Odd Earl Out

Games Earls Play #2

by Anna Bradley

His reluctant belle…
Juliet Templeton didn’t embark on a risky London season in search of a fairy-tale. Fluttering hearts, yearning glances and stolen kisses are for starry-eyed debutantes, not disgraced, penniless females approaching spinsterhood. But when her quest to find a dull, respectable husband leads her to grumpy, maddening, brilliant Lord Cross, her foolish heart overrules her head, and insists on beating for him alone.

Her irascible earl…
Flirtatious, witty Juliet Templeton is the last lady Miles Winthrop should have trusted with his heart, and the only lady he ever has. He leaves for the country to escape her tempting lips and teasing eyes, vowing to forget her. But when Juliet turns up at his house party in the wake of a disastrous ton scandal, he discovers he’s still a captive to his deep desire for the bold, audacious beauty.

A battle of wits, and wills…
The passion that began in London soon flares to life again, sparking a battle of wits and wills that has them balanced on the brink of heartbreak, or happily-ever-after. Will their dangerous game of seduction end in ruin, or will two people who were never meant to be together, find they can’t bear to be apart?

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

186 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 31, 2022

About the author

Anna Bradley writes Regency and Georgian historical romance with heat, heart, and happily-ever-afters. Her books have received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, and Library Journal, and her debut novel won the Romantic Times’ award for Best First Historical.

Anna is originally from New England, but now makes her home in Oregon, where she lives with her family, an overgrown English garden and a menagerie of wayward pets. If she isn’t writing, she’s probably hiding in a corner reading, chasing the dog, or herding the cats. Find Anna on the web at www.annabradley.net

Find Anna on the web at www.annabradley.net

Reviews

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐💫
3½ stars.




➕ What I liked :


Rather interesting main characters.

OK chemistry.

Opposite attract.

Country setting. (Not set in London.)

House party.

Somewhat of a enemies to lovers vibe.

Some sweet moments.

OK steam.

Interesting side characters.














➖ What I disliked:


The romance/romantic build up was rushed.
(The couple knew each other a little bit from the first book and there was a connection between them… but they were not on good terms when this book starts because of what happened in the first book.
There is miscommunication and misunderstandings but they get reacquainted again… but the romantic build-up and romance just gets rushed along… it would have been great if their relationship would have been built up slower and that they really got to know each other and built up their friendship/rapport again and that led to courtship and them falling in love with each other… some of the issue with this has to do with the length of the book… but it is still too rushed even for a shorter story.)

The heroes animosity towards the heroine was a little bit OTT and not really justified and it also lasted a little too long in the story…Then all of a sudden the hero does a 180 and all is well… it happened a little too quickly from one side to the other.


Again the steam felt a little bit like a afterthought but what little there was good and it was not vague and short as it was in the first book.


Sensitive issues are kind of glossed over.
(Depression, childhood neglect etc.)

Formulaic in the character description/visual appearance/character choices.
(Tall and muscular hero …. And a petite/short and small/”delicate” heroine… but also that the heroines in this series/books so far/this far... seems almost more like twins than sisters… they are very similar in looks/appearance and size/shape and height… siblings can/do look rather different from each other both in size/shape and height but also other features…. Even if there are some small characteristics/features that show that they are related.)

[Maja - BibliophiliaDK ✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

GREAT FEMALE LEAD, LESS THAN SATISFACOTRY ROMANCE

I instantly fell in love with the female lead, Juliet. I just wish that her great romance had been allowed a bit more time to blossom. But I guess that's what you get with a novel of this length 🤷‍♀️

👍 What I Liked 👍

Juliet: From the moment Juliet made her first appearance on the page I knew I was going to adore her. Juliet was theatrical, dramatic and super lovable and charming. The fact that it was precisely these things that made Miles hesitant about her was just icing on top. I liked how she was able to loosen him up.

👎 What I Disliked 👎

Romance: Sadly, probably because of the length of this book, I did feel like the romance was a tad bit rushed. Juliet and Miles had prior knowledge of each other from the previous book in this series, and it's made clear pretty quickly that there was some unfinished business between them. They were not on the best of terms. But that soon changes. Too soon for my taste. I would have loved for their relationship to have been explored further and to see more friendship and courtship before they finally fell in love.

ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

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[Michelle Rupe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Juliet Templeton's life has been plagued by scandals, and when a nasty one threatens her family's happiness she requests help from a most unlikely source. Lord Cross is cold, rude, and hates Juliet. Miles will only help temper the scandal for Juliet if she helps his cousin woo the woman he fell in love with at first sight. They aren't the only ones falling in love at this house party, and that hate isn't really so far away from love.

I'm a big Anna Bradley fan, and her books are some of my favorites. She just makes me feel things. Love? Check. Romance? Check. Chemistry? Check. Got them all. I loved Juliet and Miles. Sure, he is pretty grumpy and she is idealistic and beautiful. He despises her because she makes him want things he never thought he could have. I'm so glad they finally got their heads out of the sand and realized they could have everything with each other. It was an easy read, and exactly what I needed this week with my life being kind of crazy.

I do wish it had been longer. Her books have gotten shorter and shorter (novella length) and I just want more. I think she can pack so much more into a book, and she has before. I am hoping the next book is a little bit longer just so I can have some more of the excellent character development and romance I've always found in her books.

[Jill booksandescape · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance ebook copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for review.

Odd Earl Out by Anna Bradley is the second book in the Games Earls Play series. Juliet Templeton wanted to find a dull, respectable husband during her London season. She did not expect to fall for Miles Winthrop. Miles is hosting a house party in the country. When Juliet shows up after a big scandal involved her during her season, he realizes he still feels deeply for her.

This is a quick read. I liked Miles and Juliet together. I do wish I’d read the first book, though, as I feel I missed a lot.

[Debby *BabyDee* · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and Oliver Heber Books for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest opinion. All opinions are my own.

Rating: 3 Stars
Publication: May 31, 2022
Series: Games Earls Play #2
Number of Pages: 186

Having enjoyed other novels by this author, I thought “Odd Earl Out” was a sweet and cute book. It would have been better if I’d have read the first in the series to get a bit of a backstory on Miles and Juliet. With that being said, I really liked the book despite not having read the first. Miles throws a house party in hopes of marrying off his cousin to secure his heir but unfortunately run into Juliet Templeton, a woman he desperately is trying to get away from to protect his heart. This story was entertaining and had likeable characters…ones I plan on revisiting in the first book. Juliet and Miles were likeable main characters that I thought could have warmed up a little to one another versus Miles in all his ordering and grumpiness prior to them getting down to the hot and heated that was a bit wordy but understandably a part of the romance. I would have welcomed some sort of developing friendship leading up to their relationship and love making. This was an enjoyable and quick read…but could have had a bit more something to it.

[Sheena ☆ Book Sheenanigans · Rating 3 out of 5]

Want a will they won't they chemistry filled short historical romance? Ding! Ding! We have ourselves a winner.

The scorching hot tension between Juliet and Miles can be felt page by page. Though I would have preferred it to be longer and little bit more plot, overall, it was a pleasant read and hope to see more of this couple in future series releases.

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

Ahhhhh this one was a good one too! It's not as good as book 1 because it took me longer to get into the groove of it but once I saw them have their little enemies to lover romance I loved it. This one was very cute towards the end.

[Missy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad. Not sure if I’ll continue the series though. I’ll definitely read the first book.

[ChasingLeslie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Miles Winthrop, Lord Cross, leaves London for his country estate, throwing a house party with the hopes of finding a bride for his cousin so that he doesn't have to marry and provide an heir. But the woman he is trying to escape, Juliet Templeton, shows up as an unexpected guest. Cross wants to turn her out, but instead he decides to use her matchmaking to his advantage.

This is the second book in the Games Earls Play series. It starts after the fallout (and before the HEA) of the previous book. I recommend reading them in order because the explainer/refresher for events from the first book doesn't come quickly enough.

I really enjoyed the first book, but this one didn't work for me. It may have been my mood, but the characters were flat and I just didn't care about them. Sadly, I was glad to be done with this one.

Tropes: House Party/Forced Proximity, Matchmaking

Steam: 1

* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #OddEarlOut #NetGalley

[Becky (romantic_pursuing_feels) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall: 3.5 rounded to ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐���
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥
Humor: A bit
Perspective: Third person from both the hero and heroine

(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )

Should I read in order?
Ideally, yes. This series runs together with characters overlapping and some romantic elements between Juliet and Miles happening in book 1 (Not Just Any Earl)

Basic plot:
Juliet and Miles would not be labeled ‘friends’ and he’s quick to want her out when she shows up at his country house party.

Give this a try if you want:
- Regency time period (1812)
- Country setting, England (Get out of London!)
- Shorter page count (goodreads has it at 186 pages)
- House party!
- Decent amounts of forced proximity between Juliet and Miles
- A touch of matchmaking – the heroine and hero work to pair up his cousin with a childhood friend
- Bit of enemies to lovers feel? Ish? Like they don’t get a long the best
- Ruined heroine – this heroine is the subject of society’s scorn

Ages:
- Hero is 29, heroine is 21

My thoughts:
I didn’t like this one quite as much as I thought I would. Even with just reading book 1 of the series, where some of their romantic elements are started, I felt like I was missing some of their romance story.

I guess I was still a bit confused when the story started about where all the hero’s animosity was coming from? I think, personally, it lasted too long into the story for me. I also thought the hero’s turn around was a bit too quick for me when it happened – not like it happened too soon in the story, but what triggered it just seemed like a lot out of the blue. I think I wanted more of a slow tumble into his feelings to be admitted.

I thought the tension in this one was a bit better than book 1 and loved the steamy scene. I also really appreciated the hero’s ending scene and romantic declaration. I thought that was really sweet.

Content warnings:

- Grief over the loss of heroine’s parents – abandoned by her mother and her father went into a depression and was dead within a year
- Attempted sexual assault of the heroine
- on page carriage accident (no injuries)


Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:

53% - kisses and touches
92% - oral for her, cock touches, missionary

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Templeton sisters have scandal attached to their name after their mother ran off with her lover. Juliet Templeton met Miles, Lord Cross in London, but he left when scandal was again attached to her name. Lady Fosberry and Juliet are on their way to a house party hosted by Miles at Steeple Cross in Oxfordshire. Unfortunately rain and a carriage accident happens before they get there. Rescued by Miles and his cousin Barnaby, Juliet soon finds out she was not invited. Even though Miles tells her to leave, he realizes it is a mistake. Between discussions of Romeo and Juliet, Juliet recognizes the real man and tries to convince him to let go of his past. To win the woman he loves, a red waistcoat and Shakespeare lead the way. The second book in the series.
Heat level 4 🔥🔥🔥🔥
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Judith Miguel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, this story is so steamy and sexy!! I loved it!
Flirtatious, witty Juliet Templeton is the last lady Miles Winthrop should have trusted with his heart, and the only lady he ever has. He leaves for the country to escape her tempting lips and teasing eyes, vowing to forget her. But when Juliet turns up at his house party in the wake of a disastrous ton scandal, he discovers he’s still a captive to his deep desire for the bold, audacious beauty.
The passion that began in London soon flares to life again, sparking a battle of wits and wills that has them balanced on the brink of heartbreak, or happily-ever-after. Will their dangerous game of seduction end in ruin, or will two people who were never meant to be together, find they can’t bear to be apart?
This love story is short, easy to read and engaging. Miles is stiff and overwhelming. He’s been lonely most of his life and he’s convince he should stay that way. Juliet is sweet and full of life. She has this big heart that makes you want to be her best friend. The attraction between them is right on the pages and the sexy times are really nice written. The dialogs are smart, witty and meaningful. I loved the side characters and now I need their stories!!
I absolutely love this book and read it in one sitting.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Katie Bogdan · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars

The second book in her Games Earls Play series, Anna Bradley continues with the romance between Miles, Earl of Cross and Juliet Templeton that had been thoroughly set up in the first installment. Almost entirely set during a house party, Juliet and Miles reluctantly team up to make a match between his cousin Barnaby and her friend Cora...while trying not to fall in love themselves.

While I enjoy the characters of Juliet and Miles separately, I don't think there was enough in this book for me to really grab onto in terms of the romance. The book goes to the extremes in terms of taking for granted that you have read and remembered the first installment as the book very much starts in medias res with their relationship. The other plot points around the romance such as the matchmaking and the house party are fun, but feel underdeveloped in the grand scheme of things. It's definitely a quick and easy read, but I still wish there had been a bit more substance.

Thank you to NetGalley and Oliver Heber Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review!

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (11/29/2022)! 🎁

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

The sort of usual house party. It was o.k. 3☆

[Emma Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars just like book one, thoroughly enjoying this series so far!

[Becca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this when it ran for a short time for free on Amazon because I’ve been wanting to try Anna Bradley again.

I LOVED this story. Juliet was so refreshing and alive that I just couldn’t help but like her. She leapt off the pages and I could just see how the hero got tangled up with her and simply couldn’t let her go. And the scene when he follows her and his declaration—ah, the stuff of true romance novels.

This was such fun I immediately went and paid full price for the other installments and will eagerly anticipate each Templeton sister’s story.

[May · Rating 5 out of 5]

love Anna Bradley's books. Her characters are always witty, intelligent and interesting. They are also unfortunately stubborn and this leads to their issues..... Juliet in particular is sassy, brave and smart... I really like her. Miles is more of the grumpy type but I like him too. I love how their banter and flirtations.... A very enjoyable read.

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

[Jocelynereadsromance · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Games Earl's Play series by Anna Bradley and it is quick paced, low angst, country house party romance between a scandalous heroine and a hero who does not think he should ever get married. This is the first book I have read by Anna Bradley, and I found her writing to be easy to read, quickly paced and a simple and sweet romance. This novel does start out with a bang (a carriage accident involving our heroine and a quick rescue by our hero), but it also feels build off of previous knowledge that would have been gained through the first book in the series. While I feel like if I had read the first book, I might have had a bit more depth of understanding when it came to our heroine and her scandalous situation and why the hero is a bit contemptuous to her in the beginning, I was still able to string together enough to enjoy this sweet love story.

I always enjoy a country house party as the backdrop to a romance, so really enjoyed this a the location for Juliet and Miles to reunite and truly see each other. This is a short and quick read, that can easily be consumed in one sitting. Overall it was enjoyable while I was reading it, but will not be a romance that lives with me long. Because of the length of the novel the relationship and characters felt a little more surface level to me so I was not fulling invested in their relationship and even though there were some steamy kisses and touches, I did not feel a strong depth of chemistry to leave me longing for their HEA. I think Anna Bradley's writing is sweet and accessible, I am do look forward to exploring more of her work, but overall this was just a little bit lacking for me in the building of the romance between Juliet and Miles. I will say that after reading the synopsis for the first novel I am interest in exploring that work as well as seeing where this story goes, because it appears that all the books in the series will deal with these five sisters whose parents have left their family name stamped with scandal.

Overall if you are looking for a quick easy read to consume quickly this is something worth exploring. I am curious to see how other works by Anna Bradley sit with me and curious to see all the sisters find their HEAs. Probably a 3.5 star that I am rounding up to 4.

Content Note: Attempted sexual assault

Thank you to Oliver Herber Books and NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the first book I read by Anna Bradley and I thought it was cute! I’d definitely read more of her stuff.

I think the story would’ve made a bit more sense if I read the first one in the series. Although historical romances are usually fine to read as a stand alone, I felt like there were many parts of the plot that I had to piece together about Miles and Juliet’s relationship that happened in Book 1 of the series.

I also felt like the development of their relationship from Miles telling Juliet to leave his estate to him professing his love to her could’ve been fleshed our a little more.

Overall it was a fun quick read!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The scandalous Juliet is attracted to grim Miles the moment she met him in London. She sees beyond his grim exterior to the person he really is. She shows up at his country house party and sparks fly. Can they admit to the love they feel? I received an ARC from NetGalley and Oliver Heber books for my honest review.

[Shawna]

2 stars - Historical Romance

[Karen Darling · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad even though the hero was a bit icy.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Juliet and the Earl . . .

Plagued by scandal and with low expectations for a successful search for a husband, especially being broke and approaching spinsterhood, Juliet Templeton was pleased to set her sights on grumpy but intelligent Miles Winthrop, Lord Cross. The Earl leaves for the country to escape Juliet and forget her. But she won’t have it, and she turns up at his house party.

Once again they are acutely aware of each other. Teaming up at his request to make a match between Miles’ cousin Barnaby and Juliet’s friend Cora, will they find themselves winning each other’s hearts? Or be ruined by more scandal?

[Eeeps :) · Rating 2 out of 5]

I get what Miles saw in Juliet, but I don't really get why Juliet liked Miles. Perhaps it is just because I am reading the series out of order, but in this book, Miles is mostly not very nice to Juliet. While we get why from reading his perspective, Juliet, not getting this background, is awfully forgiving.

Also, Juliet should have long ago been ruined with how often Miles and her are alone in a room with the door shut, even if they mostly just use that time to snipe at and argue with each other.

[Jill Long · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book didn't work for me. Even though I had read the first book in the series, I really didn't remember much about it. This book starts off in the middle of the last book and there wasn't much of an explanation as to what had previously gone on. I felt I was missing something.

[Danette · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hate it when books start out good and then they get stupid and don’t make sense.

[Richard Burlton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent book if a bit too short to allow for a more even pace to the plot. I enjoyed the characters, in particular the female lead.

[Earl Grey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't stop thinking about this book because of how much potential it had. I think I'd rate the overall thing a 3 but the premise and characters (as they were in book 1) a 5 star in my heart. I just feel like such a unique setup deserved so much more. I'd honestly do anything for the author to re-release this story with a longer middle section, like a director’s cut or something. It's earned such a special place in my heart and stands out amongst the 100s of other historical romance's I've read even though I was continually frustrated with certain things, thinking in my head as I read, “no. why why! why!” Like watching my winning horse drop down the ranks at each overtake until he finished somewhere in the middle. But to start off with positives:

what I loved.

1. Everything about them in book 1. I loved Miles and Juliet's characterizations in the first book. You could just see why they'd be fascinated with each other: they were so different. Usually this would lead to a sort of enemies-to-lovers thing, but no. More interestingly, they're extremely amicable, almost like they can't help but respect the other's gall, too impressed and entertained to actually invoke hate. All of this is never said out loud of course, and on the surface they seem to be constantly bickering over differing values, but like twin flames, they gravitate towards each other in almost every scene. I love that this happens in the background of the main story because we're never actually told they like each other, it's just implied, and this is why their two characters work so well in the first book: it's so obvious they suit each other that there's no need to say it aloud in writing, let alone for the actual characters to say it themselves. It's all disguised in the subtext of their banter, in the way Juliet grabs his arm and he doesn't refuse, in the way Melrose comments on Miles' unusual quietness, in the way Juliet finds it fun to say disagreeable things on purpose and especially in Miles' increasing "apathy" towards her. Their love is never spoken aloud and this makes their affinity more special and rare, but also deliciously angsty and heartbreaking when the book ends with Miles' doubting everything real between them. That's the problem with implied things, it COULD all just be in your head, and that leaves Miles, someone incredibly proud in his ability to not care about anything or anyone, feeling like an idiot. To most people, it might not even appear that Miles had been vulnerable at all with Juliet, appearing to completely disregard her existence, but to someone so closed-off as him, just slightly letting down his walls and entertaining the idea of Juliet, was already a big deal. Having it blow-up in his face with her “betrayal”, feels like he played himself. Just by hoping and expecting something, he feels like he's made himself a fool and eventually has to leave town with whatever is left of his pride. I couldn’t tell you how excited I was to read the next book with so much hanging on the balance in this moment!

2. The setup for book 2, I mean talk about setting the stage for what could be the most emotionally complicated, heart-breaking, angstiest, hurt-people hurt people, war of pride ever when after all that happens from book 1, poor Juliet arrives in dramatic fashion (something that would already drive Miles nuts) thinking they're still good friends. Miles on the other hand has escaped back to his household specifically to get away from her, so when he's stuck with her under his own roof, the reader is just waiting for his impending crash out. I loved every time his emotions got the best of him, his beloved apathy going out the window in desperate times. It's why that scene in the beginning, kicking Juliet out to give his tormented heart peace, is so important, because it shows that he's already nearing his limits, he won't admit he loves her, but he can admit he can't be around her and he wants her GONE. A very interesting place to start character development in a story, and I was just waiting on the edge for it all to build into an emotional finale where he goes "fck it" and does exactly what his heart has wanted to do since the beginning. I think this is where my issues with the book start to appear, because I feel that build up never really happened and the throughlines become disjointed quickly after his first "outburst" happens. There was so much set up, but it never lived up to its expectations. So much more could’ve bene done with this setting and these characters, and this makes me so sad.

3. I loved the Romeo and Juliet references. Juliet's statement where she gave up, agreeing that the book was indeed a tragedy, was like watching all the light in her finally die out and very sad. A beautiful callback to their initial interaction.

4. His cousin. Loved him. I wish Melrose was also there to react to everything Cross was doing, someone else to question and see the distress brewing underneath that exterior, but his cousin was great too. Loved every interrogation and his little side romance was also quite cute. I just wish it hadn't taken up all of Juliet and Miles' discussions. This is why I don't think their love story should be cut down, but more story added to the middle so that the matchmaking wasn’t ALL the main couple did through the meat of the book.

5. The Romeo confession at the end, haha! I really didn’t see that coming and thought it was a great gesture that tied all the themes together nicely. I did think it could've been executed a bit more in character for Miles. Maybe if the grandiose was toned down a bit, or showed Miles a bit more embarrassed or disgruntled about it, it would’ve felt more like himself and only added further charm to his attempt. I also didn't think Miles would say such a long speech about everything he loved about Juliet after the quotes. Don't get me wrong, I love a good confession speech that summarises everything the couple went through (and loved the idea of forgetting the book so speaking from his heart), but only when I think it matches the character, and Miles imo, just isn't a grand talker like that. He'd say something more subtle? I guess like I said in the beginning of this review, lots of things between them is often implied, so just the act of him donning the scarlet waistcoat and saying some lines from R&J would be enough without all the similes to nature about her looks and personality. Honestly, just the waist coast enough is a grand gesture from someone like him, so, I wish this part could have been slightly less on the nose. Still hilarious, especially with him treading all over the flowers. it's another one of those moments that shows how "out of it" he actually is. Basically, his love confession was "see how I'd make myself a fool for you" and better than a thousand I love yous. I think that’s also why maybe he didn’t need to actually say “I love you” so much in the end scene, but that’s really neither here nor there.

Anyway, onto some constructive comments.

I can't stop thinking about this book. It's really got me stuck because it’s like a bunch of wonderful, beautiful things mixed in with annoying anger-inducing things. I mean, the premise and characters are just gold and I feel this happens every time I read an Ann Bradley book. This author has really interesting ideas, but it's like the editor never checks if the build-up makes sense and is smooth, or if things that should be embellished are actually embellished and not underwritten. Interesting plot points or emotions are never given enough depth or brought up too late and this makes a reader not care for what the character is going through.

And I want to care. So badly. I wanted to care about Miles’s backstory so bad, but I can't, because it's too disjointed, I don't understand what his actual hold-up is. You can tell me in words that his dad is awful and that he doesn't want end up like him, but I can't see where this is actually coming from. I can't see the connection through flashbacks to his childhood, or through any ptsd he shows only to his friends, or through any habits he's acquired in his youth. The best we get is side characters TELLING us that Miles is quiet, unapproachable, makes ladies cry, that his dad was a bad guy, that his childhood was bad etc. but we're never shown it. And that's where the characterization starts to fall apart compared to the first book, because in that book, we weren't inside Miles's head, we had to see his personality through his actions. And not only his actions, but inaction. Because inaction is incredibly important for Miles' character. As we know, it's when he DOESN'T reply or emote that shows something is affecting him eg. showing his likes and dislikes, how he sees the world, etc. It's the moments of silence, the grunts in dissatisfaction to whatever Julliet is saying, the look-away when Melrose questions him, the changing of a subject. It's these things that are important, and it's these things that only carried into the beginning of their book and then disappeared, making him feel like a completely different person.
And all of this identity crisis and confusion made me not understand the main conflict in this book, his reason for pushing Juliet away.

At first, I thought it was his pride in being "snubbed" by her and not allowing it to happen again. Then I thought some kind of OCDness about how chaotic she is versus his lifestyle, and that was why they just wouldn’t work as husband and wife, but this was more of an excuse than denying that opposites-attract. all of these would be delicious things to write about by the way: The conflict of control vs feeling, finding that balance and making each other whole. Or the battle of prides: Juliet will have to forgive him for misunderstanding and kicking her out. He will have to get over his generational pride and trauma to win his love. But we didn't really get any of these. Instead, we get something about “not deserving Juliet” but it was all too hazy to really relate to and I found it very out of leftfield when Miles mentioned his fear of becoming his father and treating Juliet badly. It just didn’t feel right when he said it. While reading, I never felt like this was his driving factor into all the things he said and did. This reason just didn't match up with what I was seeing vs what I was being told. I think the story should’ve woven this idea into the earlier parts of the story somehow. Basically, explaining HOW his quirks and hangups are related to his father. A nice "I tried so hard to avoid my father, I became my father" moment is always a great psychological point to write about, but maybe that wasn't what was even happening. Maybe he just THOUGHT he was like his father but actually wasn't, which is what his cousin was trying to say. But that's where a reader would be confused again. because WHY does he think he's like his father, how did he come to believe this? Did someone tell him and it stuck? Is his self-esteem low and that's why he thinks the worst of himself. but then what caused the low self-esteem. I was just confused by this being such a big deal to him, that he’d “suck the life out of her” basically, when that fear didn’t exist in book 1. In book 1, it felt like he KNEW their fiery natures fed of each other, giving each other strength and that’s why he was so comfortable to open up to her originally, because she didn’t cower from him. But that clearly wasn’t what was meant to be taken from book 1, or somewhere along the lines (untold to the reader) he lost that confidence, and we’re only notified of this with a heart-to-heart talk with Miles and his cousin. This said “main conflict” just appears out of nowhere, and without this properly cemented in the readers mind, Juliet and Miles’ final stand-off that comes right after this heart-to-heart just feels empty.

Juliet is trying to convince him to not become a recluse and to essentially be with her(?), and this debilitating fear stops him from reaching out and taking that leap of faith. She then leaves, no longer believing in love (but not even that lovely R&J reference can save this scene). It’s the "everything in shambles" moment in the book but because his fear never felt real to the reader, because it never felt debilitating or indisputable in the way Miles is acting it to be, this scene just feels a bit confusing, a bit janky, like I can't really understand where Miles is coming from and I'm not understanding the tension in their conversation or in their conflict. I feel like they're talking about different things entirely, and not in a double-entendre way where they're literally talking about him closing off to society but metaphorically talking about closing his heart off to her (I’m not sure this was the author's actual intention or if I’m reading too much into this???). No, it came off like Juliet and him were having two different conversations, like she didn’t understand what he was saying and replying weirdly, and he was replying weirdly and I as a reader, certainly didn’t understand what was actually being said but then they both were written to understand and act very forlorn and serious, and I felt like I, the reader, was on the outside of a very complicated inside joke. But I, the omnipresent reader, am supposed to be on the inside of ALL the jokes and symbolism, so, idk, a very weird feeling, especially for such a big moment in the book.

Now if there'd been a bit of an argument after the kiss before all this, perhaps about Miles' shutting down so quickly, or pulling away at the slightest suggestion of a rivalry or whatever whatever, then this conversation would make much more sense, because it's basically Juliet making an ultimatum of sorts: "trust me that I only want you. open up or I’m leaving". Not saying this is how the book should've gone, I'm just trying to piece all the fragments of the second act together. But I shouldn't have to do this much speculating and extrapolating from a single scene. I should understand it when I read it. Hence why it just feels like so many bits and pieces are missing from the middle section of this book. There should’ve been way more.

By the way, Juliet also lost her original enticing personality for similar reasons, and it was like their magnetic and fiery dynamic disappeared after their decision to matchmake in the library. Juliet wasn't very outrageous or needly as seen in the first book, she was originally shown to rile up Miles on purpose because she enjoyed his reaction, she liked to have fun teasing him. All she did in this book was talk shop, and all he did was make matchmaking demands and the whole side-plot took up all of the limited dialogue, there were not many moments where they got to know each other better, or just had fun together, or even really got mad at each other, which would've at least shown that emotions were running high and revealed interesting things.

This made it incredibly difficult to understand his sudden need to kiss her at the midway point, which was meant to be his breaking moment, but the build-up just felt non-existent. Even the bowling in the ballroom, which was a really cool and Juliet-like idea, would've been more interesting if we'd actually seen them playing as a team, perhaps working together to set up the arena, maybe defeat one of the nasty house guests and realising they're actually a great team, just anything to somehow build on their relationship. Even if it was Juliet telling him to lighten up and actually have a go at the game, instead of realising it was fun all by himself. This could've shown how he's stubborn but Juliet opens him up to new things. And then the portrait drawing. I'd love to have gotten an actual scene of them drawing each other. Readers want to read about the awkwardness of staring at each other, or the way they initially do the activity to encourage others but accidentally end up having fun. Or maybe he’s a terrible artist and it's a funny moment between the two because he's usually so perfect, whatever it is. The lack of interaction and build-up of emotions made his sudden insistence and intensity to see her drawing seem weird and out of place. I think the main issue is characters need time to actually stew in their emotions, react with other people around them in that state of mind. When Miles was jealous of that other guy, there should've been an interaction between Juliet, whether he was moody, passive-aggressive, maybe even too polite (so she knew something was up), whatever the direction it takes. Anything that creates friction, makes Juliet react in some way or another. But instead, he realises on his own that he was wrong and needs to apologise to her when he sees her next. I understand that if everything was a miscommunication or a big deal or incredibly reactive, we'd get a lame draggy soap opera, but there’s no reader engagement when everything is resolved with a thought or a simple sentence, especially when a book is set-up to be so angsty.

Anyway, I now conclude why I can't get over this book and why I wish for something as absurd as a rewrite. It's because I want so badly to read the REAL story of Miles and Juliet that's buried beneath this version. I know it could be something incredibly exceptional, and I wish I could experience it. I just wish the middle and end were as well written as the beginning....

Idk if authors read these reviews, but if they do, I feel like I wrote a lot of negative things, but this story was so fascinating to me and I loved parts of it so much I sat for ages thinking about it and. That’s why I ended up with this monster of a review haha. it’s truly a story that lives in my heart. To anyone who actually read all of this, wow, I appreciate it.

[Winnifred D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I ended up giving the first book in this series 4 stars, although I leaned closer to 3 1/2. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy this book as much. Not Just Any Earl was predictable, but it was sweet. This has the trappings of romance, with sundry Romeo and Juliet references. I also have to mention it's definitely steamier than the first book. But I never sensed more than lust between the MC's.

(Possible trigger warning: attempted sexual assault involving the h and a villain.)

The details: Juliet is the outspoken member of the wayward Templeton family, and she's attracted negative gossip ever since her shy sister caught the eye of the most eligible bachelor of the ton. Juliet has erroneously been castigated as a temptress who really wanted the bachelor for herself, and her flirtation with Miles, the H, has been viewed as nothing but a ploy. Miles left London once the rumors started, believing Juliet to be exactly the scandal-maker the gossips claim. Juliet crashes Miles's house party through a strange turn of events (Miles saves her from a possibly deadly fall from a broken carriage, although this is treated with rather comical aplomb). He is immediately insistent that she leave, as many of his snobbish guests are perturbed by her being there and he is unsettled by her mere presence. Then, however, his younger cousin becomes enamored of a young woman Juliet is friendly with. Miles requires that Juliet put her supposed matchmaking skills to use if she wants his help in quelling the nasty rumors about her.

The upshot? Miles spends the first half of the book ordering Juliet around and being judgmental and all around unpleasant. It's sadly ironic that he has no problem standing up for his roguish cousin, but demonizes her based on her undeserved reputation. He doesn't deign to initiate a mature conversation with her about her side of the London fiasco, so she's forced repeatedly to stand up for herself.

Juliet was so endearingly saucy in the previous book but is more often gloomy and introspective here. I typically enjoy the "grumpy guy vs. sunshine heroine" trope, but I was hoping for more warmth and acknowledgement of her good qualities from Miles, especially before they became physical. It just didn't seem as if there was enough time for a believable friendship to develop before he was trying to sleep with her, and their banter seemed forced.

Toward the end, there's an emphasis on the idea that Juliet has seen the real Miles, that she's broken through his facade and found the kind, funny man inside. I kept thinking maybe I'd missed those chapters. There are touches of humor, mostly coming from Miles's cousin and Juliet's friend. Both are likable characters whose HEA will most certainly be the focus of the next book. The scene where Juliet rearranges a few books in the library is cute. But as soon as an emotional scene occurs between H/h, the plot starts hurtling toward a somewhat scattershot conclusion. WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD.............................................................Juliet is isolated and attacked by a man she vaguely flirted with months ago; Miles punches out Juliet's assailant, but because he's drunk, he doesn't remember (?). For his part, her assailant doesn't appear to know Miles punched him (due to it being dark?) and he's seemingly undeterred in his pursuit of Juliet. Miles threatens him. Not long after, Miles tracks Juliet down, there's a rather awkward ode to Romeo and Juliet, and the two hit the sheets.

Phew!

Enemies to lovers is hard to pull off in the novella format, and this book underlines why. So much of the beginning focuses on the setup, with Juliet ruminating and being humiliated and Miles snarling at her, that little time is left for their love to develop. The epilogue is cute, but there's so much focus on Miles's emotional happiness that I wanted some closure on what poor Juliet had been through. I at least wanted a satisfying scene in a public setting in which some of the nasty gossips were put in their place.

Anna Bradley's Virgin series is terrific, and I wish this one worked for me as well. I'm hoping that the next book can help the series gain more traction.

I read an advanced copy of this book. This is my voluntary review. All opinions are my own. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley.