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Fernley Family #1
Earl Grafton and the Traitor
When love arrives in the form of an enemy, who knew it would be covered in mud?
Baxter Fernley, the Earl of Grafton, takes his duty as a member of the ton with the utmost sincerity, even if King George the III has lost his mind. As a respected member of the peerage and the local magistrate, his life has order and meaning until an unruly American woman with a muddy skirt falls at his feet in what he believes to be an attempt at trapping him in marriage.
Briar Kensington thought England was boring until her impolite neighbor knocked her down and threw unfounded accusations at her like a mud-slinging fool. When she overhears the man's claim that she might be the cause of King George's state of insanity, Briar decides she wants nothing to do with him, even if it was said in jest.
Baxter despises almost everything about his traitorous American neighbor, everything except her beauty and strong will. Briar finds Baxter to be an infuriating man without any common sense, even if she does admire his strength of character and loyalty to family and duty. When they agree to be civil, their awkward first meeting is forgotten and these enemies find themselves hoping for love.
Baxter Fernley, the Earl of Grafton, takes his duty as a member of the ton with the utmost sincerity, even if King George the III has lost his mind. As a respected member of the peerage and the local magistrate, his life has order and meaning until an unruly American woman with a muddy skirt falls at his feet in what he believes to be an attempt at trapping him in marriage.
Briar Kensington thought England was boring until her impolite neighbor knocked her down and threw unfounded accusations at her like a mud-slinging fool. When she overhears the man's claim that she might be the cause of King George's state of insanity, Briar decides she wants nothing to do with him, even if it was said in jest.
Baxter despises almost everything about his traitorous American neighbor, everything except her beauty and strong will. Briar finds Baxter to be an infuriating man without any common sense, even if she does admire his strength of character and loyalty to family and duty. When they agree to be civil, their awkward first meeting is forgotten and these enemies find themselves hoping for love.
210 pages, ebook
First published April 19, 2022
280 people are currently reading
1844 people want to read
About the author
Angela E. Johnson
53 books88 followersAngela Johnson has a love of literature and all things Regency. Traveling and reading are favorite past times and help her form ideas for writing. Angela despises the snow when it is on the road, but loves snow when it falls romantically in the perfect scene for characters to fall in love. Be sure to follow Angela on BookBub for the latest releases and sales. https://tinyurl.com/5n6rkytm
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
March 4, 2023
another merry go round regency.
From the very beginning it was apparent that this book would be filled with bickering banter between the two main characters, while they were drawn to each other from the start. At times it sounded like two middle school children. I did not like the hero or the heroine. He was a stuffy prime, while she was always ready to take offense by any remarks he made. Her obsession with the ruins was silly and contrived. She could have had an adult discussion about her wanting to visit them, oh that’s right, he felt they were his special place and didn’t want a rude, mannerless American to somehow destroy the love he had for the place. I have read two books by this author and would say her books are written for a middle school level. If this is the level of reading you enjoy then have at it. Just an additional thought, when someone is a prejudiced as the hero was about Americans, which I concluded by his rude remarks from there first meeting, his turnabout attitude within a few months was unbelievable. His inability to behave like a gentleman on their first encounter said it all. Buffoon comes to mind.
From the very beginning it was apparent that this book would be filled with bickering banter between the two main characters, while they were drawn to each other from the start. At times it sounded like two middle school children. I did not like the hero or the heroine. He was a stuffy prime, while she was always ready to take offense by any remarks he made. Her obsession with the ruins was silly and contrived. She could have had an adult discussion about her wanting to visit them, oh that’s right, he felt they were his special place and didn’t want a rude, mannerless American to somehow destroy the love he had for the place. I have read two books by this author and would say her books are written for a middle school level. If this is the level of reading you enjoy then have at it. Just an additional thought, when someone is a prejudiced as the hero was about Americans, which I concluded by his rude remarks from there first meeting, his turnabout attitude within a few months was unbelievable. His inability to behave like a gentleman on their first encounter said it all. Buffoon comes to mind.
April 19, 2022
“She didn’t know if she liked acknowledging his good traits because every time she was near him, she had the aching desire to force insanity upon him.”
“If they could have a civil conversation without jumping to conclusions, with a great deal of effort, they might even be able to build a friendship.”
Have you ever had a disastrous first meeting where you both come away instantly disliking the other? That’s exactly what happens in this enemies to lovers, forced proximity, Regency romance. When her parents die unexpectedly, Briar Kensington travels from Boston to Yorkshire, England to go live with her grandfather. As a “dreaded” American, she doesn’t exactly conform to the stringent rules of English society.
Her first meeting with her neighbor, the Earl of Grafton is awful to say the least. She’s covered in mud, trespassing on his property, and he thinks she’s trying to force him into marriage. Briar is upset with the earl’s somewhat rude, heavy-handed treatment. So when her grandfather decides to leave her at the earl’s estate while he travels to France with the expectation she find a husband, Briar is less than thrilled.
Honestly, I had a hard time liking these two at first. Braxton, the Earl of Grafton appears to be stuffy, aloof, and a bit pompous. He’s very Darcy-esque. Briar is aptly named. She’s brash, outspoken, a little immature, and not afraid to put the earl in his place. It’s hard to believe these two will ever have a civil word with each other. However, under those prickly exteriors are two people with kind hearts struggling with the deaths of loved ones. When they begin to talk to one another and share their thoughts and feelings, the sparks still fly, but not from anger.
I really enjoyed the secondary characters. My favorite character was Gigi, the earl’s mother. She presides over Primrose Hall with her adoring seven sons all trying to find their way after her husband’s death. I liked the way she took Briar into her home and gave her a mother’s concern and love. She’s excellent at challenging all her sons and I enjoyed her slightly mischievous personality. I also enjoyed the brothers, especially Gilbert. There’s also a comically annoying, dandyish suitor who tries to court Briar.
If you enjoy enemies to lovers stories with close proximity, you might enjoy this clean, regency romance. Thanks to the author for providing an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review. I gave it 3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4.
“If they could have a civil conversation without jumping to conclusions, with a great deal of effort, they might even be able to build a friendship.”
Have you ever had a disastrous first meeting where you both come away instantly disliking the other? That’s exactly what happens in this enemies to lovers, forced proximity, Regency romance. When her parents die unexpectedly, Briar Kensington travels from Boston to Yorkshire, England to go live with her grandfather. As a “dreaded” American, she doesn’t exactly conform to the stringent rules of English society.
Her first meeting with her neighbor, the Earl of Grafton is awful to say the least. She’s covered in mud, trespassing on his property, and he thinks she’s trying to force him into marriage. Briar is upset with the earl’s somewhat rude, heavy-handed treatment. So when her grandfather decides to leave her at the earl’s estate while he travels to France with the expectation she find a husband, Briar is less than thrilled.
Honestly, I had a hard time liking these two at first. Braxton, the Earl of Grafton appears to be stuffy, aloof, and a bit pompous. He’s very Darcy-esque. Briar is aptly named. She’s brash, outspoken, a little immature, and not afraid to put the earl in his place. It’s hard to believe these two will ever have a civil word with each other. However, under those prickly exteriors are two people with kind hearts struggling with the deaths of loved ones. When they begin to talk to one another and share their thoughts and feelings, the sparks still fly, but not from anger.
I really enjoyed the secondary characters. My favorite character was Gigi, the earl’s mother. She presides over Primrose Hall with her adoring seven sons all trying to find their way after her husband’s death. I liked the way she took Briar into her home and gave her a mother’s concern and love. She’s excellent at challenging all her sons and I enjoyed her slightly mischievous personality. I also enjoyed the brothers, especially Gilbert. There’s also a comically annoying, dandyish suitor who tries to court Briar.
If you enjoy enemies to lovers stories with close proximity, you might enjoy this clean, regency romance. Thanks to the author for providing an advanced copy of this book. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review. I gave it 3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4.
October 22, 2023
Oddly-named Baxter Fernley, the Earl of Grafton, lives with his six brothers and his mother they all call Gigi (?). Baxter is the local magistrate and takes his duties very seriously. He doesn't seem to be especially bright. The opening scene has him trying a case against a local boy accused of writing a threatening letter to a local girl. Why that would be considered a hanging offense is anybody's guess. Rather than determine the truth in the most obvious way, he needs the help of his family members before the lightbulb comes on.
The even more oddly named Briar Kensington is an American woman who has come to live with her grandfather after the death of her parents. Who would name their daughter after a thorny bush? It's appropriate, however, because she's very prickly, easily angered, petulant, unforgiving, vindictive, and capable of physical violence.
When her grandfather has to go to France on business, he sends her to stay in Lord Grafton's home to keep her safe. In a house with seven unmarried, young brothers. Seven! What could possibly go wrong? Grandfather orders her to find a husband while he's gone.
In the dialogue, there was gossip about Lord Byron's affair with Caroline Lamb, which was between March and August of 1812. There's still snow on the ground in Yorkshire, so it's possibly March at that point. England is still at war with Napoleon, which makes Briar's grandfather's trip to France difficult to comprehend. It would have been a good way to get himself killed.
I always admire authors who create whole families out of thin air and write books for each one. The characters of each of the brothers are lightly sketched, to be filled out in later books in the series. Unfortunately, the main protagonists in this one, Baxter and Briar, are not particularly likable or interesting. They argue over nothing and freely insult each other. Most of the book was devoted to ups and downs, back and forth, attraction or rejection. Their life together will not be easy.
The even more oddly named Briar Kensington is an American woman who has come to live with her grandfather after the death of her parents. Who would name their daughter after a thorny bush? It's appropriate, however, because she's very prickly, easily angered, petulant, unforgiving, vindictive, and capable of physical violence.
When her grandfather has to go to France on business, he sends her to stay in Lord Grafton's home to keep her safe. In a house with seven unmarried, young brothers. Seven! What could possibly go wrong? Grandfather orders her to find a husband while he's gone.
In the dialogue, there was gossip about Lord Byron's affair with Caroline Lamb, which was between March and August of 1812. There's still snow on the ground in Yorkshire, so it's possibly March at that point. England is still at war with Napoleon, which makes Briar's grandfather's trip to France difficult to comprehend. It would have been a good way to get himself killed.
I always admire authors who create whole families out of thin air and write books for each one. The characters of each of the brothers are lightly sketched, to be filled out in later books in the series. Unfortunately, the main protagonists in this one, Baxter and Briar, are not particularly likable or interesting. They argue over nothing and freely insult each other. Most of the book was devoted to ups and downs, back and forth, attraction or rejection. Their life together will not be easy.
April 12, 2025
4.75 stars!
Great enemies to lovers! I love how it’s between an English Lord and a half American half English woman. Loved the meeting and all the bickering after that haha. And the ending was great!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
Great enemies to lovers! I love how it’s between an English Lord and a half American half English woman. Loved the meeting and all the bickering after that haha. And the ending was great!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
July 13, 2024
There is something “off” about this book, starting with the title. Earl Grafton? Really? Maybe The Earl of Grafton and the Traitor. Or perhaps, Lord Fernley and the Traitor. But “Earl Grafton” is an incorrect form of address. The man with this title is the Earl of Grafton, not Earl Grafton; “Earl” is not a form of address – it is a title.
The plot is straightforward for all that it moves along some implausible pathways. An American heiress has lost her parents and her grandfather has taken her into his home in Yorkshire, England. She has an understandably difficult time adjusting and is homesick for Boston. Her grandfather goes to Paris on business and leaves her in the care of the Earl of Grafton, who serves as her protector. The romance is about the American heiress and the earl.
The characters are numerous:
Baxter Fernley is the Earl of Grafton, a proper peer who takes his position and estate-running very seriously. He has an overexaggerated sense of self and spends most of his time working on estate business. He dislikes the main female character, Briar, on sight. He is portrayed strangely. Often, he is unsure of himself and what to do next; this is at odds with his strengths and abilities. At times he seems unintelligent, especially in his role as magistrate when he cannot decide how to handle a case of stealing and unrequited love.
Briar Kensington is the American heiress. She is brash and outspoken, and the earl does not know what to make of her. She does not like the earl from their first encounter. She stays pretty much out of place and homesick throughout the book, until the final chapter. She seems underdeveloped as a character. What drives her, besides a longing to go back to Boston? She is a docile thing, looking for a husband in Yorkshire because her grandfather demands it. At the end of the book, she is determined to find her own way and it jars a bit.
Mr. George Kensington is Briar’s grandfather and though he is mentioned 104 times, the writer sends him off to Paris in chapter 4 and we never see nor hear from him again. He is a device used to insert his granddaughter into the Grafton home. We are not told in what year of the Regency era the story occurs, but if the Napoleonic wars are still going on, Paris would be a dangerous place to be.
Mr. Hayes fancies himself in love with Briar and dominates her time and attention throughout the book. He is not given a first name, fitting perhaps since he is superfluous, merely used as a means to get the earl to assert himself regarding Briar. Briar does not return Mr. Hayes’ affection but must consider him for a potential husband because her grandfather (such a useful old chap) has told her she must marry, and Hayes is the only man who appears to be interested in her.
The Dowager Duchess of Grafton, or Gigi to her children, sees Briar as a good match for the earl, and works to press the earl into spending more time with Briar.
There are seven brothers, all of whom Briar dutifully considers possible husbands:
Baxter, the earl, whom she does not like
Oliver, the musician who wishes to teach music; he plays the pianoforte, flute, and violin; he performs with Briar
Phineas, a budding archeologist who wishes only to get himself to Egypt and adventure
Gilbert, the vicar of the village and Phineas’ twin
Cormelius, a member of the King’s Army who will be off to military duties soon “as there is always a war to be fought somewhere,” as the writer tells us
Archibald, a writer
Fletcher, a barrister
There are moments in the book to make a reader pause:
It does not bode well for a book that has an error in the second sentence of the first page: “…not since his had father passed away.” The “his-had” combination is erroneous and I believe this should be written, “…not since his father had passed away.”
A sentence seems to have an extra word that serves no purpose: “…Briar stepped with care to ensure the shoes hems of her skirts didn’t fall prey…” The word “shoes” doesn’t belong. I believe it should read, “…to ensure the hems of her skirts…”
An odd verb is used to describe gloves sticking to one’s hands: “…shouldn’t have made his palms sweat, but his gloves uncomfortably suctioned to his hands.” While suction can be a verb, it is not used correctly here. Suction means to remove forcibly, or to extract; it also means to create a partial vacuum using one’s mouth and lips. The verb makes no sense in this sentence. Perhaps, “…uncomfortably stuck to his hands” is what the writer means?
There is an odd-sounding reference to the U.S.: “…she hadn’t even considered finding a husband since leaving the states.” In Regency England, the U.S. was referred to as the United States of America, not “the states.” The country’s name came from the Declaration of Independence.
Briar’s horse changes genders. In chapter 13, we’re told “…Briar dressed in her emerald riding habit and requested her mare [Glory] be prepared for exercise.” And in chapter 15, we’re told, “Dismounting, Briar pulled Glory to the opposite side of the road and led him behind the local haberdashery.”
A period is missing: “…I will be happy to sing,” She looked to Oliver…” The sentence ending with “happy to sing” should end with a period, not a comma.
The earl uses an odd phrase when he is walking through the village and Hayes, a family friend and possible suitor for Briar, stops him. At the end of their conversation, Grafton says, “Thank you for stopping by.” Hayes didn’t stop by anywhere; they met in the village.
A preposition seems to be used incorrectly: “…when he finally gathers to courage to speak with you…” There is no verb, “to courage,” but I wonder if the writer means, “…when he finally gathers his courage…:
Briar returns to her grandfather’s house at the end of the book and writes two letters. There is a great deal made of the letters; we are even told that she had left them out to dry and needed to burn them before anyone would read them. It implies an importance to this act, and begs the question, what will happen if the letters are found? But nothing happens. The letters are never mentioned again. Odd…
There is even an error in “The Next Fernley Family Adventure” when we are told, “This book can be read as s a stand-alone novel.” The “s” appears in error. (This is kind of funny, though.)
The book seems to slowly amble and dawdle along until the very end. The HEA occurs suddenly and then all is well. But in truth, all has never been unwell. The story is bland. There is no chemistry among the characters. All of them seem prosaic and monotonous. The brothers profess to care for each other. Goodness knows that Baxter worries about them incessantly, not productively, but rather wanting them to be what he thinks they ought to be. And Gilbert, as the spiritual advisor and vicar, offers a kind of solace in his advice-giving. Only Gigi, the dowager duchess, feels alive and we do not see enough of her to bring sparkle to the story.
The romantic leads, Baxter (the earl) and Briar, have no chemistry. At most, they have a mild friendship that feels no different from the relationships Briar has established with all the brothers. The two seem to plod along, disliking each other, then finding merit in the other, talking themselves out of pursuing a relationship, then encouraging one, and finally dismissing a relationship as impossible. Even the on-again, off-again nature of their association is placid.
I rated this book 2.5 stars and rounded up. While I think it is a solid 2.5-stars, and better than a 2-star book, I think it isn’t quite a 3-star book, either. The romance is dim and subdued. There is a lack of affection and no aligning of beliefs and values between the romantic leads. The characters simply exist and move about the pages, keeping out of the way of the scenery and other characters. They are pleasant enough, but oh, so mild, banal, and bland. I believe one is enough of the seven books in this Fernley family series.
The plot is straightforward for all that it moves along some implausible pathways. An American heiress has lost her parents and her grandfather has taken her into his home in Yorkshire, England. She has an understandably difficult time adjusting and is homesick for Boston. Her grandfather goes to Paris on business and leaves her in the care of the Earl of Grafton, who serves as her protector. The romance is about the American heiress and the earl.
The characters are numerous:
Baxter Fernley is the Earl of Grafton, a proper peer who takes his position and estate-running very seriously. He has an overexaggerated sense of self and spends most of his time working on estate business. He dislikes the main female character, Briar, on sight. He is portrayed strangely. Often, he is unsure of himself and what to do next; this is at odds with his strengths and abilities. At times he seems unintelligent, especially in his role as magistrate when he cannot decide how to handle a case of stealing and unrequited love.
Briar Kensington is the American heiress. She is brash and outspoken, and the earl does not know what to make of her. She does not like the earl from their first encounter. She stays pretty much out of place and homesick throughout the book, until the final chapter. She seems underdeveloped as a character. What drives her, besides a longing to go back to Boston? She is a docile thing, looking for a husband in Yorkshire because her grandfather demands it. At the end of the book, she is determined to find her own way and it jars a bit.
Mr. George Kensington is Briar’s grandfather and though he is mentioned 104 times, the writer sends him off to Paris in chapter 4 and we never see nor hear from him again. He is a device used to insert his granddaughter into the Grafton home. We are not told in what year of the Regency era the story occurs, but if the Napoleonic wars are still going on, Paris would be a dangerous place to be.
Mr. Hayes fancies himself in love with Briar and dominates her time and attention throughout the book. He is not given a first name, fitting perhaps since he is superfluous, merely used as a means to get the earl to assert himself regarding Briar. Briar does not return Mr. Hayes’ affection but must consider him for a potential husband because her grandfather (such a useful old chap) has told her she must marry, and Hayes is the only man who appears to be interested in her.
The Dowager Duchess of Grafton, or Gigi to her children, sees Briar as a good match for the earl, and works to press the earl into spending more time with Briar.
There are seven brothers, all of whom Briar dutifully considers possible husbands:
Baxter, the earl, whom she does not like
Oliver, the musician who wishes to teach music; he plays the pianoforte, flute, and violin; he performs with Briar
Phineas, a budding archeologist who wishes only to get himself to Egypt and adventure
Gilbert, the vicar of the village and Phineas’ twin
Cormelius, a member of the King’s Army who will be off to military duties soon “as there is always a war to be fought somewhere,” as the writer tells us
Archibald, a writer
Fletcher, a barrister
There are moments in the book to make a reader pause:
It does not bode well for a book that has an error in the second sentence of the first page: “…not since his had father passed away.” The “his-had” combination is erroneous and I believe this should be written, “…not since his father had passed away.”
A sentence seems to have an extra word that serves no purpose: “…Briar stepped with care to ensure the shoes hems of her skirts didn’t fall prey…” The word “shoes” doesn’t belong. I believe it should read, “…to ensure the hems of her skirts…”
An odd verb is used to describe gloves sticking to one’s hands: “…shouldn’t have made his palms sweat, but his gloves uncomfortably suctioned to his hands.” While suction can be a verb, it is not used correctly here. Suction means to remove forcibly, or to extract; it also means to create a partial vacuum using one’s mouth and lips. The verb makes no sense in this sentence. Perhaps, “…uncomfortably stuck to his hands” is what the writer means?
There is an odd-sounding reference to the U.S.: “…she hadn’t even considered finding a husband since leaving the states.” In Regency England, the U.S. was referred to as the United States of America, not “the states.” The country’s name came from the Declaration of Independence.
Briar’s horse changes genders. In chapter 13, we’re told “…Briar dressed in her emerald riding habit and requested her mare [Glory] be prepared for exercise.” And in chapter 15, we’re told, “Dismounting, Briar pulled Glory to the opposite side of the road and led him behind the local haberdashery.”
A period is missing: “…I will be happy to sing,” She looked to Oliver…” The sentence ending with “happy to sing” should end with a period, not a comma.
The earl uses an odd phrase when he is walking through the village and Hayes, a family friend and possible suitor for Briar, stops him. At the end of their conversation, Grafton says, “Thank you for stopping by.” Hayes didn’t stop by anywhere; they met in the village.
A preposition seems to be used incorrectly: “…when he finally gathers to courage to speak with you…” There is no verb, “to courage,” but I wonder if the writer means, “…when he finally gathers his courage…:
Briar returns to her grandfather’s house at the end of the book and writes two letters. There is a great deal made of the letters; we are even told that she had left them out to dry and needed to burn them before anyone would read them. It implies an importance to this act, and begs the question, what will happen if the letters are found? But nothing happens. The letters are never mentioned again. Odd…
There is even an error in “The Next Fernley Family Adventure” when we are told, “This book can be read as s a stand-alone novel.” The “s” appears in error. (This is kind of funny, though.)
The book seems to slowly amble and dawdle along until the very end. The HEA occurs suddenly and then all is well. But in truth, all has never been unwell. The story is bland. There is no chemistry among the characters. All of them seem prosaic and monotonous. The brothers profess to care for each other. Goodness knows that Baxter worries about them incessantly, not productively, but rather wanting them to be what he thinks they ought to be. And Gilbert, as the spiritual advisor and vicar, offers a kind of solace in his advice-giving. Only Gigi, the dowager duchess, feels alive and we do not see enough of her to bring sparkle to the story.
The romantic leads, Baxter (the earl) and Briar, have no chemistry. At most, they have a mild friendship that feels no different from the relationships Briar has established with all the brothers. The two seem to plod along, disliking each other, then finding merit in the other, talking themselves out of pursuing a relationship, then encouraging one, and finally dismissing a relationship as impossible. Even the on-again, off-again nature of their association is placid.
I rated this book 2.5 stars and rounded up. While I think it is a solid 2.5-stars, and better than a 2-star book, I think it isn’t quite a 3-star book, either. The romance is dim and subdued. There is a lack of affection and no aligning of beliefs and values between the romantic leads. The characters simply exist and move about the pages, keeping out of the way of the scenery and other characters. They are pleasant enough, but oh, so mild, banal, and bland. I believe one is enough of the seven books in this Fernley family series.
April 18, 2022
I laughed, possibly giggled, a few times as I read this book. The meet cute was so horrific it is a miracle these two characters made it to the end of the book without killing each other... ok, that might be a little over the top. But poor first impressions rarely make for good friends, and that is one of the overarching themes of this book.
The enemies to lovers trope was fun. I loved the witty banter between Baxter and Briar. I wasn't sure they would be a good match, but when they discovered loss could be a strength for their relationship I knew it would all work out in the end. It came together wonderfully.
I felt the pain of both characters as they navigated life while missing those that had died. I thought the author handled this aspect of the book well and it is a topic I don't see often expressed or used as a big part of the storyline in romance books. It was a nice change of pace to have both characters overwhelmed by loss and grief but also digging themselves out of it to find love.
I truly can't wait to see which brother ties the knot next! You meet the entire Fernley family in this book and each brother seems to have a distinct personality. I can't wait to read about Phineas's adventures. I really hope a lady doesn't catch his eye before he gets a chance to travel. Keep that man out of the ballrooms and put him on a boat, please! (hint, hint Miss Johnson!)
***I received an ARC copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The enemies to lovers trope was fun. I loved the witty banter between Baxter and Briar. I wasn't sure they would be a good match, but when they discovered loss could be a strength for their relationship I knew it would all work out in the end. It came together wonderfully.
I felt the pain of both characters as they navigated life while missing those that had died. I thought the author handled this aspect of the book well and it is a topic I don't see often expressed or used as a big part of the storyline in romance books. It was a nice change of pace to have both characters overwhelmed by loss and grief but also digging themselves out of it to find love.
I truly can't wait to see which brother ties the knot next! You meet the entire Fernley family in this book and each brother seems to have a distinct personality. I can't wait to read about Phineas's adventures. I really hope a lady doesn't catch his eye before he gets a chance to travel. Keep that man out of the ballrooms and put him on a boat, please! (hint, hint Miss Johnson!)
***I received an ARC copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
February 6, 2023
“Earl Grafton and the Traitor” is a delightful tale of extreme emotions between the main characters.
Read full review in the 2023 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2023 February issue of InD'tale Magazine.
January 27, 2023
This book was a hard one for me. It 100% reads like an American pretending to be British and thinking all British people hate Americans because of the revolutionary war. Our female main character wasn’t even alive during the RW and our male main character kept blaming her for the demise of the colonies and was a huge jerk the entire book. There was never a point in this book where I actually liked him. I found it very unrealistic that our poor fmc would fall in love with him after him continuously belittling her up until the very end of the book! She was supposed to be this brave, strong, mouthy American and we never really got to see her stand up for herself! She always ends up apologizing, even when she didn’t do anything wrong. All in all pretty disappointed with this read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2023
I read other reviews about this book about enemies to lovers and the other reviews were so happy with the ending.
These two characters were hard to like and the author dragged out this concept only for Baxter to declare his love for Briar in Chapter 27 which is almost the end of the book. The back and forth between the characters wasn’t witty but just insulting to both cultures. This historical romance wasn’t romantic. I wish I liked this book enough to read another in the series but I won’t invest the time.
These two characters were hard to like and the author dragged out this concept only for Baxter to declare his love for Briar in Chapter 27 which is almost the end of the book. The back and forth between the characters wasn’t witty but just insulting to both cultures. This historical romance wasn’t romantic. I wish I liked this book enough to read another in the series but I won’t invest the time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2023
This is a fun romance with lots of bumps for Briar Kensington and Lord Baxter Fernley. Briar was a lonely young woman who had recently lost her parents and was brought to England to live with her grandfather. She and Baxter meet under unusual circumstances and get off to a bad start. The fun begins when Briar and Baxter are forced to see each other daily.
Baxter had six other brothers and I enjoyed getting to see a little of each of them and how they all interact. I am looking forward to seeing each of them in future stories. Gigi, Baxter's mother, is a wonderful matriarch and was just the kind of woman that Briar needed in her life to help her heal after the death of her parents.
I recommend reading this book if you like clean Regency romances, large families, and enemies to happy ever after stories. It's a quick read and I think you will like seeing how love brings out the best in Briar and Baxter.
Baxter had six other brothers and I enjoyed getting to see a little of each of them and how they all interact. I am looking forward to seeing each of them in future stories. Gigi, Baxter's mother, is a wonderful matriarch and was just the kind of woman that Briar needed in her life to help her heal after the death of her parents.
I recommend reading this book if you like clean Regency romances, large families, and enemies to happy ever after stories. It's a quick read and I think you will like seeing how love brings out the best in Briar and Baxter.
February 12, 2024
I have mixed feelings on this book. I loved it so much and read it in one sitting but absolutely hated the toxic relationship between the main characters. The idea that you should be rooting for this couple gives off the vibes of every 1990s sitcom, reminiscent of Ross and Rachel from Friends (without the 'we were on a break'). Or all those toxic male characters from the 90s shows that you thought were lovable but on rewatch realized how awful they really are.
Baxter constantly makes comments about Briar being an American, making her a traitor to his country, things like that. He insults her throughout the book. Will apologize and then go back to insulting her. All while 'falling in love' with her. She insults him back. Then they decide to get married and have a happily ever after. Very toxic couple.
Yes, this is fiction, but run from these types of relationships. This will not lead to a HEA in real life.
Baxter constantly makes comments about Briar being an American, making her a traitor to his country, things like that. He insults her throughout the book. Will apologize and then go back to insulting her. All while 'falling in love' with her. She insults him back. Then they decide to get married and have a happily ever after. Very toxic couple.
Yes, this is fiction, but run from these types of relationships. This will not lead to a HEA in real life.
July 14, 2024
This was a freebie on Amazon. I thought the synopsis sounded good & since it was free...
This is a clean romance
The writing is mediocre. The story is dull. The trope is miscommunication. The hero is a douche with a big mouth. He disses the heroine for being American & ill mannered as well.
His mother is actively trying to get them together. Really. An Earl's mother wanting an American for a daughter in law? Kind of goes against Regency Romance code.
The heroine waffles between liking the hero & hating him. She's ok until the author makes her act TSTL towards the end of the story. I managed to hold out til the end of the story.
The hero has 6 brothers, so there's 6 more books. I'm not feeling it...
This is a clean romance
The writing is mediocre. The story is dull. The trope is miscommunication. The hero is a douche with a big mouth. He disses the heroine for being American & ill mannered as well.
His mother is actively trying to get them together. Really. An Earl's mother wanting an American for a daughter in law? Kind of goes against Regency Romance code.
The heroine waffles between liking the hero & hating him. She's ok until the author makes her act TSTL towards the end of the story. I managed to hold out til the end of the story.
The hero has 6 brothers, so there's 6 more books. I'm not feeling it...
April 20, 2022
I really enjoyed this book! It reeled me in right from the start and kept me interested and happy the whole time. Having and American in the story was a unique twist- I thought it was fun.
The characters were hilarious at times- so much witty banter. A few parts had me chuckling to myself.
I love the idea of the main character having a big family of brothers- I’m assuming (and hoping) the author is planning on telling all of their stories.
Very enjoyable read that I would recommend to my friends.
The characters were hilarious at times- so much witty banter. A few parts had me chuckling to myself.
I love the idea of the main character having a big family of brothers- I’m assuming (and hoping) the author is planning on telling all of their stories.
Very enjoyable read that I would recommend to my friends.
June 30, 2023
Won on a Goodreads Giveaway.
It's a fun Regency Romance. She's an American (hence the Traitor) orphan coming to live with her grandfather. He has recently become Earl after his beloved father's death. Both are deeply morning there loses, opinionated, and ready for an argument at the drop off a hat. Their sparring is amusing.
As you may be able to tell, since I posted yesterday that I had won & received it, I read the 200+ pages in less than a day, enjoying every swipe (Kindle addition).
It's a fun Regency Romance. She's an American (hence the Traitor) orphan coming to live with her grandfather. He has recently become Earl after his beloved father's death. Both are deeply morning there loses, opinionated, and ready for an argument at the drop off a hat. Their sparring is amusing.
As you may be able to tell, since I posted yesterday that I had won & received it, I read the 200+ pages in less than a day, enjoying every swipe (Kindle addition).
July 20, 2022
Earl Grafton and the Traitor is book one in the Fernley Family A Regency Era Romance series. I really enjoyed this book. This was my first time to read this author’s work and I am so glad I did. She weaves a beautiful tale using the enemies to lovers trope. I can’t wait to read more. This is a sweet romance.
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May 2, 2025I didn’t care for the main characters of this story. Instead of building chemistry in their banter, I felt like they were circling around each other and then eventually ended up engaged. I felt like there was a lot of potential, especially with the good way the boys all get along with each other, so I think I’ll read one more just to confirm or refute my original impression.
May 2, 2022
This was an enjoyable book, and I hope there are going to be books about all the brothers. I felt like the book slowed down a little bit in the second half and was a little repetitive. I also felt like they were pretty hot and cold to each other. Overall it was enjoyable.
April 29, 2022
Between the disastrous first meeting, grieving over the loss of family members, trying to hold family together, and trying to find family, Earl Grafton and Briar Kensington have A LOT going on. But, from that first meeting you know that their story is going to be a good one and oh how it was. Every single interaction between the Earl and Briar is priceless and keeps you reading waiting to see what happens in their next interaction.
The enemies to lovers story is so much fun to read as Briar finds herself under the protection of Earl Grafton until her grandfather returns from a trip. The growth that each of them has to face personally in order to see each other for who they really are, and who they can become individually and together, sets up a beautiful love story that is able to blossom as spring comes with new hope.
Witty banter, a Britain and an American, the Fernley men, Gigi and Mr. Hayes-they all come together to make up this beautiful and entertaining romance that any Regency reader fan should pick up. I really enjoyed my reading experience with this new book from Angela Johnson and I can't wait to see if she writes more on the fun, opinionated and romantic men of the Fernley family.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publishers, publicists, and/or authors. A review was not required and all opinions are my own.
The enemies to lovers story is so much fun to read as Briar finds herself under the protection of Earl Grafton until her grandfather returns from a trip. The growth that each of them has to face personally in order to see each other for who they really are, and who they can become individually and together, sets up a beautiful love story that is able to blossom as spring comes with new hope.
Witty banter, a Britain and an American, the Fernley men, Gigi and Mr. Hayes-they all come together to make up this beautiful and entertaining romance that any Regency reader fan should pick up. I really enjoyed my reading experience with this new book from Angela Johnson and I can't wait to see if she writes more on the fun, opinionated and romantic men of the Fernley family.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publishers, publicists, and/or authors. A review was not required and all opinions are my own.
May 26, 2022
Great read
I really enjoyed this love story filled with emotions. The plot is interesting and characters well developed. I highly recommend it.
I really enjoyed this love story filled with emotions. The plot is interesting and characters well developed. I highly recommend it.
June 2, 2024
This Regency romance is a sweet clean, entertaining and a well-written novel. The main characters are realistic for the era and made for a fun read. This is the first book I’ve read by the author Angela Johnson but, I plan to read more of her work.
Disclaimer: I received this ebook from the author and this is my honest and freely given opinion.
Disclaimer: I received this ebook from the author and this is my honest and freely given opinion.
May 30, 2024
1.5 stars
It was alright. There were some sweet moments but it was hard for me to care because I couldn't connect with Briar.
The author tends to tell me how Briar feels and exactly what she's thinking instead of showing it or letting me watch. When every thought and emotion is dictated, I got very tired of Briar fast. Earl Grafton's POV was a little better but he did that at times too.
Obviously not liking Briar put a damper on the story for me. Other than the telling instead of showing the writing was fine though. My dislike for her ruined what probably would've been sweet moments, and there was also too much miscommunication for my tastes. If that doesn't bother you maybe this book would be a cute one, it just wasn't for me.
It was alright. There were some sweet moments but it was hard for me to care because I couldn't connect with Briar.
The author tends to tell me how Briar feels and exactly what she's thinking instead of showing it or letting me watch. When every thought and emotion is dictated, I got very tired of Briar fast. Earl Grafton's POV was a little better but he did that at times too.
Obviously not liking Briar put a damper on the story for me. Other than the telling instead of showing the writing was fine though. My dislike for her ruined what probably would've been sweet moments, and there was also too much miscommunication for my tastes. If that doesn't bother you maybe this book would be a cute one, it just wasn't for me.
June 30, 2022
simple and juvenile
Is there a reader alive who could not foretell the end of this story? I say end, not resolution because there was so little conflict to resolve. This book is a master class in stilted language and shallow, obvious emotions. This is billed as book one. Are there more? Good Lord.
Is there a reader alive who could not foretell the end of this story? I say end, not resolution because there was so little conflict to resolve. This book is a master class in stilted language and shallow, obvious emotions. This is billed as book one. Are there more? Good Lord.
November 27, 2023
Awful
Characters were boring & I felt nothing for them but frustration. They spent hours/pages agonizing over what they were going to say, then said things that usually sounded stupid, then spent more time/paragraphs often regretting what they'd said. Just plain tedious.
Characters were boring & I felt nothing for them but frustration. They spent hours/pages agonizing over what they were going to say, then said things that usually sounded stupid, then spent more time/paragraphs often regretting what they'd said. Just plain tedious.
February 6, 2023
Barbara’s rating: 4 of 5 Stars
Series: Fernley Family #1
Publication Date: 4/1/22
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 244
What a delightful surprise! I was about halfway through another book that was becoming more and more belabored and decided I needed a break from it. I went to Amazon to browse and something about this book’s description caught my attention. I purchased it and read it all in one day. I will admit that part of its appeal was the two protagonists dealing with grief and loss within their families as I am in that same process.
I don’t remember whether the book blurb tells you or not, but this is a very clean book – not even a kiss until almost the end. However, for some reason, that just seems exactly right for this book, this story, and these protagonists. Both lead characters had recently lost parents and it had left them lost, floundering, and unsure of themselves, the world, and their place in it. Their initial meeting went badly and both of them had their hackles raised with each other from that point forward. Baxter quickly learned Briar was appropriately named as she was very prickly and easily vexed – at least by him.
American Briar Kensington lost her whole world when her parents died. She was passed from uncaring distant relative to uncaring distant relative until her British grandfather could make arrangements for her to come to England and live with him. Now, deeply mourning and in a strange country, she has no idea how to fit into this new life. The rules of English society make no sense to her as they seem to value propriety above all else. So, when she literally runs into a man on a path she believes is on her grandfather’s property – and he refuses to give his name because they have not been introduced – and then proceeds to denigrate her being American – she takes an intense dislike to him. She fumes at what a lout he is!
Baxter Fernley, the Earl of Grafton, is still reeling from the sudden loss of his father. His father was everything that was good, decent, proper, and wise, and now Baxter has to step into those shoes. How can he do it? He spent his life at his father’s side learning to be the earl, but learning and observing are a far cry from being the earl. The responsibility for the earldom, his six brothers, and his mother sits heavily on his shoulders. So, when a hoydenish American literally runs into him and she ends up sitting in a mud puddle, his temper flares. How dare she be on his property, especially so dirty and unkempt. Her manners – goodness – how can she be so forward? She demanded to know his name though they’d never been introduced.
Every time Baxter and Briar are near each other, the tempers flare, and unkind words are hurled like spears into battle. Yet, beneath those tempers, there are kindred spirits that recognize each other and pull toward each other. It was delightful to watch these two battle it out until they each finally had the grand epiphany that they actually enjoyed those battles and they cared for each other.
I really enjoyed this read and this new-to-me author. The writing was good, the plot flowed well, and the characters were very relatable. I would assume there will be six more books in the series since there are six more brothers to marry. I suppose there could be seven should the author decide to provide a romance for Gigi, the mother of all those boys. Should you choose to read the book, I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.
Series: Fernley Family #1
Publication Date: 4/1/22
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 244
What a delightful surprise! I was about halfway through another book that was becoming more and more belabored and decided I needed a break from it. I went to Amazon to browse and something about this book’s description caught my attention. I purchased it and read it all in one day. I will admit that part of its appeal was the two protagonists dealing with grief and loss within their families as I am in that same process.
I don’t remember whether the book blurb tells you or not, but this is a very clean book – not even a kiss until almost the end. However, for some reason, that just seems exactly right for this book, this story, and these protagonists. Both lead characters had recently lost parents and it had left them lost, floundering, and unsure of themselves, the world, and their place in it. Their initial meeting went badly and both of them had their hackles raised with each other from that point forward. Baxter quickly learned Briar was appropriately named as she was very prickly and easily vexed – at least by him.
American Briar Kensington lost her whole world when her parents died. She was passed from uncaring distant relative to uncaring distant relative until her British grandfather could make arrangements for her to come to England and live with him. Now, deeply mourning and in a strange country, she has no idea how to fit into this new life. The rules of English society make no sense to her as they seem to value propriety above all else. So, when she literally runs into a man on a path she believes is on her grandfather’s property – and he refuses to give his name because they have not been introduced – and then proceeds to denigrate her being American – she takes an intense dislike to him. She fumes at what a lout he is!
Baxter Fernley, the Earl of Grafton, is still reeling from the sudden loss of his father. His father was everything that was good, decent, proper, and wise, and now Baxter has to step into those shoes. How can he do it? He spent his life at his father’s side learning to be the earl, but learning and observing are a far cry from being the earl. The responsibility for the earldom, his six brothers, and his mother sits heavily on his shoulders. So, when a hoydenish American literally runs into him and she ends up sitting in a mud puddle, his temper flares. How dare she be on his property, especially so dirty and unkempt. Her manners – goodness – how can she be so forward? She demanded to know his name though they’d never been introduced.
Every time Baxter and Briar are near each other, the tempers flare, and unkind words are hurled like spears into battle. Yet, beneath those tempers, there are kindred spirits that recognize each other and pull toward each other. It was delightful to watch these two battle it out until they each finally had the grand epiphany that they actually enjoyed those battles and they cared for each other.
I really enjoyed this read and this new-to-me author. The writing was good, the plot flowed well, and the characters were very relatable. I would assume there will be six more books in the series since there are six more brothers to marry. I suppose there could be seven should the author decide to provide a romance for Gigi, the mother of all those boys. Should you choose to read the book, I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.
June 1, 2023
My review
I really loved this story of Earl Grafton and the Traitor! The plot is well written, I interspersed with humor, misunderstanding, insults and forgiveness. Briar and Baxter are great main characters and enemies of sorts. Their interactions with each other, family and friends helps to understand them better and get to know future main characters in the Fernley Family series. I look forward to reading about them. I must confess that the cover and title is what drew me in originally, but author, Angela Johnson's writing has made me a fan. You will not be disappointed! Happy reading, friends!
Book Description:
When love arrives in the form of an enemy, who knew it would be covered in mud?
Baxter Fernley, the Earl of Grafton, takes his duty as a member of the ton with the utmost sincerity, even if King George III has lost his mind. As a respected member of the peerage and the local magistrate, his life has order and meaning until an unruly American woman with a muddy skirt falls at his feet in what he believes to be an attempt at trapping him in marriage.
Briar Kensington thought England was boring until her impolite neighbor knocked her down and threw unfounded accusations at her like a mud-slinging fool. When she overhears the man's claim that she might be the cause of King George's state of insanity, Briar decides she wants nothing to do with him, even if it was said in jest.
Baxter despises almost everything about his traitorous American neighbor, everything except her beauty and strong will. Briar finds Baxter to be an infuriating man without any common sense, even if she does admire his strength of character and loyalty to family and duty. When they agree to be civil, their awkward first meeting is forgotten and these enemies find themselves hoping for love.
I really loved this story of Earl Grafton and the Traitor! The plot is well written, I interspersed with humor, misunderstanding, insults and forgiveness. Briar and Baxter are great main characters and enemies of sorts. Their interactions with each other, family and friends helps to understand them better and get to know future main characters in the Fernley Family series. I look forward to reading about them. I must confess that the cover and title is what drew me in originally, but author, Angela Johnson's writing has made me a fan. You will not be disappointed! Happy reading, friends!
Book Description:
When love arrives in the form of an enemy, who knew it would be covered in mud?
Baxter Fernley, the Earl of Grafton, takes his duty as a member of the ton with the utmost sincerity, even if King George III has lost his mind. As a respected member of the peerage and the local magistrate, his life has order and meaning until an unruly American woman with a muddy skirt falls at his feet in what he believes to be an attempt at trapping him in marriage.
Briar Kensington thought England was boring until her impolite neighbor knocked her down and threw unfounded accusations at her like a mud-slinging fool. When she overhears the man's claim that she might be the cause of King George's state of insanity, Briar decides she wants nothing to do with him, even if it was said in jest.
Baxter despises almost everything about his traitorous American neighbor, everything except her beauty and strong will. Briar finds Baxter to be an infuriating man without any common sense, even if she does admire his strength of character and loyalty to family and duty. When they agree to be civil, their awkward first meeting is forgotten and these enemies find themselves hoping for love.
November 30, 2023
❤️4/5 for Romance & 0🌶️/5 for Spice (no smut romance)
This was such a lovely regency romance!
I thoroughly enjoyed myself with this read but just a quick caveat for future readers, this is a 0 spice aka “no smut” romance. If you really enjoy romance with 🌶️ this may not be the ideal read and if you prefer romance novels that are purely romantic with no smut then I highly recommend this novel.
If you’re a lover of the no-smut romance, I recommend this book for the following reasons:
1. It’s a slowwwww burn 🔥. The author had me wanting more the whole book. By the end I was feral for the couple to get together.
2. Great tropes! I love a found family trope and this was really sweet. I also adored how it was paired with a meddlesome family and a cunning dowager mother who would stop at nothing to see her son happily in love. Im also a sucker for “protector falls for his ward/charge” trope.
#3. The banter was pretty good! I really enjoyed when the FMC and MMC went head to head. He really knows how to get a rise out of her and it was fun to read every time. I also loved how the banter turned really playful in several scenes. Most times I cringe when authors write playful dialogue and scenes cause it rarely comes across as actually playful, usually it’s just really dorky, but Angela Johnson did a great job of keeping it sweet and innocent and FUN.
#4. Developed-enough side characters that make you want to read the rest of the series. The Fernley brothers were developed enough that you, the reader, will enjoy getting to know them and want to read their stories, but not so developed to take away from the main couple.
All in all, a lovely romance read.
This was such a lovely regency romance!
I thoroughly enjoyed myself with this read but just a quick caveat for future readers, this is a 0 spice aka “no smut” romance. If you really enjoy romance with 🌶️ this may not be the ideal read and if you prefer romance novels that are purely romantic with no smut then I highly recommend this novel.
If you’re a lover of the no-smut romance, I recommend this book for the following reasons:
1. It’s a slowwwww burn 🔥. The author had me wanting more the whole book. By the end I was feral for the couple to get together.
2. Great tropes! I love a found family trope and this was really sweet. I also adored how it was paired with a meddlesome family and a cunning dowager mother who would stop at nothing to see her son happily in love. Im also a sucker for “protector falls for his ward/charge” trope.
#3. The banter was pretty good! I really enjoyed when the FMC and MMC went head to head. He really knows how to get a rise out of her and it was fun to read every time. I also loved how the banter turned really playful in several scenes. Most times I cringe when authors write playful dialogue and scenes cause it rarely comes across as actually playful, usually it’s just really dorky, but Angela Johnson did a great job of keeping it sweet and innocent and FUN.
#4. Developed-enough side characters that make you want to read the rest of the series. The Fernley brothers were developed enough that you, the reader, will enjoy getting to know them and want to read their stories, but not so developed to take away from the main couple.
All in all, a lovely romance read.
April 24, 2022
Witty
Baxter and Briar are meant to be together. This is a book by an author that is unfamiliar to me.
Briar makes this an interesting book.
When love arrives in the form of an enemy, who knew it would be covered in mud?
Baxter Fernley, the Earl of Grafton, takes his duty as a member of the ton with the utmost sincerity, even if King George the III has lost his mind. As a respected member of the peerage and the local magistrate, his life has order and meaning until an unruly American woman with a muddy skirt falls at his feet in what he believes to be an attempt at trapping him in marriage.
Briar Kensington thought England was boring until her impolite neighbor knocked her down and threw unfounded accusations at her like a mud-slinging fool. When she overhears the man's claim that she might be the cause of King George's state of insanity, Briar decides she wants nothing to do with him, even if it was said in jest.
Baxter despises almost everything about his traitorous American neighbor, everything except her beauty and strong will. Briar finds Baxter to be an infuriating man without any common sense, even if she does admire his strength of character and loyalty to family and duty. When they agree to be civil, their awkward first meeting is forgotten and these enemies find themselves hoping for love.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Baxter and Briar are meant to be together. This is a book by an author that is unfamiliar to me.
Briar makes this an interesting book.
When love arrives in the form of an enemy, who knew it would be covered in mud?
Baxter Fernley, the Earl of Grafton, takes his duty as a member of the ton with the utmost sincerity, even if King George the III has lost his mind. As a respected member of the peerage and the local magistrate, his life has order and meaning until an unruly American woman with a muddy skirt falls at his feet in what he believes to be an attempt at trapping him in marriage.
Briar Kensington thought England was boring until her impolite neighbor knocked her down and threw unfounded accusations at her like a mud-slinging fool. When she overhears the man's claim that she might be the cause of King George's state of insanity, Briar decides she wants nothing to do with him, even if it was said in jest.
Baxter despises almost everything about his traitorous American neighbor, everything except her beauty and strong will. Briar finds Baxter to be an infuriating man without any common sense, even if she does admire his strength of character and loyalty to family and duty. When they agree to be civil, their awkward first meeting is forgotten and these enemies find themselves hoping for love.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
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July 15, 2024My last two Kindle Unlimited books were definitive wins which emboldened me to start on this one. The cover was intriguing and I was willing to forgive the bad title. More precisely, the title was misleading, but I was not to know that yet at that point. It’s merely that the phrase “Earl Grafton” does not sound correct, I think. I might be wrong since I am not an expert in forms of formal address, but I would have expected “the Earl of Grafton”. In any event, I was disabused of the notion of a simple lapsus calami when “Gigi” was referred to as the “dowager countess” despite the fact that her son was still a bachelor. Again, I am not an expert, but this sounds wrong.
While reading this book, I was for the most part trying to figure out whether AI wrote it based on historical inconsistencies and unnecessary verbosity. There was ample repetition - as if the author was trying to meet a daily word count. At some point there was, though, a grocer’s apostrophe and, as far as I know, we have not instilled bad grammar in AI (yet!). Then, after I finally read the book, I was immediately taken to the author’s bio. It turns out that she is an editor by trade. How?
While reading this book, I was for the most part trying to figure out whether AI wrote it based on historical inconsistencies and unnecessary verbosity. There was ample repetition - as if the author was trying to meet a daily word count. At some point there was, though, a grocer’s apostrophe and, as far as I know, we have not instilled bad grammar in AI (yet!). Then, after I finally read the book, I was immediately taken to the author’s bio. It turns out that she is an editor by trade. How?
January 26, 2025
Disclaimer: I didn't finish the book.
The most interesting part of this book was the first chapter, where the earl was dealing with a legal matter. The rest of the book dragged. I made it a third of the way through and just couldn't care anymore.
I appreciated that this story was not a constant "he's so hot" type of story, but rather that the author tried to make the romantic interest bloom based on personality (hence the additional star). However, Briar was such a petulant child and Baxter had zero personality entirely that any interest in their succeeding love story was lost. Switching voices every chapter didn't help, as I wasn't able to have any intrigue as to whether Baxter was really like Mr Darcy (not proud, but secretly socially anxious), as the chapters in his voice just showed that he was just boring.
I really struggled with the writing style too. It felt like half the text was written about in the modern world and half was written in the time period. The phrasing felt awkward and forced, and interrupted the flow of the story.
I might consider another book by this author if it's set in a modern time period, but I definitely won't read any more in this series.
The most interesting part of this book was the first chapter, where the earl was dealing with a legal matter. The rest of the book dragged. I made it a third of the way through and just couldn't care anymore.
I appreciated that this story was not a constant "he's so hot" type of story, but rather that the author tried to make the romantic interest bloom based on personality (hence the additional star). However, Briar was such a petulant child and Baxter had zero personality entirely that any interest in their succeeding love story was lost. Switching voices every chapter didn't help, as I wasn't able to have any intrigue as to whether Baxter was really like Mr Darcy (not proud, but secretly socially anxious), as the chapters in his voice just showed that he was just boring.
I really struggled with the writing style too. It felt like half the text was written about in the modern world and half was written in the time period. The phrasing felt awkward and forced, and interrupted the flow of the story.
I might consider another book by this author if it's set in a modern time period, but I definitely won't read any more in this series.
August 24, 2024
Quite enjoyable!
This was a light hearted and fun read! It satisfied my craving for an enemies to lovers romance. Reading this book right after finishing 1776 made me laugh out loud. An English lord being sour over an American woman (because she is American) and then falling madly in love with her. After reading all about the beginning of the American Revolutionary War and the tensions between the two countries, this book was an amusing read to read after deep diving into the American Revolution. I would have liked to see the romance between Briar and Baxter deepen more and I think that they love was kinda sudden. I would have liked more moments between the two of them. Also, I would have liked more dramatization/tension present in the two main characters, Briar and Baxter, when they realized their feelings of animosity turned into love toward each other. Overall, this was an entertaining read and a sweet romance.
This was a light hearted and fun read! It satisfied my craving for an enemies to lovers romance. Reading this book right after finishing 1776 made me laugh out loud. An English lord being sour over an American woman (because she is American) and then falling madly in love with her. After reading all about the beginning of the American Revolutionary War and the tensions between the two countries, this book was an amusing read to read after deep diving into the American Revolution. I would have liked to see the romance between Briar and Baxter deepen more and I think that they love was kinda sudden. I would have liked more moments between the two of them. Also, I would have liked more dramatization/tension present in the two main characters, Briar and Baxter, when they realized their feelings of animosity turned into love toward each other. Overall, this was an entertaining read and a sweet romance.
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