Girls Before Earls: A Rogues to Lovers Novel

Girls Before Earls by Anna Bennett, book one in her Rogues to Lovers series, is an entertaining, romantic, and wonderful story with great messages about family, grief, society, and love. Miss Hazel Lively is a strong, independent woman who dedicated her life to helping young girls. Adamant that all girls, regardless of social class, deserve the same opportunities, Hazel opens a school to girls of all social stations. A lover of books and learning, Hazel is determined to make her school a success, and when the Earl of Bladenton enrolls his niece, it seems her prospects are looking up. However, Blade’s niece Kitty is a handful, and Hazel’s feelings for Blade are less than professional. Blade doesn’t believe in love. Determined to enter a marriage of convenience, Blade intends to leave Kitty in Hazel’s capable hands so that he can ensure his engagement to a woman of the ton. However, when Hazel makes his involvement in Kitty’s life part of their arrangement, Blade finds himself returning to Bellhaven Academy to visit Kitty and developing feelings for the proper and intelligent headmistress. Though very different, Hazel and Blade both keep people at a distance. For different reasons, neither let anyone get too close, and neither are looking for love. Hazel is committed to her school, and Blade has been burned by love in the past; which swore him off love forever. In addition, they are from different social classes, live in different places, and have different goals. From their first meeting, these two have explosive, off-the-charts chemistry, and their feelings are undeniable; despite trying to deny them. Theirs is a case of opposites attract, and these opposites have an amazing connection. Their budding relationship is equal parts sweet, romantic, fun, angst-filled, and sensual. I love the found family aspect of the story and how Hazel connects with other motherless women. She, Poppy (a local woman), and Kitty all lost their mothers at a young age, creating a bond between them; one that allows them to relate and understand each. I also enjoyed seeing Blade and Kitty grow closer as the story progresses. At the beginning of the novel, Kitty and Blade barely know each other. Estranged from Kitty’s parents, Blade is stunned to learn that he was chosen to care for her, and he struggles to connect with his difficult niece. However, with Hazel’s help, Kitty and Blade begin to develop a bond and a mutual regard for each other. This relationship changes both of them for the better. Ms. Bennett wrote a charming, clever, entertaining story that is not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with amusing banter, sizzling chemistry, and charming characters giving Hazel and Blade a chance for happiness, love and a future together. I definitely recommend Girls Before Earls to other readers. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

This is a charming story and a great beginning for a new series. Hazel’s dream of having a school for girls has come true. Bellehaven Academy of Deportment is a small school (for now) in a beautiful town by the sea. When the Earl of Bladenton comes to enroll his niece in the, she is hesitant. Blades does a little groveling, and tender-hearted Hazel takes the girl on the condition that he visit his niece every two weeks. He agrees and the fun begins. Blade and Hazel are great characters. Kitty and the other girls at the academy are delightful. A tentative romance blossoms between Hazel and Blade, but they have to overcome several obstacles. Their HEA looks uncertain, but wonderful things can happen by the beautiful sea. I enjoyed this lovely story and look forward to others in the series. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

Girls Before Earls is a phenomenal start to a new historical romance series by Anna Bennett. Ms. Bennett has provided readers with a well-written book populated with a stellar cast of characters. I love the characters in this book! Hazel became an orphan and a neighbor took her to a school for girls. She didn't have enough funds to stay, but the headmistress was impressed with her and allowed her to stay anyway. Now she's the headmistress of her own school in Bellehaven Bay. Blade didn't know his niece when he became her guardian and is trying to place her in Hazel's school after things didn't work out in the last two schools. Blade and Hazel's story is a fun read but full of feels. There's plenty of drama, humor, steam, action and suspense to keep readers glued to this story. I loved reading this book and look forward to reading more from Anna Bennett soon. Girls Before Earls is book 1 of the Rogues to Lovers Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.