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Daring Ladies #1
One Night with an Earl
Ana Gardner is determined to lose her virginity before her thirtieth birthday. She’s no stranger to fake identities, having posed as a chaperone since the scandal that destroyed her titled family. So she dons a mask, changes into a low-cut red gown, and attends the city’s most elite brothel, the Silver Chalice.
Oliver Bedford, the imposing Earl of Drake, is only at the Silver Chalice to appease his debauched friends—until he spots Lady Scarlet. She’s refreshing...and a complete mystery. Certain she’s a lady in disguise, Oliver is determined to learn her identity, but she eludes him at every turn.
The night with Oliver was unforgettable. But when he arrives at her employer’s home, she’s horrified to discover her lover is the Earl of Drake, the son of the man responsible for her father’s death and subsequent family ruin. And that he’s there to court her young charge.
Oliver never had any interest in the debutante, but he is drawn to her chaperone—a woman he soon realizes is his Lady Scarlet. Now that he’s found her, she claims she wants nothing to do with him, even though her kisses say otherwise. Fortunately, Oliver is not one to give up when he finds something he wants...and he wants Ana. In his bed, and in his life. Forever. But first, he must persuade her to trust him—and to believe that one wild, passionate night can turn into forever.
Oliver Bedford, the imposing Earl of Drake, is only at the Silver Chalice to appease his debauched friends—until he spots Lady Scarlet. She’s refreshing...and a complete mystery. Certain she’s a lady in disguise, Oliver is determined to learn her identity, but she eludes him at every turn.
The night with Oliver was unforgettable. But when he arrives at her employer’s home, she’s horrified to discover her lover is the Earl of Drake, the son of the man responsible for her father’s death and subsequent family ruin. And that he’s there to court her young charge.
Oliver never had any interest in the debutante, but he is drawn to her chaperone—a woman he soon realizes is his Lady Scarlet. Now that he’s found her, she claims she wants nothing to do with him, even though her kisses say otherwise. Fortunately, Oliver is not one to give up when he finds something he wants...and he wants Ana. In his bed, and in his life. Forever. But first, he must persuade her to trust him—and to believe that one wild, passionate night can turn into forever.
342 pages, ebook
First published October 18, 2021
About the author
Tina Gabrielle
24 books409 followersAmazon best-selling author Tina Gabrielle is an attorney and mechanical engineer whose love of reading for pleasure helped her get through years of academia. She often picked up a romance and let her fantasies of knights in shining armor and lords and ladies carry her away.
Tina’s books have been Barnes & Noble top picks, and her first book, "Lady Of Scandal," was nominated as best first historical romance by Romantic Times Book Reviews. Tina loves to hear from readers. Please visit her website to learn about upcoming releases and to join her newsletter and enter to win free monthly contests and giveaways. www.tinagabrielle.com
Tina’s books have been Barnes & Noble top picks, and her first book, "Lady Of Scandal," was nominated as best first historical romance by Romantic Times Book Reviews. Tina loves to hear from readers. Please visit her website to learn about upcoming releases and to join her newsletter and enter to win free monthly contests and giveaways. www.tinagabrielle.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 94 reviews
October 31, 2021
This book is a must read! One Night with an Earl by Tina Gabrielle is the first book in her new series, Daring Ladies. Let me tell you this series starts off with a bang! I read this story in one sitting, stayed up late to finish, just couldn’t put it down!
This story has some of my favorite things in a perfect read:
✔️ Enemies to Lovers
✔️ False Identity
✔️ Strong Female MC
✔️ An Aristocrat who Falls in Love
✔️ ANGST — Bring it on
✔️ Passionate, Sexy, Daring Encounters of the Carnal Type
✔️ Intriguing Secondary Characters
If you had one night to take control of your life, do exactly as you please and with who ever you choose, what would you do? I can think of a fewguys … ahem things I would like to do 😉 and I am sure you can as well! Well this is the situation Ana Gardner finds herself in as she becomes determined to lose her virginity before her thirtieth birthday. With the help of the madame who owns the city’s most elite brothel, the Silver Chalice, Ana takes matters into her own hands and chooses the man to debauch her.
Oliver Bedford, the Earl of Drake, is only at the Silver Chalice to appease his debauched friends—until he spots Lady Scarlet. She’s refreshing...and a complete mystery. It doesn’t take much seduction on Ana’s part before she has Oliver following her into a boudoir for a night of passion.
What was supposed to be one night is not enough for Oliver and he begins to search for his mysterious Lady Scarlet. When the finally encounter each other again Oliver is shocked by Lady Scarlet being the paid companion of a debutant, Lady Penelope Malvern, his grandmother is attempting to match him with. Oliver decides then he will have his Lady Scarlet…Ana Gardener again.
The scheming, plotting, and sneaking around in this story adds an extra layer of angst — everyone in this story is scheming for something.
▪️ Oliver is scheming how to get time and more from Ana;
▪️ Oliver’s grandmother is plotting the match between Oliver & Penelope;
▪️ Lady Malvern is plotting to catch the Earl (Oliver) for her daughter Penelope;
▪️ Penelope is plotting how to be with her true love, a Lieutenant Timothy Smithfield;
▪️ Ana Gardner aka Lady Scarlet aka Miss Anahit Woodbridge, is plotting how to keep everything from falling apart and getting her heart broken as well.
It’s an intriguing tale to say the least and a story with a HEA 😍
Then there is the passion, chemistry, heat that is palpable between Oliver and Ana, if sexy encounters are offensive to you — this book should be avoided. The author lites the pages a flame 🔥❤️🔥🔥
I loved every word!
Overall 5 Stars ⭐️ | 4 Flames 🔥 | Can’t wait for the next book in the series!
Review Copy of One Night with an Earl provided by Entangled Publishing for an honest Review.
⭐️Be Warned this review may contain spoilers⭐️
This story has some of my favorite things in a perfect read:
✔️ Enemies to Lovers
✔️ False Identity
✔️ Strong Female MC
✔️ An Aristocrat who Falls in Love
✔️ ANGST — Bring it on
✔️ Passionate, Sexy, Daring Encounters of the Carnal Type
✔️ Intriguing Secondary Characters
If you had one night to take control of your life, do exactly as you please and with who ever you choose, what would you do? I can think of a few
Oliver Bedford, the Earl of Drake, is only at the Silver Chalice to appease his debauched friends—until he spots Lady Scarlet. She’s refreshing...and a complete mystery. It doesn’t take much seduction on Ana’s part before she has Oliver following her into a boudoir for a night of passion.
What was supposed to be one night is not enough for Oliver and he begins to search for his mysterious Lady Scarlet. When the finally encounter each other again Oliver is shocked by Lady Scarlet being the paid companion of a debutant, Lady Penelope Malvern, his grandmother is attempting to match him with. Oliver decides then he will have his Lady Scarlet…Ana Gardener again.
The scheming, plotting, and sneaking around in this story adds an extra layer of angst — everyone in this story is scheming for something.
▪️ Oliver is scheming how to get time and more from Ana;
▪️ Oliver’s grandmother is plotting the match between Oliver & Penelope;
▪️ Lady Malvern is plotting to catch the Earl (Oliver) for her daughter Penelope;
▪️ Penelope is plotting how to be with her true love, a Lieutenant Timothy Smithfield;
▪️ Ana Gardner aka Lady Scarlet aka Miss Anahit Woodbridge, is plotting how to keep everything from falling apart and getting her heart broken as well.
It’s an intriguing tale to say the least and a story with a HEA 😍
Then there is the passion, chemistry, heat that is palpable between Oliver and Ana, if sexy encounters are offensive to you — this book should be avoided. The author lites the pages a flame 🔥❤️🔥🔥
I loved every word!Overall 5 Stars ⭐️ | 4 Flames 🔥 | Can’t wait for the next book in the series!
Review Copy of One Night with an Earl provided by Entangled Publishing for an honest Review.
March 19, 2024
⭐💫
1½ stars.
➕ What I liked :
A heroine with mixed heritage.
(Middle-eastern Mother and English Father.)
A heroine that is a little bit “older” (29)
Tallish heroine.
The heroine was not totally naive/innocent and clueless/ignorant about her own body and sex.
➖ What I disliked:
The romantic build up/romance was unconvincing/lacking… and there was no real connection/love between the main characters…. There was lots of lust but not really any love.
The plot was a little too predictable and formulaic.
Lackluster/boring sex scenes.
The writing style was a little jumbled and abrupt.
Slow-paced.
Underwhelming.
One-dimensional/flat main characters.
The inconsistencies.
The placement of historical references felt more like info dumps and a clumsy
or roundabout way to show that this was a historical romance… and it was kind of jarring to read.
A little too anachronistic.
June 24, 2022
One Night with an Earl, by Tina Gabrielle. Girls you need to hear this. I read this book and I couldn’t put it down. It was that good. Oh not only the love scenes have me going “ga” “ ga”, but it’s the building of the most Exquisite love affair of all time I think.
The writer did a tremendous job at the telling of Oliver and Ana’s love story. All the drama and entertainment kept the pages turning for me. The characters all were entertaining themselves. A few more than others. Mainly the Dowager and Mrs. Malvern.
The story wasn’t to overly dramatic. The depth of the story held the intensity of what a person would do or sacrifice for the happiness and love of another. This story was nothing but pure and sweet. I have to pay homage to the love scenes. They a little naughty and a little wicked, but fun to read.
I recommend this story with two snaps and a twist. Until next time my fellow readers… read on!
The writer did a tremendous job at the telling of Oliver and Ana’s love story. All the drama and entertainment kept the pages turning for me. The characters all were entertaining themselves. A few more than others. Mainly the Dowager and Mrs. Malvern.
The story wasn’t to overly dramatic. The depth of the story held the intensity of what a person would do or sacrifice for the happiness and love of another. This story was nothing but pure and sweet. I have to pay homage to the love scenes. They a little naughty and a little wicked, but fun to read.
I recommend this story with two snaps and a twist. Until next time my fellow readers… read on!
October 11, 2022
Ana Gardner wants one night of passion before her approaching thirtieth birthday. She’s been living under an assumed name and working as a chaperone since a scandal ruined her family name ten years ago, so wearing a mask and assuming another persona for a night at the Silver Chalice, a high-end brothel, is no hardship.
Oliver Bedford, the Earl of Drake, has no interest in debauchery and is only at the Silver Chalice to mollify his late brother’s friends. But everything changes when he catches sight of Lady Scarlet. One night with her isn’t enough so he sets out to learn her true identity.
When Oliver arrives at her employer’s home, Ana is appalled to learn the identity of her lover. Oliver’s father is the man responsible for her family’s ruin and her father’s subsequent suicide and now Oliver is intent on courting her charge.
Oliver hasn’t been interested in any of the debutantes he’s met, but he’s very much interested in the chaperone, especially once he realizes she is the Lady Scarlet he’s been searching for. She says she wants nothing to do with him, but her actions say otherwise. Oliver is persistent in getting what he wants and that is Ana, but he has to earn her trust to make that happen.
This book wasn’t as strong for me as it could’ve been. It took me a long time to warm up to Oliver as he just came off initially as entitled and a bit sleazy. He’s supposed to be so much better than his wastrel brother and yet, he essentially makes Ana the same proposal of an affair that his brother did, just without the money. He doesn’t really consider, at least not for some time, who Ana is beyond being a companion. It also never made sense to me that Oliver looked for the baron’s daughter and could never find her. with her brother at Eton, presumably still using the baron’s name, I was left wondering why Oliver couldn’t use the younger brother to find the older sister. Oliver’s grandmother’s heavy-handed meddling was also a bit frustrating for me, but I liked that he stood up for himself to her and that she was ultimately the one to make him get his head on straight and see sense. I also felt like it took Ana too long to confide in Oliver, though I did understand her hesitation, and I didn’t think his reaction to her truth made much sense. I appreciated how quickly things were resolved in the end, although I wasn’t completely happy with some of the characters’ decisions. The inner monologues both Ana and Oliver indulged in detailing the reasons they could never be together seemed to be repeated ad nauseum and were fairly easily surmounted challenges in the first place, so this got very repetitive rather quickly.
Despite these issues, I still couldn’t help but root for this couple. I’m very interested in the character of the duke and looking forward to reading his story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Oliver Bedford, the Earl of Drake, has no interest in debauchery and is only at the Silver Chalice to mollify his late brother’s friends. But everything changes when he catches sight of Lady Scarlet. One night with her isn’t enough so he sets out to learn her true identity.
When Oliver arrives at her employer’s home, Ana is appalled to learn the identity of her lover. Oliver’s father is the man responsible for her family’s ruin and her father’s subsequent suicide and now Oliver is intent on courting her charge.
Oliver hasn’t been interested in any of the debutantes he’s met, but he’s very much interested in the chaperone, especially once he realizes she is the Lady Scarlet he’s been searching for. She says she wants nothing to do with him, but her actions say otherwise. Oliver is persistent in getting what he wants and that is Ana, but he has to earn her trust to make that happen.
This book wasn’t as strong for me as it could’ve been. It took me a long time to warm up to Oliver as he just came off initially as entitled and a bit sleazy. He’s supposed to be so much better than his wastrel brother and yet, he essentially makes Ana the same proposal of an affair that his brother did, just without the money. He doesn’t really consider, at least not for some time, who Ana is beyond being a companion. It also never made sense to me that Oliver looked for the baron’s daughter and could never find her. with her brother at Eton, presumably still using the baron’s name, I was left wondering why Oliver couldn’t use the younger brother to find the older sister. Oliver’s grandmother’s heavy-handed meddling was also a bit frustrating for me, but I liked that he stood up for himself to her and that she was ultimately the one to make him get his head on straight and see sense. I also felt like it took Ana too long to confide in Oliver, though I did understand her hesitation, and I didn’t think his reaction to her truth made much sense. I appreciated how quickly things were resolved in the end, although I wasn’t completely happy with some of the characters’ decisions. The inner monologues both Ana and Oliver indulged in detailing the reasons they could never be together seemed to be repeated ad nauseum and were fairly easily surmounted challenges in the first place, so this got very repetitive rather quickly.
Despite these issues, I still couldn’t help but root for this couple. I’m very interested in the character of the duke and looking forward to reading his story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
October 13, 2021
4.5 stars
After her mother died, Anahit Woodbridge’s father, Baron Woodbridge went into a decline and not only lost the family home but killed himself, leaving Ana to care for her young brother amidst the scandal. Determined to do right by her brother, she reinvents herself as Ana Gardner and takes a job as a chaperone/companion to Lady Penelope, the daughter of the Marquess of Malvern. She knows that she will never marry and have children, but with her thirtieth birthday looming, she decides to lose her virginity and enjoy a single night of passion, so she makes a deal with the madame of London’s most elite brother, The Silver Chalice. When the night arrives, she enters the brothel masked and dressed to seduce, she is immediately drawn to a man, who comes to her rescue when another patron accosts her.
Oliver Bedford, the new Earl of Drake had not planned to be at the Silver Chalice and certainly didn’t intend to spend the night with the masked lady in red, nor did he expect the lady to be a virgin! They spent a glorious night together and part ways, but Oliver knows that one night with his mystery lady will never be enough. The next day he returns and tries to learn her identity without success, much to his disappointment. Later he makes a call on Lady Penelope at his grandmother’s request and doesn’t immediately notice Ana, but she certainly notices him and is appalled to learn that Oliver is the son of the man who ruined her life!
Later when Oliver makes the connection between Ana and the Scarlet Lady, he can’t understand why she is so cold to him and vows to find a way to thaw her. For her part, Ana does begin to thaw when she realizes Oliver is not the same man his father and brother were. They begin a secret affair, but Ana keeps her secrets, knowing the truth will change nothing, and vows to not let herself fall in love. But things get complicated and when the truth is exposed, Ana may lose much more than just her heart.
This was a well-written, fast-paced book with an interesting and engaging story. The book has a bit of everything, steamy love scenes, secrets, lies, intriguing secondary characters, a mixed-race heroine who had endured some racial prejudice in the past, a hero who is just about perfect, a bit of heartache, and finally a very lovely HEA. I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next book in the series!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
After her mother died, Anahit Woodbridge’s father, Baron Woodbridge went into a decline and not only lost the family home but killed himself, leaving Ana to care for her young brother amidst the scandal. Determined to do right by her brother, she reinvents herself as Ana Gardner and takes a job as a chaperone/companion to Lady Penelope, the daughter of the Marquess of Malvern. She knows that she will never marry and have children, but with her thirtieth birthday looming, she decides to lose her virginity and enjoy a single night of passion, so she makes a deal with the madame of London’s most elite brother, The Silver Chalice. When the night arrives, she enters the brothel masked and dressed to seduce, she is immediately drawn to a man, who comes to her rescue when another patron accosts her.
Oliver Bedford, the new Earl of Drake had not planned to be at the Silver Chalice and certainly didn’t intend to spend the night with the masked lady in red, nor did he expect the lady to be a virgin! They spent a glorious night together and part ways, but Oliver knows that one night with his mystery lady will never be enough. The next day he returns and tries to learn her identity without success, much to his disappointment. Later he makes a call on Lady Penelope at his grandmother’s request and doesn’t immediately notice Ana, but she certainly notices him and is appalled to learn that Oliver is the son of the man who ruined her life!
Later when Oliver makes the connection between Ana and the Scarlet Lady, he can’t understand why she is so cold to him and vows to find a way to thaw her. For her part, Ana does begin to thaw when she realizes Oliver is not the same man his father and brother were. They begin a secret affair, but Ana keeps her secrets, knowing the truth will change nothing, and vows to not let herself fall in love. But things get complicated and when the truth is exposed, Ana may lose much more than just her heart.
This was a well-written, fast-paced book with an interesting and engaging story. The book has a bit of everything, steamy love scenes, secrets, lies, intriguing secondary characters, a mixed-race heroine who had endured some racial prejudice in the past, a hero who is just about perfect, a bit of heartache, and finally a very lovely HEA. I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next book in the series!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
October 17, 2021
4.5 stars
Anahit Woodridge had a lovely life until her mother died & then her father went off the rails & lost everything, when he lost their estate in a card game he took his life. So Anahit reinvented herself as Ana Gardner a Companion to Lady Penelope. However Ana is determined to lose her virginity before her thirtieth birthday. So she dons a mask, changes into a low-cut red gown, and attends the city’s most elite brothel, the Silver Chalice as the Scarlet Lady. Oliver Bedford, the imposing Earl of Drake, is only at the Silver Chalice to appease his late brother’s debauched friends—until he spots Lady Scarlet. She’s refreshing...and a complete mystery. Certain she’s a lady in disguise, Oliver is determined to learn her identity, but she eludes him at every turn. The night with Oliver was unforgettable. But when he arrives at her employer’s home, she’s horrified to discover her lover is the Earl of Drake, the son of the man responsible for her father’s death and subsequent family ruin. And that he’s there to court Lady Penelope. Oliver never had any interest in the debutante, but he is drawn to her chaperone, a woman he soon realizes is his Lady Scarlet.
The start of a new series & what a lovely read it was. I loved both Oliver & Ana, their attraction sizzled but they also came to like each other & lust turned into love. A fast paced book with strong characters, I loved most characters but disliked Lady Malvern, she was manipulative & a total snob, I was intrigued by the Duke of Warwick & hope he finds his HEA & there was also an endearing Grandmother who only wanted the best for Oliver. I was drawn in from the start & engrossed until the lovely ending. There were secrets & lies, which were bound to cause problems when revealed. I look forward to more in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Anahit Woodridge had a lovely life until her mother died & then her father went off the rails & lost everything, when he lost their estate in a card game he took his life. So Anahit reinvented herself as Ana Gardner a Companion to Lady Penelope. However Ana is determined to lose her virginity before her thirtieth birthday. So she dons a mask, changes into a low-cut red gown, and attends the city’s most elite brothel, the Silver Chalice as the Scarlet Lady. Oliver Bedford, the imposing Earl of Drake, is only at the Silver Chalice to appease his late brother’s debauched friends—until he spots Lady Scarlet. She’s refreshing...and a complete mystery. Certain she’s a lady in disguise, Oliver is determined to learn her identity, but she eludes him at every turn. The night with Oliver was unforgettable. But when he arrives at her employer’s home, she’s horrified to discover her lover is the Earl of Drake, the son of the man responsible for her father’s death and subsequent family ruin. And that he’s there to court Lady Penelope. Oliver never had any interest in the debutante, but he is drawn to her chaperone, a woman he soon realizes is his Lady Scarlet.
The start of a new series & what a lovely read it was. I loved both Oliver & Ana, their attraction sizzled but they also came to like each other & lust turned into love. A fast paced book with strong characters, I loved most characters but disliked Lady Malvern, she was manipulative & a total snob, I was intrigued by the Duke of Warwick & hope he finds his HEA & there was also an endearing Grandmother who only wanted the best for Oliver. I was drawn in from the start & engrossed until the lovely ending. There were secrets & lies, which were bound to cause problems when revealed. I look forward to more in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
April 14, 2024
This was my first book by Tina Gabrielle and I really enjoyed it! It was such a quick read that was very well written. Ana and Oliver happen upon each other and spend one night together, thinking they would never see the other again. Then they kept getting thrown together, becoming closer and closer as their relationship grew. However, Ana was keeping a huge secret from Oliver. This secret identity trope was very well done. They are typically a hit or miss for me, but I enjoyed this because it wasn't like Ana was trying to keep the secret from him intentionally. I was able to see her internal struggle with telling him the truth and that was very powerful for me. I liked that Ana was a chaperone and had mixed ethnicity, and that Oliver had such this caring nature about him. I definitely enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more by this author.
October 11, 2021
I received an advanced reader copy of One Night With An Earl in exchange for an honest review. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for this opportunity.
I must admit that historical romances such as this are probably my biggest guilty pleasure when it comes to reading. There simply is something so comforting and familiar about these stories and they always make for a quick read.
So I was happy to discover that I got mostly exactly what I had hoped for from this book, but with a few very exciting and interesting twists.
I adored the main character Ana, her fierce personality and her unique back story. I found her to be a character that was easy to relate to and I especially liked that she didn’t change for the earl. I do so wish that we had got to know more about her heritage and her personal struggles with racism and/or discrimination throughout the story. It is easily understandable that her mother shielded her from prejudice throughout her childhood, but there’s no reason why she should be so sheltered after her mother’s death and especially after assuming another name and position. I wish Queenie had played a bigger role as Ana’s confidante in the story as well, and I wish Ana had shared more of her feelings with her.
That was done much better for Oliver, although I don’t know how to feel about the duke and couldn’t really gather from their interactions exactly why they are friends other than for the reason that they’re different to the other men that are introduced.
I liked the changing perspectives and how Oliver never pressured Ana and despite his dominant character didn’t overshadow her. He was a likeable love interest throughout most of the story (though in parts a bit of a saint compared to all the other men), so his behaviour close to the ending confused me. Looking at the rest of his relationship with Ana, and most importantly the scene where Ana tells him to ask for Minerva’s opinion in the conflict, it seems uncharacteristic for him to blow things out of proportion and listen to an accusation that Penelope’s mother voices out of spite because she thinks her daughter’s chances ruined.
And I completely understood why Ana wanted to hide her true identity in the beginning, then tried to distance herself from the earl, and when they finally came to an agreement, things happened so fast that I can see why she found it difficult to raise the topic.
So I just feel like the ending was overly dramatic and didn’t really fit the plot all too well, but thankfully the conflict was resolved rather quickly. And it was so kind of Ana to be so generous as to give up such a large part of her childhood for the sake of Penelope’s happiness.
Anyway, the book was a super quick and quite steamy read but nonetheless focused a lot on the establishment of an emotional and intellectual connection between Ana and Oliver. I enjoyed it a lot and am looking forward to the other books in the series.
4/5 stars.
I must admit that historical romances such as this are probably my biggest guilty pleasure when it comes to reading. There simply is something so comforting and familiar about these stories and they always make for a quick read.
So I was happy to discover that I got mostly exactly what I had hoped for from this book, but with a few very exciting and interesting twists.
I adored the main character Ana, her fierce personality and her unique back story. I found her to be a character that was easy to relate to and I especially liked that she didn’t change for the earl. I do so wish that we had got to know more about her heritage and her personal struggles with racism and/or discrimination throughout the story. It is easily understandable that her mother shielded her from prejudice throughout her childhood, but there’s no reason why she should be so sheltered after her mother’s death and especially after assuming another name and position. I wish Queenie had played a bigger role as Ana’s confidante in the story as well, and I wish Ana had shared more of her feelings with her.
That was done much better for Oliver, although I don’t know how to feel about the duke and couldn’t really gather from their interactions exactly why they are friends other than for the reason that they’re different to the other men that are introduced.
I liked the changing perspectives and how Oliver never pressured Ana and despite his dominant character didn’t overshadow her. He was a likeable love interest throughout most of the story (though in parts a bit of a saint compared to all the other men), so his behaviour close to the ending confused me. Looking at the rest of his relationship with Ana, and most importantly the scene where Ana tells him to ask for Minerva’s opinion in the conflict, it seems uncharacteristic for him to blow things out of proportion and listen to an accusation that Penelope’s mother voices out of spite because she thinks her daughter’s chances ruined.
And I completely understood why Ana wanted to hide her true identity in the beginning, then tried to distance herself from the earl, and when they finally came to an agreement, things happened so fast that I can see why she found it difficult to raise the topic.
So I just feel like the ending was overly dramatic and didn’t really fit the plot all too well, but thankfully the conflict was resolved rather quickly. And it was so kind of Ana to be so generous as to give up such a large part of her childhood for the sake of Penelope’s happiness.
Anyway, the book was a super quick and quite steamy read but nonetheless focused a lot on the establishment of an emotional and intellectual connection between Ana and Oliver. I enjoyed it a lot and am looking forward to the other books in the series.
4/5 stars.
October 19, 2021
This is a new author for me and now I’m obsessed with her! This book is beyond amazing!
Ana Gardner is determined to lose her virginity before her thirtieth birthday. She’s no stranger to fake identities, having posed as a chaperone since the scandal that destroyed her titled family. So she dons a mask, changes into a low-cut red gown, and attends the city’s most elite brothel, the Silver Chalice.
Oliver Bedford, the imposing Earl of Drake, is only at the Silver Chalice to appease his debauched friends—until he spots Lady Scarlet. Their night together was unforgettable, but when he arrives at Ana’s employer’s home, she’s horrified to discover her lover is the Earl of Drake, the son of the man responsible for her father’s death and subsequent family ruin. And that he’s there to court her young charge.
Oliver never had any interest in the debutante, but he is drawn to her chaperone—a woman he soon realizes is his Lady Scarlet. Now that he’s found her, she claims she wants nothing to do with him, even though her kisses say otherwise. Fortunately, Oliver is not one to give up when he finds something he wants...and he wants Ana. In his bed, and in his life. Forever. But first, he must persuade her to trust him—and to believe that one wild, passionate night can turn into forever.
I read this book in almost one sitting. I couldn’t stop reading. Oh, these two! They are amazing together! I loved both main characters. They are really well developed. Oliver was an amazing surprise. A true gentleman in every sense. He’s smart, and sweet and romantic. SIGH. Ana is generous and resilient; I admire her deeply. There’s so much to see in both of them. I also loved Penelope and her lieutenant.
The dialogs are something out of this world: funny, witty, emotional, sensual. There’s a lot of sexy times and all of them beautifully written. I think that this story is a must for historical romance readers! I highly recommend this story!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ana Gardner is determined to lose her virginity before her thirtieth birthday. She’s no stranger to fake identities, having posed as a chaperone since the scandal that destroyed her titled family. So she dons a mask, changes into a low-cut red gown, and attends the city’s most elite brothel, the Silver Chalice.
Oliver Bedford, the imposing Earl of Drake, is only at the Silver Chalice to appease his debauched friends—until he spots Lady Scarlet. Their night together was unforgettable, but when he arrives at Ana’s employer’s home, she’s horrified to discover her lover is the Earl of Drake, the son of the man responsible for her father’s death and subsequent family ruin. And that he’s there to court her young charge.
Oliver never had any interest in the debutante, but he is drawn to her chaperone—a woman he soon realizes is his Lady Scarlet. Now that he’s found her, she claims she wants nothing to do with him, even though her kisses say otherwise. Fortunately, Oliver is not one to give up when he finds something he wants...and he wants Ana. In his bed, and in his life. Forever. But first, he must persuade her to trust him—and to believe that one wild, passionate night can turn into forever.
I read this book in almost one sitting. I couldn’t stop reading. Oh, these two! They are amazing together! I loved both main characters. They are really well developed. Oliver was an amazing surprise. A true gentleman in every sense. He’s smart, and sweet and romantic. SIGH. Ana is generous and resilient; I admire her deeply. There’s so much to see in both of them. I also loved Penelope and her lieutenant.
The dialogs are something out of this world: funny, witty, emotional, sensual. There’s a lot of sexy times and all of them beautifully written. I think that this story is a must for historical romance readers! I highly recommend this story!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 5, 2024
Premise & setup were interesting, but I am so sick of a man’s refusal to respect boundaries being framed as “romantic”, or unwilling desire being treated by the author like it’s consent. I was disappointed—I liked that the MFC was older and not white and I really wanted to like this, but no can do.
October 18, 2021
One Night with an Earl by Tina Gabrielle
I was gifted this ARC from Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for free in exchange for an honest review. Note that all thoughts are my own.
One Night with an Earl follows Ana, a “chaperon”, who longs for one night of absolute passion before her 30th birthday when she believes she’ll become a spinster. However after her night at the local elite brothel she finds herself unable to stop thinking about her sexy night with the Earl. The problems is two fold: a) The Earl is the son of the man who ruined her father, the Duke of Rosewood and forced her into servitude in order to be able to provider for her younger brother and b) The Earl is currently courting her charge, Lady Penelope. Whatever is a girl to do?
Plot – I thought the plot for this story was fairly believable. I was never pulled from the story suddenly. And I personally felt like there was just enough plot to move the story along without overwhelming the romance aspect. The romance remained center state while also keeping the reader intrigued and invested in the “side stories” of Ana’s family friend and Ana’s charge Lady Penelope. Tropes used include: ‘Met in a Brothel’, ‘It’s just for one night’, ‘Enemies to Lovers’, ‘I Love You – But I Can’t Have You’, and ‘Secret Heiress’.
Characters – I really loved both the Hero and the Heroine. The Heroine is part Lebanese, and I loved that the author didn’t shy away from showing some of the bits of Lebanese culture from food to personal hygiene. She was also fun to read about because she was very kind without being bland. She knew what she wanted and went for it. I struggled a bit with her reasoning for being mad at the earl. But the story worked out. And the Earl was *swoons*. I loved that he was a genuine person who actually cared about his tenants. I liked that he channeled his emotions into his passion for boxing. I loved seeing him always interact with authors with consideration. Sometimes kindness is sexy. The side characters were also fun to read about. I would love a novella following the progression of Penelope’s relationship.
Romance – I liked that despite how this romance started off with sexy times, the relationship between Ana and the duke was developed authentically. You could see them become friends and then move into something more with every encounter no matter how small. When they confess their love it was totally believable. And the 3rd act “problem” wasn’t overly dramatized or made into this ridiculous thing. I also felt like the Earl groveled the appropriate amount.
Overall would I recommend this romance: I think it depends. If you are looking for a romance that brings something unique and unforgettable to the genre then you might want to pass on this one. However I personally had a great time reading it. It was a fun escape from the world as we know it that gave me hope and made my heart flutter.
4.5/5 stars.
I was gifted this ARC from Netgalley and Entangled Publishing for free in exchange for an honest review. Note that all thoughts are my own.
One Night with an Earl follows Ana, a “chaperon”, who longs for one night of absolute passion before her 30th birthday when she believes she’ll become a spinster. However after her night at the local elite brothel she finds herself unable to stop thinking about her sexy night with the Earl. The problems is two fold: a) The Earl is the son of the man who ruined her father, the Duke of Rosewood and forced her into servitude in order to be able to provider for her younger brother and b) The Earl is currently courting her charge, Lady Penelope. Whatever is a girl to do?
Plot – I thought the plot for this story was fairly believable. I was never pulled from the story suddenly. And I personally felt like there was just enough plot to move the story along without overwhelming the romance aspect. The romance remained center state while also keeping the reader intrigued and invested in the “side stories” of Ana’s family friend and Ana’s charge Lady Penelope. Tropes used include: ‘Met in a Brothel’, ‘It’s just for one night’, ‘Enemies to Lovers’, ‘I Love You – But I Can’t Have You’, and ‘Secret Heiress’.
Characters – I really loved both the Hero and the Heroine. The Heroine is part Lebanese, and I loved that the author didn’t shy away from showing some of the bits of Lebanese culture from food to personal hygiene. She was also fun to read about because she was very kind without being bland. She knew what she wanted and went for it. I struggled a bit with her reasoning for being mad at the earl. But the story worked out. And the Earl was *swoons*. I loved that he was a genuine person who actually cared about his tenants. I liked that he channeled his emotions into his passion for boxing. I loved seeing him always interact with authors with consideration. Sometimes kindness is sexy. The side characters were also fun to read about. I would love a novella following the progression of Penelope’s relationship.
Romance – I liked that despite how this romance started off with sexy times, the relationship between Ana and the duke was developed authentically. You could see them become friends and then move into something more with every encounter no matter how small. When they confess their love it was totally believable. And the 3rd act “problem” wasn’t overly dramatized or made into this ridiculous thing. I also felt like the Earl groveled the appropriate amount.
Overall would I recommend this romance: I think it depends. If you are looking for a romance that brings something unique and unforgettable to the genre then you might want to pass on this one. However I personally had a great time reading it. It was a fun escape from the world as we know it that gave me hope and made my heart flutter.
4.5/5 stars.
March 8, 2023
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I requested the first two books in the Daring Ladies series and it was my first encounter with Tina Gabrielle's writing. They were both so pleasant and I love it when risks pay off so beautifully. Both books featured POC heroines who were proud of their heritage and celebrated their Middle Eastern culture in every aspect of their lives. One Night with an Earl hits the ground running where Ana plans on a single encounter with a mystery hunk only to find out shortly after he's being forced to court the daughter of her employer. Ana was previously part of the gentry, but has been relegated to a young lady's chaperone after her family fell from grace. The class difference between the couple was an excellent form of conflict and helped continually build the tension throughout the novel. It was a welcome respite from the incessant barrage of miscommunication and immature bickering that has become en vogue. The constant descriptions of the heroine's frilly cap and ugly uniform made me chuckle. It was a nice touch that her unflattering clothes really riled up the earl despite the shabby, itchy material.
One Night with an Earl was such a lovely surprise and I'm happy to have added another author to my library. It was nice to see a couple handle their conflicts so maturely, for the most part, and not get caught in the sea of overused romance tropes. The author provided an original story that managed to utilize some well-loved motifs yet still maintaining a completely unique romance novel. I actually enjoyed the sequel a smidge more than this book, which features a boxing teammate of the earl. Ana certainly spent One Night with an Earl, but I'm sure she wasn't anticipating a lifetime!
I requested the first two books in the Daring Ladies series and it was my first encounter with Tina Gabrielle's writing. They were both so pleasant and I love it when risks pay off so beautifully. Both books featured POC heroines who were proud of their heritage and celebrated their Middle Eastern culture in every aspect of their lives. One Night with an Earl hits the ground running where Ana plans on a single encounter with a mystery hunk only to find out shortly after he's being forced to court the daughter of her employer. Ana was previously part of the gentry, but has been relegated to a young lady's chaperone after her family fell from grace. The class difference between the couple was an excellent form of conflict and helped continually build the tension throughout the novel. It was a welcome respite from the incessant barrage of miscommunication and immature bickering that has become en vogue. The constant descriptions of the heroine's frilly cap and ugly uniform made me chuckle. It was a nice touch that her unflattering clothes really riled up the earl despite the shabby, itchy material.
One Night with an Earl was such a lovely surprise and I'm happy to have added another author to my library. It was nice to see a couple handle their conflicts so maturely, for the most part, and not get caught in the sea of overused romance tropes. The author provided an original story that managed to utilize some well-loved motifs yet still maintaining a completely unique romance novel. I actually enjoyed the sequel a smidge more than this book, which features a boxing teammate of the earl. Ana certainly spent One Night with an Earl, but I'm sure she wasn't anticipating a lifetime!
December 31, 2021
I loved this first book in the Darling Ladies series by Tina Gabrielle. What happens when an almost 30 year old virgin “Ana” decides to arrange a night to lose her virginity and then finds out the next day that the man, Oliver, the Earl of Drake, who she spent a steamy night with may be courting her charge Penelope? To add to her dilemma he is also the son of the man that ruined her family’s life. Will a relationship develop between the chaperone and the Earl? Or will Ana lose her livelihood if Penelope’s mother discovers the chaperone’s actions. What happens if the earl discovers her true past? The chemistry between Ana and Oliver was evident from the start and I loved the development of the heat and the many facets of this story. My only quibble with the story was the length of time it took for Oliver to discover his true feelings but that delay allowed the story to develop into a lovely read. I can’t wait to read the second book in this series.
October 11, 2021
I love it when the main characters get together at the beginning of the book, putting the steam right upfront takes it to a whole new level. When Oliver takes "Lady Scarletts" virginity at a brothel, he becomes obsessed with figuring out her identity. When he finds out she's the chaperone to the young debutante he is courting, he quickly uses that connection to pursue Ana Gardner.
Ana Gardner falls for Oliver pretty quickly until she realizes his family is the one that destroyed hers. She's torn between following her heart or keeping him at a distance.
Despite their initial meeting, this story was pretty substantial. Oliver and Ana had a lot to overcome to be together and Ana's young charge was a conduit to their union. I tore through this book and enjoyed all of the characters. Ana's story is pretty tragic so it was nice to see that Oliver was the man she needed to overcome her trauma.
Ana Gardner falls for Oliver pretty quickly until she realizes his family is the one that destroyed hers. She's torn between following her heart or keeping him at a distance.
Despite their initial meeting, this story was pretty substantial. Oliver and Ana had a lot to overcome to be together and Ana's young charge was a conduit to their union. I tore through this book and enjoyed all of the characters. Ana's story is pretty tragic so it was nice to see that Oliver was the man she needed to overcome her trauma.
October 23, 2021
This was the first book I've ever read by this author and it won't be the last! I was up reading late into the night. If you are looking for an angsty read with a complicated plot this is not the book for you. The story follows a formula but does it brilliantly. The hero and heroine are likable and there are some interesting secondary characters. My only frustration was that the heroine had such a difficult time revealing her secret--it would have made the HEA much easier to reach.
I'm definitely looking forward to the Duke of Warwick getting his own story!
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I'm definitely looking forward to the Duke of Warwick getting his own story!
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 5, 2021
Everything about this book is a delight and one of my favorites this year.
We have a strong female character. A willful male character. Hidden identities. Secrets. A family ruin. The other family seeking revenge.
We have a strong female character. A willful male character. Hidden identities. Secrets. A family ruin. The other family seeking revenge.
Read
December 21, 2023About the audiobook:
I started the audiobook and immediately stoped. I kid you not, 30 seconds in. I could not stand the narrator.
Just wanted to put that out there.
I started the audiobook and immediately stoped. I kid you not, 30 seconds in. I could not stand the narrator.
Just wanted to put that out there.
November 7, 2021
I enjoyed Gabrielle's new release (just came out yesterday) but I especially I loved that it featured a heroine of Middle Eastern descent and part of that culture. Ana's world is rocked by a scandal and she is forced to leave behind her aristocratic life and begin anew. She has found peace in her new role as companion but has decided just once she wants to experience passion. So she borrows a scandalous dress and a mask and has her pick of men at a brothel. Determined to never see the person she gives her innocence to or reveal her identity she enjoys a night of wild pleasure.
.
Oliver never thought to see Lady Scarlet again, as much as he searched, and here she is, the companion to the young debutante he is courting.
.
Then ensues a delicious ride of secret glances and whispers, anger and hurt, until secrets are revealed and love is found.
.
My one issue was the fact that the heroine was hiding in London, attending balls as a chaperone that she used to attend as a Barons daughter. It felt a bit of stretch, however, it did not take away from the story and I absolutely recommend a read!
.
Oliver never thought to see Lady Scarlet again, as much as he searched, and here she is, the companion to the young debutante he is courting.
.
Then ensues a delicious ride of secret glances and whispers, anger and hurt, until secrets are revealed and love is found.
.
My one issue was the fact that the heroine was hiding in London, attending balls as a chaperone that she used to attend as a Barons daughter. It felt a bit of stretch, however, it did not take away from the story and I absolutely recommend a read!
October 29, 2022
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This in no way impacted on my view.
Ana Gardner may have been born to privilege, but after her father's death, she's been forced to become a companion. Nearing her thirtieth birthday, she's adamant that she will lose her virginity before her birthday, and so she disguises herself as Lady Scarlet, and agrees to spend the night at the city’s most elite brothel, the Silver Chalice. There she meets a handsome stranger, and they spend the night together, never to see each other again - or so she thinks. When Ana discovers that Oliver, her lover, is in fact the Earl of Drake, who's father was responsible for her father's death, and who is set on courting her charge, Lady Penelope, Ana hopes more than anything that he doesn't discover the truth. But Oliver soon realises that his Lady Scarlet was Ana, and he's out to get her, forever.
Well, this was a fiery read. Ana and Oliver's chemistry was out of this world, and the fact that Oliver was the one to fall first, and hardest, was a joy to read. I liked the premise of Ana taking her life into her hands, and wanting experience satisfaction and passion, no strings attached. Ana's past is slowly revealed to us, and I appreciated that she had had to reinvent herself as Ana Gardner, in order to save herself, and she had done a good job of it so far. Some parts of the book were a little far fetched, but nonetheless, it was a quick and enjoyable read.
Ana Gardner may have been born to privilege, but after her father's death, she's been forced to become a companion. Nearing her thirtieth birthday, she's adamant that she will lose her virginity before her birthday, and so she disguises herself as Lady Scarlet, and agrees to spend the night at the city’s most elite brothel, the Silver Chalice. There she meets a handsome stranger, and they spend the night together, never to see each other again - or so she thinks. When Ana discovers that Oliver, her lover, is in fact the Earl of Drake, who's father was responsible for her father's death, and who is set on courting her charge, Lady Penelope, Ana hopes more than anything that he doesn't discover the truth. But Oliver soon realises that his Lady Scarlet was Ana, and he's out to get her, forever.
Well, this was a fiery read. Ana and Oliver's chemistry was out of this world, and the fact that Oliver was the one to fall first, and hardest, was a joy to read. I liked the premise of Ana taking her life into her hands, and wanting experience satisfaction and passion, no strings attached. Ana's past is slowly revealed to us, and I appreciated that she had had to reinvent herself as Ana Gardner, in order to save herself, and she had done a good job of it so far. Some parts of the book were a little far fetched, but nonetheless, it was a quick and enjoyable read.
October 13, 2021
🌹 One Night with an Earl 🌹
Daring Ladies Series #1
✒️ Tina Gabrielle
https://www.facebook.com/TinaGabrielle
Release Date 10/18/2021
Publisher Entangled Amara
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09H5JGNM8/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Ana Gardner is determined to lose her virginity before her thirtieth birthday. She’s no stranger to fake identities, having posed as a chaperone since the scandal that destroyed her titled family. So she dons a mask, changes into a low-cut red gown, and attends the city’s most elite brothel, the Silver Chalice.
Oliver Bedford, the imposing Earl of Drake, is only at the Silver Chalice to appease his debauched friends—until he spots Lady Scarlet. She’s refreshing...and a complete mystery. Certain she’s a lady in disguise, Oliver is determined to learn her identity, but she eludes him at every turn.
The night with Oliver was unforgettable. But when he arrives at her employer’s home, she’s horrified to discover her lover is the Earl of Drake, the son of the man responsible for her father’s death and subsequent family ruin. And that he’s there to court her young charge.
Oliver never had any interest in the debutante, but he is drawn to her chaperone—a woman he soon realizes is his Lady Scarlet. Now that he’s found her, she claims she wants nothing to do with him, even though her kisses say otherwise. Fortunately, Oliver is not one to give up when he finds something he wants...and he wants Ana. In his bed, and in his life. Forever. But first, he must persuade her to trust him—and to believe that one wild, passionate night can turn into forever.
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will keeping her identity secret protect her from heartbreak…
My first read by the author was two years ago, and I loved it so even if I knew it was crazy to add one more book to my insane reading schedule, I wanted to read it. So here we are.
I much liked this story, for its foray in a different culture and its demonstration how differences have always been seen as difficult to accept out of ignorance and ill founded prejudices.
Ana had to rebuilt herself when her life took an altering turn and she had not other mean to provide for herself and her much younger brother. So she is now reaching her thirstiest birthday, and as a life of drudgery is her only future, she wants to have a taste of passion even if it is just once. She just never expected to see again the man who introduced her to sensuality, nor him being the son of the man who ruined her family.
Worse, he is likable and as she gets to know him, he is not the uncaring cold cruel men his father and elder brother were. So she is torn between her attraction and her need to keep going by hiding who she is.
Oliver is a far cry from his sire and late brother, he never followed in their steps of profligacy. Preferring quiet and work to keep the family estates running. He even tried to undo some of their wrongs, but has been unable to located the victims of his father’s deeds.
And while he knows his duty to his title, he can’t forget the woman he unexpectedly encountered when dragged to a party he did not want to attend. She left such a mark, he began to look for her until he sees her again the least likely place he thought he would meet her.
Their romance is marred by unsaid, hidden identity, past wounds and lasting scars plus the usual meddling side characters. Yet as their relationship shifts, will it last the fire of passion and the exposure of the truth.
I loved them together, as they slowly drop their defenses and Ana get to know the man behind the title.
I am just curious to know how she transitioned from a lady to her new identity with a much young brother to care about.
4.5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen detailed lovemaking scenes
I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher Entangled, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CU9YF9CDK...
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
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Daring Ladies Series #1
✒️ Tina Gabrielle
https://www.facebook.com/TinaGabrielle
Release Date 10/18/2021
Publisher Entangled Amara
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09H5JGNM8/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Ana Gardner is determined to lose her virginity before her thirtieth birthday. She’s no stranger to fake identities, having posed as a chaperone since the scandal that destroyed her titled family. So she dons a mask, changes into a low-cut red gown, and attends the city’s most elite brothel, the Silver Chalice.
Oliver Bedford, the imposing Earl of Drake, is only at the Silver Chalice to appease his debauched friends—until he spots Lady Scarlet. She’s refreshing...and a complete mystery. Certain she’s a lady in disguise, Oliver is determined to learn her identity, but she eludes him at every turn.
The night with Oliver was unforgettable. But when he arrives at her employer’s home, she’s horrified to discover her lover is the Earl of Drake, the son of the man responsible for her father’s death and subsequent family ruin. And that he’s there to court her young charge.
Oliver never had any interest in the debutante, but he is drawn to her chaperone—a woman he soon realizes is his Lady Scarlet. Now that he’s found her, she claims she wants nothing to do with him, even though her kisses say otherwise. Fortunately, Oliver is not one to give up when he finds something he wants...and he wants Ana. In his bed, and in his life. Forever. But first, he must persuade her to trust him—and to believe that one wild, passionate night can turn into forever.
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will keeping her identity secret protect her from heartbreak…
My first read by the author was two years ago, and I loved it so even if I knew it was crazy to add one more book to my insane reading schedule, I wanted to read it. So here we are.
I much liked this story, for its foray in a different culture and its demonstration how differences have always been seen as difficult to accept out of ignorance and ill founded prejudices.
Ana had to rebuilt herself when her life took an altering turn and she had not other mean to provide for herself and her much younger brother. So she is now reaching her thirstiest birthday, and as a life of drudgery is her only future, she wants to have a taste of passion even if it is just once. She just never expected to see again the man who introduced her to sensuality, nor him being the son of the man who ruined her family.
Worse, he is likable and as she gets to know him, he is not the uncaring cold cruel men his father and elder brother were. So she is torn between her attraction and her need to keep going by hiding who she is.
Oliver is a far cry from his sire and late brother, he never followed in their steps of profligacy. Preferring quiet and work to keep the family estates running. He even tried to undo some of their wrongs, but has been unable to located the victims of his father’s deeds.
And while he knows his duty to his title, he can’t forget the woman he unexpectedly encountered when dragged to a party he did not want to attend. She left such a mark, he began to look for her until he sees her again the least likely place he thought he would meet her.
Their romance is marred by unsaid, hidden identity, past wounds and lasting scars plus the usual meddling side characters. Yet as their relationship shifts, will it last the fire of passion and the exposure of the truth.
I loved them together, as they slowly drop their defenses and Ana get to know the man behind the title.
I am just curious to know how she transitioned from a lady to her new identity with a much young brother to care about.
4.5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen detailed lovemaking scenes
I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher Entangled, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CU9YF9CDK...
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2021read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #bookquote #romancestagram #readersofinstagram #bookbirthday
October 18, 2021
Firstly, let us take a moment to admire and ogle the cover – my goodness isn’t it gorgeous? Go on take a look, it’s so striking and it works perfectly with the overall story.
One Night With an Earl is the first book in the Daring Ladies series, would you believe it I have started a book from the beginning instead of halfway through. I am amazed myself, who knew it could happen? This is the first I’ve read by Tina Gabrielle, I am so pleased that I have been introduced to her work at the start of this series, I thoroughly enjoyed this first step into the Daring ladies and I can’t wait for more.
When tragedy strikes Ana’s life leaving her alone and the sole guardian of her younger brother she knows that if she is going to survive and make a life for herself and her brother she must tear away the scandal of her name and the past. She reinvents herself, gives herself and finds a job as a chaperone and companion. But Ana decided she will never have a family or marry but she doesn’t want to die as a virgin, she wants one night of sheer bliss with a man.
I really liked Ana and connected with her instantly, she is a tough cookie and will do all she can to look after herself and her brother. I admired her for taking the bull by the horns and changing her life.
So off she pops to the Silver Chalice brothel – this place isn’t just an ordinary brothel this one caters for e the elite, it’s cloaked in mystery and passion it’s Madame runs her establishment with a rod of iron and makes sure her clientele and her girls are shrouded in secrecy.
Donning the Lady Scarlet mask she walks through the door on the hunt for the perfect man who will give her a night she will never forget. Thing’s don’t exactly go to plan when she is put upon by a customer but in rides her hero, he’s passionate, seductive, handsome, charming and gives her exactly what she wanted a night of lustful passion.
Ouh la la, by Jove it’s a steamy encounter, sparks crackle the air between these two, they are made for each other in every sense of the word. They fit together like a well-worn leather glove, the sex between them is charged and intoxicating you feel the heat billowing off the page.
Oliver the newly minted Earl of Drake is instantly seduced by the innocent, virginal, elegant lady in red. He didn’t intend on a night of passion but she lured him like a ship captain sailing closer to the rocks by the mermaids, he is shocked to find she truly is as innocent as she appears. This mysterious woman has gotten under his skin, she has captured his breathe so much so he returns to the Silver Chalice to find the woman but the Madame is tight-lipped and he must return home with a flea in his ear and a lady in red swirling around his head.
One thing leads to another and fate brings these two together once again, but with another fly, in the works as there is something else that links Oliver and Ana. I won’t go into too much detail but it is a case of a man being tarred with the same brush as his father, that is until our charming Oliver woos said lady in red whose frozen heart begins to thaw under the sparkling longing gaze of the twinkly-eyed Earl, and their illicit affair begins.
I enjoyed the relationship between Oliver and Ana, it’s full of secrets and hidden truths, plus huge amounts of pent up lust which ends up with a good old romp. What’s not to love?
Overall One Night with an Earl is a fast-paced, entertaining, scandalously sexy, seductive, original and heart-warming love story that will have you sighing with delight.
One Night With an Earl is the first book in the Daring Ladies series, would you believe it I have started a book from the beginning instead of halfway through. I am amazed myself, who knew it could happen? This is the first I’ve read by Tina Gabrielle, I am so pleased that I have been introduced to her work at the start of this series, I thoroughly enjoyed this first step into the Daring ladies and I can’t wait for more.
When tragedy strikes Ana’s life leaving her alone and the sole guardian of her younger brother she knows that if she is going to survive and make a life for herself and her brother she must tear away the scandal of her name and the past. She reinvents herself, gives herself and finds a job as a chaperone and companion. But Ana decided she will never have a family or marry but she doesn’t want to die as a virgin, she wants one night of sheer bliss with a man.
I really liked Ana and connected with her instantly, she is a tough cookie and will do all she can to look after herself and her brother. I admired her for taking the bull by the horns and changing her life.
So off she pops to the Silver Chalice brothel – this place isn’t just an ordinary brothel this one caters for e the elite, it’s cloaked in mystery and passion it’s Madame runs her establishment with a rod of iron and makes sure her clientele and her girls are shrouded in secrecy.
Donning the Lady Scarlet mask she walks through the door on the hunt for the perfect man who will give her a night she will never forget. Thing’s don’t exactly go to plan when she is put upon by a customer but in rides her hero, he’s passionate, seductive, handsome, charming and gives her exactly what she wanted a night of lustful passion.
Ouh la la, by Jove it’s a steamy encounter, sparks crackle the air between these two, they are made for each other in every sense of the word. They fit together like a well-worn leather glove, the sex between them is charged and intoxicating you feel the heat billowing off the page.
Oliver the newly minted Earl of Drake is instantly seduced by the innocent, virginal, elegant lady in red. He didn’t intend on a night of passion but she lured him like a ship captain sailing closer to the rocks by the mermaids, he is shocked to find she truly is as innocent as she appears. This mysterious woman has gotten under his skin, she has captured his breathe so much so he returns to the Silver Chalice to find the woman but the Madame is tight-lipped and he must return home with a flea in his ear and a lady in red swirling around his head.
One thing leads to another and fate brings these two together once again, but with another fly, in the works as there is something else that links Oliver and Ana. I won’t go into too much detail but it is a case of a man being tarred with the same brush as his father, that is until our charming Oliver woos said lady in red whose frozen heart begins to thaw under the sparkling longing gaze of the twinkly-eyed Earl, and their illicit affair begins.
I enjoyed the relationship between Oliver and Ana, it’s full of secrets and hidden truths, plus huge amounts of pent up lust which ends up with a good old romp. What’s not to love?
Overall One Night with an Earl is a fast-paced, entertaining, scandalously sexy, seductive, original and heart-warming love story that will have you sighing with delight.
October 18, 2021
When I read the first line of the synopsis for this book I knew immediately that I had to read it. And I am so glad I did! I absolutely fell in love with this story, the heroine and the hero, from the first page and I was swept away with their beautiful romance. Tina Gabrielle's writing has such a welcoming ease and accessibility that I was immediately engaged throughout the entire novel. The story is very well paced and clips along really nicely, the world is peopled by characters that I cared about and wanted to see succeed in their stories and I am so excited to see how Tina Gabrielle continues to expand this world.
Ana is almost 30 years old, she works as a companion and she sends any money she makes to support her younger brother at school, before her birthday she wants to experience the passion that happens between partners so she enters into an arrangement with a brothel owner. Oliver, Lord Drake, happens to be at the brothel when Ana is there and they spend a passionate night in each other's arms. Oliver is the second son of an Earl who has inherited the title after his older brother died. After their night together, both Oliver and Ana are having a hard time forgetting the other, and Oliver tries to discover her true identity. With some meddling from his grandmother, Oliver is encourage to pursue a young lady, this young lady happens to be Ana's charge.
This novel was truly an absolute delight. I found this love story to be sweet, full of longing and a really compelling story of two people and their attraction to the other. I loved watching Ana try to fight her attraction to Oliver. I loved watching Oliver pursue his attraction for Ana and try to make sure she felt comfortable and in charge of any pursuit of a physical relationship. Watching their attraction grow into love was really gratifying. We are able to watch them have lots of stollen moments with each other in which they are able to better understand and learn more about each other. I was also delighted with Ana's charge, Penelope, and how she spent a good amount of time encouraging and supporting the attraction between Ana and Oliver. This novel has a really lovely balance of sensuality in their physical and intellectual relationship. I also really felt like these two truly respected each other throughout getting to know each other as well as through their misunderstanding/conflict.
I would highly encourage you to pick up this novel if you love a strong heroine who is a hard worker and will do anything to protect her family, as well as taking her destiny in her own hands. I would definitely recommend if you love a hero who is sweet, kind, always working to improve the lives of the people who work for him and worships the woman he is destined to fall for. I am highly looking forward to exploring Tina Gabrielle's backlist and I can not wait for the next installment in this series!
***Thanks to Entangled Amara and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.***
OUT OCTOBER 18, 2021
Ana is almost 30 years old, she works as a companion and she sends any money she makes to support her younger brother at school, before her birthday she wants to experience the passion that happens between partners so she enters into an arrangement with a brothel owner. Oliver, Lord Drake, happens to be at the brothel when Ana is there and they spend a passionate night in each other's arms. Oliver is the second son of an Earl who has inherited the title after his older brother died. After their night together, both Oliver and Ana are having a hard time forgetting the other, and Oliver tries to discover her true identity. With some meddling from his grandmother, Oliver is encourage to pursue a young lady, this young lady happens to be Ana's charge.
This novel was truly an absolute delight. I found this love story to be sweet, full of longing and a really compelling story of two people and their attraction to the other. I loved watching Ana try to fight her attraction to Oliver. I loved watching Oliver pursue his attraction for Ana and try to make sure she felt comfortable and in charge of any pursuit of a physical relationship. Watching their attraction grow into love was really gratifying. We are able to watch them have lots of stollen moments with each other in which they are able to better understand and learn more about each other. I was also delighted with Ana's charge, Penelope, and how she spent a good amount of time encouraging and supporting the attraction between Ana and Oliver. This novel has a really lovely balance of sensuality in their physical and intellectual relationship. I also really felt like these two truly respected each other throughout getting to know each other as well as through their misunderstanding/conflict.
I would highly encourage you to pick up this novel if you love a strong heroine who is a hard worker and will do anything to protect her family, as well as taking her destiny in her own hands. I would definitely recommend if you love a hero who is sweet, kind, always working to improve the lives of the people who work for him and worships the woman he is destined to fall for. I am highly looking forward to exploring Tina Gabrielle's backlist and I can not wait for the next installment in this series!
***Thanks to Entangled Amara and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review.***
OUT OCTOBER 18, 2021
October 17, 2021
I loved this book so so much and I could really feel that the author has a lot of knowledge about the middle-eastern culture, especially the Lebanese culture, since Tina Gabrielle is partly Lebanese.
The book is about Anahit Woodbridge who has lost everything since her father the baron Woodbridge gambled away his livelihood and killed himself. The only family member she has left is her brother who is only 15 years old and still at school so she has found a job as a companion and chaperone to a young debutante to pay for his schooling and to give him a roof over his head.
She keeps it a secret that she is the daughter of a baron because of the scandal he caused so she changes her name to Ana Gardner and became the invisible chaperone to Penelope Malvern.
Ana meets Oliver at the Silver Chalice and he helps her loose her virginity before she turns 30. He is very enthralled by her and he tries to find her after this evening which turns out to be very difficult. But when he is pushed into courting the young debutante Penelope Malvern by his mother he finds her chaperone very intriguing and she reminds him of Lady Scarlett aka Ana.
They start spending time together in the shadows and start to fall in love. But can they ever find a way to be together and what happens when Ana finds out that Oliver is the son of the Earl who broke her father? Will Penelope and her family forgive Ana for being with Oliver and will Oliver’s family acknowledge Ana after everything that happened to her family and her being half Lebanese? Can they ever be happy together?
Ana is such a strong character who has been through so much but still keeps her head held high and does what she has to to keep her brother safe and happy. She also knows where her life is going so she takes control of the little she can control and takes some chances that others wouldn’t because she wants to feel some happiness for once. I also love that she is proud of her middle eastern heritage and she visits her mother’s friend from Lebanon every time she has a day of. Even though it is tough to be mixed race in the ton she doesn’t shy away from her heritage and are proud of it.
Oliver is a great romantic interest for her and he will do anything for her. He is charming, funny and a little pushy which she needs.
They are totally made for each other.
I can’t wait to see what Tina Gabrielle comes up with next but I will wait in suspense for her next book.
I can definitely recommend this book.
The book is about Anahit Woodbridge who has lost everything since her father the baron Woodbridge gambled away his livelihood and killed himself. The only family member she has left is her brother who is only 15 years old and still at school so she has found a job as a companion and chaperone to a young debutante to pay for his schooling and to give him a roof over his head.
She keeps it a secret that she is the daughter of a baron because of the scandal he caused so she changes her name to Ana Gardner and became the invisible chaperone to Penelope Malvern.
Ana meets Oliver at the Silver Chalice and he helps her loose her virginity before she turns 30. He is very enthralled by her and he tries to find her after this evening which turns out to be very difficult. But when he is pushed into courting the young debutante Penelope Malvern by his mother he finds her chaperone very intriguing and she reminds him of Lady Scarlett aka Ana.
They start spending time together in the shadows and start to fall in love. But can they ever find a way to be together and what happens when Ana finds out that Oliver is the son of the Earl who broke her father? Will Penelope and her family forgive Ana for being with Oliver and will Oliver’s family acknowledge Ana after everything that happened to her family and her being half Lebanese? Can they ever be happy together?
Ana is such a strong character who has been through so much but still keeps her head held high and does what she has to to keep her brother safe and happy. She also knows where her life is going so she takes control of the little she can control and takes some chances that others wouldn’t because she wants to feel some happiness for once. I also love that she is proud of her middle eastern heritage and she visits her mother’s friend from Lebanon every time she has a day of. Even though it is tough to be mixed race in the ton she doesn’t shy away from her heritage and are proud of it.
Oliver is a great romantic interest for her and he will do anything for her. He is charming, funny and a little pushy which she needs.
They are totally made for each other.
I can’t wait to see what Tina Gabrielle comes up with next but I will wait in suspense for her next book.
I can definitely recommend this book.
September 6, 2022
3.5 stars bumped up. This author is new to me, and the best element of this book is easily the multicultural angle. I loved learning more about the MFC's mixed heritage. The descriptions of Ana spending time with her mother as a child stood out in particular, and you can really feel the sense of grief and loss Ana experienced once her mother passed and her life changed forever. I also appreciate how the storyline doesn't try to gloss over the prejudice both Ana and her mother had to face in London society; the HEA isn't completely unrealistic.
Another plus: Ana and Oliver have good chemistry, especially in the opening chapters at the brothel. It's a rather silly conceit that a lady's chaperone would get away with disguising just part of her face in order to seek one night of pleasure. She was gambling on the fact that men of the ton wouldn't recognize her, and that there would be anyone at the brothel worth the risk to begin with. I kept waiting for one of Oliver's brother's silly friends to recognize her (especially the jerky one who manhandled her and asked after her later). But on the other hand, the "sexy masked encounter" is a trope that's been done many times before, and it's done pretty well here.
The pacing does sag in the middle, and the Big Misunderstanding is slightly frustrating. Oliver immediately wants to blame Ana for deceiving him, assuming she was seeking revenge, but the truth is, Ana gave him tons of signs at first that she didn't care for him to pursue her and she actively tried to stay away from him. He pursued her, although she ended up consenting to further physical intimacy. If she'd wanted revenge, risking her only avenue of employment by possibly being found out by the mother of the girl who was supposed to be his match would have been idiotic. The plot would have improved if there had been more twists and turns making a revenge scheme more viable (if Ana had found out some damaging information about Oliver's father that people didn't already know and that would have tainted the family reputation, for example).
Overall, though, this is a fairly fast-paced read that contains interesting multicultural aspects and just the right amount of spice. Steam level: 3.
Another plus: Ana and Oliver have good chemistry, especially in the opening chapters at the brothel. It's a rather silly conceit that a lady's chaperone would get away with disguising just part of her face in order to seek one night of pleasure. She was gambling on the fact that men of the ton wouldn't recognize her, and that there would be anyone at the brothel worth the risk to begin with. I kept waiting for one of Oliver's brother's silly friends to recognize her (especially the jerky one who manhandled her and asked after her later). But on the other hand, the "sexy masked encounter" is a trope that's been done many times before, and it's done pretty well here.
The pacing does sag in the middle, and the Big Misunderstanding is slightly frustrating. Oliver immediately wants to blame Ana for deceiving him, assuming she was seeking revenge, but the truth is, Ana gave him tons of signs at first that she didn't care for him to pursue her and she actively tried to stay away from him. He pursued her, although she ended up consenting to further physical intimacy. If she'd wanted revenge, risking her only avenue of employment by possibly being found out by the mother of the girl who was supposed to be his match would have been idiotic. The plot would have improved if there had been more twists and turns making a revenge scheme more viable (if Ana had found out some damaging information about Oliver's father that people didn't already know and that would have tainted the family reputation, for example).
Overall, though, this is a fairly fast-paced read that contains interesting multicultural aspects and just the right amount of spice. Steam level: 3.
October 5, 2021
4.5 stars
One Night with an Earl by Tina Gabrielle is the first book in the Daring Ladies series. I absolutely loved this book. One of the best romance novels that I’ve read in a long time.
Ana Gardner is an almost 30 year old ladies maid, who wants to lose her virginity before she turns 30. She sneaks out of the house where a kind and rather motherly brothel owner has agreed to let her choose a man for the job. She is drawn to a mystery man and they spend a passionate night together. They do not share their identities with each other, but the man could tell that she was a virgin. Ana retreats back to her life and the man tries to find her.
It turns out that Ana actually used to be a lady, but her parents died. Her father committed suicide after losing their estate while gambling. She changed her identity and became a ladies companion to Penelope. Ana is also of Middle Eastern heritage and her culture becomes a fun and informative side plot of the book. Our mystery man is Oliver Bedford, Earl of Drake. His father is the one who took Ana’s family’s estate, and she blames them for her family’s ruin. Additionally, Oliver has been set up by his meddling grandmother to court Penelope, Ana’s charge. Penelope has her own secret love though. He is the sixth son of a baron, who she is sure that her social climbing parents won’t accept.
This book has so much drama. I could not put it down. So many twists and turns. Everytime I would expect the plot to go in one direction, it would go in another. The story was emotional, funny, awkward (in a fun cringy way), and heartwarming. The characters were so well developed. Both the main and side characters were dynamic and multidimensional (except Penelope’s mom who kind of sucked all around).. I loved every second of this book, and I will absolutely devour the future books in this series. I highly recommend this book.
I was invited to read an ARC of One Night with an Earl, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #OneNightwithanEarl #NetGalley
One Night with an Earl by Tina Gabrielle is the first book in the Daring Ladies series. I absolutely loved this book. One of the best romance novels that I’ve read in a long time.
Ana Gardner is an almost 30 year old ladies maid, who wants to lose her virginity before she turns 30. She sneaks out of the house where a kind and rather motherly brothel owner has agreed to let her choose a man for the job. She is drawn to a mystery man and they spend a passionate night together. They do not share their identities with each other, but the man could tell that she was a virgin. Ana retreats back to her life and the man tries to find her.
It turns out that Ana actually used to be a lady, but her parents died. Her father committed suicide after losing their estate while gambling. She changed her identity and became a ladies companion to Penelope. Ana is also of Middle Eastern heritage and her culture becomes a fun and informative side plot of the book. Our mystery man is Oliver Bedford, Earl of Drake. His father is the one who took Ana’s family’s estate, and she blames them for her family’s ruin. Additionally, Oliver has been set up by his meddling grandmother to court Penelope, Ana’s charge. Penelope has her own secret love though. He is the sixth son of a baron, who she is sure that her social climbing parents won’t accept.
This book has so much drama. I could not put it down. So many twists and turns. Everytime I would expect the plot to go in one direction, it would go in another. The story was emotional, funny, awkward (in a fun cringy way), and heartwarming. The characters were so well developed. Both the main and side characters were dynamic and multidimensional (except Penelope’s mom who kind of sucked all around).. I loved every second of this book, and I will absolutely devour the future books in this series. I highly recommend this book.
I was invited to read an ARC of One Night with an Earl, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #OneNightwithanEarl #NetGalley
October 20, 2021
Out of shame and necessity Anahit Woodridge, daughter of a baron, was left alone with no money or home and needed to care for her very young brother. Because of her shame she changed her name, wore non-descriptive and dowdy clothes to hide her beauty and her grace as a lady and became a companion. The charge was a lovely young lady in love with the six son of a baron and he was a soldier. Her strict and irritable mother would never approve. The mother threatened the now Ana Gardner to get the daughter to accept a titled gentleman and find out who she pined for. In the meantime, Ana was approaching her thirtieth birthday and was still a virgin. She decided to risk it all for one night of passion to relive the rest of her lonely life. The stranger she encountered was more than she could ever dream of. It was a fluke that the gentleman unknown to her was from the family that caused the shame in her family. The Earl of Drake. The earl could not get her out of his mind and searched for her. When he found her he pursued her. This is where everything gets complicated for Ana. The earl's grandmother and her charge's mother were pushing him to court her charge. He did not care for the charge and only visited her to see Ana. The story covers the risky things that happened to her and the earl and surprisingly to her charge. But just before Ana was going to enlighten the earl of their association when they were caught in a compromising situation by the charge's shrew of a mother who called her a whore and dismissed her. The earl thought the worst of her and became infuriated with her. He felt betrayed and thought she wanted to trap him into marriage. Thank goodness for a loving grandmother who talked some sense into him. An exciting ending to a wonderful realistic character Ana/Anahit.
I received an Advance Readers Copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Happily Ever After
Page-turner
Realistic
Steamy
Tragic
Wonderful characters
I received an Advance Readers Copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Happily Ever After
Page-turner
Realistic
Steamy
Tragic
Wonderful characters
October 8, 2021
ONE NIGHT WITH AN EARL is an engaging historical romance read. Ana's life changed after her parents' deaths, and her father's gambling debts caused them to lose their home and all their valuables. Ana recovered by changing her name and working as a chaperone, using the money she earns to pay for her brother's boarding school. As such, she knows that marriage and her own life are off the table.
Ana has decided she wants one night of passion before her thirtieth birthday, and she has arranged with a local madame to select a man and sleep with him. The man she picks is an Earl, unbeknownst to her, and they share a passionate and unforgettable night. When he is the man who has been set up to meet with her charge for a marriage setup, they are surprised to see each other again. As each of them is unable to forget that night, they must decide whether they will defy society to share another.
I loved all the passion and the quick relationship that builds between them. As they spend more time together, it is easy to see a deeper side of their romance, and I appreciated the time spent sharing emotions and thoughts - though Ana carries a big secret in her past, in that she is reluctant to share with him her true name. Overall, I really loved their passion and their hearts. They are a couple that was easy to cheer for. As small points, I do wish the ending was a bit softer in terms of their conflicts, as it felt out of proportion to the previous parts of the story and the endgame was not so clear there, and I do also wish we got more resolution for Ana's brother, whose life drove her career path.
Overall, I enjoyed this passionate story about unexpected romance and connection. With a great couple and lots of steam, this was a really enjoyable historical romance read.
Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Ana has decided she wants one night of passion before her thirtieth birthday, and she has arranged with a local madame to select a man and sleep with him. The man she picks is an Earl, unbeknownst to her, and they share a passionate and unforgettable night. When he is the man who has been set up to meet with her charge for a marriage setup, they are surprised to see each other again. As each of them is unable to forget that night, they must decide whether they will defy society to share another.
I loved all the passion and the quick relationship that builds between them. As they spend more time together, it is easy to see a deeper side of their romance, and I appreciated the time spent sharing emotions and thoughts - though Ana carries a big secret in her past, in that she is reluctant to share with him her true name. Overall, I really loved their passion and their hearts. They are a couple that was easy to cheer for. As small points, I do wish the ending was a bit softer in terms of their conflicts, as it felt out of proportion to the previous parts of the story and the endgame was not so clear there, and I do also wish we got more resolution for Ana's brother, whose life drove her career path.
Overall, I enjoyed this passionate story about unexpected romance and connection. With a great couple and lots of steam, this was a really enjoyable historical romance read.
Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
October 9, 2021
Read if you like a heroine who knows what she wants.
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
I had a hard time getting into this book but once if got going the story swept me away. This book is a fun romp that moves along at a quick and exciting pace.
The book opens with our heroine Ana looking to take her sexuality into her own hands. In her attempt to find passion for one night, she meets Oliver, the Earl of Drake. Having recently inherited the earldom, following his older brother's death, Oliver is also looking to chart his own path forward. These two have an instant chemistry that you feel throughout the book.
Ana's control of her wants and needs was a refreshing change to a genre that tends to idolize uncertainty in the female lead's understanding and interest in sex. I loved that she was a confident and take charge woman. Oliver's own dominant personality didn't overshadow her and the author deftly allowed both characters to maintain their unique personalities in their relationship.
My biggest critique was the writing style was a little abrupt at times impacting my ability to lose myself in the story. Some of this had to do with the placement of historical references that felt like ybeg were there more to show this was a historical romance than to move the story forward. At times it was a little too much and impacted the flow.
I would recommend if you are looking for a light and fresh read. You will love the relationship between our two main characters and be rooting for them in the end.
Thank you NetGalley and Entangled Pub for the eARC!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥
I had a hard time getting into this book but once if got going the story swept me away. This book is a fun romp that moves along at a quick and exciting pace.
The book opens with our heroine Ana looking to take her sexuality into her own hands. In her attempt to find passion for one night, she meets Oliver, the Earl of Drake. Having recently inherited the earldom, following his older brother's death, Oliver is also looking to chart his own path forward. These two have an instant chemistry that you feel throughout the book.
Ana's control of her wants and needs was a refreshing change to a genre that tends to idolize uncertainty in the female lead's understanding and interest in sex. I loved that she was a confident and take charge woman. Oliver's own dominant personality didn't overshadow her and the author deftly allowed both characters to maintain their unique personalities in their relationship.
My biggest critique was the writing style was a little abrupt at times impacting my ability to lose myself in the story. Some of this had to do with the placement of historical references that felt like ybeg were there more to show this was a historical romance than to move the story forward. At times it was a little too much and impacted the flow.
I would recommend if you are looking for a light and fresh read. You will love the relationship between our two main characters and be rooting for them in the end.
Thank you NetGalley and Entangled Pub for the eARC!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 15, 2023
Format: Audiobook
Rating: 1,3
So, this was just supposed to be a mediocre background noise audiobook for sleep, and that it was; at the start. I thought this was gonna be an "It's OK" rating.
But throughout the book I just started disliking it more and more, and by the end I was just annoyed.
The narrator is... OK but not great, the heroine in this book takes risks that are just ridiculous. She keeps acting like a complete ninny. She is apparently scared of being caught having an affair with the earl, yet she keeps messing around with him in locations where they were bound to be found out.
I also hated the ending, because apparently the Earl is filthy rich and can afford to just buy estates. But despite that our heroine has to give up her childhood home to help some other people stay filthy rich. (And yes, the fact that he could have just bought an estate is well established, it's mentioned that he will buy an estate for her brother)
Like, why the fuck couldn't the brother have gotten the estate that they were raised in, that their mother and father had together.
Why give that estate to someone outside the family, and buy him a different one.
It felt like some sort of ridiculous "she has to sacrifice to prove she's a good person" ploy, or that she really loves him or something. And I'm not here for it.
Oh, and the sex scenes were dull.
The only positive things about this book really was the fact that the heroine was biracial, which was kinda interesting. And the Earl's best friend, who seemed to be an interesting character.
None of those things are enough to make me want to read the sequel however.
Rating: 1,3
So, this was just supposed to be a mediocre background noise audiobook for sleep, and that it was; at the start. I thought this was gonna be an "It's OK" rating.
But throughout the book I just started disliking it more and more, and by the end I was just annoyed.
The narrator is... OK but not great, the heroine in this book takes risks that are just ridiculous. She keeps acting like a complete ninny. She is apparently scared of being caught having an affair with the earl, yet she keeps messing around with him in locations where they were bound to be found out.
I also hated the ending, because apparently the Earl is filthy rich and can afford to just buy estates. But despite that our heroine has to give up her childhood home to help some other people stay filthy rich. (And yes, the fact that he could have just bought an estate is well established, it's mentioned that he will buy an estate for her brother)
Like, why the fuck couldn't the brother have gotten the estate that they were raised in, that their mother and father had together.
Why give that estate to someone outside the family, and buy him a different one.
It felt like some sort of ridiculous "she has to sacrifice to prove she's a good person" ploy, or that she really loves him or something. And I'm not here for it.
Oh, and the sex scenes were dull.
The only positive things about this book really was the fact that the heroine was biracial, which was kinda interesting. And the Earl's best friend, who seemed to be an interesting character.
None of those things are enough to make me want to read the sequel however.
October 10, 2021
Not one, but two secret identities!
Ana is just trying to survive after her father's mistakes left her and her brother on their own. She's finding her way well enough as a companion to the young daughter of a marquess, but accepting her inevitable spinsterhood has left her wanting just one night of passion before her impending thirtieth birthday.
Oliver is fascinated by the mysterious Lady Scarlet and wants far more than just one night, even though he knows he should be pursuing a proper marriage to a proper young miss, like the beautiful yet too-young Lady Penelope, instead. But when he meets Lady Penelope's paid companion, he knows he simply can't move on from Ana regardless of the impropriety of it all.
I loved the delicate dance between Oliver and Ana as she learns that he's nothing like his late father and brother, and he learns that there's more to his alluring Lady Scarlet than he'd first thought. But there are still more secrets to be spilled, and when they are the heartbreaking results were almost too much to bear.
By the end, we're happily rejoicing at not just Oliver and Ana's HEA but that of another couple as well. I wasn't entirely happy with the distribution of the estate in question (no spoilers, sorry) but all in all the romance hit every note beautifully. I really appreciated the wonderful inclusion of Ana's mixed heritage and the insights into that other culture. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Ana is just trying to survive after her father's mistakes left her and her brother on their own. She's finding her way well enough as a companion to the young daughter of a marquess, but accepting her inevitable spinsterhood has left her wanting just one night of passion before her impending thirtieth birthday.
Oliver is fascinated by the mysterious Lady Scarlet and wants far more than just one night, even though he knows he should be pursuing a proper marriage to a proper young miss, like the beautiful yet too-young Lady Penelope, instead. But when he meets Lady Penelope's paid companion, he knows he simply can't move on from Ana regardless of the impropriety of it all.
I loved the delicate dance between Oliver and Ana as she learns that he's nothing like his late father and brother, and he learns that there's more to his alluring Lady Scarlet than he'd first thought. But there are still more secrets to be spilled, and when they are the heartbreaking results were almost too much to bear.
By the end, we're happily rejoicing at not just Oliver and Ana's HEA but that of another couple as well. I wasn't entirely happy with the distribution of the estate in question (no spoilers, sorry) but all in all the romance hit every note beautifully. I really appreciated the wonderful inclusion of Ana's mixed heritage and the insights into that other culture. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
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