The first in a sparkling Regency-era series with a delightfully modern feel, set against the irresistible backdrop of an annual trip taken by three handsome earls . . .
Even an earl needs his ride-or-dies, and Archibald Fielding-Burton, the Earl of Harcourt, counts himself lucky to have two. Archie (the jock), Simon (the nerd), and Effie (the goth) have been BFFs since their school days, and their annual trip holds a sacred spot in their calendars. This year, Archie is especially eager to get away—until an urgent letter arrives from an old family friend, begging him to help prevent a ruinous scandal. Archie’s childhood pal Olive Morgan must be rescued from an ill-fated elopement—and her sister Clementine must be rescued from rescuing Olive. Suddenly the trip has become earls-plus-girls.
This . . . complicates matters. The fully grown Clementine, while as frank and refreshing as Archie remembers, is also different to the wild, windswept girl he knew. This Clem is complex and surprising—and adamantly opposed to marriage. Which, for reasons Archie dare not examine too closely, he finds increasingly vexing.
Then Clem makes him an indecent and quite delightful proposal, asking him to show her the pleasures of the marriage bed before she settles into spinsterhood. And what kind of gentleman would he be to refuse a lady?
Review:
This was so much fun!
Did it border on anachronistic at times? (“What happens on Earls Trip stays on Earls Trip.”) Sure. Did I really mind? Nope. The characters were a hoot, the banter was top notch, and I will never be sorry to read a well written, slow burn, friends-to-lovers story, whatever period it is set in.
Clementine and Archie had such a sweet relationship–I loved watching them grow closer, and the fact that they were both so blind to what their friends (and Clem’s sister) could so easily see added an extra layer. The found family aspect of the story was just delightful too; I can’t wait to see everyone in this group find their HEA 🙂
The next book–Manic Pixie Dream Earl (Effie’s story)–is due in spring 2025, and I for one can’t wait!
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.