Monday, May 28, 2018

You Never Forget your First Earl


With her three good friends all recently married, Elizabeth Turley is ready for some husband-hunting of her own. One gentleman in particular sparks her interest. Geoffrey, Earl of Harrington is tall, handsome, and dashing. He’s also just a bit too sure of himself. But Elizabeth has observed enough about the rules of attraction to pique the earl’s attention. Yet once she has it, the discovery of a troubling secret taints her future happiness . . .

Lord Harrington must marry or lose a prestigious position in Brussels, and pretty, well-connected Elizabeth fits his needs admirably. But could it be that he has underestimated his bride? She doesn’t bat an eye in the face of the danger they encounter overseas. She’s strong-willed, intelligent, and more enticing each day—yet also more indifferent to him. Now Geoffrey faces his greatest challenge: to woo and win his own wife, or risk losing her for good . . .

MY REVIEW
Definitely of the Historical Romance genre and definitely very easy to read. Set in the times of the Napoleonic Wars, this story speaks of politics and wars but only amongst the polite talk made at Balls long ago, where women were supposed to be well-versed in certain subjects to learn to carry on conversations with their prospects. Truly your girl in a “coming out” stage and a titled boy trying to find the proper wife, story. Nonetheless, it’s a delightful love story and I enjoyed it. It was even a little humorous at times which I thought kept it moving along well.

Romance is not my favorite genre but I enjoyed this book. There is no explicit sex, at least to me, nothing that did not fit in the story and the characters were not just defined but likeable. They were easy to know. I am talking about the whole family…the Marchioness of Somewhere, the Lord, the Earl, the Lady…well you get my point. Each family was discernible living in times of war, politics and slaughter. To make it real but yet a pleasant read, Quinn described the homes, the riding out in carriages, the Balls, even the beautiful Teas to allow us to enjoy her storyline and yet give us a hint of what went on at the time. I think she did a good job at this.

Let me tell you what else she did. She gave this book a title to make me think this book would have a whole ‘nother ending than it did. What a sassy lady.

This is Book 5 in her “The Worthingtons” series. There is no question it could be read as a stand-alone but I think it’s probably worth checking them all out.  


***This book was provided to me free of charge in exchange for an honest review.


EXCERPT

“Harrington.” Mr. Gavin Turley, the eldest son of Viscount Turley, hailed Geoff as he stepped through the door. “Haven’t seen you in weeks. What have you been up to?”

“I’ve been with my father.” He sat in the large leather chair on the other side of a low table. A footman brought him a cup of tea, and he took a sip. It was comfortable being known in a club well enough that they knew what a fellow drank. Coffee might smell good, but he couldn’t stand the taste. He thought of not mentioning his most pressing dilemma, but he was desperate. “If you must know, I’m in the market for a wife.”

Turley stared at Geoff for a few moments, then turned his attention to the teacup that he twisted around before looking up again. “Are you indeed?”

“Yes.” Geoff nodded. “And quickly. You might have heard . . . Well, it is no matter.” There was no need for the whole world to hear from him how shoddily he had been treated by Lady Charlotte. Making sure that others knew he wished to marry, however, was prudent. After all, he was an eligible match for any lady.

“Tell you what,” Turley said, leaning forward. “Come around to my father’s house this afternoon on Green Street and join us for tea.” Turley raised a dark blond brow. “If you don’t have other plans, that is.”

An image of a lady with the same light flaxen hair came to Geoff’s mind. Lady Charlotte had introduced him to Miss Turley. The sister of Mr. Turley and the daughter of Viscount Turley. “Do I recall correctly that you have a sister who is out?”

“You do.”  He leaned back in the dark brown leather chair. “She is enjoying her first Season. She is very pretty—at least I think so—and amiable as well. Even when I try her temper, she manages not to give me a bear garden jaw.”

He debated telling the man that he had already been introduced, but decided not to. Joining Miss Turley for tea was as good a place as any to begin, Geoff supposed. “I have no other obligations. In fact, I would be delighted.”

AUTHOR Bio and Links:  
Ella will be awarding a signed copy of the book (International Giveaway) to 5 randomly drawn winners via rafflecopter during the tour.


USA Today bestselling author Ella Quinn’s studies and other jobs have always been on the serious side. Reading historical romances, especially Regencies, were her escape. Eventually her love of historical novels led her to start writing them.
  
She is married to her wonderful husband of over thirty years. They have a son and two beautiful granddaughters, and a Portuguese Water Dog. After living in the South Pacific, Central America, North Africa, England and Europe, she and her husband decided to make their dreams come true and are now living on a sailboat. After cruising the Caribbean and North America, she completed a transatlantic crossing from St. Martin to Southern Europe. She's currently living in Germany, happily writing while her husband is back at work, recovering from retirement.





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