Saturday, August 31, 2019

EMMA AND THE EARL by Samantha Holt


Title:  EMMA AND THE EARL

Series:  Bluestocking Brides #3

Author:  Samantha Holt

Publisher:  Samantha Holt

Publish Date:   08.26.2017

Category /Genre:  Historical Romance

Recommended for:  18+ due to sexual content

Grammar/editing:  received as an unedited ARC

Received from:  Samantha Holt

Goodreads link: Emma and the Earl

Date completed: 08.31.2019



Description from the publisher:

"I never considered freckles and red hair to be an enticement but with those connections, the remaining Chadwick sisters have become quite the prospect for the bachelor about town. I flatter myself with the knowledge, however, that they will never be truly accepted by the ton. Not with such displeasing and unladylike temperaments." - Lady Hampton, Duchess of Bromley.

With a duke and a viscount for brothers-in-law, Emma has found herself subject to increasing attention from the many eligible men of the ton. A new experience for this redheaded, freckled bluestocking, who would rather be doing something else—anything else—than dancing with men who are only interested in her connections.

Marriage is not for her.  At least not the sort without a touch of romance.

That is, until a certain Lord Radcliff, Earl of Whitehurst—and a true rake—decided to accidentally ruin her. Well, perhaps neither of them quite envisioned ending up twined in such a mess that the only way to save her reputation—and that of her younger sister—was to marry the man.

The Earl of Radcliff is a practical stranger to her but she is prepared to make the best of her situation. After all, she is nothing if not a quick learner. Perhaps she can learn to be a successful wife and countess.

Unfortunately, the earl is hiding a few secrets. She’s not sure what they are but one of those secrets is causing a strong hatred of the country, and that just will not do. Emma hates London and is prepared to do anything to remain in the country with her family and friends. Somehow, while dealing with all the new adventures and, um, desires a marriage can bring, she must persuade her new husband that the country life is for them.

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EMMA AND THE EARL is the third book in the Bluestocking Brides series.  Each will stand on its own, but I highly recommend reading them all and in the order of release.  This is the first I have read in the series and had no trouble understanding the previous relationships.  Still, it goes without saying that I want to read the others!



Something different happened while I was reading this book.  My fiancé asked me what I was reading and what it was about.  I read the book blurb to him.  It was fun explaining terms (like ton, rake, and bluestocking) that a modern, American gentleman wouldn’t know.  We laughed that I would be considered to be a bluestocking.  He made me feel valued just as our book boyfriends always do for their girls.



What starts as a bit of a Laurel-and-Hardy-esque farce for Morgan as he tries to rebuff a married woman soon turns very serious for him and Emma.  The story is a light affair that was quickly read and kept a smile on my face as we prepared for our own serious business (Hurricane Dorian is on track to enter our backyard).



Not all stories need to be full of grit and angst.  Sometimes we need a light and fluffiness.  This was exactly the fluff I needed now, and I will seek out the rest of the series for more fluff, sweetness, and loving.



That’s not to say they didn’t have just-married issues to resolve, but they were handled with tenderness and compassion… and a little bit of properly placed jealousy.



I would highly recommend this story for anyone who needs a little escape from whatever trouble is brewing on their horizon.  Then you can pick up those sand bags and continue on with a smile.



Note:  While I received this book as a gifted ARC via Booksprout, my opinions are my own and are given freely.



Bluestocking Brides series:

1.      Amelia and the Viscount

2.      Julia and the Duke

3.      Emma and the Earl

4.      Catherine and the Marquis

5.      Lilith and the Stable Hand

Also from Samantha Holt:

·         The Angel’s Assassin

·         Buckle Down

·         Christmas Seduction

·         The Crimson Castle

·         Eden’s Fire

·         Heart of a Viking

·         Her Dream Cowboy

·         Her Highland Defender


·         Hunting His Highland Lass

·         Kissed at Midnight

·         Knight’s Captive

·         Love or Loyalty

·         Must Love Lords

·         Not Another Soldier

·         Once Upon a Rake

·         The Rake Who Rescued Me

·         The Sexy Bartender’s Virtual Seduction

·         A Summer Siege

·         Tempting His Mistress

·         Too Much to Lose

·         Warriors

·         The Warrior’s Reward

Borderland Legacy:

1.      Borderland Bride

2.      Borderland Beauty

3.      Borderland Betrayal

Cynfell Brothers series:

1.      Sinful Confessions

2.      Sinful Deeds

3.      Sinful Liaisons

4.      Sinful Cravings

5.      Sinful Possession

6.      Sinful Temptations

7.      Sinful Secrets

Highland Fae Chronicles:




The Inheritance Clause series:





One Knight Collection:

1.      One Knight

2.      Black Knight

3.      White Knight

4.      Highland Knight

Regency Fairy Twists:

1.      Wake Me with a Kiss


3.      Dance with Me at Midnight

Rogues of Redmere Series:



3.      Waiting for a Rogue Like You

4.      What’s a Rogue Got to Do with It?

Spinsters Club Series:

1.      Gentlemen Prefer Spinsters

The Wallflower Brides Series:

1.      Married to the Rake
2.   Married to the Lord


















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