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Games Earls Play #3
Fell in Love with an Earl
There aren’t many young ladies who’d be eager to accept a governess position with wild twin boys in a lonely castle deep in the Oxfordshire countryside, but Helena Templeton has never been much like other young ladies. She’s just settled into her new post when the boys’ father, the rakish Earl of Hawke returns home unexpectedly, half-dressed and fleeing his latest London scandal.
Adrian Chatham wasn’t aware he even had a governess until he returns home after months of London debauchery have failed to chase his dead wife’s memory from his mind. The last thing he wants is a high-handed, meddlesome chit like Helena Templeton in his house, but his boys need her, and maybe, just maybe…he does, too.
But just as they’ve reached a fragile truce, Helena’s sisters summon her home. Heartbroken, she leaves Hawke’s Run, but Adrian isn’t willing to let her go so easily. He wants Helena to use her miraculous matchmaking skills to find him a wife, and he has just the lady in mind…
Adrian Chatham wasn’t aware he even had a governess until he returns home after months of London debauchery have failed to chase his dead wife’s memory from his mind. The last thing he wants is a high-handed, meddlesome chit like Helena Templeton in his house, but his boys need her, and maybe, just maybe…he does, too.
But just as they’ve reached a fragile truce, Helena’s sisters summon her home. Heartbroken, she leaves Hawke’s Run, but Adrian isn’t willing to let her go so easily. He wants Helena to use her miraculous matchmaking skills to find him a wife, and he has just the lady in mind…
182 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 13, 2022
95 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
About the author
Anna Bradley
50 books844 followersAnna 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 100 reviews
June 8, 2024
⭐⭐💫
2½ stars.
➕ What I liked:
Country setting. (Not set in London.)
Governess.
That the children were portrayed/written as the age they are ( 6 years old) and not like teenagers or too precocious.
The cats.
Kind of interesting main characters.
Interesting start to the plot/story.
Somewhat of a enemies to lovers vibe.
(But just in the very start of the story.)
The hero tried to make amends to his children for being absent in their lives for 6 months.
➖ What I disliked:
Rushed.
(Even for a novella/shorter story.)
Rather abrupt ending.
There was no real steam … only kissing and no sex scene.
(The book is not labeled/marked as a clean/”sweet” or closed door romance but it very much felt like one.)
Some parts of the plot/story felt jumbled and disjointed.
Formulaic.
Lacking chemistry and sexual tension.
Lacking and rushed romance/romantic build-up.
Lacking character development for both main characters.
(And this could be said for all the books/main characters so far in this series.)
Formulaic in the character description/visual appearance/character choices.
It is glossed over how neglectful and irresponsible the hero was towards his children.
(Leaving them and their care completely to the servants and the governess (that he did not know anything about) and being away completely for 6 months…. Even for that era/time period and factoring in grief… that is neglectful and irresponsible…. Especially since the hero says he cares for and loves his children.)
2½ stars.
➕ What I liked:
Country setting. (Not set in London.)
Governess.
That the children were portrayed/written as the age they are ( 6 years old) and not like teenagers or too precocious.
The cats.
Kind of interesting main characters.
Interesting start to the plot/story.
Somewhat of a enemies to lovers vibe.
(But just in the very start of the story.)
The hero tried to make amends to his children for being absent in their lives for 6 months.
➖ What I disliked:
Rushed.
(Even for a novella/shorter story.)
Rather abrupt ending.
There was no real steam … only kissing and no sex scene.
(The book is not labeled/marked as a clean/”sweet” or closed door romance but it very much felt like one.)
Some parts of the plot/story felt jumbled and disjointed.
Formulaic.
Lacking chemistry and sexual tension.
Lacking and rushed romance/romantic build-up.
Lacking character development for both main characters.
(And this could be said for all the books/main characters so far in this series.)
Formulaic in the character description/visual appearance/character choices.
It is glossed over how neglectful and irresponsible the hero was towards his children.
(Leaving them and their care completely to the servants and the governess (that he did not know anything about) and being away completely for 6 months…. Even for that era/time period and factoring in grief… that is neglectful and irresponsible…. Especially since the hero says he cares for and loves his children.)
July 21, 2024
This series is just so good
November 17, 2022
Thank you, Oliver Heber Books and Netgalley, for the free copy of the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Anna Bradley is a new-to-me author. This book has a fairly straightforward premise. Adrian, Earl of Hawke lost his wife, Sofie 2 years ago and has been enmeshed in debauchery since then. He has twin sons, Ryan and Etienne, whom he packed away at his country seat, Hawke's Run. After a huge scandal, he ran away from London to Hawke's Run and promptly came across his children's governess, Helena Templeton, who was collecting mistletoes (of all the things!), and she was stuck on a tree. Helena's family is pretty notorious in London, so she buried herself in the country to escape the notoriety. Some accidents, mishaps, a Christmas ball and a pregnant cat, happened along the way. Whoever said the course to true love is easy?
I liked that Helena isn't enamoured with Adrian from the get-go. She has some preconceived notions about Adrian due to his reputation as a notorious rake. Adrian stayed away from Hawke's Run because of the memories there. This, however, inadvertently affects his relationship with his children.
I think Ms Bradley's writing is charming. She manages to capture feline behaviour perfectly. I have a cat myself, so the cat's antics seemed to be on point. Julie Anne Long is the only author I could think of who has an uncanny understanding of feline behaviour.
The first half is excellent, but unfortunately, the plot in the second half, well, meanders. I struggled to finish the book after the 50% mark. The plot isn't new; a notorious widower rake and the governess trope has been done to death. The first half is filled with a few funny incidents, so it was very engaging. The second half felt flat.
This book is short and a quick read. If you're looking for something sweet and low-angst, this book should be able to satisfy you. I prefer an emotionally demanding book, so this was just an okay read for me.
Steam factor: Nil. Kisses only.
Anna Bradley is a new-to-me author. This book has a fairly straightforward premise. Adrian, Earl of Hawke lost his wife, Sofie 2 years ago and has been enmeshed in debauchery since then. He has twin sons, Ryan and Etienne, whom he packed away at his country seat, Hawke's Run. After a huge scandal, he ran away from London to Hawke's Run and promptly came across his children's governess, Helena Templeton, who was collecting mistletoes (of all the things!), and she was stuck on a tree. Helena's family is pretty notorious in London, so she buried herself in the country to escape the notoriety. Some accidents, mishaps, a Christmas ball and a pregnant cat, happened along the way. Whoever said the course to true love is easy?
I liked that Helena isn't enamoured with Adrian from the get-go. She has some preconceived notions about Adrian due to his reputation as a notorious rake. Adrian stayed away from Hawke's Run because of the memories there. This, however, inadvertently affects his relationship with his children.
I think Ms Bradley's writing is charming. She manages to capture feline behaviour perfectly. I have a cat myself, so the cat's antics seemed to be on point. Julie Anne Long is the only author I could think of who has an uncanny understanding of feline behaviour.
The first half is excellent, but unfortunately, the plot in the second half, well, meanders. I struggled to finish the book after the 50% mark. The plot isn't new; a notorious widower rake and the governess trope has been done to death. The first half is filled with a few funny incidents, so it was very engaging. The second half felt flat.
This book is short and a quick read. If you're looking for something sweet and low-angst, this book should be able to satisfy you. I prefer an emotionally demanding book, so this was just an okay read for me.
Steam factor: Nil. Kisses only.
December 18, 2022
I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Helena Templeton, one of the infamous and scandalous Templeton sisters, is the governess of the two young sons of Adrian Chatham, but she has never seen the illustrious lord since beginning her post. She has a run in with the gruff and grumpy lord while stuck in a tree, and their relationship gets off on the wrong foot immediately. He removes her from her post effective immediately, but everyone seems to love Helena including his sons, so he decides to give her another chance. Hawke's Run and Helena start to change Adrian for the better, and now he questions if he should ever leave.
It's a well-known fact that I love Anna Bradley, and I will read anything she writes BUT this one did not do it for me if I am being honest. There is nothing wrong with it. It's a sweet story, but it just didn't have the character development and the sexual tension that I am used to getting from her. I will stand by my opinion that this series of hers is too short, and so a lot of the character development that I have come to love is left off the page. I like that she is going back to her romance roots, but I think I am just missing all the things that make me love Anna in the first place. She has a beautiful prose, and her words are such magic. The magic was just a little bit absent in this one for me.
Anna Bradley is an auto-read for me so if you want something sweet, clean, and very light angst then maybe give this a try. It's a short easy read, and good for those reading goals we are desperately trying to break 13 days before 2022 is over.
Helena Templeton, one of the infamous and scandalous Templeton sisters, is the governess of the two young sons of Adrian Chatham, but she has never seen the illustrious lord since beginning her post. She has a run in with the gruff and grumpy lord while stuck in a tree, and their relationship gets off on the wrong foot immediately. He removes her from her post effective immediately, but everyone seems to love Helena including his sons, so he decides to give her another chance. Hawke's Run and Helena start to change Adrian for the better, and now he questions if he should ever leave.
It's a well-known fact that I love Anna Bradley, and I will read anything she writes BUT this one did not do it for me if I am being honest. There is nothing wrong with it. It's a sweet story, but it just didn't have the character development and the sexual tension that I am used to getting from her. I will stand by my opinion that this series of hers is too short, and so a lot of the character development that I have come to love is left off the page. I like that she is going back to her romance roots, but I think I am just missing all the things that make me love Anna in the first place. She has a beautiful prose, and her words are such magic. The magic was just a little bit absent in this one for me.
Anna Bradley is an auto-read for me so if you want something sweet, clean, and very light angst then maybe give this a try. It's a short easy read, and good for those reading goals we are desperately trying to break 13 days before 2022 is over.
December 10, 2022
Helena Templeton is the third sister to find a post after their name is tainted by their mother’s scandal. She takes a governess position with wild twin boys in a lonely castle deep in the Oxfordshire countryside. She’s just settled into her new post & tamed the twins when the their father, the rakish Earl of Hawke returns home unexpectedly, half-dressed and fleeing his latest London scandal. Adrian Chatham wasn’t aware he even had a governess until her returns home after months of London trying & having failed to chase his dead wife’s memory from his mind. The last thing he wants is a high-handed, meddlesome chit like Helena in his house, but his boys need her. Just as they reach a fragile truce, Helena’s sisters summon her home. Heartbroken, she leaves Hawke’s Run, but Adrian isn’t willing to let her go so easily. He wants Helena to use her miraculous matchmaking skills to find him a wife, and he has just the lady in mind
The third book in the series & a quick entertaining read which flowed really well & I read it in a sitting. I loved Helena who certainly had a backbone. Adrian was harder to like but as he gradually reformed his ways I grew to like him more & more. The twins were a delight. A lovely humorous short story, which made me smile
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The third book in the series & a quick entertaining read which flowed really well & I read it in a sitting. I loved Helena who certainly had a backbone. Adrian was harder to like but as he gradually reformed his ways I grew to like him more & more. The twins were a delight. A lovely humorous short story, which made me smile
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
December 25, 2022
I found this story to be entertaining, easy to read, and the story held my attention. The characters are fun and the hero & heroine are very well matched.
Overall a romance you don’t want to miss!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Overall a romance you don’t want to miss!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 6, 2022
Quick Summary: A sweet second-time-around love story
My Review: Fell in Love with an Earl by Anna Bradley was a charming romance about a governess and a widower who unexpectedly fall for each other. Filled with kittens, kids, kindness, and kisses, this love story will make you swoon.
My Final Say: Readers who enjoy stories about finding love after loss will really appreciate this work.
Rating: 3.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status: Clean
I voluntarily read this ARC via NetGalley. Thanks to the author and to the publisher, who provided access to this title exchange for an honest review.
My Review: Fell in Love with an Earl by Anna Bradley was a charming romance about a governess and a widower who unexpectedly fall for each other. Filled with kittens, kids, kindness, and kisses, this love story will make you swoon.
My Final Say: Readers who enjoy stories about finding love after loss will really appreciate this work.
Rating: 3.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status: Clean
I voluntarily read this ARC via NetGalley. Thanks to the author and to the publisher, who provided access to this title exchange for an honest review.
March 13, 2023
Loved the ending and some of the beautiful lines in this one—Anna Bradley really does capture emotion and truths in a lovely way. That said, I felt this was the weakest of the bunch thus far because the characters just didn’t spend enough time together. The set up and resolution and understanding of feelings were solid but the middle needed to have more development to be a five star read for me.
Really enjoyed the side characters and the glimpses with the village and the pregnant cat and the twin boys though. Lots of enjoyable trimmings. It just needed a little more development of the earl’s change of heart (he seemed an alcoholic with serious scandal and depression on his heels at the beginning and that just wasn’t ever addressed directly) and how Helena saw the earl in a different light beyond observing his love for his boys and desire to please a cat. There just needed to be more meat in their dialogue.
Still, I’ve really liked this series and will eagerly hope she’ll continue it for the remaining sisters.
Really enjoyed the side characters and the glimpses with the village and the pregnant cat and the twin boys though. Lots of enjoyable trimmings. It just needed a little more development of the earl’s change of heart (he seemed an alcoholic with serious scandal and depression on his heels at the beginning and that just wasn’t ever addressed directly) and how Helena saw the earl in a different light beyond observing his love for his boys and desire to please a cat. There just needed to be more meat in their dialogue.
Still, I’ve really liked this series and will eagerly hope she’ll continue it for the remaining sisters.
December 26, 2023
Governess to precocious twin boys, Helena has her hands full while their father creates scandal in London. When the earl shows up at Hawke's Run, he's not as well put together as he should be. Little does he know his governess is one of the matchmaking Templeton sisters. A litter of kittens, another pregnant cat and his sons' fascination with animal husbandry, the Earl finds himself caught up in life again with the help of the governess he can't live without. Leave no page unturned with an emotional, funny romance.
HOT KISSES!
HOT KISSES!
June 20, 2024
Another 3.5 stars, there were so many cats I couldn’t keep them straight
December 15, 2022
I received an advanced reader's copy of Fell in Love with an Earl by Anna Bradley.
I've enjoyed reading about the Templeton sisters in this series. The meet-cute between Helena and Adrian was fun and I liked how they interacted. Helena stood up to him even though she was his employee. I think her having mettle fit because she was governess to unruly boys, and unlike other governesses she'd not been run off by them. She's the perfect character to help Adrian heal and move forward from his past. Hestia, the resident cat, added some entertaining scenes to the story. Having cats, I could relate to some of the feline antics.
I've enjoyed reading about the Templeton sisters in this series. The meet-cute between Helena and Adrian was fun and I liked how they interacted. Helena stood up to him even though she was his employee. I think her having mettle fit because she was governess to unruly boys, and unlike other governesses she'd not been run off by them. She's the perfect character to help Adrian heal and move forward from his past. Hestia, the resident cat, added some entertaining scenes to the story. Having cats, I could relate to some of the feline antics.
December 5, 2022
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
Finding work as a governess was not what Helena Templeton expected from her life, but she relishes her job and spending time with her young charges. The boys, Ryan and Etienne, have been without their parents since their mother died and their father travelled to London to try and chase away his memories. But when Adrian Chatham, Earl of Hawke, arrives home unexpectedly, half dressed and not even sure that he employed a governess, let alone Helena, he's in for a shock. Just as Helena and Adrian call a truce, for the sake of the boys and the estate, she needs to leave to be with her sisters, and Adrian feels her loss greatly. Never expecting he would want to remarry, all he can think of now is Helena, and being a family. But can he convince Helena to give it a go?
Ahh, this book was so good! Adrian and Helena's romance was perfect for them as a couple, and as much as Adrian tried to show he was a hard and tough man, his soft side with the cats, and the clear wish he had to do better for his sons was phenomenal. I always love it when the hero falls first, and that was definitely true here. The family aspect was fantastic too, and I loved how the boys respected Helena so much, and truly loved her and wished for her to be part of the family as much as Adrian did. A lovely romance, and great end to the series.
Finding work as a governess was not what Helena Templeton expected from her life, but she relishes her job and spending time with her young charges. The boys, Ryan and Etienne, have been without their parents since their mother died and their father travelled to London to try and chase away his memories. But when Adrian Chatham, Earl of Hawke, arrives home unexpectedly, half dressed and not even sure that he employed a governess, let alone Helena, he's in for a shock. Just as Helena and Adrian call a truce, for the sake of the boys and the estate, she needs to leave to be with her sisters, and Adrian feels her loss greatly. Never expecting he would want to remarry, all he can think of now is Helena, and being a family. But can he convince Helena to give it a go?
Ahh, this book was so good! Adrian and Helena's romance was perfect for them as a couple, and as much as Adrian tried to show he was a hard and tough man, his soft side with the cats, and the clear wish he had to do better for his sons was phenomenal. I always love it when the hero falls first, and that was definitely true here. The family aspect was fantastic too, and I loved how the boys respected Helena so much, and truly loved her and wished for her to be part of the family as much as Adrian did. A lovely romance, and great end to the series.
November 21, 2022
This story captured me from the beginning!
Helena was engaging right from the start, she was funny, smart, sassy and her devotion to her charges was very relatable.
Adrian took a while to like - for me, the other characters and even for himself. Ms. Bradly did a good job in changing this angry, scared and self-loathing rake into someone who was worthy of his children and Helena.
This was a well written and entertaining historical romance that gave the reader enough backstory to feel comfortable not having read the previous books but wanting to because the stories are intriguing.
I would definitely recommend this book.
Thank-you to Oliver Heber Books and NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
#FellinLovewithanEarl #NetGalley
Helena was engaging right from the start, she was funny, smart, sassy and her devotion to her charges was very relatable.
Adrian took a while to like - for me, the other characters and even for himself. Ms. Bradly did a good job in changing this angry, scared and self-loathing rake into someone who was worthy of his children and Helena.
This was a well written and entertaining historical romance that gave the reader enough backstory to feel comfortable not having read the previous books but wanting to because the stories are intriguing.
I would definitely recommend this book.
Thank-you to Oliver Heber Books and NetGalley for providing me with a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.
#FellinLovewithanEarl #NetGalley
December 8, 2022
🎄Fell in Love with an Earl 🐈
Games Earls Play Book 3
✒️ Anna Bradley
https://m.facebook.com/annabradley472/
Release Date 12/13/2022
Publisher Oliver Herber Books
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BHKTL346?...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
There aren’t many young ladies who’d be eager to accept a governess position with wild twin boys in a lonely castle deep in the Oxfordshire countryside, but Helena Templeton has never been much like other young ladies. She’s just settled into her new post when the boys’ father, the rakish Earl of Hawke returns home unexpectedly, half-dressed and fleeing his latest London scandal.
Adrian Chatham wasn’t aware he even had a governess until her returns home after months of London debauchery have failed to chase his dead wife’s memory from his mind. The last thing he wants is a high-handed, meddlesome chit like Helena Templeton in his house, but his boys need her, and maybe, just maybe…he does, too.
But just as they’ve reached a fragile truce, Helena’s sisters summon her home. Heartbroken, she leaves Hawke’s Run, but Adrian isn’t willing to let her go so easily. He wants Helena to use her miraculous matchmaking skills to find him a wife, and he has just the lady in mind…
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will they see what is right in front of them before it is too late …
A sweet seconde chance romance with this third book.
Adrian never really recovered from his wife’s passing, running away from his pain, drowning it in excesses of all kind but by leaving behind the place of his happy years, he also kind of abandoned his children.
Trouble bringing him back home, he must face two disappointed children, a governess with a temper and some furry devils.
Helena is one of the many Templeton’s girls, her name tainted by her mother’s scandal and the ton’s gossiping tongues. To help her siblings when funds went lacking, she had sought a governess position. She is quite happy with her two hellions, she has somewhat tamed.
With the return of their father, a new challenge kind of manifested itself.
How to rekindle this father with his sons and not fall from the grump with a kind heart.
This is a sweet cute tale with a fun first encounter, a miss who has a backbone, a lord who realizes he must let the past go, two misfits who miss their father and plenty of purring help.
While I think the story could have enjoyed a bit more chapters to enhance their romance, I really loved this lovely holidays romance.
4.5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 kisses
I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cl6LxG...
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#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2022read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #annabradley #romancestagram #readersofinstagram
Games Earls Play Book 3
✒️ Anna Bradley
https://m.facebook.com/annabradley472/
Release Date 12/13/2022
Publisher Oliver Herber Books
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BHKTL346?...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
There aren’t many young ladies who’d be eager to accept a governess position with wild twin boys in a lonely castle deep in the Oxfordshire countryside, but Helena Templeton has never been much like other young ladies. She’s just settled into her new post when the boys’ father, the rakish Earl of Hawke returns home unexpectedly, half-dressed and fleeing his latest London scandal.
Adrian Chatham wasn’t aware he even had a governess until her returns home after months of London debauchery have failed to chase his dead wife’s memory from his mind. The last thing he wants is a high-handed, meddlesome chit like Helena Templeton in his house, but his boys need her, and maybe, just maybe…he does, too.
But just as they’ve reached a fragile truce, Helena’s sisters summon her home. Heartbroken, she leaves Hawke’s Run, but Adrian isn’t willing to let her go so easily. He wants Helena to use her miraculous matchmaking skills to find him a wife, and he has just the lady in mind…
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will they see what is right in front of them before it is too late …
A sweet seconde chance romance with this third book.
Adrian never really recovered from his wife’s passing, running away from his pain, drowning it in excesses of all kind but by leaving behind the place of his happy years, he also kind of abandoned his children.
Trouble bringing him back home, he must face two disappointed children, a governess with a temper and some furry devils.
Helena is one of the many Templeton’s girls, her name tainted by her mother’s scandal and the ton’s gossiping tongues. To help her siblings when funds went lacking, she had sought a governess position. She is quite happy with her two hellions, she has somewhat tamed.
With the return of their father, a new challenge kind of manifested itself.
How to rekindle this father with his sons and not fall from the grump with a kind heart.
This is a sweet cute tale with a fun first encounter, a miss who has a backbone, a lord who realizes he must let the past go, two misfits who miss their father and plenty of purring help.
While I think the story could have enjoyed a bit more chapters to enhance their romance, I really loved this lovely holidays romance.
4.5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 kisses
I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cl6LxG...
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?stor...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2022read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #annabradley #romancestagram #readersofinstagram
January 1, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book and this is my freely given opinion.
This is book three of the Games Earls Play series and the story is about Helena Templeton who is now living at Hawke's Run, working as a governess for the young twin sons of the Earl of Hawke, Adrian Chatham. They were running wild, and had run off several other governesses before her, likely acting out and suffering from neglect as their father took off for London shortly after the mourning period ended for their dead mother, and has seldom returned home to Hawke's Run. Instead he seemed to be leading a rakish, debauched life in London, so much so that news of his scandalous behaviour has made the gossip rounds even in the country.
As it is, the story opens with Adrian having ridden home, from London, barely dressed, missing his hat and boot, and soiled in his own vomit... escaping his latest escapade in London? A rather ignominious return home for an Earl. On his way home though, he has an encounter with a rather bold young lady stuck in a tree on his estate, his introduction to Helena. He was not even aware that his son's had a governess, let alone one as bold as Helena. He is not even aware of her Templeton notoriety, but takes undue offense at a variety of things, leading to his firing of Helena before he has even had a chance to settle in his home. Unfortunately he is forced to back track when he realizes how attached his sons have become to her; he already feels enough guilt and disconnection with the boys because of his abandonment of them, and doesn't know how to be a father to them.
Helena feels sorry for him, and because she loves the boys, works to try to reconnect the ersatz father with the rambunctious boys who are yearning for their father.
This is a rather sweet story with a bit of a Christmas theme of a man broken by the loss of his wife, and a young woman with a lot of love inside trying to help a broken family. There is also lots and lots of kittens. Initially, Adrian appears to be a debauched, heartless, selfish rake, but as the story goes on, we learn how broken and lost he was after the death of his wife.
But really, it is hard for me to get over the opening scene where he is pretty much riding across the country soiled in his own vomit...
So not a good start to any love story...
I have a pretty tough stomach - I can deal with bloody wounds, rotting flesh, mucous, bile, and bodily fluids and ooze of all kinds, real or fictional. But not vomit... nope...
3 stars... would likely be more if it wasn't for the vomit
I mean, it definitely set the scene.... but it is still the fact that he barfed on himself! Hard first impression to overcome!
This is book three of the Games Earls Play series and the story is about Helena Templeton who is now living at Hawke's Run, working as a governess for the young twin sons of the Earl of Hawke, Adrian Chatham. They were running wild, and had run off several other governesses before her, likely acting out and suffering from neglect as their father took off for London shortly after the mourning period ended for their dead mother, and has seldom returned home to Hawke's Run. Instead he seemed to be leading a rakish, debauched life in London, so much so that news of his scandalous behaviour has made the gossip rounds even in the country.
As it is, the story opens with Adrian having ridden home, from London, barely dressed, missing his hat and boot, and soiled in his own vomit... escaping his latest escapade in London? A rather ignominious return home for an Earl. On his way home though, he has an encounter with a rather bold young lady stuck in a tree on his estate, his introduction to Helena. He was not even aware that his son's had a governess, let alone one as bold as Helena. He is not even aware of her Templeton notoriety, but takes undue offense at a variety of things, leading to his firing of Helena before he has even had a chance to settle in his home. Unfortunately he is forced to back track when he realizes how attached his sons have become to her; he already feels enough guilt and disconnection with the boys because of his abandonment of them, and doesn't know how to be a father to them.
Helena feels sorry for him, and because she loves the boys, works to try to reconnect the ersatz father with the rambunctious boys who are yearning for their father.
This is a rather sweet story with a bit of a Christmas theme of a man broken by the loss of his wife, and a young woman with a lot of love inside trying to help a broken family. There is also lots and lots of kittens. Initially, Adrian appears to be a debauched, heartless, selfish rake, but as the story goes on, we learn how broken and lost he was after the death of his wife.
But really, it is hard for me to get over the opening scene where he is pretty much riding across the country soiled in his own vomit...
So not a good start to any love story...
I have a pretty tough stomach - I can deal with bloody wounds, rotting flesh, mucous, bile, and bodily fluids and ooze of all kinds, real or fictional. But not vomit... nope...
3 stars... would likely be more if it wasn't for the vomit
I mean, it definitely set the scene.... but it is still the fact that he barfed on himself! Hard first impression to overcome!
October 8, 2024
My rating for Fell in Love with an Earl, by Anna Bradley: 3.5 stars rounded up to 4 stars.
This was the 3rd book in the Games Earls Play series. It was enjoyable, but not quite as good as the first book. These books can be read standalone, but I believe they would be more enjoyable if read in order -- as they are each about the romance of one of the five Templeton sisters.
I liked Helena, and loved that she was such a strong woman. She handled the scandal that had affected her family with courage, and didn't let it ruin her life. Instead, she took charge and found a governess job, at which she was very good. I also liked that she stood up to Adrian when he was so unfair to her at first, that she didn't let his bad attitude chase her off, and that she was so good with his sons.
Adrian was hard to like at first, with his rakish behavior and avoidance of his sons. It soon became obvious, though, that he wasn't really a rake at all, but had stayed away because he couldn't bear to be in the home where his beloved first wife had died. That didn't excuse his neglect of his sons, but it did explain it. It also became apparent that he loved his sons very much, but didn't know how to find his way back into their lives. I was glad that Helena helped him with that, and that he was able to repair their relationship. Once he got past his initial bad behavior, he was actually very likable.
This was actually a sweet romance, with nothing but kisses. It was the first one of this series that had no sex scenes at all, but I didn't think they were really needed in this story.
I'm looking forward to reading the last two books in this series.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
This was the 3rd book in the Games Earls Play series. It was enjoyable, but not quite as good as the first book. These books can be read standalone, but I believe they would be more enjoyable if read in order -- as they are each about the romance of one of the five Templeton sisters.
I liked Helena, and loved that she was such a strong woman. She handled the scandal that had affected her family with courage, and didn't let it ruin her life. Instead, she took charge and found a governess job, at which she was very good. I also liked that she stood up to Adrian when he was so unfair to her at first, that she didn't let his bad attitude chase her off, and that she was so good with his sons.
Adrian was hard to like at first, with his rakish behavior and avoidance of his sons. It soon became obvious, though, that he wasn't really a rake at all, but had stayed away because he couldn't bear to be in the home where his beloved first wife had died. That didn't excuse his neglect of his sons, but it did explain it. It also became apparent that he loved his sons very much, but didn't know how to find his way back into their lives. I was glad that Helena helped him with that, and that he was able to repair their relationship. Once he got past his initial bad behavior, he was actually very likable.
This was actually a sweet romance, with nothing but kisses. It was the first one of this series that had no sex scenes at all, but I didn't think they were really needed in this story.
I'm looking forward to reading the last two books in this series.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
November 27, 2022
The Earl of Hawke, Adrian Chatham, has lost many articles of clothing when fleeing London and a lady. As Adrian got closer to Hawke’s Run, Oxfordshire his home in the country, he notices a woman up a tree on his property no less trying to throw branches at him. The woman-Miss. Helena Templeton attempts to apologize and explain why she is up the tree. Helena’s hair is tangled up in the tree. Adrian demands she comes down and must help her. After doing so, he finds out that Helena is his son’s governess. Helena goes back to the house and tries to discipline both boys and things would have worked out fine. Until Helena steps on a cat’s tail and loses the tray she is taking to them, dropping it to the floor. Adrian heard the commotion and fires Helena on the spot, which causes quite an uproar making the boys beg to keep her while the household threaten to quit. Adrian has no choice but to rehire her with much apprehension. As Adrian gets to know Helena, he realizes how she really has turned everyone around even him. Adrian knows it Helena ever leaves it will also destroy his world.
This a quick historical romantic novella which is a joy to read! The story moves quite smoothly despite the length and isn’t even hard to understand. Sure, it is part of a series but can stand alone without too much trouble. Of course, it wouldn’t be so hard to read the other books in the series just to enjoy and understand the crazy Templeton family. The characters even shimmer with life, making them fun even wishing you could be part of them. Yes, Oxfordshire just seems like a wonderful place to not only visit but live. Helena, the fiercely independent heroine is just so captivating! It would have been nice to hear of more history of Helena, but it was adequate enough. While Adrian on the other hand at first seems a bit high handed eventually softens especially when it comes to showing that he is truly a good guy. The way he treats a pregnant cat is just so sweet. Even when he yells at everyone, and people fear him Helena is never scared of and can stand up to him. Ms. Anna Bradley just knows how to write a humorous Regency love story that of course I will want to read more about!
This a quick historical romantic novella which is a joy to read! The story moves quite smoothly despite the length and isn’t even hard to understand. Sure, it is part of a series but can stand alone without too much trouble. Of course, it wouldn’t be so hard to read the other books in the series just to enjoy and understand the crazy Templeton family. The characters even shimmer with life, making them fun even wishing you could be part of them. Yes, Oxfordshire just seems like a wonderful place to not only visit but live. Helena, the fiercely independent heroine is just so captivating! It would have been nice to hear of more history of Helena, but it was adequate enough. While Adrian on the other hand at first seems a bit high handed eventually softens especially when it comes to showing that he is truly a good guy. The way he treats a pregnant cat is just so sweet. Even when he yells at everyone, and people fear him Helena is never scared of and can stand up to him. Ms. Anna Bradley just knows how to write a humorous Regency love story that of course I will want to read more about!
December 12, 2022
I read this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review
The sudden passing of his beloved wife left Adrian, Earl of Hawke, so broken that after the year of mourning he fled to London and sook refuge in debauchery, visiting his twin sons only every few months at a time.
Two years later Adrian finds himself at the core of a scandal with a very prominent woman and therefore he goes back to his estate until the rumors die down. There, at his estate, he finds out that he has no connection whatsoever with his sons who are now six years of age, he also discovers that he has a governess who finally has his sons under her command. This young woman whose name is Helena and a growing litter of cats will help him make amends with his past mistakes, reconnect with his twins repairing the broken bonds between them and, in the process, find love again in the arms of this beautiful and determined governess who managed to tame her three men with kindness.
“Fell in Love With an Earl”, by Anna Bradley, is a very beautiful and sweet Regency Christmas romance. In it Adrian and Helena have their chance at love and life. They start off with the wrong foot but for the sake of the children and thanks to their forced proximity they warm up to each other and slowly but surely they go from a forbidden attraction to a life together as a family. It is a book full of the season’s spirit, full of joy despite the grief that Adrian needs to overcome, and full of cats and mistletoe.
Reading stories written by Anna Bradley is like coming back home to my blankets and my hot coffee in a cold day. Hers are such sweet love stories and so heartwarming that they’re perfect for when I feel under the weather. I simply love her.
The sudden passing of his beloved wife left Adrian, Earl of Hawke, so broken that after the year of mourning he fled to London and sook refuge in debauchery, visiting his twin sons only every few months at a time.
Two years later Adrian finds himself at the core of a scandal with a very prominent woman and therefore he goes back to his estate until the rumors die down. There, at his estate, he finds out that he has no connection whatsoever with his sons who are now six years of age, he also discovers that he has a governess who finally has his sons under her command. This young woman whose name is Helena and a growing litter of cats will help him make amends with his past mistakes, reconnect with his twins repairing the broken bonds between them and, in the process, find love again in the arms of this beautiful and determined governess who managed to tame her three men with kindness.
“Fell in Love With an Earl”, by Anna Bradley, is a very beautiful and sweet Regency Christmas romance. In it Adrian and Helena have their chance at love and life. They start off with the wrong foot but for the sake of the children and thanks to their forced proximity they warm up to each other and slowly but surely they go from a forbidden attraction to a life together as a family. It is a book full of the season’s spirit, full of joy despite the grief that Adrian needs to overcome, and full of cats and mistletoe.
Reading stories written by Anna Bradley is like coming back home to my blankets and my hot coffee in a cold day. Hers are such sweet love stories and so heartwarming that they’re perfect for when I feel under the weather. I simply love her.
November 13, 2022
I really like the Games Earls Play series by Anna Bradley, so I've been really excited to read Fell in Love with an Earl. In the previous book, we got to meet this book's heroine, Helena, and the scenes at Hawkes Run made me excited for this book.
I loved this book's heroine, Helena! She knew herself, had a backbone, and had the perfect amount of stubbornness without being annoyingly obstinate. Her counterpart, Adrian was grumpy but still seemed charming, which I think is hard to pull off but Anna Bradley was able to. If I had one complaint about this book, it would be that I wanted more scenes of Adrian and Helena together. I feel like there should have been more, especially because in most of the scenes together they was more strife, and not enough of them falling in love. There was a lot of observing or yearning in private without them being in together, not enough even just conversations getting to know each other. This book seems relatively short and I felt like it could have a couple more chapters with them together more. This HR fan wanted a little more romance!
I do love the sensitivity of Adrian, as well as his sweet sons, Ryan and Etienne! I love how the boys loved Helena. Their dearness and their enthusiasm was so sweet! It was fun to see Juliet and Miles from book number 2, and Juliet determined to keep matchmaking!
All in all, I really enjoyed Fell in Love with an Earl. The dialogue was entertaining, all the characters I really enjoyed. I love Anna Bradley books, and I was really excited to receive this ARC from Netgalley to review. This is a really good addition to the series, and if you like HRs readers will enjoy this one.
I loved this book's heroine, Helena! She knew herself, had a backbone, and had the perfect amount of stubbornness without being annoyingly obstinate. Her counterpart, Adrian was grumpy but still seemed charming, which I think is hard to pull off but Anna Bradley was able to. If I had one complaint about this book, it would be that I wanted more scenes of Adrian and Helena together. I feel like there should have been more, especially because in most of the scenes together they was more strife, and not enough of them falling in love. There was a lot of observing or yearning in private without them being in together, not enough even just conversations getting to know each other. This book seems relatively short and I felt like it could have a couple more chapters with them together more. This HR fan wanted a little more romance!
I do love the sensitivity of Adrian, as well as his sweet sons, Ryan and Etienne! I love how the boys loved Helena. Their dearness and their enthusiasm was so sweet! It was fun to see Juliet and Miles from book number 2, and Juliet determined to keep matchmaking!
All in all, I really enjoyed Fell in Love with an Earl. The dialogue was entertaining, all the characters I really enjoyed. I love Anna Bradley books, and I was really excited to receive this ARC from Netgalley to review. This is a really good addition to the series, and if you like HRs readers will enjoy this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2022
Helena Templeton is from a family of scandal. Instead of putting up with the ton and its views she has become a governess. With the teaching her father gave all his girls she is more the qualified. Most would not want to stay in the county in a Hugh Castle with twin six-year-old boys but she loves it. The have been left by their father, the Earl of Hawke after their mother died. Being loud, energetic and into everything they have gone thru a number of governesses. She has been with them for six months and things are going along well till a grumpy, drunk man catches her in a tree. Little did she know her life would never be the same. The nasty man turns out to be none other then the Earl, Adrian.
He is escaping London after a scandal and has returned to his county estate for some peace and quit.
He has no idea what is in store for him. From the first day he upsets both his boys, his very long term house keeper, Mrs. Norris and Helena most of all.
Adrian has stayed in London trying to forget or hid the memories of his late wife. But nothing works
not the drinking or the women. Now he needs to fix save what is left of his family and his boys.
Add a lot, yes, a lot of cats. Hecate a very Pregnant barn cat adds so much to this story.
How will Helen's and Adrian along with Etienne and Ryan come together. With lots of twist and turns,
soul searching, help from her sister and lot of feeling and love.
Quite a story, be sure not to miss it. This is a very clean story that any age would enjoy.
I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.
He is escaping London after a scandal and has returned to his county estate for some peace and quit.
He has no idea what is in store for him. From the first day he upsets both his boys, his very long term house keeper, Mrs. Norris and Helena most of all.
Adrian has stayed in London trying to forget or hid the memories of his late wife. But nothing works
not the drinking or the women. Now he needs to fix save what is left of his family and his boys.
Add a lot, yes, a lot of cats. Hecate a very Pregnant barn cat adds so much to this story.
How will Helen's and Adrian along with Etienne and Ryan come together. With lots of twist and turns,
soul searching, help from her sister and lot of feeling and love.
Quite a story, be sure not to miss it. This is a very clean story that any age would enjoy.
I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.
December 15, 2022
Grumpy and surly Lord Hawke has returned to his country castle after 6 months away. His twin boys don't know him anymore and there are new faces around like a governess who puts him firmly in his place. Helena Templeton loves her position as governess except for when Lord Hawke is around. He's irritable and just plain mean, plus he hates cats so no good could ever come from having him around, can it?
I liked the storyline here even though the governess trope is very predictable. The boys were cute and the cats a nice addition. I didn't care for the character of Lord Hawke, he was just too curt and uptight. Yes, he was grieving for his wife and learning to love again, fearing that he would be rejected by his boys since it had been so long but that doesn't justify his actions and words. I didn't feel the attraction between him and Helena and the explanation that he acted rough around her because he actually liked her seemed a weak reason.
I also thought the excuse that she needed to return home because her older sister was lonely very weak as well.
The rest of the story flows along well enough and reads more like a story about two people rather than your typical romance novel, the romance here was very mild. Clean with only kissing mentioned.
Despite the low romance, overall this was enjoyable to read and well-written. Can be read as a stand-alone.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I liked the storyline here even though the governess trope is very predictable. The boys were cute and the cats a nice addition. I didn't care for the character of Lord Hawke, he was just too curt and uptight. Yes, he was grieving for his wife and learning to love again, fearing that he would be rejected by his boys since it had been so long but that doesn't justify his actions and words. I didn't feel the attraction between him and Helena and the explanation that he acted rough around her because he actually liked her seemed a weak reason.
I also thought the excuse that she needed to return home because her older sister was lonely very weak as well.
The rest of the story flows along well enough and reads more like a story about two people rather than your typical romance novel, the romance here was very mild. Clean with only kissing mentioned.
Despite the low romance, overall this was enjoyable to read and well-written. Can be read as a stand-alone.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 11, 2023
This is the third installment of the series, Games Earls Play. If you've been following the series, you know that the infamous Templeton sisters are tainted by scandal. This book follows the story of the third sister, Helena.
Helena becomes governess to the Earl of Hawke's, Adrian, twin boys. She settles in to her position and gets along well with the boys. Meanwhile, she still has yet to meet their father. Adrian is off in London trying to rid his mind of the memories of his late wife. When he returns home, he and Helena don't necessarily get off on the right foot, and he removes her from her post, effective immediately. But the boys have grown attached to Helena, and Adrian really does need her help with them, so he gives her another chance. He and Helena begin to understand each other better, and just as they begin to form an understanding, Helena's sisters call her back home. But Adrian is not willing to let her go so easily and feels her loss deeply. Being around her, he realized that he wants him and his boys to have a family and he wants Helena to be a part of that family.
Such a lovely romance! Adrian was a bit hard to warm up to initially, but as he began to reform, he definitely grew on me. And I loved how Helena wasn't afraid to stand up to him, employer or not. A fun, humorous, and charming story, and I'm glad to have had the opportunity to read it.
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Helena becomes governess to the Earl of Hawke's, Adrian, twin boys. She settles in to her position and gets along well with the boys. Meanwhile, she still has yet to meet their father. Adrian is off in London trying to rid his mind of the memories of his late wife. When he returns home, he and Helena don't necessarily get off on the right foot, and he removes her from her post, effective immediately. But the boys have grown attached to Helena, and Adrian really does need her help with them, so he gives her another chance. He and Helena begin to understand each other better, and just as they begin to form an understanding, Helena's sisters call her back home. But Adrian is not willing to let her go so easily and feels her loss deeply. Being around her, he realized that he wants him and his boys to have a family and he wants Helena to be a part of that family.
Such a lovely romance! Adrian was a bit hard to warm up to initially, but as he began to reform, he definitely grew on me. And I loved how Helena wasn't afraid to stand up to him, employer or not. A fun, humorous, and charming story, and I'm glad to have had the opportunity to read it.
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.
May 25, 2025
A clean story. The continuing saga of the scandalous Templetons. This is about Helena, who is working as a governess to an Earl who is away with a rakish reputation in London. It was humorous in places as the others have been. With the smaller ‘cast’ I think it worked better than the first two and seemed more complete.
There were a somethings though. Firstly, England and the United Kingdom does not have racoons! That can often be the beginning of a turn off for me - fortunately not this time. There are only 3 staff mentioned, Abby, Mrs Norris and the unseen and un named cook who bizarrely seems to communicate with Abby by written notes. I think that house would have had a bigger staff, including a butler - who surprisingly is never mentioned, and no mention of a footman. And I am sure the Earl would have had a valet, and where have the horses all gone? A little odd is how it struck me. Also given Abby is so tuned into the ton’s gossip I think she would have known exactly who Helena was and that her sister was a countess about 8 miles away, she’d visited in the previous book. I feel Mrs Norris would have told the Earl. There was also a surprising lack of visitors when he returned. It would rapidly become common knowledge in the village and community and the neighbouring gentry would no doubt call to pay respects. or promote a daughter! However I did like and enjoyed it so 5 stars
There were a somethings though. Firstly, England and the United Kingdom does not have racoons! That can often be the beginning of a turn off for me - fortunately not this time. There are only 3 staff mentioned, Abby, Mrs Norris and the unseen and un named cook who bizarrely seems to communicate with Abby by written notes. I think that house would have had a bigger staff, including a butler - who surprisingly is never mentioned, and no mention of a footman. And I am sure the Earl would have had a valet, and where have the horses all gone? A little odd is how it struck me. Also given Abby is so tuned into the ton’s gossip I think she would have known exactly who Helena was and that her sister was a countess about 8 miles away, she’d visited in the previous book. I feel Mrs Norris would have told the Earl. There was also a surprising lack of visitors when he returned. It would rapidly become common knowledge in the village and community and the neighbouring gentry would no doubt call to pay respects. or promote a daughter! However I did like and enjoyed it so 5 stars
December 14, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this book by one of my favorite authors. Ms Bradley writes so effortlessly with attention to detail that pulls the reader in. The characters were fully developed with thoughts and feelings of their own. This is the third in the series which can be read as stand alone.
Helena Templeton is an uncommon woman who does a job and sticks to it. Even being a governess has it's drawbacks, but Helena is doing her best in teaching twin boys in the wilds of Oxfordshire.
When the boys father returns to his home after being on a drinking binge, he doesn't remember having a governess tend his children.
Adrian Chatham, the Earl of Hawke, left London quickly trying to cope with his late wife's death with lots of debauchery. He now is back and doesn't like having a young chit telling him what to do. He feels overwhelmed with the knowledge that his life is in shambles and can't seem to get a grip.
Helena loves her charges, and tries to help the Earl, but he is one stubborn man.They go round and round with him trying to intimidate her, but Helena give him a what for!
I feel that one the Earl needs the governess to teach him how to forgive and love again. But it will take a lot of trust and affection from both of them to find their happy ever after.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.
Helena Templeton is an uncommon woman who does a job and sticks to it. Even being a governess has it's drawbacks, but Helena is doing her best in teaching twin boys in the wilds of Oxfordshire.
When the boys father returns to his home after being on a drinking binge, he doesn't remember having a governess tend his children.
Adrian Chatham, the Earl of Hawke, left London quickly trying to cope with his late wife's death with lots of debauchery. He now is back and doesn't like having a young chit telling him what to do. He feels overwhelmed with the knowledge that his life is in shambles and can't seem to get a grip.
Helena loves her charges, and tries to help the Earl, but he is one stubborn man.They go round and round with him trying to intimidate her, but Helena give him a what for!
I feel that one the Earl needs the governess to teach him how to forgive and love again. But it will take a lot of trust and affection from both of them to find their happy ever after.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.
January 19, 2023
Helena Templeton is hired as governess to the young sons of an earl and all is going well when the father shows up after a long absence. The Earl has been away since his wife died and has been drowning his sorrows in women and drink. He doesn't even know his boys have a governess when he returns he's not too happy to have the meddlesome woman in residence. But she is dedicated to looking after the boys and before long, even the earl starts to find her presence pleasing.
I will start by saying I haven't read the two previous books in this series, but this story includes enough detail tp fill in some of the blanks. This is a sweet romance with a female main character who is bound to keep her promises to the young boys who adore her. In doing so, she does win over the earl eventually. Adrian is a typically trope-y male main character with a tragic past which he tries to erase with a fair bit of debauchery. Obviously, his actions don't really help and it's his governess who most helps to make things right again in the household. There's nothing particularly unique to this story but it's definitely an enjoyable one with likeable characters to meet along the way.
Overall, I give this 3 solid stars and recommend it to historical romance readers.
I will start by saying I haven't read the two previous books in this series, but this story includes enough detail tp fill in some of the blanks. This is a sweet romance with a female main character who is bound to keep her promises to the young boys who adore her. In doing so, she does win over the earl eventually. Adrian is a typically trope-y male main character with a tragic past which he tries to erase with a fair bit of debauchery. Obviously, his actions don't really help and it's his governess who most helps to make things right again in the household. There's nothing particularly unique to this story but it's definitely an enjoyable one with likeable characters to meet along the way.
Overall, I give this 3 solid stars and recommend it to historical romance readers.
November 28, 2022
I was extremely fortunate to receive an ARC of "Fell in Love With An Earl" written by the extraordinary Anna Bradley via Netgalley. This is one of the sweetest romantic stories I have read in a while. The well developed characters are intriguing as well as unpredictable. Lord Adrian Chatham, Earl of Hawke was devastated by the death of his wife and his home holds such fond memories of her that he has a hard time returning though he has two young twin boys there. Helena Templeton is the well adored boys' governess. Her instruction includes everything including teaching them about "feline husbandry" as there is a very pregnant cat in the stables. Adrian returns home unwillingly due to unforeseen circumstances in town. His arrival upends an existing unperturbed schedule and everyone is suddenly on pins and needles to avoid his acknowledged detest of cats. What ensues is the characterization of a loving, caring man who knows how to talk to cats, but not his loved ones. I can't give enough praise to this beautiful story of how we sometimes hide our true nature to maintain a facade of indifference because we dont know how to face the beauty of love. A truly remarkable story.
December 15, 2022
Helena Templeton and her sisters are tainted by scandal not of their making. They are determined to make it on their own. Now two of the sisters are married to earls. Two live in the family home, and Helena has a post as governess to the twin sons of Adrian Chatham, Earl of Hawke. She hasn’t met the earl, and he doesn’t know he has a governess. Adrian is a widower who is not very successful at coping with the grief of losing his wife. The household explodes, including the boys, when he dismisses her (there was a problem with a cat and some chocolate). Perhaps he should change his mind? Maybe he can learn some things from the governess and his sons. This is a holiday romp. There is an abundance of humor from the moment they meet. The boys are delightful, the cats are laugh-out-loud funny, and the household staff is dedicated and amusing. The Christmas fete and its preparation have to be experienced. Is it possible Helena is Adrian’s second chance to find true love? I enjoyed this charming holiday story and its interesting and loveable characters.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and am voluntarily reviewing it.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and am voluntarily reviewing it.
February 2, 2023
Loved this book! It had very low angst levels which I always find cheering.
Helena Templeton is our third Templeton sister - the previous two books in the series were about her sisters. In the previous books it is mentioned that she has become a governess to the Earl of Hawke's two boys - and at one point she makes a cameo in book 2.
The book starts with a rather disheveled Adrian, Earl of Hawke finding Helena stuck in a tree. He's back from a long stint carousing around London, and this is the first time they meet.
Adrian is a widower and has not recovered from the death of his wife. I would have liked a bit more back story and a little more depth to him working through some of his grief and his relationships with his sons. As it is, there is quite a strong focus on a pregnant cat named Hecarte as the link through which all of this is tied together - which I kind of see the point of as a mechanism but at times thought that I would have appreciated a tad less cat in this tale.
All in all a relatively easy and light read in a sweet series.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Helena Templeton is our third Templeton sister - the previous two books in the series were about her sisters. In the previous books it is mentioned that she has become a governess to the Earl of Hawke's two boys - and at one point she makes a cameo in book 2.
The book starts with a rather disheveled Adrian, Earl of Hawke finding Helena stuck in a tree. He's back from a long stint carousing around London, and this is the first time they meet.
Adrian is a widower and has not recovered from the death of his wife. I would have liked a bit more back story and a little more depth to him working through some of his grief and his relationships with his sons. As it is, there is quite a strong focus on a pregnant cat named Hecarte as the link through which all of this is tied together - which I kind of see the point of as a mechanism but at times thought that I would have appreciated a tad less cat in this tale.
All in all a relatively easy and light read in a sweet series.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 4, 2022
I am posting an honest review after reading an advance reader copy of this story.
Games Earls Play Book 3 was interesting and enjoyable enough to make me search for books 1 and 2, that's a true recommendation. The Templeton sisters have wreaked havoc in London this season. They're broke and need to marry, if just one marries well the family won't sent to debtors prison or a workhouse. By book 3 it's Helena's turn at a job and love. 2 sisters have married Earls and the real financial danger is over but Helenas governess job has given her twin boys she's crazy about and doesn't want to leave. Their father is a roaring drunk when we meet him, his broken heart is marinated in brandy The good guy went bonkers after his wife died and he hasn't been home in almost 2 years. Once he sobers up and gets to know his boys and Helena they bring out the good guy again. He wants to do better and to his credit he pulls it off.
#Netgalley #AnnaBradley #FellinLovewith an Earl #GamesEarlsPlay #Oliver Heber Books
Games Earls Play Book 3 was interesting and enjoyable enough to make me search for books 1 and 2, that's a true recommendation. The Templeton sisters have wreaked havoc in London this season. They're broke and need to marry, if just one marries well the family won't sent to debtors prison or a workhouse. By book 3 it's Helena's turn at a job and love. 2 sisters have married Earls and the real financial danger is over but Helenas governess job has given her twin boys she's crazy about and doesn't want to leave. Their father is a roaring drunk when we meet him, his broken heart is marinated in brandy The good guy went bonkers after his wife died and he hasn't been home in almost 2 years. Once he sobers up and gets to know his boys and Helena they bring out the good guy again. He wants to do better and to his credit he pulls it off.
#Netgalley #AnnaBradley #FellinLovewith an Earl #GamesEarlsPlay #Oliver Heber Books
February 20, 2023
Tropes: Governess, Matchmaker, Widow, Rake, Children in Story
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🔥 (maybe)
"Hestia likely offended by his shouting, had set her sights on Lord Hawke" "...already flying through the air, front legs extended and claws at the ready, a little bundle of silvery fur and vengeance, and there was Lord Hawke, the flesh of his neck exposed, a perfect target..."
Y’all, I just finished a book that was positively wonderful. There’s so much to like about this book from the rich and colorful characters to the rambunctious litter of kittens and its lovable but busy twin boys. Fell in Love with an Earl is charming, entertaining, and fun. The dialogue between the two MCs is especially engaging since neither seem to like the other. I enjoyed every moment of this book. My only complaint is that this book could’ve used a bit of steam. Make no mistake, the author puts the kettle on the stove (if you know what I mean 🫦💣🥵 ) but just when it starts to whistle…she snatches it off the burner....shame on her 🤬(LOL)! As it stands…there’s only half a flame…BUT it didn’t make me like the book any less.
Helena Templeton is from an infamously, scandalous family. Out of necessity and lack of funds, she has retired to the country taking up a job as governess to two energetic yet adorable twin boys. When her wayward employer returns to his estate after eight months away, fireworks explode and not necessarily in a good way.
Andrew Chatham, Earl of Hawke has just returned from London after months of scandalous and rakish behavior trying to blot out the pain of losing his wife. Upon his return, he finds a strange woman in his tree claiming to be his twin sons' governess, one he didn’t know he had. Immediately there’s something about her that irks him and relations between them become combative. Unable to find footing with his troublesome governess, the earl struggles with not only her presence but also how to best reconnect with the kids he left behind.
Anna Bradley is a very talented writer. Her style is easy and immediately draws you in. Fell in Love with an Earl is yet another wonderful installment in this series. This book can be read as a stand-alone BUT, there’s a lot of backstory in the previous two books so I would encourage you to read them before trying this one. They are all equally as enjoyable. Book two even has more steam (fancy that).
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🔥 (maybe)
"Hestia likely offended by his shouting, had set her sights on Lord Hawke" "...already flying through the air, front legs extended and claws at the ready, a little bundle of silvery fur and vengeance, and there was Lord Hawke, the flesh of his neck exposed, a perfect target..."
Y’all, I just finished a book that was positively wonderful. There’s so much to like about this book from the rich and colorful characters to the rambunctious litter of kittens and its lovable but busy twin boys. Fell in Love with an Earl is charming, entertaining, and fun. The dialogue between the two MCs is especially engaging since neither seem to like the other. I enjoyed every moment of this book. My only complaint is that this book could’ve used a bit of steam. Make no mistake, the author puts the kettle on the stove (if you know what I mean 🫦💣🥵 ) but just when it starts to whistle…she snatches it off the burner....shame on her 🤬(LOL)! As it stands…there’s only half a flame…BUT it didn’t make me like the book any less.
Helena Templeton is from an infamously, scandalous family. Out of necessity and lack of funds, she has retired to the country taking up a job as governess to two energetic yet adorable twin boys. When her wayward employer returns to his estate after eight months away, fireworks explode and not necessarily in a good way.
Andrew Chatham, Earl of Hawke has just returned from London after months of scandalous and rakish behavior trying to blot out the pain of losing his wife. Upon his return, he finds a strange woman in his tree claiming to be his twin sons' governess, one he didn’t know he had. Immediately there’s something about her that irks him and relations between them become combative. Unable to find footing with his troublesome governess, the earl struggles with not only her presence but also how to best reconnect with the kids he left behind.
Anna Bradley is a very talented writer. Her style is easy and immediately draws you in. Fell in Love with an Earl is yet another wonderful installment in this series. This book can be read as a stand-alone BUT, there’s a lot of backstory in the previous two books so I would encourage you to read them before trying this one. They are all equally as enjoyable. Book two even has more steam (fancy that).
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