teaser for the next book and NOT a happily ever after years later - I want to know about their future! Where do they live? Do they have children? What about Mr and Mrs Lowe?!
I loved it so very much and eagerly await for it to be in paperback to buy.
This book had it all: tragedy and redemption, a bit of a mystery of identity which is revealed in a most stunning way, amnesia, and an accident that requires the dark brooding hero to reluctantly save the damsel, but a strong damsel who is stubborn and prideful. Even some references to the Bible that were done so tastefully that Christians will be grateful for the reference, and non-Christians can easily gloss over.
It had enough elements of all my favorite stories (beauty and the beast, Persephone and hades, pride and prejudice) while also being its own tale.
My only peeve was that the epilogue was a teaser for the next book and NOT a happily ever after years later - I want to know about their future! Where do they live? Do they have children? What about Mr and Mrs Lowe?!
I loved it so very much and eagerly await for it to be in paperback to buy.
October 25, 2021
Probably a solid 3.75. While I enjoyed it, I did not enjoy it as much as her other works so far. It was perfectly enjoyable, but had some issues with pacing. The pacing then caused some emotional beats to not feel as authentic as they happened. The ending was well done and I enjoyed the resolution. I do wonder though at how much rakes truly can reform. I think the novel could have benefited by being a little longer to flesh out the relationship a bit more. But all in all, enjoyable. And I will definitely read the next in the series.
July 3, 2022
barely finished
Diana is sent to stay with her great aunts because she and her new step mother are at odds. After years of efficiently running her father’s household, it was hard for Diana to turn over her responsibilities. Hugh has exiled himself from society to make amends for years of drinking, gambling and womanizing. He also feels responsible for his grandfather’s death. The two main characters are not particularly likable and I didn’t care if there was a romance between them.
Diana is sent to stay with her great aunts because she and her new step mother are at odds. After years of efficiently running her father’s household, it was hard for Diana to turn over her responsibilities. Hugh has exiled himself from society to make amends for years of drinking, gambling and womanizing. He also feels responsible for his grandfather’s death. The two main characters are not particularly likable and I didn’t care if there was a romance between them.
January 20, 2022
A sort of Regency Beauty and the Beast retelling
I found this to be a surprisingly good story. There are a handful of edit errors, but the dialog is good and this is very well-written. I liked that the story is really about forgiveness and redemption. And truly the hardest part of forgiving sometimes can be forgiving yourself.
Content: The Earl has a past. There's nothing descriptive but the book does touch the surface of children born out of wedlock, drinking, gambling, and all the rakish ways in the Regency Era.
Language: Clean
Religious: This story has a few references to God, and there is a huge them of forgiveness, but I would not consider this a religious read.
Happy reading!
I found this to be a surprisingly good story. There are a handful of edit errors, but the dialog is good and this is very well-written. I liked that the story is really about forgiveness and redemption. And truly the hardest part of forgiving sometimes can be forgiving yourself.
Content: The Earl has a past. There's nothing descriptive but the book does touch the surface of children born out of wedlock, drinking, gambling, and all the rakish ways in the Regency Era.
Language: Clean
Religious: This story has a few references to God, and there is a huge them of forgiveness, but I would not consider this a religious read.
Happy reading!
September 23, 2021
Reminded me a litte of beauty and the beast
I always enjoy reading books by this author. A few parts of this book reminded me of beauty and the beast which I thought was great! The main characters were dynamic, and both overcame personal flaws, but written in a manner filled with wit, charm, and not too preachy. Definitely a great regency tale!
I always enjoy reading books by this author. A few parts of this book reminded me of beauty and the beast which I thought was great! The main characters were dynamic, and both overcame personal flaws, but written in a manner filled with wit, charm, and not too preachy. Definitely a great regency tale!
December 23, 2021
I liked it
This was, IMO, a well-written and enjoyable read. Clean story with sufficient passion. The only thing that bugged me was the heroine's stepmother being referred to as her mother-in-law, but I "researched" (read: Googled it) and it seems this is an historical usage of the term.
This was, IMO, a well-written and enjoyable read. Clean story with sufficient passion. The only thing that bugged me was the heroine's stepmother being referred to as her mother-in-law, but I "researched" (read: Googled it) and it seems this is an historical usage of the term.
May 4, 2022
Cute Beauty and the Beast retelling, regency style. There were a few minor editing mistakes, but not so many to be distracting. It is more novella length which I think for this story it worked well with. Any longer it would have felt too long. But the romance and characters were well developed and I liked their story.
February 18, 2022
I found the hero so unlikeable it undid everything I did like about the story.
August 27, 2022
A heir apparent left for the continent after a brutal argument with his grandfather the Earl of Sanford. The Earl had a massive heart attack and died making his grandson Hugh the new Earl Sadly Hugh did not know of his grandfather's passing for quite some time and felt. responsible after the argument. He had caused the old man great strife with his foolish wayward ways. He returned to England and while he hired people to tend to running the estates, he lived in seclusion.
Diana Stilwell was the oldest of Sir Gerald Stilwell's daughters. She took over managing his household after the death of her mother years ago. He had since remarried a woman five years Diana's senior who was not expecting. His new wife was very sick during her pregnancy and was most disagreeable. Consequently Diana had tried to maintain control of the household. When Diana had rejected a disagreeable suitor, the wife had her exiled to her great aunts far from home.
Diana Stilwell was the oldest of Sir Gerald Stilwell's daughters. She took over managing his household after the death of her mother years ago. He had since remarried a woman five years Diana's senior who was not expecting. His new wife was very sick during her pregnancy and was most disagreeable. Consequently Diana had tried to maintain control of the household. When Diana had rejected a disagreeable suitor, the wife had her exiled to her great aunts far from home.
September 11, 2025
There was nothing really wrong with the pacing and writing in this story, but there were other problems. The old trope of "beauty and the beast" was enough to swallow, but it was joined by amnesia, too. That was too much in one short novella. The old couple, Mr. and Mrs. Lowe, who tended to Hugh's needs, were more interesting than the other couple. Diana was rude and full of herself (especially since someone had the kindness to take her in).
Hugh was more morose than I expected. Yes, his insufferable behavior severely disappointed his grandfather. However, after ten years, who would remember? Hugh was overwrought by his sins and errors.
The book suffered from trying to shoehorn too many tropes into one shortish story. The author excelled in overall writing and dialogue. This author could benefit from more experience. Overall score = G+.
Reluctant Titles
** 1. The Earl from Eastbend (2021)
2. The Baronet from Bombay (2022)
3. The Lord from London (2022)
Hugh was more morose than I expected. Yes, his insufferable behavior severely disappointed his grandfather. However, after ten years, who would remember? Hugh was overwrought by his sins and errors.
The book suffered from trying to shoehorn too many tropes into one shortish story. The author excelled in overall writing and dialogue. This author could benefit from more experience. Overall score = G+.
Reluctant Titles
** 1. The Earl from Eastbend (2021)
2. The Baronet from Bombay (2022)
3. The Lord from London (2022)
September 11, 2025
Found this through a recommendation of a friend, and I really enjoyed it.
Diana has basically been cast off by her father to bring peace with his new wife, sent to live with great aunts. While out riding, she's caught in a storm and injured in a fall from her horse. Fortunate for her, she's found by stranger, Hugh. That's the only name he'll give when he takes her to his hunting lodge and leaves her in the care of his housekeeper and her husband. Hugh, it turns out, is someone of importance but who has been cast aside by society (and he has cast society aside).
With his hair and beard, he brought a little beauty-and-the-beast vibe, especially the way the housekeeper keeps pushing them together. So, of course, they fall in love. Tough choices and a lovely conclusion.
Diana has basically been cast off by her father to bring peace with his new wife, sent to live with great aunts. While out riding, she's caught in a storm and injured in a fall from her horse. Fortunate for her, she's found by stranger, Hugh. That's the only name he'll give when he takes her to his hunting lodge and leaves her in the care of his housekeeper and her husband. Hugh, it turns out, is someone of importance but who has been cast aside by society (and he has cast society aside).
With his hair and beard, he brought a little beauty-and-the-beast vibe, especially the way the housekeeper keeps pushing them together. So, of course, they fall in love. Tough choices and a lovely conclusion.
May 12, 2022
3.5 ⭐️ rounded up
Romance - Clean
Language - Clean
Violence - None
Series - Book 1
First time reading this author. This was a beauty and the beast kind of retelling, but not in an in your face kind of way.
Hugh. Brutish and gruff, but underneath vulnerable and compassionate.
Diana, well, she likes things done her way. She is headstrong, but kind and forgiving.
I really enjoyed this story and the growth and development of the characters and their connection to one another.
It was an easy, light read. Easily finished in a day.
I definitely would like to read more from this author.
Romance - Clean
Language - Clean
Violence - None
Series - Book 1
First time reading this author. This was a beauty and the beast kind of retelling, but not in an in your face kind of way.
Hugh. Brutish and gruff, but underneath vulnerable and compassionate.
Diana, well, she likes things done her way. She is headstrong, but kind and forgiving.
I really enjoyed this story and the growth and development of the characters and their connection to one another.
It was an easy, light read. Easily finished in a day.
I definitely would like to read more from this author.
October 16, 2021
Started off a little rough as we are getting to know the characters.. I didn’t really like the way Diana was and it took me a bit to get to a place where I could understand her person, and then liked her even more as she grew and changed throughout the book- I also liked Hugh, as he was also aware of himself and sought change. This was like a Beauty and the beast story… can’t wait to read about Gussie!
October 29, 2022
enchanting
Thoroughly delightful regency romance! The characters were great (loved Hugh and his beard) and I really enjoyed picking up the Beauty and the Beast elements even though it wasn’t advertised as such. It had all the emotional feels I’m looking for, and quite the moment when you know they just aren’t going to work it out. Recommended, and I’m off to read the next one now!
Thoroughly delightful regency romance! The characters were great (loved Hugh and his beard) and I really enjoyed picking up the Beauty and the Beast elements even though it wasn’t advertised as such. It had all the emotional feels I’m looking for, and quite the moment when you know they just aren’t going to work it out. Recommended, and I’m off to read the next one now!
November 25, 2022
This has a beauty and the beast undercurrent, but the similarities don’t go far. She’s an absolutely spoiled idiot, her stupid choices and thoughtless behavior gets her and everyone else around her hurt and she not only doesn’t care, she continues to treat them like shit. He’s got less control over his emotions than a five year old, and I wouldn’t stay long enough to redeem him either. Together they make a horrible duo that definitely doesn’t need to be unleashed on any unsuspecting town.
February 9, 2025
The Earl from Eastbend by Amanda Panhorst
What I enjoyed about this book:
🙍♂️ A heroine with amnesia
🙍♂️ A grumpy earl
🙍♂️ Seeing past a facade
🙍♂️ Finding forgiveness
🙍♂️ Sweet and swoony romance, just kisses
Greatly enjoyed the Beauty and the Beast vibes in this one! There's even a dog named Pip! And I always like a good redemption arc.
Standalone in the Reluctant Titles series
Favorite scene: Crying over the handkerchief
Favorite character: Hugh (our main male character)
What I enjoyed about this book:
🙍♂️ A heroine with amnesia
🙍♂️ A grumpy earl
🙍♂️ Seeing past a facade
🙍♂️ Finding forgiveness
🙍♂️ Sweet and swoony romance, just kisses
Greatly enjoyed the Beauty and the Beast vibes in this one! There's even a dog named Pip! And I always like a good redemption arc.
Standalone in the Reluctant Titles series
Favorite scene: Crying over the handkerchief
Favorite character: Hugh (our main male character)
September 25, 2025
This was a good story and I enjoyed the book. It started out just a bit slow, but soon caught up and was charming. Diana Stillwell and Hugh are the main characters. The plot was different than any period romance I've ever read and I found that refreshing. Of course, the ending is understood to be a certain way, but it's the chase leading up to it that holds the greatest interest - and this one did not disappoint. I don't want to say too much and give anything away -- it's a good book!
November 23, 2021
Great Beauty and the Beast Retelling
This is one of the best Beauty and the Beast retellings I have read in a while. I didn’t even realize it WAS a retelling until about halfway through. The only thing I didn’t enjoy is learning there will be another book and not yet having access to that book.
This is one of the best Beauty and the Beast retellings I have read in a while. I didn’t even realize it WAS a retelling until about halfway through. The only thing I didn’t enjoy is learning there will be another book and not yet having access to that book.
March 13, 2022
Ok?
The memory loss reminded me of soap operas of the 80s and 90s, but it was plausible to some degree. The beauty and the beast theme less so. He didn't do much more than the average libertine who was reasonably accepted by the ton. So it seemed a bit farfetched to be in exile for such deeds. I didn't hate it but I wasn't particularly moved by it. It was simply, Ok.
The memory loss reminded me of soap operas of the 80s and 90s, but it was plausible to some degree. The beauty and the beast theme less so. He didn't do much more than the average libertine who was reasonably accepted by the ton. So it seemed a bit farfetched to be in exile for such deeds. I didn't hate it but I wasn't particularly moved by it. It was simply, Ok.
September 30, 2022
Lost Then Found
Diana was lost in the woods and lost to her family. Hugh had made himself lost to society. After a series of interesting events, they found each other and eventually found themselves back where they belonged. I look forward to the next book in the series by this author new to me.
Diana was lost in the woods and lost to her family. Hugh had made himself lost to society. After a series of interesting events, they found each other and eventually found themselves back where they belonged. I look forward to the next book in the series by this author new to me.
October 8, 2022
The Earl from Eastbend
I'm hooked on Ms Pan host's storytelling skills. Again great storyline and great story; she gets right into the heart of her story and allows her reader to come with her. Absolutely love Diana, her sense of humor is appreciated. It was easy falling in love with her; and Hugh is a "keeper."
I'm hooked on Ms Pan host's storytelling skills. Again great storyline and great story; she gets right into the heart of her story and allows her reader to come with her. Absolutely love Diana, her sense of humor is appreciated. It was easy falling in love with her; and Hugh is a "keeper."
December 1, 2022
The Earl From Eastbend
This was an exceptional story about an Earl having a sordid past, putting himself in imposed isolation. He worked towards restoring his wrongs, managing his estates and caring for those who he had wronged. He did this in secret. Along came the love of his life, even though he didn’t know at this time that Diana would be that person. Enjoy their story.
This was an exceptional story about an Earl having a sordid past, putting himself in imposed isolation. He worked towards restoring his wrongs, managing his estates and caring for those who he had wronged. He did this in secret. Along came the love of his life, even though he didn’t know at this time that Diana would be that person. Enjoy their story.
July 3, 2023
Cute, unique regency story
I really enjoyed this one, even if the HEA wasn’t explicitly written about. Hurt comfort for both parties, and well paced through out. My one gripe is that it could have used another round or two of edits, but smaller author so it’s a peeve that didn’t detract from the story
I really enjoyed this one, even if the HEA wasn’t explicitly written about. Hurt comfort for both parties, and well paced through out. My one gripe is that it could have used another round or two of edits, but smaller author so it’s a peeve that didn’t detract from the story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews