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3.84 AVERAGE
3.84 AVERAGE
This was almost 3 stars because Julianna was NOT good enough for Effie and I was so annoyed at her stubbornness but the 3rd act break up and the resolution was so good it redeemed itself
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This is a fun historical romance. Please take the historical part with a grain of salt. In this, we have our earl whose best friend thinks he’s a woman. Because they have never met in person. They’ve only met in letters and poetry. The Earl is in every sense a “manic pixie dream” earl. He is kind of flighty and a little all over the place. I pictured friends I know well while listening to this book. The female main character is an independent woman who is ten years older than the earl. She runs a magazine that was started and ran by her father. After years of working together, she decides she absolutely must meet this best friend and it’s going to surprise them on vacation. The annual “Earl’s trip”. When they meet up, it’s like they should never have been apart. It’s as if their friendship was destined, and becomes more than friendship over this week spent at the sea. This is a very progressive look at a historical society. At one point the Earl‘s friends think he preferred the company of men and is surprised when he says he’s in love and has never been with a woman, etc. Altogether this was fabulous fun, and it made me want to read the other books in the series. This is book two but it can be read as a standalone.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
didn’t enjoy this as much as the first one but i do love effie. what a sweet boy! juliana drove me crazy, be nice to that sweet boy!! i do think this series is far too modern in its language which really bothers me. this author doesn’t seem to have much interest in being historically accurate, but that also seems to be the point. not sure how i feel about it in truth. but these are fun and romantic!
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
📚 This was an enjoyable book. There's class difference (he's aristocracy) and an age gap (she's ten years older) and they have wildly different backgrounds and also he's lying to her. But it all turns out in the end, obviously.
🎧 Dual 3rd person POV, single male narrator
🌶️ 3/5 There were a few explicit scenes but nothing super intense or adventurous.
✊🏽🏳️🌈 There isn't any racial diversity. Cultural diversity only to the extent of class difference, everyone is British. Both MCs are bi, and the MMC is on the ace spectrum, likely demi. Also there are hints at neurodivergence but this is regency times so obviously it's not explicitly identified as such.
🎧 Dual 3rd person POV, single male narrator
🌶️ 3/5 There were a few explicit scenes but nothing super intense or adventurous.
✊🏽🏳️🌈 There isn't any racial diversity. Cultural diversity only to the extent of class difference, everyone is British. Both MCs are bi, and the MMC is on the ace spectrum, likely demi. Also there are hints at neurodivergence but this is regency times so obviously it's not explicitly identified as such.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Emotional abuse, Infertility, Physical abuse, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Grief, Classism
Minor: Death, Homophobia, Infidelity, Terminal illness, Violence, Death of parent, Acephobia/Arophobia
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
It took me a little bit to get into it but I must say I was drawn in by the Ted Lasso meets Bridgerton premise.
There are some really cute things in this story with the theme of found family, crossing socioeconomic divides, doing this counterculture. I thought I'd be doing a little more laughing or giggling which I felt like it was just ok and not super giggly banter. I did appreciate seeing the Earl's trip and male camraderie especially in a world where you don't see as many deep male bonds portrayed. Yay for healthy same gender relationships! I also appreciated the gender biases that are addressed as well as some surprises!
Spoiler alerts:
I thought it was cute that Effie was the inexperienced one and trying to learn his way with his friends' help!
I was like good job Effie for standing up for yourself and setting boundaries to protect your heart!
People of other genders can be good friends, good job Olive and Effie!
Jules, way to take your fate into your own hands, once you realized what you wanted!
Overall a cute read, and leaves you in a happy state - maybe that's the Ted Lasso effect :)
Thanks Hambright PR and Netgalley for the ARC!
There are some really cute things in this story with the theme of found family, crossing socioeconomic divides, doing this counterculture. I thought I'd be doing a little more laughing or giggling which I felt like it was just ok and not super giggly banter. I did appreciate seeing the Earl's trip and male camraderie especially in a world where you don't see as many deep male bonds portrayed. Yay for healthy same gender relationships! I also appreciated the gender biases that are addressed as well as some surprises!
Spoiler alerts:
I thought it was cute that Effie was the inexperienced one and trying to learn his way with his friends' help!
I was like good job Effie for standing up for yourself and setting boundaries to protect your heart!
People of other genders can be good friends, good job Olive and Effie!
Jules, way to take your fate into your own hands, once you realized what you wanted!
Overall a cute read, and leaves you in a happy state - maybe that's the Ted Lasso effect :)
Thanks Hambright PR and Netgalley for the ARC!
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Wonderful and swoony. Tender and funny. The miscommunication isn’t my favorite, but the longing in this, is perfect.
After really enjoying the first Earl’s Trip, I’m so glad I had the opportunity to read an early copy of this, which was exactly what I needed after feeling mostly meh - this just made me smile. Historical romance - there’s only so much difference to be had, but Ms Holiday manages to infuse hers with what Jane Austen might refer to as “…fresh life and vigour” and as a result I completely adored this 🙂
Recommended!
Thank you to Kensington and NetGalley for the DRC
The book almost lost me half way through but managed to pull me back in! It was less fun than Archie’s book but far more romantic