Welcome to my stop for Karen Tuft's newest release! If you're in the mood for something sweet, with some depth, and a happily-ever-after ending, definitely check this one out...
The Earl's Betrothal
by Karen Tuft
Adult Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 264 Pages
May 1st 2016 by Covenant Communications, Inc.
Summary
Out of the war and into another, Captain Lord Anthony Hargreaves finds the politics of romance to be as uninviting a battle as the one that nearly cost him his life in Badajoz, Spain.
Wounded both mentally and physically from the Peninsular War in 1812, Anthony returns home to find that his older brother has died, placing Anthony next in line to inherit the estate. But he’s not ready for such responsibilities. And when Anthony’s dying father pleads with him to marry and produce an heir to preserve the family title, it nearly sends Anthony over the edge; nevertheless he dutifully faces a long line of hopeful young ladies who await him. No one grabs his attention, though, like Amelia Clarke, his mother’s stunning companion, who is off-limits for the earl. But when Anthony unwittingly puts Amelia in a compromising situation, he dedicates himself to protecting her reputation.
But the horrors Anthony faced while away from home have left him feeling broken and tormented. And Anthony finds himself drawn to Miss Clarke, the only one who can chase away his demons, but he must overcome the hostility of a society driven by class, a jealous duke bent on revenge, and himself—for could Amelia ever really love a haunted man?
Wounded both mentally and physically from the Peninsular War in 1812, Anthony returns home to find that his older brother has died, placing Anthony next in line to inherit the estate. But he’s not ready for such responsibilities. And when Anthony’s dying father pleads with him to marry and produce an heir to preserve the family title, it nearly sends Anthony over the edge; nevertheless he dutifully faces a long line of hopeful young ladies who await him. No one grabs his attention, though, like Amelia Clarke, his mother’s stunning companion, who is off-limits for the earl. But when Anthony unwittingly puts Amelia in a compromising situation, he dedicates himself to protecting her reputation.
But the horrors Anthony faced while away from home have left him feeling broken and tormented. And Anthony finds himself drawn to Miss Clarke, the only one who can chase away his demons, but he must overcome the hostility of a society driven by class, a jealous duke bent on revenge, and himself—for could Amelia ever really love a haunted man?
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My Review
THE EARL'S BETROTHAL was an enjoyable read from beginning to end. It possessed everything a reader wants in a Regency romance, great characters, chemistry, witty banter, societal conflicts, some humor, a little scandal, a feel of family, and of course a sweet romance. If you enjoy sweet romances set in this time period, then this is one I highly recommend.
I have to say that I really loved these characters. They were different enough from the norm (an ex-soldier tortured by nightmares from war and a lady's companion) and put in difficult circumstances (he is now the heir after his older brother dies unexpectedly and she mus work for her way after she loses her parents). I liked their characters, but also the way they balance and heal/help one another. There are some really sweet and swoon-worthy moments as well as some great dialogue between them. Add a bunch of supporting characters that added the small-town, family feel as well as the more high society setting and you have a great group of characters.
I also really enjoyed that there were a few twists in the story. The swooning came on earlier than I had anticipated as did some other difficult circumstances. The story never lagged for me, but kept moving forward between the tension romantically and in some surprising circumstances. There were also some parts that were really sad and a little scary. My only issue had to do with a certain character's parentage that I felt wasn't necessary to the story and how everything was tied up a little too perfectly. I would have liked things left more open or as they were. Otherwise, this was pretty much a perfect read for me.
In the end, was it what I wished for? Yes. It was a sweet, swoon-worthy, happily-ever-after Regency romance with characters I personally fell in love with.
Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not affect my review in any way.
I have to say that I really loved these characters. They were different enough from the norm (an ex-soldier tortured by nightmares from war and a lady's companion) and put in difficult circumstances (he is now the heir after his older brother dies unexpectedly and she mus work for her way after she loses her parents). I liked their characters, but also the way they balance and heal/help one another. There are some really sweet and swoon-worthy moments as well as some great dialogue between them. Add a bunch of supporting characters that added the small-town, family feel as well as the more high society setting and you have a great group of characters.
I also really enjoyed that there were a few twists in the story. The swooning came on earlier than I had anticipated as did some other difficult circumstances. The story never lagged for me, but kept moving forward between the tension romantically and in some surprising circumstances. There were also some parts that were really sad and a little scary. My only issue had to do with a certain character's parentage that I felt wasn't necessary to the story and how everything was tied up a little too perfectly. I would have liked things left more open or as they were. Otherwise, this was pretty much a perfect read for me.
In the end, was it what I wished for? Yes. It was a sweet, swoon-worthy, happily-ever-after Regency romance with characters I personally fell in love with.
Content: Clean
Source: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, which did not affect my review in any way.
About the Author
Karen Tuft was born with a healthy dose of curiosity about pretty much everything, so as a child she taught herself to read and play the piano. She studied composition at BYU and graduated from the University of Utah in music theory, where she was a member of Phi Kappa Phi and Pi Kappa Lambda honor societies.
In addition to being an author, Karen is a wife, mother, pianist, composer, and arranger. She has spent countless hours backstage and in orchestra pits for theater productions along the Wasatch Front. Among her varied interests, she likes to figure out what makes people tick, wander through museums, and travel whether it's by car, plane, or paperback.
Tour Schedule
*May 9th: http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/, http://www.wishfulendings.com/, http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/, http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/
*May 10th: http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/index.html, http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/
*May 11th: http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/, http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/, http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/
*May 12th: http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, https://atransparentmom.com/
*May 13th: http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/, http://seekingwithallyurheart.blogspot.com/, http://thethingsilovemost.com/, http://www.kindleandme.com/
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What do you think about the book cover, summary, or my review? Do you enjoy reading books set in historical England? Do you have any favorites?
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