The Earl Next Door
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4.4 • 47 Ratings
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- $8.99
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- $8.99
Publisher Description
What does a fiercely independent young widow really want? One determined suitor is about to find out. . .
When Adeline, Dowager Countess of Wake, learns of her husband’s sudden death, she realizes she’s free. At last, she can do, go, and be as she pleases. Finally, she can have the life she has always dreamed of. She doesn’t need, or want, to remarry. Especially not the supremely dashing future Marquis of Marksworth, who makes Adeline yearn for his desire. . .
Lord Lyonwood, son of a philandering marquis, will not be like his father. He wants to run his estates and watch them flourish—and find a wife who brings love to his life. When he meets spirited and self-reliant Adeline in a case of near-scandalous mistaken identity, Lyon feels he’s met his match. But Adeline isn’t interested in a marriage proposal. She will only accept becoming his lover—and Lyon finds it hard to refuse. Unless the fire of his passion can melt Adeline’s resolve. . .
“A master storyteller.”—Affaire de Coeur
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Adeline, Dowager Countess of Wake, the heroine in this flimsy First Comes Love Regency series opener, is determined to keep her independence, no matter how diligently the handsome Lyon Marksworth, Earl of Lyonwood, tries to win her hand. Adeline, recently widowed, is young enough to remarry, but her marriage was anything but blissful, so a replay is not in the cards. She's dedicated her life to establishing and running the Seafarer's School for Girls and believes marriage would make her and the school too vulnerable to her husband's whims. When Lyonwood mistakes her for a lady of the night, she is both appalled by his assumption and intrigued by his looks. Lyonwood admires her fire and boldness, and after their passionate first encounter, he knows she's the only one for him. They begin a battle of wits as Lyonwood woos Adeline and she fends him off. Grey (The Rakes of St. James) rushes the central relationship without developing it; a shocking revelation and the eventual declaration of love feel like nothing more than genre boxes to check off. Grey's prose is strong and her characters are fun, but the romantic side of this romance is a disappointment.
Customer Reviews
Neighbors
Three widows who lost their husbands when their ship went down in a storm decide to start a boarding school for the daughters and sisters of the ship’s crew lost in the same tragedy. The girls will learn to read and write and gain the skills to find employment as seamstresses. When Lord Lyon, The Earl Next Door, returns to town he is led to believe the house next door (the school) is being set up as an exclusive ___brothel. Furious, he marches into the house to demand said brothel be closed, and encounters Adeline, Dowager Countess of Wake, who is not a madam, but the founder of the school. Sparks fly and fly…
The Duke Next Door is book one in the First Comes Love Series. It is an entertaining story filled with humor. The characters are great. The hero and heroine spar beautifully from the beginning, both confident and snarky. Adeline is bold, strong, feisty, caring. Lyon starts angry and works his way to confused and provides laugh-out-loud moments along the way. He is in fact absolutely loveable - honorable, patient, and protective. There are no big villains, just a nosy neighbor with a spyglass. The story is straightforward and moves along quickly, an enjoyable read. I recommend this one and look forward to the rest of the series.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
Loved It!
This story was unique, deliciously steamy, endearingly sweet, and entertaining. The characters touched my heart and their romance left me breathless. Their attraction was immediate and their chemistry sizzling. From snooping old busybodies to sweet, innocent, and curious young girls adding lol moments. Amelia Grey brought such life to this romance. I loved every page. I highly recommend this story!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.