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Misfits of Mayfair #2
Le Comte du West End
While most young ladies attend balls and hunt for husbands, Ophelia Hardwick has spent the last ten years masquerading as a man. As the land steward for the Earl of Carlyle, she’s found safety from the uncle determined to kill her and freedoms a lady could only dream of. Ophelia’s situation would be perfect—if only she wasn’t hopelessly attracted to her employer.
Calvin, Earl of Carlyle, is determined to see his sister married this season. And he’ll do it with the help of his trusted right-hand man. But when he finds out his man is a woman, and that her life is in danger, his priorities change. Their attraction is passionate, all-consuming, and if they aren’t careful, it could turn downright deadly—for both of them.
Calvin, Earl of Carlyle, is determined to see his sister married this season. And he’ll do it with the help of his trusted right-hand man. But when he finds out his man is a woman, and that her life is in danger, his priorities change. Their attraction is passionate, all-consuming, and if they aren’t careful, it could turn downright deadly—for both of them.
407 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 29, 2021
133 people are currently reading
2596 people want to read
About the author
Bethany Bennett
5 books319 followersBethany grew up in a small fishing village in Alaska where required learning included life-skills like cold-water survival, and several other things that are utterly useless as a romance writer. Eventually settling in the Northwest with her real-life hero and two children, she enjoys mountain views from the comfort of her sofa, wearing a tremendous amount of flannel, and drinking more coffee than her doctor deems wise.
Be sure to follow her Bookbub for the latest release news, recommendations, and updates.
https://rb.gy/3ipr6t
Be sure to follow her Bookbub for the latest release news, recommendations, and updates.
https://rb.gy/3ipr6t
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 338 reviews
June 13, 2021
I absolutely LOVED this book! It's definitely on my list of BEST 2021 HISTORICAL ROMANCES! The plot was clever and well thought out, the characters brilliantly crafted and so thoroughly interesting they drew me in from the start and made me want to know more about them.
Now, it's very hard for me to write a review about this story without any spoilers, so I will refrain from mentioning the plot at all. What I will say is this: if you have read the prequel (Any Rogue Will Do), my recommendation to you is to do as I did, which is to read West End Earl without reading the blurb. Go in blind and I promise, you will be rewarded when your jaw drops open in chapter two!
If you have not read Any Rogue Will Do, I advise you to do so first since that book will increase your appreciation of this one by leaps and bounds. That being said, West End Earl can be read as a standalone novel - the story is easy to follow without prior knowledge of the previous book.
I'll also add that this is a wonderful rags to riches employer/employee romance with many twists and turns throughout. It will keep you guessing and the pages turning until the very end. Highly recommended!!!
Now, it's very hard for me to write a review about this story without any spoilers, so I will refrain from mentioning the plot at all. What I will say is this: if you have read the prequel (Any Rogue Will Do), my recommendation to you is to do as I did, which is to read West End Earl without reading the blurb. Go in blind and I promise, you will be rewarded when your jaw drops open in chapter two!
If you have not read Any Rogue Will Do, I advise you to do so first since that book will increase your appreciation of this one by leaps and bounds. That being said, West End Earl can be read as a standalone novel - the story is easy to follow without prior knowledge of the previous book.
I'll also add that this is a wonderful rags to riches employer/employee romance with many twists and turns throughout. It will keep you guessing and the pages turning until the very end. Highly recommended!!!
April 7, 2022
✨Buckle up buttercup✨
In this book you will find . . .
✨A woman in pants with a beautiful and frequently naked boss
✨A damsel in distress with the propensity to be a bacon brained princock
✨A promiscuous lake that would make Nelly proud
✨A dinner party with more loves and matches than Wimbledon
✨Enough scandal to give Kerry Washington her job back
✨A villain surrounded by rumors that he’s overcompensating
✨Another villain who doesn’t need to compensate but does need a good brain bashing
✨A third villain who is actually overcompensating
✨And a partridge in a pear tree
Like book one, West End Earl took every plot development or character trait and flipped them on their heads, every turn was unexpected or stereotype reversed. Calvin was the damsel in distress and Phee served revenge up, not cold, but HOT. Truly that scene should rise up and take a bow amidst glitter confetti and a standing ovation.
At times I was most aggrieved by Cal’s hesitancy to let his father be felled by his own blow. It took him too long to realize that pops needed to learn his lesson once and for all. Seriously he was about to ruin multiple lives just to clean up yet another mess—one with a clear solution nonetheless. He’s pretty but he sure was a blockhead at times. But again, I really really loved Phee’s payback so it was all worth it.
This book exemplifies every reason why I love romance. I was stressed more than a Minnesotan when a waitress forgets the ranch but I always knew that somehow, someway everything would turn out sparkling. A LOT went down and my poor constitution was threatened. But never fear, justice was served with all the proper fireworks and I got my ranch.
It reminds me a bit of Fried Green Tomatoes if you double the drama, remove the ~barbecue~, and add a meddling manservant for a little extra ✨pizazz.✨ As for the spice, that was just right. Cal was reverent, Phee was honest, and it was all very well ~flavored.~ The woman-in-pants trope was handled very well by all parties involved, and the truth was revealed in a timely fashion.
There’s one villain that’s left to be dealt with though I suspect that’ll come in the form of Emma’s book. On that note, her story is going to be so cute. She had such great character development and I can’t wait to see her counterpart. I just know it’s all going to melt my heart (when you read this book you’ll know exactly just how ravishing it will be).
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶.25/5
In this book you will find . . .
✨A woman in pants with a beautiful and frequently naked boss
✨A damsel in distress with the propensity to be a bacon brained princock
✨A promiscuous lake that would make Nelly proud
✨A dinner party with more loves and matches than Wimbledon
✨Enough scandal to give Kerry Washington her job back
✨A villain surrounded by rumors that he’s overcompensating
✨Another villain who doesn’t need to compensate but does need a good brain bashing
✨A third villain who is actually overcompensating
✨And a partridge in a pear tree
Like book one, West End Earl took every plot development or character trait and flipped them on their heads, every turn was unexpected or stereotype reversed. Calvin was the damsel in distress and Phee served revenge up, not cold, but HOT. Truly that scene should rise up and take a bow amidst glitter confetti and a standing ovation.
At times I was most aggrieved by Cal’s hesitancy to let his father be felled by his own blow. It took him too long to realize that pops needed to learn his lesson once and for all. Seriously he was about to ruin multiple lives just to clean up yet another mess—one with a clear solution nonetheless. He’s pretty but he sure was a blockhead at times. But again, I really really loved Phee’s payback so it was all worth it.
This book exemplifies every reason why I love romance. I was stressed more than a Minnesotan when a waitress forgets the ranch but I always knew that somehow, someway everything would turn out sparkling. A LOT went down and my poor constitution was threatened. But never fear, justice was served with all the proper fireworks and I got my ranch.
It reminds me a bit of Fried Green Tomatoes if you double the drama, remove the ~barbecue~, and add a meddling manservant for a little extra ✨pizazz.✨ As for the spice, that was just right. Cal was reverent, Phee was honest, and it was all very well ~flavored.~ The woman-in-pants trope was handled very well by all parties involved, and the truth was revealed in a timely fashion.
There’s one villain that’s left to be dealt with though I suspect that’ll come in the form of Emma’s book. On that note, her story is going to be so cute. She had such great character development and I can’t wait to see her counterpart. I just know it’s all going to melt my heart (when you read this book you’ll know exactly just how ravishing it will be).
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶.25/5
June 26, 2022
4 Stars
I am easy to please. Give a good plot, likeable characters, steady development, and some steam, and I am happy! This book had all that with the added benefit of being humorous and witty. More of Bethany Bennett, please.
Give this a try if you like...
- An unusual plot. Heroine masquerading as a man & working for the hero, plus is best friends with the hero.
- An easy, funny writing style full of caustic wit.
- A charming hero. Calvin will put most rakes to shame with his wiles.
- A strong heroine. Phee is a surviver, whether she is Adam, Ophelia or Fiona. This girl! Amazing.
- Excellent banter, brilliant camaraderie, and a true partnership kind of a romance with a healthy dose of steam.
- Quick & drama free declarations of love. Well, the drama did kick in later.
*I find myself surprised at how Calvin handled the reveal of Ophelia's identity and just took it on the chin. No qualms about how it would look if he was discovered romancing his steward. He wanted Phee and that's what mattered to him. I loved that.
I am easy to please. Give a good plot, likeable characters, steady development, and some steam, and I am happy! This book had all that with the added benefit of being humorous and witty. More of Bethany Bennett, please.
Give this a try if you like...
- An unusual plot. Heroine masquerading as a man & working for the hero, plus is best friends with the hero.
- An easy, funny writing style full of caustic wit.
- A charming hero. Calvin will put most rakes to shame with his wiles.
- A strong heroine. Phee is a surviver, whether she is Adam, Ophelia or Fiona. This girl! Amazing.
- Excellent banter, brilliant camaraderie, and a true partnership kind of a romance with a healthy dose of steam.
- Quick & drama free declarations of love. Well, the drama did kick in later.
*I find myself surprised at how Calvin handled the reveal of Ophelia's identity and just took it on the chin. No qualms about how it would look if he was discovered romancing his steward. He wanted Phee and that's what mattered to him. I loved that.
May 23, 2021
Ophelia Hardwick has spent more than a decade living as her deceased twin brother, Adam, avoiding her odious uncle, and waiting to claim an inheritance. She's hiding in plain sight as land steward and friend to Calvin, Earl of Carlyle. Cal has been focused on finding a husband for his younger sister; but when he discovers that his friend "Adam" is really a woman, he starts having trouble focusing on anything but his growing attraction.
This is second book in the Misfits of Mayfair series. It can be read as a stand alone, although the characters cross over. It's worth getting to know Cal in book one!
This is the most original character in disguise story that I've read! I'm a sucker for this trope and I think Bennett does a good job explaining how Ophelia came to take over Adam's identity and fool people for so long. I've never read a story in which the events after the identity reveal unfold in such an unexpected fashion! Cal went from entirely in the dark to completely-in-lust a bit quickly, however it did allow more time for their romantic relationship to develop.
It's easy to immerse oneself in Bennett's writing. The characters are lively, the storytelling is compelling, and the romance is sexy! 4.5 stars rounded to 5.
Tropes: Disguised, Secret Crush, Friends to Lovers
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #WestEndEarl #NetGalley
This is second book in the Misfits of Mayfair series. It can be read as a stand alone, although the characters cross over. It's worth getting to know Cal in book one!
This is the most original character in disguise story that I've read! I'm a sucker for this trope and I think Bennett does a good job explaining how Ophelia came to take over Adam's identity and fool people for so long. I've never read a story in which the events after the identity reveal unfold in such an unexpected fashion! Cal went from entirely in the dark to completely-in-lust a bit quickly, however it did allow more time for their romantic relationship to develop.
It's easy to immerse oneself in Bennett's writing. The characters are lively, the storytelling is compelling, and the romance is sexy! 4.5 stars rounded to 5.
Tropes: Disguised, Secret Crush, Friends to Lovers
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #WestEndEarl #NetGalley
October 9, 2021
3.5 Stars
This author writes about some of the nicest heroes. I mean, all-around good guys. Not the jaded, broody, broken, or rakish heroes so often found in HRs. I liked that surprising element in book one and it continued here with Cal in book two. Phee was a wonderful heroine as well. Even when disguised as a man.
This second book in the Misfits of Mayfair Series was a much stronger story than its debut predecessor. The intimacy was better integrated into the storyline and its pacing more steady. I was loving everything about this romance until the accidentally overheard misunderstanding. It's not a creative source of conflict and was more frustrating than compelling Aside from that, I found the romance sweetly moving and unique. It's a trope that's hard to pull off and make believable, but Bennett managed to tweak it enough to make it convincing.
June 30, 2021
4☆☆☆☆
This book was a beautiful surprise.
Loved the Hero and the heroine.
This book was a beautiful surprise.
Loved the Hero and the heroine.
May 4, 2021
I loved the first book in this series, and this follow-up was just as good! Here, Ophelia (Phee) has been living as a man, assuming her dead brothers' identity to escape her guardian/uncle until she can get her brothers' inheritance and live an independent life without her greedy uncle trying to marry her off for money. She has been employed by Cal, Earl of Carlyle, for the last 2 years as a steward, and all-purpose man of business. They have formed a true friendship, and Phee has been harboring a more-than-friends attraction to Cal. Cal discovers her secret fairly early in the story, after Phee is attacked by a group of ruffians. Once he notices her, Cal can't stay away, and they immediately begin a clandestine friends-to-lovers relationship. I really like that the secret if Phee's identity wasn't overly drawn out. It made their HEA much more believable when they had time to develop a relationship first. I thought it was interesting how Phee had been suppressing her feminity for so long, out of necessity rather than a matter of identity. It added an interesting element when she gets to finally explore that side of herself. I also love Cal's complete adoration of her. An all-in hero is my catnip.
As with her first book, Bennett gives us a fantastic cast of secondary characters. Here, I particularly like the way Emma's story line evolves (and am very much looking forward to her book next year). And I love meddling matchmaker servants or friends, which we get here as well.
As with her first book, Bennett gives us a fantastic cast of secondary characters. Here, I particularly like the way Emma's story line evolves (and am very much looking forward to her book next year). And I love meddling matchmaker servants or friends, which we get here as well.
May 17, 2021
I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Adam Hardwick has been the land steward for Calvin, Earl of Carlyle, for the past two years. Adam has a huge secret that he is actually a she, and has been in hiding for the last ten years from her scheming uncle who wants to get his hand on Adam and Ophelia's inheritance and the life insurance policy he took out on him.
This story was so unique. I've literally never read anything like it, and I think that's a very good thing. It started a little slow with the build up, but once it got going all the twists and turns really kept this a page turner. The thing I enjoyed the most? The characters! Phee was awesome, a totally capable and self reliant woman making her way in the world, and Calvin while sometimes a little misguided was a very sweet beta hero. I especially enjoyed the romance, and thought it was extremely sweet while also still being very hot. Phee is also whip smart. Her and Cal have some of the best banter I've ever read. Also, I loved Lottie in this book. Her character really shined through.
The only thing keeping this from a 5 star for me is that Emma drove me crazy the first half of this book, and some of the mystery elements got cleaned up a little too easily. Still a super fun read!
4.5 stars rounded to 5.
Adam Hardwick has been the land steward for Calvin, Earl of Carlyle, for the past two years. Adam has a huge secret that he is actually a she, and has been in hiding for the last ten years from her scheming uncle who wants to get his hand on Adam and Ophelia's inheritance and the life insurance policy he took out on him.
This story was so unique. I've literally never read anything like it, and I think that's a very good thing. It started a little slow with the build up, but once it got going all the twists and turns really kept this a page turner. The thing I enjoyed the most? The characters! Phee was awesome, a totally capable and self reliant woman making her way in the world, and Calvin while sometimes a little misguided was a very sweet beta hero. I especially enjoyed the romance, and thought it was extremely sweet while also still being very hot. Phee is also whip smart. Her and Cal have some of the best banter I've ever read. Also, I loved Lottie in this book. Her character really shined through.
The only thing keeping this from a 5 star for me is that Emma drove me crazy the first half of this book, and some of the mystery elements got cleaned up a little too easily. Still a super fun read!
4.5 stars rounded to 5.
August 15, 2021
I love the lead lady passing as a man trope. West End Earl does it in spades. A great read that had me glued!
dnf
April 10, 2022DNF 32%
what's the point?
what's the point?
June 16, 2021
After finding out the premise of West End Earl, I couldn't wait to read it. It's a beautiful friends to lovers romance with a twist. I loved that Phee and Cal knew each other so well, but that there was so much more to discover as their friendship/relationship shifted. They were wonderfully human, both trying their bests, but also making mistakes along the way. The conflict between them was frustrating at times, but believable given the circumstances. I loved how strong and resilient Phee was, overcoming so much hardship and heartache, and doing anything to pull herself up from her circumstances. Cal was loyal and loving to a fault, often sacrificing his own happiness for others. His attraction to Phee after discovering her secret felt a bit abrupt, but their friendship had been so strong that it was understandable that romantic feelings might develop. I wouldn't have complained if there had been a bit more grovel at the end or for Cal to have realized his future options on his own, but it was wonderful to see him finally fight for his happiness and be truly vulnerable with Phee.
There was a lot going on in the story with both Phee and Cal's pasts and their families, and I felt this made their romance stall at times and the story unfocused. It also made the book feel too long and some of the plot points weren't fully fleshed out/were resolved too quickly. For example, the resolution to the Milton conflict felt very anticlimactic after so much build up and a bit too convenient and unbelievable. It was still an enjoyable and entertaining historical romance though and I'm looking forward to Emma finally finding her happily ever after in the next book.
*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*
There was a lot going on in the story with both Phee and Cal's pasts and their families, and I felt this made their romance stall at times and the story unfocused. It also made the book feel too long and some of the plot points weren't fully fleshed out/were resolved too quickly. For example, the resolution to the Milton conflict felt very anticlimactic after so much build up and a bit too convenient and unbelievable. It was still an enjoyable and entertaining historical romance though and I'm looking forward to Emma finally finding her happily ever after in the next book.
*I voluntarily read an advance review copy of this book*
July 5, 2021
3.5 stars
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This was a fun and flirty historical fiction romance set in London.
Ophelia is an orphan whose twin died when they were young. Escaping a cruel and uncaring uncle, she has masqueraded as her twin brother for the last 10 years. She only needs to last until the end of the year, when she will finally be old enough to come into her inheritance and be free to leave London and finally be herself again, a young woman. She works as a land agent for the Earl of Carlyle. It's the perfect job for her, except for the fact where she's hopelessly attracted to him.
Meanwhile the Earl is determined to make a good match for his teenage sister making her debut into society, despite her wild and wicked ways. When he eventually discovers that his land agent "Abel" is really Ophelia, his attraction sparks and he takes her under his protection to save her from the uncle intent on killing her before she inherits.
This was a fluffy, flirty romance that was fun to read. The plot wasn't too in-depth and was pretty formulaic, but I still enjoyed it as a good, escapist read.
I received complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Forever. All opinions are my own.
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This was a fun and flirty historical fiction romance set in London.
Ophelia is an orphan whose twin died when they were young. Escaping a cruel and uncaring uncle, she has masqueraded as her twin brother for the last 10 years. She only needs to last until the end of the year, when she will finally be old enough to come into her inheritance and be free to leave London and finally be herself again, a young woman. She works as a land agent for the Earl of Carlyle. It's the perfect job for her, except for the fact where she's hopelessly attracted to him.
Meanwhile the Earl is determined to make a good match for his teenage sister making her debut into society, despite her wild and wicked ways. When he eventually discovers that his land agent "Abel" is really Ophelia, his attraction sparks and he takes her under his protection to save her from the uncle intent on killing her before she inherits.
This was a fluffy, flirty romance that was fun to read. The plot wasn't too in-depth and was pretty formulaic, but I still enjoyed it as a good, escapist read.
I received complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Forever. All opinions are my own.
February 7, 2025
I didn’t realize this was a hidden identity at first! I really enjoyed it! I don’t want to say too much because I don’t want to ruin anything.
Phee has a tragic back story but she is trying to move on. The story starts with Phee working for Cal who is an Earl. But Cal doesn’t know Phee’s true identity but when he does find out who she is it changes everything.
This was a fun read! I’m interested to see if Emma grows on me in the next book.
Phee has a tragic back story but she is trying to move on. The story starts with Phee working for Cal who is an Earl. But Cal doesn’t know Phee’s true identity but when he does find out who she is it changes everything.
This was a fun read! I’m interested to see if Emma grows on me in the next book.
February 10, 2022
This book was fine. I had to suspend a lot of belief in order to buy into the story. It just seems at some point over the many years of the heroine posing as her brother that someone would notice the heroine never had hair on her face and didn't seem to develop man muscles.
I liked the H in the previous book and felt like he was a bit different than what I expected in this book. Not in a bad or good way - just in a different way.
I didn't feel the characters had an overwhelming passion for each other but did see how their love grew out of their long held friendship.
I liked the H in the previous book and felt like he was a bit different than what I expected in this book. Not in a bad or good way - just in a different way.
I didn't feel the characters had an overwhelming passion for each other but did see how their love grew out of their long held friendship.
November 13, 2021
lots of aggressively anachronistic language which doesn't rly bother me since ALL historical romance is anachronistic and people just harp on language because they don't want to read about dukes being 80 years old with syphilis or whatever. fine. HOWEVER. i am begging authors to stop writing romance novels where all internal/emotional obstacles are resolved halfway in. YOUR CHARACTERS AND PLOT ARE SIMPLY NOT INTERESTING ENOUGH TO SUSTAIN THE BACK HALF, HONEY. like i'm sorry but that's not what we're here for. i do not CARE. external obstacles can drive interesting character development, obviously, but first you need characters i care about, which is not the point of this kind of book. god. every time i pick up an historical romance i turn into warner huntington iii but i'm RIGHT. you're just not smart enough, sweetie
May 29, 2022
I really enjoyed this one, the last 5% got a little ridiculous but overall good
June 24, 2021
A far cry from other young ladies her age, Ophelia Hardwick has spent the last ten years pretending to be a man. She’s found a position as steward to the Earl of Carlyle which provides her a good income and safety from her uncle who wants to kill her and collect the life insurance. The only glitch is the fierce attraction she struggles to hide from her employer.
Calvin, Earl of Carlyle, is busy cleaning up his profligate father’s messes and trying to see his younger sister safely through the London season and settled into marriage. That goal at least seems attainable with help from his right-hand man, Adam. Only, when Cal learns that man is in fact a woman under serious threat, his priorities shift dramatically. Now that his eyes have been opened to the truth, the passion between Cal and Ophelia becomes an all-consuming inferno that could destroy them both.
This book was such a rollercoaster of masterful plotting and I’ve really never read anything like it. It had me laughing, tearing up, getting frustrated, and feeling satisfied by the end. The plot was so original; I’ve never read anything quite like it and I think it really worked. I adored the friendship Cal and Adam had before he learned she was really Ophelia, and that foundation was such a strong basis for their deeper relationship with a longer time of acquaintanceship than we’re usually able to get in a historical romance without it being a second chance trope. The relationship development between these two as a couple as well as in their individual characters was well done and it really felt genuine and believable. Phee had never had a true friend and had to learn how to trust Cal. After being seen as mostly just a pretty face and a convenient problem solver, Cal finally got someone who valued him for who he was, not what he could do for them. Cal was so well-meaning and sweet, even when he was bumbling and messing up, it was impossible to stay annoyed with him, especially given his ability to readily admit his mistakes and work to correct them.
I loved seeing Phee and Cal tackle the challenges thrown at them and these two had some of the best banter I’ve ever read. I do wish we’d seen more communication from them, rather than having misunderstanding playing a role here, and yet it really did work nonetheless, and my frustration was fairly short-lived. I also wish we’d gotten more detailed information and explanation regarding Phee’s uncle’s motivations and such, but these are essentially the only issues I had. This story had some unexpected plot twists I’ve never seen before, but I don’t want to say any more and risk spoilers. Suffice it to say, I couldn’t put this book down. Even when Cal and Phee were frustrating me and I wanted to shake them both, I still had to keep reading to find out how Bethany was going to work it all out. I also loved seeing Lottie and Ethan again and the strong relationship they both had with Cal.
I was skeptical about the next book’s heroine being Emma because she’s really not likable for at least the first half of this book, but she improves a lot and now I’m interested to see where we’re going with her story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Calvin, Earl of Carlyle, is busy cleaning up his profligate father’s messes and trying to see his younger sister safely through the London season and settled into marriage. That goal at least seems attainable with help from his right-hand man, Adam. Only, when Cal learns that man is in fact a woman under serious threat, his priorities shift dramatically. Now that his eyes have been opened to the truth, the passion between Cal and Ophelia becomes an all-consuming inferno that could destroy them both.
This book was such a rollercoaster of masterful plotting and I’ve really never read anything like it. It had me laughing, tearing up, getting frustrated, and feeling satisfied by the end. The plot was so original; I’ve never read anything quite like it and I think it really worked. I adored the friendship Cal and Adam had before he learned she was really Ophelia, and that foundation was such a strong basis for their deeper relationship with a longer time of acquaintanceship than we’re usually able to get in a historical romance without it being a second chance trope. The relationship development between these two as a couple as well as in their individual characters was well done and it really felt genuine and believable. Phee had never had a true friend and had to learn how to trust Cal. After being seen as mostly just a pretty face and a convenient problem solver, Cal finally got someone who valued him for who he was, not what he could do for them. Cal was so well-meaning and sweet, even when he was bumbling and messing up, it was impossible to stay annoyed with him, especially given his ability to readily admit his mistakes and work to correct them.
I loved seeing Phee and Cal tackle the challenges thrown at them and these two had some of the best banter I’ve ever read. I do wish we’d seen more communication from them, rather than having misunderstanding playing a role here, and yet it really did work nonetheless, and my frustration was fairly short-lived. I also wish we’d gotten more detailed information and explanation regarding Phee’s uncle’s motivations and such, but these are essentially the only issues I had. This story had some unexpected plot twists I’ve never seen before, but I don’t want to say any more and risk spoilers. Suffice it to say, I couldn’t put this book down. Even when Cal and Phee were frustrating me and I wanted to shake them both, I still had to keep reading to find out how Bethany was going to work it all out. I also loved seeing Lottie and Ethan again and the strong relationship they both had with Cal.
I was skeptical about the next book’s heroine being Emma because she’s really not likable for at least the first half of this book, but she improves a lot and now I’m interested to see where we’re going with her story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
April 27, 2021
Cal is an earl with a right hand man named Adam Hardwick, a land surveyor whose job runs more to keeping an ear to the ground and gathering information. Only Adam has a secret - he's actually Ophelia "Phee", and has been living as a boy/man since her twin brother died over a decade earlier.
I adored Any Rogue Will Do, Bethany's debut and the first in the Misfits of Mayfair series, and I was excited to see what West End Earl would be. I knew it was a "girl in pants" trope but that Bethany had said it would be a much more modernized story than how it played out in 1980s romances where either the hero knows the heroine is a woman right away, or has gay panic. And I did find this to be a much more modern take on the trope, though it also didn't feel like Cat Sebastian's Unmasked by the Marquess (where the heroine lives as a man and would today probably identify as genderqueer, and the hero is bisexual/queer) - as both Cal and Phee are cis and heterosexual.
The love story between them is sweet and driven by friendship and trust. I loved the line Phee says to Cal when she's falling asleep - "I'm still Puppy." (His nickname for her.) Phee was a compelling heroine, a type I haven't seen before. Even when I've read girl in pants books before they went one of two ways: a woman temporarily and quickly pretending to be a man (Gentle Rogue), or a woman who lives as a man because she wants to and identifies with at least some masculine traits (Unmasked by the Marquess). Phee was neither - someone who dreamed of living as a woman but who couldn't for safety. She feels she doesn't know how to be a "woman" (feminine) - how to kiss, flirt, wear a dress, be demure.
This book is full of drama. Like, chock full of plot. I enjoyed it but do usually prefer a more character driven story just because when the plot twists and turns so constantly I either have a hard time buying it or keeping up. In this case I did have a hard time buying into
Bethany Bennett is a super talented author and I'm going to read whatever she puts out. I'm REALLY curious how book 3 will play out given that we know the hero/heroine (though the hero wasn't in this book)...
I adored Any Rogue Will Do, Bethany's debut and the first in the Misfits of Mayfair series, and I was excited to see what West End Earl would be. I knew it was a "girl in pants" trope but that Bethany had said it would be a much more modernized story than how it played out in 1980s romances where either the hero knows the heroine is a woman right away, or has gay panic. And I did find this to be a much more modern take on the trope, though it also didn't feel like Cat Sebastian's Unmasked by the Marquess (where the heroine lives as a man and would today probably identify as genderqueer, and the hero is bisexual/queer) - as both Cal and Phee are cis and heterosexual.
The love story between them is sweet and driven by friendship and trust. I loved the line Phee says to Cal when she's falling asleep - "I'm still Puppy." (His nickname for her.) Phee was a compelling heroine, a type I haven't seen before. Even when I've read girl in pants books before they went one of two ways: a woman temporarily and quickly pretending to be a man (Gentle Rogue), or a woman who lives as a man because she wants to and identifies with at least some masculine traits (Unmasked by the Marquess). Phee was neither - someone who dreamed of living as a woman but who couldn't for safety. She feels she doesn't know how to be a "woman" (feminine) - how to kiss, flirt, wear a dress, be demure.
This book is full of drama. Like, chock full of plot. I enjoyed it but do usually prefer a more character driven story just because when the plot twists and turns so constantly I either have a hard time buying it or keeping up. In this case I did have a hard time buying into
Bethany Bennett is a super talented author and I'm going to read whatever she puts out. I'm REALLY curious how book 3 will play out given that we know the hero/heroine (though the hero wasn't in this book)...
June 17, 2021
Thanks to the publisher & Netgalley for the complimentary ARC. All opinions provided are my own.
Bethany Bennett’s lovely debut Any Rogue Will Do had me so excited about this new voice in historical romance. While West End Earl falls somewhat flat for me, I’m really looking forward to seeing what Bennett writes next.
Adam Hardwick has worked as a land steward for Lord Calvin Carlyle for two years. They’ve developed a close friendship, Cal even referring to his amiable, red-haired friend as Puppy.
But after Adam is attacked, Cal realizes that Adam is a woman, Phee, who has assumed her brother’s identity & the dress & mannerisms associated with men during the time so she can hide from her nefarious uncle & guardian.
Cal’s there for her, even as this development causes him to develop romantic feelings for his employee/friend. There are lots of things standing between them but can they make it work?
Kudos to Bennett for writing a sweet, beta hero who’s a good friend, a bold heroine, & an unconventional story. On balance I think Bennett writes with grace & sensitivity, & as I mentioned before, I think more great things are in our romance-reading future.
But I was disconcerted by Cal’s rapid transition in thinking regarding Phee. As Adam, Phee garners none of Cal’s romantic interest; Cal even muses on how unattractive a sister of Adam’s would have been. But basically as soon as Phee reveals she’s a woman, soon after Cal’s aforementioned musing, she becomes attractive to him. The turnaround is very quick & it just feels odd to me.
The story also goes in a very unexpected direction & while it eventually gets smoothed away, some of those vaguely rough edges took me out of the story somewhat.
I love the sweet friendship between Cal and Phee & that the story (& Bennett) are willing to be daring, but sadly West End Earl doesn’t always work for me.
3.5 ⭐️. Release date: 06/29
Bethany Bennett’s lovely debut Any Rogue Will Do had me so excited about this new voice in historical romance. While West End Earl falls somewhat flat for me, I’m really looking forward to seeing what Bennett writes next.
Adam Hardwick has worked as a land steward for Lord Calvin Carlyle for two years. They’ve developed a close friendship, Cal even referring to his amiable, red-haired friend as Puppy.
But after Adam is attacked, Cal realizes that Adam is a woman, Phee, who has assumed her brother’s identity & the dress & mannerisms associated with men during the time so she can hide from her nefarious uncle & guardian.
Cal’s there for her, even as this development causes him to develop romantic feelings for his employee/friend. There are lots of things standing between them but can they make it work?
Kudos to Bennett for writing a sweet, beta hero who’s a good friend, a bold heroine, & an unconventional story. On balance I think Bennett writes with grace & sensitivity, & as I mentioned before, I think more great things are in our romance-reading future.
But I was disconcerted by Cal’s rapid transition in thinking regarding Phee. As Adam, Phee garners none of Cal’s romantic interest; Cal even muses on how unattractive a sister of Adam’s would have been. But basically as soon as Phee reveals she’s a woman, soon after Cal’s aforementioned musing, she becomes attractive to him. The turnaround is very quick & it just feels odd to me.
The story also goes in a very unexpected direction & while it eventually gets smoothed away, some of those vaguely rough edges took me out of the story somewhat.
I love the sweet friendship between Cal and Phee & that the story (& Bennett) are willing to be daring, but sadly West End Earl doesn’t always work for me.
3.5 ⭐️. Release date: 06/29
June 8, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 “He’d changed everything. Or perhaps he’d merely been present for the change.”
What You’ll Find:
✔️Historical Romance
✔️Hidden Identity
✔️Secret Crush
✔️Friends to Lovers
✔️Dual, Third Person POV
West End Earl is the story of Calvin ‘Cal’ and Ophelia ‘Phee’. Phee has been masquerading as her dead twin brother Adam for years. She’s been Cal’s right hand man for two years, when the secret is finally exposed. And when Cal finds out his friends secret, he protects her identity. It doesn’t take long for Cal to see her in a new light and feelings to form. But will they risk their safety?
I really enjoyed Cal in Any Rogue Will Do, and was looking forward to his story. I find secret identity to be so fun in a historical romance and this was no exception. Both characters were just so likeable. Phee was such a strong, self reliant heroine... which was refreshing. And Cal, just so sweet. I loved how he just openly accepted her and wanted to protect her, without trying to change her. Their relationship was fun, filled with banter and sweetness... while still having the steam factor too.
I’m not sure how I felt about the conflict in the end, but I suspect it aids in setting up the next story. Which should be noted, there are great side characters in this one. It was nice to see Lottie & Ethan especially carry over into this story. Emma’s story will sure be interesting next... I’m curious, will it be a redemption story? I’d personally enjoy that. But either way, I’m looking forward to reading it!
*Thank you to Forever Publishing for this eARC via NetGalley for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
What You’ll Find:
✔️Historical Romance
✔️Hidden Identity
✔️Secret Crush
✔️Friends to Lovers
✔️Dual, Third Person POV
West End Earl is the story of Calvin ‘Cal’ and Ophelia ‘Phee’. Phee has been masquerading as her dead twin brother Adam for years. She’s been Cal’s right hand man for two years, when the secret is finally exposed. And when Cal finds out his friends secret, he protects her identity. It doesn’t take long for Cal to see her in a new light and feelings to form. But will they risk their safety?
I really enjoyed Cal in Any Rogue Will Do, and was looking forward to his story. I find secret identity to be so fun in a historical romance and this was no exception. Both characters were just so likeable. Phee was such a strong, self reliant heroine... which was refreshing. And Cal, just so sweet. I loved how he just openly accepted her and wanted to protect her, without trying to change her. Their relationship was fun, filled with banter and sweetness... while still having the steam factor too.
I’m not sure how I felt about the conflict in the end, but I suspect it aids in setting up the next story. Which should be noted, there are great side characters in this one. It was nice to see Lottie & Ethan especially carry over into this story. Emma’s story will sure be interesting next... I’m curious, will it be a redemption story? I’d personally enjoy that. But either way, I’m looking forward to reading it!
*Thank you to Forever Publishing for this eARC via NetGalley for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
October 17, 2021
This was a very interesting and absorbing historical romance. These kinds of books can tend to blend together into one ball-attending, corset-wearing, country-manor-having blob of sameness, but this book had a plotline I've never seen before.
Our heroine has assumed the identity of her dead brother to escape the clutches of an uncle trying to sell her in marriage to an old dude, so she has spent the last ten years as a man.
The romance develops and proceeds with her acting and looking like a man, even though her love interest knows that she is a woman. There's an interesting amount of gender bending that I enjoyed very much. It definitely wasn't m/m romance, because it's clear she's a woman and her plan is to return to being a woman at some point in time, but still there are a lot of trouser-undoing and they refer often to the masculine characteristics of her body, and dwell a lot on the male love interests more feminine qualities (in terms of looks, anyway).
Both of the characters have plenty of dysfunction in their upbringing, and it of course leads to misunderstandings and poorly made decisions that hurt their partner. They were two very human characters that I was rooting for the whole book. This is book 2 in the series, and I will return to read book 1, since this was such a fun read.
Our heroine has assumed the identity of her dead brother to escape the clutches of an uncle trying to sell her in marriage to an old dude, so she has spent the last ten years as a man.
The romance develops and proceeds with her acting and looking like a man, even though her love interest knows that she is a woman. There's an interesting amount of gender bending that I enjoyed very much. It definitely wasn't m/m romance, because it's clear she's a woman and her plan is to return to being a woman at some point in time, but still there are a lot of trouser-undoing and they refer often to the masculine characteristics of her body, and dwell a lot on the male love interests more feminine qualities (in terms of looks, anyway).
Both of the characters have plenty of dysfunction in their upbringing, and it of course leads to misunderstandings and poorly made decisions that hurt their partner. They were two very human characters that I was rooting for the whole book. This is book 2 in the series, and I will return to read book 1, since this was such a fun read.
June 15, 2021
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley
Ten years ago, to get out from under the thumb of her uncle Milton, Ophelia Hardwick took her brother Adam's identity and has been living as a man just until she can come into her inheritance. She's an employee and confidante of Calvin, the Earl of Carlyle, until one day she's mugged in the streets and Cal learns her secret. He can't believe he never noticed, but as Phee says, people see what you want them to see.
Even as the two of them fall for each other, Cal is juggling his sister's social debut and getting roped into marrying a friend of his father's to pay off a debt. He's doing his damndest to find a way out of it, including hosting a house party to find a love match for his intended.
The thing is, despite engaging writing, West End Earl is lacking in any story tension. There's never a risk or even the barest hint that anyone else suspects Adam is actually Phee. Nothing much happens at the house party. What pulls Phee and Cal apart is just circumstance and not communicating despite previously being close. Even when Cal wakes up and realizes how royally he's screwed up, the grovel is just a technicality, you never doubt that Phee will take him back.
Overall, it gets a shrug, it's fine from me.
Ten years ago, to get out from under the thumb of her uncle Milton, Ophelia Hardwick took her brother Adam's identity and has been living as a man just until she can come into her inheritance. She's an employee and confidante of Calvin, the Earl of Carlyle, until one day she's mugged in the streets and Cal learns her secret. He can't believe he never noticed, but as Phee says, people see what you want them to see.
Even as the two of them fall for each other, Cal is juggling his sister's social debut and getting roped into marrying a friend of his father's to pay off a debt. He's doing his damndest to find a way out of it, including hosting a house party to find a love match for his intended.
The thing is, despite engaging writing, West End Earl is lacking in any story tension. There's never a risk or even the barest hint that anyone else suspects Adam is actually Phee. Nothing much happens at the house party. What pulls Phee and Cal apart is just circumstance and not communicating despite previously being close. Even when Cal wakes up and realizes how royally he's screwed up, the grovel is just a technicality, you never doubt that Phee will take him back.
Overall, it gets a shrug, it's fine from me.
July 5, 2022
I work for the publisher of this book; all opinions presented are my own.
Okay so first of all. If you are reading this review and haven't read the first book in the series. You should do that. In fact, you should do that without reading the summary for this book, and then you should go into this book blind if you want the full experience. I, being ✨stupid✨, somehow managed to read the blurb for ALL THREE books in this series and STILL not connect the very obvious dots, and I'm v grateful to my dumb little brain for that, because chapter two my jaw DROPPED. My world shifted slightly on its axis despite the fact that if I had used my brain even a little bit, I would have seen the very obvious facts right in front of me. But it was so satisfying as a plot twist. Anyway go read book one Any Rogue Will Do pls & ty.
I really don't have anything else to say beyond the following: I love girl-in-pants, slightly insane histrom plots involving blackmail and mistaken identity, and when characters choose an absolutely absurd solution to a problem but you're like "yes of course this is what they have to do there were no other options"
CW: sexual content, physical abuse, grief, child death, child abuse, violence
Okay so first of all. If you are reading this review and haven't read the first book in the series. You should do that. In fact, you should do that without reading the summary for this book, and then you should go into this book blind if you want the full experience. I, being ✨stupid✨, somehow managed to read the blurb for ALL THREE books in this series and STILL not connect the very obvious dots, and I'm v grateful to my dumb little brain for that, because chapter two my jaw DROPPED. My world shifted slightly on its axis despite the fact that if I had used my brain even a little bit, I would have seen the very obvious facts right in front of me. But it was so satisfying as a plot twist. Anyway go read book one Any Rogue Will Do pls & ty.
I really don't have anything else to say beyond the following: I love girl-in-pants, slightly insane histrom plots involving blackmail and mistaken identity, and when characters choose an absolutely absurd solution to a problem but you're like "yes of course this is what they have to do there were no other options"
CW: sexual content, physical abuse, grief, child death, child abuse, violence
April 13, 2021
I adored West End Earl. I loved Any Rogue Will Do and have been counting down the minutes until I got my hands on Cal's book. Cal and Phee's story is so unexpected. I appreciated the living as a boy story line so much. It provided just a little bit of intrigue but also set Cal and Phee up as friends before their love story started. Their pre-discover she's really a girl connection set up a solid foundation for tension and heat but also for me to deeply root for their HEA. If you are a fan of historical romance, you need this book. It's fast paced and steamy and will keep you up way too late turning pages like crazy.
June 15, 2021
Series: Misfits of Mayfair #2
Publication Date: 6/29/21
Period: May 1820 – Regency Era
Number of Pages: 400
4.5 Stars
I was very impressed with this author’s debut novel, Any Rogue Will Do, and have been excitedly waiting to see how her second release would fare. Well, the answer is in – I LOVED it. Cal was one of my favorite characters in the first book, and I am delighted he has gotten his well-deserved HEA in this book. The prose is outstanding, the story flows flawlessly from beginning to end and the characters are relatable, likable, and could easily become friends if we knew them in real life.
Calvin (Cal) Carlyle, Earl of Carlyle, heir to the Marquess of Eastly, is a fixer. He always feels it is his responsibility to fix problems for his friend and family. He’s very good at that, but it is often to his detriment – especially when those family members don’t really appreciate it or him. They are vain to the extreme and just take him for granted. The Marquess is a profligate who moves through the world without a thought to anyone other than himself. He leaves illegitimate offspring everywhere, spends recklessly, wagers recklessly, and then just expects Cal to clean it all up. Cal’s sister, Emma, is just as self-centered and reckless as their father. She goes through her life without a thought about the consequences of her actions – until those consequences catch up to her.
Calvin’s father has gone beyond the pale this time. He invested heavily on an investment when Cal had cautioned him to invest much more modestly. Then, on top of that, he made a wager he couldn’t possibly pay unless the investment pays out. That doesn’t trouble the marquess in the least because if the marquess can’t pay, the winner is perfectly willing to take Cal as his son-in-law. Cal has no intention of becoming that son-in-law, but he’s going to have a time working his way out of that. He’ll have to handle it carefully. Cal just isn’t good at telling his father no, even though there is no way for the marquess to force Cal to marry.
Adam Hardwick, AKA Ophelia (Phee) Hardwick is a survivor. Adam and Ophelia are orphaned twins who were thrust into the guardianship of their vile, odious uncle Milton Keating when they were very young. At the age of thirteen, the uncle sent Adam away to school and drew up marriage contracts for Ophelia to marry a very old and odious man. When Adam accidentally died, Ophelia began living as Adam and went to school in his place and Adam was buried under Ophelia’s name. Now, she’s been living as a man for ten years and wouldn’t have a clue how to behave as a woman. That deception works well for her – until she is attacked – and her best friend and employer, Calvin Carlyle, comes to her aid.
When Cal discovers Adam is really Ophelia, he wonders how he never saw it before. He’d always felt an affinity for Adam – and now he feels a full-force attraction that quickly becomes love. Cal has to manage to keep Phee safe, see that she continues to love him, and somehow manage to thwart his father’s schemes to marry him off to the winner of the bet’s daughter. It is fun to watch Cal screw it all up – the poor boy just can’t seem to go against his nature. Winning and keeping Phee may be one of those things he just can’t fix.
What do I think could be improved? I think the wording, descriptions, etc. sound very American in what is supposed to be nineteenth-century England. Anachronistic word choices – also sound very American, but weren’t in use at the time – for instance, ‘scrapper’ didn’t come into use until 1874, and then it was used for a pugilist. It didn’t come to stand for anyone who puts up a fight until later. It isn’t usual for an earl’s last name to match his title. I guess it is just that word usages and choices, situations, etc. just sound very American to me and perhaps the author could spend a bit more time immersed in that period in England.
However, the bottom line for me is that it was a lovely, witty, fun story featuring lovely people and I’m glad to have read it and I hope you will love it as well. The next book, All Rogues Lead to London, will feature Emma, Cal’s sister. I’m so looking forward to that because Emma grew exponentially as a person in this book and I can’t wait to see what happens with her. I also hope we see something dire happen with Roxbury AND I’d like to see Emma’s child inherit Milton’s estate. Grand payback I’d say.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 6/29/21
Period: May 1820 – Regency Era
Number of Pages: 400
4.5 Stars
I was very impressed with this author’s debut novel, Any Rogue Will Do, and have been excitedly waiting to see how her second release would fare. Well, the answer is in – I LOVED it. Cal was one of my favorite characters in the first book, and I am delighted he has gotten his well-deserved HEA in this book. The prose is outstanding, the story flows flawlessly from beginning to end and the characters are relatable, likable, and could easily become friends if we knew them in real life.
Calvin (Cal) Carlyle, Earl of Carlyle, heir to the Marquess of Eastly, is a fixer. He always feels it is his responsibility to fix problems for his friend and family. He’s very good at that, but it is often to his detriment – especially when those family members don’t really appreciate it or him. They are vain to the extreme and just take him for granted. The Marquess is a profligate who moves through the world without a thought to anyone other than himself. He leaves illegitimate offspring everywhere, spends recklessly, wagers recklessly, and then just expects Cal to clean it all up. Cal’s sister, Emma, is just as self-centered and reckless as their father. She goes through her life without a thought about the consequences of her actions – until those consequences catch up to her.
Calvin’s father has gone beyond the pale this time. He invested heavily on an investment when Cal had cautioned him to invest much more modestly. Then, on top of that, he made a wager he couldn’t possibly pay unless the investment pays out. That doesn’t trouble the marquess in the least because if the marquess can’t pay, the winner is perfectly willing to take Cal as his son-in-law. Cal has no intention of becoming that son-in-law, but he’s going to have a time working his way out of that. He’ll have to handle it carefully. Cal just isn’t good at telling his father no, even though there is no way for the marquess to force Cal to marry.
Adam Hardwick, AKA Ophelia (Phee) Hardwick is a survivor. Adam and Ophelia are orphaned twins who were thrust into the guardianship of their vile, odious uncle Milton Keating when they were very young. At the age of thirteen, the uncle sent Adam away to school and drew up marriage contracts for Ophelia to marry a very old and odious man. When Adam accidentally died, Ophelia began living as Adam and went to school in his place and Adam was buried under Ophelia’s name. Now, she’s been living as a man for ten years and wouldn’t have a clue how to behave as a woman. That deception works well for her – until she is attacked – and her best friend and employer, Calvin Carlyle, comes to her aid.
When Cal discovers Adam is really Ophelia, he wonders how he never saw it before. He’d always felt an affinity for Adam – and now he feels a full-force attraction that quickly becomes love. Cal has to manage to keep Phee safe, see that she continues to love him, and somehow manage to thwart his father’s schemes to marry him off to the winner of the bet’s daughter. It is fun to watch Cal screw it all up – the poor boy just can’t seem to go against his nature. Winning and keeping Phee may be one of those things he just can’t fix.
What do I think could be improved? I think the wording, descriptions, etc. sound very American in what is supposed to be nineteenth-century England. Anachronistic word choices – also sound very American, but weren’t in use at the time – for instance, ‘scrapper’ didn’t come into use until 1874, and then it was used for a pugilist. It didn’t come to stand for anyone who puts up a fight until later. It isn’t usual for an earl’s last name to match his title. I guess it is just that word usages and choices, situations, etc. just sound very American to me and perhaps the author could spend a bit more time immersed in that period in England.
However, the bottom line for me is that it was a lovely, witty, fun story featuring lovely people and I’m glad to have read it and I hope you will love it as well. The next book, All Rogues Lead to London, will feature Emma, Cal’s sister. I’m so looking forward to that because Emma grew exponentially as a person in this book and I can’t wait to see what happens with her. I also hope we see something dire happen with Roxbury AND I’d like to see Emma’s child inherit Milton’s estate. Grand payback I’d say.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 25, 2021
ARC provided by Netgalley
I have been loving this series by Bethany Bennett. I loved the first book, and this book is the story about the first book's hero's best friends.
Calvin, the Earl, has had his steward who is also his best friend for a few years, aka Adam hardwick. But lo and behold, Adam is a woman in disguise, running from potential danger.
This was so interesting to read. Calvin has always relied on Adam for everything, be it putting himself in danger and finding trade secrets for Calvin's business, or just needing a friend to talk in the library over a cup of coffee. Adam has been Calvin's friend. But soon, danger comes knocking Adam's door, or more like Ophelia's door.
And the secret comes out, and changes everything.
Ophelia: I loved her character. We see her as extremely resourceful, brave as well as soft-hearted. She has spent ten years as a man and it is her dream to be free of the danger and finally live as a woman. She dreams of wearing dresses some day. But she still talks and walks like a man. She is bold and brash. I absolutely loved how Ophelia was written. If there is a problem, she tries to find solution and deal with it. She hasn't ever relied on anyone else but Calvin is changing things.
Calvin: I loved his character too. Poor Calvin is always dealing with his family's mistakes, and trying to not follow them or trying to pay for them. Once again, he is stuck trying to resolve his father's mistakes and trying to get his sister married, but Adam aka Ophelia is in danger. And boy, the guy had so much to deal with and he couldn't catch a break. I really liked how he dealt with Ophelia's secrets coming out.
While I was reading the book "post-revelation", I did find some parts frustrating but after reading the book, I realize that the character's responses were realistic. They are not perfect characters. And assumptions and mistakes are made. There is some miscommunication. Once Calvin realizes that Adam is Ophelia, he sort of starts treating her like a woman. Trying to take care of her, not asking for help, and not treating her the way he treated Adam.
And I liked how this plus some other miscommunications were dealt as a conflict.
Romance: These two were such great lovers. And their love stems from lifelong friendship, and that is evident in their romance. I liked that the identity of Adam wasn't a secret for very long. And I enjoyed how those two dealt with her secret. I loved that he didn't care if people thought he was with a guy (if he had to hide Ophelia's identity). He just wanted Ophelia. And Calvin certainly got bonus points for that. They were friends and lovers, and I enjoyed it.
The female friendship that developed was really endearing and I can't wait to read Calvin's sister's book..She is such a great character.
Overall, a fun read. A little slow pace here and there. And I love how the hero was miserable at the third act conflict, and wish he groveled a tad more. But I was thoroughly invested in the story. Looking forward to the next book.
I have been loving this series by Bethany Bennett. I loved the first book, and this book is the story about the first book's hero's best friends.
Calvin, the Earl, has had his steward who is also his best friend for a few years, aka Adam hardwick. But lo and behold, Adam is a woman in disguise, running from potential danger.
This was so interesting to read. Calvin has always relied on Adam for everything, be it putting himself in danger and finding trade secrets for Calvin's business, or just needing a friend to talk in the library over a cup of coffee. Adam has been Calvin's friend. But soon, danger comes knocking Adam's door, or more like Ophelia's door.
And the secret comes out, and changes everything.
Ophelia: I loved her character. We see her as extremely resourceful, brave as well as soft-hearted. She has spent ten years as a man and it is her dream to be free of the danger and finally live as a woman. She dreams of wearing dresses some day. But she still talks and walks like a man. She is bold and brash. I absolutely loved how Ophelia was written. If there is a problem, she tries to find solution and deal with it. She hasn't ever relied on anyone else but Calvin is changing things.
Calvin: I loved his character too. Poor Calvin is always dealing with his family's mistakes, and trying to not follow them or trying to pay for them. Once again, he is stuck trying to resolve his father's mistakes and trying to get his sister married, but Adam aka Ophelia is in danger. And boy, the guy had so much to deal with and he couldn't catch a break. I really liked how he dealt with Ophelia's secrets coming out.
While I was reading the book "post-revelation", I did find some parts frustrating but after reading the book, I realize that the character's responses were realistic. They are not perfect characters. And assumptions and mistakes are made. There is some miscommunication. Once Calvin realizes that Adam is Ophelia, he sort of starts treating her like a woman. Trying to take care of her, not asking for help, and not treating her the way he treated Adam.
And I liked how this plus some other miscommunications were dealt as a conflict.
Romance: These two were such great lovers. And their love stems from lifelong friendship, and that is evident in their romance. I liked that the identity of Adam wasn't a secret for very long. And I enjoyed how those two dealt with her secret. I loved that he didn't care if people thought he was with a guy (if he had to hide Ophelia's identity). He just wanted Ophelia. And Calvin certainly got bonus points for that. They were friends and lovers, and I enjoyed it.
The female friendship that developed was really endearing and I can't wait to read Calvin's sister's book..She is such a great character.
Overall, a fun read. A little slow pace here and there. And I love how the hero was miserable at the third act conflict, and wish he groveled a tad more. But I was thoroughly invested in the story. Looking forward to the next book.
June 29, 2021
4.5 Stars
While most young ladies attend balls and hunt for husbands, Ophelia Hardwick has spent the last ten years in disguise. As Adam Hardwick, the land steward for the Earl of Carlyle, she’s found safety from Milton Keating, the uncle determined to kill her and freedoms a lady could only dream of. Ophelia’s situation would be perfect—if only she wasn’t hopelessly attracted to her employer. Calvin, Earl of Carlyle, is determined to see his sister Emma married this season. And he’ll do it with the help of his trusted right-hand man. But when he finds out Ophelia's secret, and that her life is in danger, his priorities change. Their attraction is passionate, all-consuming, and if they aren’t careful, it could turn downright deadly—for both of them.
This is the second book in the series & also the author’s second novel. I was impressed by the first book & still impressed after reading this well written, page turner. The characters are very well portrayed & believable. I loved both Cal & Phee, I fell for Cal in the previous book & he’s just toe curlingly gorgeous. Phee is strong, intelligent & caring. They are best friends but when Cal rescues Phee & realises Adam is really Phee he sees all the little traits that are now so obvious. Then their attraction spirals into love. A thoroughly enjoyable, fun, humorous read which I devoured
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
While most young ladies attend balls and hunt for husbands, Ophelia Hardwick has spent the last ten years in disguise. As Adam Hardwick, the land steward for the Earl of Carlyle, she’s found safety from Milton Keating, the uncle determined to kill her and freedoms a lady could only dream of. Ophelia’s situation would be perfect—if only she wasn’t hopelessly attracted to her employer. Calvin, Earl of Carlyle, is determined to see his sister Emma married this season. And he’ll do it with the help of his trusted right-hand man. But when he finds out Ophelia's secret, and that her life is in danger, his priorities change. Their attraction is passionate, all-consuming, and if they aren’t careful, it could turn downright deadly—for both of them.
This is the second book in the series & also the author’s second novel. I was impressed by the first book & still impressed after reading this well written, page turner. The characters are very well portrayed & believable. I loved both Cal & Phee, I fell for Cal in the previous book & he’s just toe curlingly gorgeous. Phee is strong, intelligent & caring. They are best friends but when Cal rescues Phee & realises Adam is really Phee he sees all the little traits that are now so obvious. Then their attraction spirals into love. A thoroughly enjoyable, fun, humorous read which I devoured
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
July 20, 2021
Oh, you guys! Just like with book one, when I started I couldn't stop. I blew through West End Earl within hours of receiving it. Move over Bridgerton fans Bethany Bennett is coming through!
I do love a man who is good and kind. One who does his best to take care of his friends and family. Even to his own detriment. Calvin, Earl of Carlyle, has the money and station to help those he needs to help. He just never suspected the one person he thought of as a friend was altogether someone else entirely.
As for the lovely Ophelia... well. Her cover is about to be blown!
As I said before, I absolutely loved this. I can't wait for more in the Misfits of Mayfair series.
~Tanja
*ARC Provided by Publisher
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September 5, 2021
I’m not sure I will finish this book. I loved the beginning but it started to go downhill from there. I was kind of let down by how anticlimactic the big reveal of her being a woman was. It was just like... “Ok cool, how can I help?” What is this? Sounds too much like how a therapist counsels a couple on how to communicate effectively. Ophelia/Phee discovering Emma (H’s sister) having sex with the bad boy womanizer that Calvin (MMC) earlier paid 2,000 pounds after bad boy extorted him in order to leave her alone. Calvin finds out that disgusting rogue playing with his sister’s feelings didn’t honour the deal they’d made even though he knew the guy wasn’t an honourable man. Are you telling me that paying an extortionist often doesn’t work out the way you want? I’m shocked! *surprised pikachu face* The H kind of just takes it in stride and doesn’t seem to care much at all about the news that his sister has been compromised and is no longer a virgin. After wasting 2,000 pounds to make the guy leave his sister alone. Does he demand satisfaction and challenge the guy to a duel? Nope. Does he hunt the guy down and demand his money back? Nope.
This historical romance reads more like a contemporary novel to me in the way sex and relationships are handled so cavalierly. Even Phee and Calvin decide to impart on a sexual relationship, get caught by the butler, who thinks that Phee/Adam is a man and he’s not bothered at all that his employer is gay. Back in those days it would have been the perfect blackmail to ruin him.
The whole book is just ridiculous... not to mention how the H’s dad acts like sheepish boy and gambles his inheritance and life away unless he marries a woman he’s never met. Instead of cutting his dad out of his life he gets a bit upset but basically plans to keep enabling his dad and pays off all his debts and handles all the messes his dad makes. Maybe if he had to suffer some repercussions for his actions he’d actually change. No reason to change if everything continues to work out well for you...
This historical romance reads more like a contemporary novel to me in the way sex and relationships are handled so cavalierly. Even Phee and Calvin decide to impart on a sexual relationship, get caught by the butler, who thinks that Phee/Adam is a man and he’s not bothered at all that his employer is gay. Back in those days it would have been the perfect blackmail to ruin him.
The whole book is just ridiculous... not to mention how the H’s dad acts like sheepish boy and gambles his inheritance and life away unless he marries a woman he’s never met. Instead of cutting his dad out of his life he gets a bit upset but basically plans to keep enabling his dad and pays off all his debts and handles all the messes his dad makes. Maybe if he had to suffer some repercussions for his actions he’d actually change. No reason to change if everything continues to work out well for you...
February 9, 2022
Thank you to Forever for gifting me a review copy of West End Earl by Bethany Bennett. This is the second in the Misfits of Mayfair series, and I really enjoyed the first book, Any Rogue Will Do, so tore through this one with abandon.
Ophelia Hardwick has taken the place of her brother, who died in a tragic accident, and she has spent the better part of a decade pretending to be a man. She’s working as the land steward for the Earl of Carlyle and become a trusted advisor. But while Calvin (the Earl of Carlyle) seems completely oblivious, Ophelia (Adam) is forced to pretend she isn’t ridiculously attracted to him.
But when Ophelia is robbed and beat up, Calvin is looking after her and discovers her secret. Things start to shift between them, but matters get more and more complicated as their dynamic changes. Throw in a house party, meddling butlers, friends and family, matchmaking efforts, and Calvin’s sister who needs to find a husband or risk being saddled with an unpleasant match and you have one heck of a story. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time! So yeah, Bethany Bennett has done it again folks!
Ophelia Hardwick has taken the place of her brother, who died in a tragic accident, and she has spent the better part of a decade pretending to be a man. She’s working as the land steward for the Earl of Carlyle and become a trusted advisor. But while Calvin (the Earl of Carlyle) seems completely oblivious, Ophelia (Adam) is forced to pretend she isn’t ridiculously attracted to him.
But when Ophelia is robbed and beat up, Calvin is looking after her and discovers her secret. Things start to shift between them, but matters get more and more complicated as their dynamic changes. Throw in a house party, meddling butlers, friends and family, matchmaking efforts, and Calvin’s sister who needs to find a husband or risk being saddled with an unpleasant match and you have one heck of a story. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time! So yeah, Bethany Bennett has done it again folks!
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