christiek's review
4.0
Excellent, witty dialogue is always fun. I enjoyed not always knowing where this was going.
lilybear's review
5.0
AMAZING!! As Thea would say (dramatically): A tale of a winesome lass (Thea) and a beastly earl (Rafe) who face off some dastardly knaves. And I loved every minute of it.
Our winesome lass Thea Knight calls herself a trickster. A merchant's daughter who grew up helping the family hussel their way into riches and society. She is witty, mischievous, and bubbling over with curiosity and wonder. I absolutely ADORED her satiric sense of humor. And my heart broke to learn of her past and how unjustly her family had cast her off. But Thea is a "knight in shinning ribbons" and comes to the call when her sister needs help running away with her Bo. Thea is to disguise as her sister Helen as a distraction as the real Helen sneaks away. But now an Earl stands in her path by demanding Helen's hand in marriage. Thea knows she shouldn't complicate the plan, but with the earl being so insistent her trickster heart can't help but see a fake marriage as marvelous adventure she might get some money out of. Even if said Earl is rumored to be a witch who lives in a dark castle and kills his wives. Playing the part of a Gothic heroine for a week or two will be an added thrill.
The Beastly Earl is called Rafe and he is a liar. He knows from the start that Helen has switched places with her sister, but a fake marriage is the perfect way to fulfill his trust fund conditions and get his money without actually being tied down to a wife. He can handle a social climbing money grabber for a week or two. But he is completely unprepared for the whirlwind that is Thea Knight. She isn't acting like the conniving seductress rumors tell of. She is unafraid of his scars and isolated estate and she even seems disappointed its not haunted by ghosts or demons. He slowly finds himself enthralled by her laughter and games.
The chemistry and humor between Thea and Rafe was absolute perfection. They bounce jives, sarcasm, and satire off each other in a delightful play. I laughed so much reading this book. They also touched my heart with their past wounds and ruin by rumor. Their love blossoms so naturally and beautifully. The sensual moments were also grade A smut-tastic!! The tension between them was a slow burn further enhanced by games of chase. By George what a chase! It was so fulfilling it just made my heart swell up! This book simply had everything, laughter, tears, sex, dastardly villains.
Our winesome lass Thea Knight calls herself a trickster. A merchant's daughter who grew up helping the family hussel their way into riches and society. She is witty, mischievous, and bubbling over with curiosity and wonder. I absolutely ADORED her satiric sense of humor. And my heart broke to learn of her past and how unjustly her family had cast her off. But Thea is a "knight in shinning ribbons" and comes to the call when her sister needs help running away with her Bo. Thea is to disguise as her sister Helen as a distraction as the real Helen sneaks away. But now an Earl stands in her path by demanding Helen's hand in marriage. Thea knows she shouldn't complicate the plan, but with the earl being so insistent her trickster heart can't help but see a fake marriage as marvelous adventure she might get some money out of. Even if said Earl is rumored to be a witch who lives in a dark castle and kills his wives. Playing the part of a Gothic heroine for a week or two will be an added thrill.
The Beastly Earl is called Rafe and he is a liar. He knows from the start that Helen has switched places with her sister, but a fake marriage is the perfect way to fulfill his trust fund conditions and get his money without actually being tied down to a wife. He can handle a social climbing money grabber for a week or two. But he is completely unprepared for the whirlwind that is Thea Knight. She isn't acting like the conniving seductress rumors tell of. She is unafraid of his scars and isolated estate and she even seems disappointed its not haunted by ghosts or demons. He slowly finds himself enthralled by her laughter and games.
The chemistry and humor between Thea and Rafe was absolute perfection. They bounce jives, sarcasm, and satire off each other in a delightful play. I laughed so much reading this book. They also touched my heart with their past wounds and ruin by rumor. Their love blossoms so naturally and beautifully. The sensual moments were also grade A smut-tastic!! The tension between them was a slow burn further enhanced by games of chase. By George what a chase! It was so fulfilling it just made my heart swell up! This book simply had everything, laughter, tears, sex, dastardly villains.
swirlofspice's review
4.0
3.5 stars
I had heard (from my mother) that this wasn’t as good, but it was still a fun, entertaining time. Vincy is a new go-to.
I had heard (from my mother) that this wasn’t as good, but it was still a fun, entertaining time. Vincy is a new go-to.
loosealbluth's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
nipomuki's review
4.0
The second book confirms that this is a new historical romance author for me to watch. I might have enjoyed the first one slightly more, but I think this was more a matter of personal preference than quality.
There is humor, there is an emotional journey, there is personal growth. Issues are addressed. The hero is the grumpy sort with a heart of gold. The heroine is someone who turns every situation into a game, while still being very vulnerable beneath.
There is humor, there is an emotional journey, there is personal growth. Issues are addressed. The hero is the grumpy sort with a heart of gold. The heroine is someone who turns every situation into a game, while still being very vulnerable beneath.
ccgwalt's review
4.0
This is the second book in the Longhope Abbey series I've listened to and I've enjoyed them both. The incomparable Kate Reading does the narration, and it is excellent as always.
A Beastly Kind of Earl covers a lot of emotional ground. In places, especially in the first half of the book, there are some of the funniest scenes I've read. The first "proposal" scene early in the book is wonderful, and the one where Thea gives her reaction to the origin of the name "orchid" is priceless! I was hoping the witty scenes would continue, but they are fewer as the book proceeds. The angst builds in the second half as Rafe and Thea stay at the family seat and more backstory is revealed. Of course misunderstanding what each other really wants plays a part in that, and that isn't my favorite device, but thankfully the author doesn't rely on it for too long.
If pressed, I'd say my main problem with the book is the ending. I like a good revenge story, but this was tied up a little too neatly and fell somewhat flat. But that is a mere quibble. I highly recommend the book.
A Beastly Kind of Earl covers a lot of emotional ground. In places, especially in the first half of the book, there are some of the funniest scenes I've read. The first "proposal" scene early in the book is wonderful, and the one where Thea gives her reaction to the origin of the name "orchid" is priceless! I was hoping the witty scenes would continue, but they are fewer as the book proceeds. The angst builds in the second half as Rafe and Thea stay at the family seat and more backstory is revealed. Of course misunderstanding what each other really wants plays a part in that, and that isn't my favorite device, but thankfully the author doesn't rely on it for too long.
If pressed, I'd say my main problem with the book is the ending. I like a good revenge story, but this was tied up a little too neatly and fell somewhat flat. But that is a mere quibble. I highly recommend the book.
bloom37's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
tchien's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
jennifer_jennifer's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0