How to Tempt an Earl

London society is cruel for a young woman whose father is an avid gambler. Miss Grace Ashton is not one to stand idly by while her family becomes destitute. Donning a mask, she slips into the night and attends the infamous Raven Club to confront the proprietor. But nothing prepares her for the sinfully attractive and wealthy Ian Swift. Ian is intrigued when Grace walks into his gambling club but refuses her offer of a few jewels to pay her father’s large debts. Unbeknownst to anyone, Ian has inherited the Earldom of Castleton, and he must reluctantly take his place in Society. But Ian’s manners as a gentleman have suffered. He needs a tutor, and he knows the exquisite lady standing before him is the answer. A delightful read Ian & Grace are immediately attracted to each other but the divide that is the Ravens Club separates them. They both see things as black & white & it’s only after Brooke’s intervention that they start to see the grey. The characters are well portrayed & very likeable, Grace is a whiz at maths & uses her book keeping skills to help keep her household solvent following her father’s downfall into drink & gambling following her mother’s death. Ian has had to survive after he left his home, he’s now a very successful businessman but his use of his profits is unusual.. I loved the way the pair ‘s attraction sizzled & then how they both learned what made the other ’tick’. I found that I was engrossed & read into the early hours to finish this very good start to a new series, I hope Brooke has his HEA My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

This fast paced adventure held me spellbound.. From the very beginning I was intrigued that a proper young lady was masked and entering a gambling hell, the Raven Club to bargain with the owner over her father's gambling debts. What you say? It is the old story of gambling away all their funds but with a definite twist as Grace Ashton, seemingly an innocent is determined. What she finds is Ian Swift, the recently titled Earl of Carleton, not giving an inch. Indeed he is amazed at her audacity but will not take her jewelry as payment. Grace really begs him to not let her father in the club but as Ian pointed out he would just go elsewhere. Ian was suffering his own problems with his mother pushing him take his place in polite society so that his sisters could have their come out. He has been doing what he wanted for years and was really not fit to be seen. So he develops a plan to have Grace get him into shape to be what he needs to be to help his sisters. Can the plan work? Tina Gabrielle has an amazing writing style that actually kept me up into the night until I turned the last page. I truly could not put it down once I started. The characters came to life and I felt for Ian and Grace and in the end they needed to save each other. One of my favorite trope. This was the first book by the author I have read but I have to say, I cannot wait to read more!!

The second novel I have read from Tina Gabrielle, it is clear she is a talented writer, particularly when it comes to historical romance. While the premise to How To Tempt an Earl is not original by far, Gabrielle’s take was highly enjoyable. The story is well developed, though has some slight inconsistencies. Pair with the author's easy style, it flows smoothly and quickly. The main characters are tangible and likable despite having flaws, and the heroine is intelligent and resourceful. The story is amusing with the right amount of emotion. While the novel is not without its flaws, it is an enjoyable historical romance.