rainelle_barrett's review
5.0
Girls before Earls, by Anna Bennett. What a smashing good book this was. I absolutely loved all the characters. Well, Penelope I would place her on her own island. This romantic story spoiled me with all the love from family and friends.
The story showed how not only love, but strength, courage, determination, trust, confidence and believing in the people you care about helped make this book, a book worth reading. First of all I think I’m head over heels in love Gabriel. The man knows how to service a lady in need of some pleasure. Take me to the beach under the stars anytime, Gabriel. Hazel was blessed to have this man come into her life.
I thought Hazel was magnificent. She held her own and stared down on Penelope without fear. I liked that the author placed Hazels age at twenty eight. I definitely loved that Hazels character was a natural woman who has needs, and didn’t shy away from those needs when all that she wanted to do was, climb on Gabriel like a monkey in heat. When it came to these scenes between Gabriel and Hazel I thought the writer did a good job with giving her readers, a behind the closed door look.
Gabriel and Hazel were not the only stars of this book. I loved Gabriel’s niece, Kitty. The girl was master of being devious. I would have left in the boat a little longer though. I’m anxious to read Poppy’s story when it comes time for her to shine.
I think that this story was told in a clear way. I understood what was happening in each scene. The details that were given provided a descriptive vision for me while reading the book. I enjoyed the excitement and the entertainment from the whole book. I give this book two snaps and a twist.
Until next time my fellow readers… read on!
The story showed how not only love, but strength, courage, determination, trust, confidence and believing in the people you care about helped make this book, a book worth reading. First of all I think I’m head over heels in love Gabriel. The man knows how to service a lady in need of some pleasure. Take me to the beach under the stars anytime, Gabriel. Hazel was blessed to have this man come into her life.
I thought Hazel was magnificent. She held her own and stared down on Penelope without fear. I liked that the author placed Hazels age at twenty eight. I definitely loved that Hazels character was a natural woman who has needs, and didn’t shy away from those needs when all that she wanted to do was, climb on Gabriel like a monkey in heat. When it came to these scenes between Gabriel and Hazel I thought the writer did a good job with giving her readers, a behind the closed door look.
Gabriel and Hazel were not the only stars of this book. I loved Gabriel’s niece, Kitty. The girl was master of being devious. I would have left in the boat a little longer though. I’m anxious to read Poppy’s story when it comes time for her to shine.
I think that this story was told in a clear way. I understood what was happening in each scene. The details that were given provided a descriptive vision for me while reading the book. I enjoyed the excitement and the entertainment from the whole book. I give this book two snaps and a twist.
Until next time my fellow readers… read on!
erinarkin20's review
4.0
I really enjoyed this book by Anna Bennett and it actually prompted me to go and get her backlist!
Hazel is the heroine and I loved her. She is smart, caring, and willing to do whatever it takes to protect the girls in her school. When she meets Gabriel, she isn't swayed in anyway to bend to his wants and by standing up to him, she forces him to realize things he most definitely didn't want to.
Gabriel is the hero and since becoming responsible for his teenaged niece, he has had nothing but headaches. When trying to enroll her into Hazel's school, he thinks by using his well known charm he will get what he wants but Hazel isn't bending. She will accept his niece only if he commits to coming to visit her every other week.
Ultimately they come to an agreement and Gabriel keeps up his end of the bargain. As these two characters become more drawn to one another, they begin to realize they are going to need to figure out what is truly important to them and what they are willing to sacrifice. I loved how these two came together and of course, there is an antagonist who I disliked greatly.
If you're looking for a new historical romance with well-developed characters and a good story that will keep you turning the pages, definitely pick this one up!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
Hazel is the heroine and I loved her. She is smart, caring, and willing to do whatever it takes to protect the girls in her school. When she meets Gabriel, she isn't swayed in anyway to bend to his wants and by standing up to him, she forces him to realize things he most definitely didn't want to.
Gabriel is the hero and since becoming responsible for his teenaged niece, he has had nothing but headaches. When trying to enroll her into Hazel's school, he thinks by using his well known charm he will get what he wants but Hazel isn't bending. She will accept his niece only if he commits to coming to visit her every other week.
Ultimately they come to an agreement and Gabriel keeps up his end of the bargain. As these two characters become more drawn to one another, they begin to realize they are going to need to figure out what is truly important to them and what they are willing to sacrifice. I loved how these two came together and of course, there is an antagonist who I disliked greatly.
If you're looking for a new historical romance with well-developed characters and a good story that will keep you turning the pages, definitely pick this one up!
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
excel_spreadsheet_book_nerd's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
keepingyouonread's review
3.0
Hazel, an orphan, has started a finishing school where she hopes to educate daughters of the ton and those less fortunate. When Lord Bradenton shows up with his wayward niece, Kitty, she views it as a perfect opportunity to attract other wealthy patrons and help Blade bond with his niece, who has lost her parents.
What I liked: Hazel running a school was a new twist for me. I liked the scenes we got with her and her pupils. I also liked her friend Poppy and could see her book (if she gets one) being interesting.
What didn’t work for me: Hazel’s rationale to have sex with Blade (and to continue to see him) seemed out of character and out of place for the time. They barely knew each other at that point, she was a virgin, and cared so much about her reputation and the school.
To It was never clear to me why Lady Penelope wanted to marry Blade so badly and refused to release him from their agreement. And in that same theme, why Blade and Hazel were so against just marrying when they were obviously attracted to each other.
Who should read it: you prefer a light steamy romance.
anikaas's review
3.0
I only read this because it was sent to me by The Ripped Bodice as one of my romance of the month boxes, otherwise I'd never have picked it up. And since it was on my shelf, I figured I should read it. It was fine! Like popcorn. Not filling but passed the time and hit the notes I needed. Hazel is an orphan who grows up to be the headmistress of a girls' school. Blade is a rakish earl who is trying to enroll his niece/ward. She's uptight, he's a rake, whatever could they have in common? Watch as sparks fly and people row some boats! (There was a lot of boat rowing, not a euphemism). It was fine, I had fun.
readingwithemmett's review
4.0
I truly enjoyed this story! This was such a fascinating and interesting take on a historical romance. It had a plot that I've never read before, and I enjoyed it so much. I'm not even sure why I'm only giving this 4 stars. Honestly, the only thing I didn't love is that I wanted more from Kitty and the grandson, but then again, they will be getting their own book. So not really sure if that's a good enough complaint since I will be getting their story. But I loved the FMC and MMC in this book. I loved the writing. I loved the plot. Can you tell I pretty much loved everything about this story? This is my first book by this author, and I already can't wait to read the next one in the series.
iggyebab's review
3.0
An Earl becomes the guardian to his Niece when his estranged brother $ SIL are killed. He has tried to put her into respectable finishing schools but she keeps acting out and getting kicked out.
Enter a new school. Outside London and probably her last chance.
I really loved these two and how they are intrigued by one another. I also loved that their drama was not full of lies and miscommunication.
Enter a new school. Outside London and probably her last chance.
I really loved these two and how they are intrigued by one another. I also loved that their drama was not full of lies and miscommunication.
vpalmer0508's review against another edition
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0