Courting the Earl

"He'd pushed too hard, taken things too far." Steamy-sweet story that is low angst and easy to read. Geoffrey amused me with his constant manipulations. Holbrook was right when he called him an evil genius but I understand what he was feeling. He just wanted what his sister has found, love, even if he did let his anger with his father blind him at times. Eleanor was sweet and I liked that she and her cousin were actually close and while Lydia was spoiled, she wasn't mean or selfish. Usually in a book with this type of dynamic, the spoiled woman is selfish and unkind. But Lydia actually loves her cousin and wants her to find happiness, too. The story is a bit predictable, but had a small suprising twist, and I really enjoyed watching Ellie and Geoffrey fall in love.This is very much a romantic romance, with all the feels and some good steam. I really liked Holbrook and am happy his book is next. I am kind of sad it will be the last book in the series, though.

I enjoyed this upbeat, low-angst novella. Eleanor and Hargrove have strong chemistry, but they're in denial about their feelings for each other. They need to grow and reach for what they want, rather than being influenced so much by other people. Thanks, Booksprout, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Geoffrey didn’t want to be forced to marry due to an agreement his awful father made. He works to find ways out of it including encouraging other suitors and working with Lydia’s cousin. Eleanor has more in common with Geoffrey including their love of reading but she can’t stand in Lydia’s way and Geoffrey has repeatedly told her he’s not ready to marry. There are steamy, funny, romantic, and several misunderstandings in this romance.