Veena’s review of The Earl Claims A Bride (Heirs’ Club of Scoundrels, Book 2) by Amelia Grey
Historical Romance published by St Martin’s Paperbacks 04 Aug 15
Harrison Thornwick has cut a swathe through London society, and not in a good way, to finally retire his inner bad boy when he inherits the earldom that was never supposed to be his. Determined to turn over a new leaf and become a respectable landowner, the last thing this rule breaker needs is Miss Rule handpicked by the prince regent to be the new countess at his side. Ready to be a fire-breathing dragon and blow the fine lady out of his way, he’s the one to be blown right out of his orbit when he finds the chit he’s lusting after is none other than his proposed bride – and to add salt to his wounds, she’s in love with someone else. Talk about being hoisted with one’s own petard. This definitely sets the stage for a delightful regency romp with a very unusual heroine.
It’s history repeating itself when Harrison finds his heart engaged a second time and the lady has someone else in mind. The first time he stepped away, since the man in question was his brother. This time around he’s determined to win the fair lady and campaign for her hand. And he definitely does. Making friends with the dogs she rescues, giving her wilted flowers so she can nurture them to life, taking baked goods for her housekeeper so he can sneak in and spend one-on-one time with his lady love, stealing kisses and spoiling her for any but his kisses all make for a delightful courtship from a man who’s determined not to accept “No.”
Angelina has her heart set on a handsome army officer when her father announces that his far connection in the royal family has arranged an earl for her. Determined to find a way around this dilemma, the resourceful miss bargains with the earl to agree to a pretend courtship for the duration of the season while she works hard to find a way around the Gordian knot her father has her tied up in. But then her handsome army officer comes back and perhaps her rose-colored spectacles have worn out – the glow from her memories and the kisses they share definitely don’t measure up to Harrison’s.
I enjoyed catching up with our dissolute now well-settled duke and his duchess from the last book, as he seconds Harrison in his quest to land his fair lady. The love triangle keeps the reader as engaged in the outcome as it does Angelina with her dogs, definitely adding a nice touch in their roles as supporting characters.
Another winner from Ms. Grey, one I definitely enjoyed, and I look forward to the third in this relationship finding his romance, which, I presume, will the next story in this trilogy.
Grade: A
Summary:
Bestselling author Amelia Grey is back with a brand-new tale of daring, desire, and a delightfully scandalous bargain in her newest, sexy Regency-set historical romance, The Earl Claims a Bride.
CAN A HASTILY ARRANGED MATCH
Harrison Thornwick is the Heirs’ Club’s newest member. His carefree days as a reckless rogue carousing around London are suddenly behind him after the tragic death of his brother leaves him in charge of the family estate. What’s more, the Prince himself has offered to secure his marital prospects. Now Harrison has no choice but to grin and bear his noble fate-and the woman who’s been chosen for him.
BECOME A LOVE FOR ALL TIME?Miss Angelina Rule is a spectacular beauty, a dream match for any man. But she is fiercely independent-and full of passion-and is all set to rebel against her royal order of marriage…until she meets the devilishly charming Harrison. With him by her side, Angelina devises a scheme that will teach her meddlesome relatives a lesson, once and for all. But little did she and Harrison expect to fall into a tempestuous attraction-and a powerful desire that neither of them can deny…
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Other books in this series:
