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kbcozy22's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
An overall good regency romance. Loved the characters and their arcs. A lot of sex (which I do not like) without any warning. Would recommend for lovers of Brigerton.
livruther's review
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
i wanted the mcs to interact a little more, but this was a really solid debut! it was well-written with top notch character development
juliereadsromance's review against another edition
slow-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
3.5
3.5 rounded to 4 stars.
The plot of this book is equal parts original and bananas.
This book had a lot of potential, and I could easily see this author writing better and better books as she moves forward.
Kudos for a very original plot, but it was too high on the bananas scale for me. The MMC is very rigid about morals, particularly around sex, because his parents were basically sex addicts who couldn’t stop touching each other in public. This brought shame and embarrassment to their children.
While I appreciated the originality of that plot (can’t say I’ve read it in any other historical romance), it also felt totally not believable and anachronistic. It was simply odd the degree to which his parents couldn’t stop touching each other and having public sex.
I recommend the book because it’s enjoyable to read and, like I said, the plot is totally wackadoodle original.
The plot of this book is equal parts original and bananas.
This book had a lot of potential, and I could easily see this author writing better and better books as she moves forward.
Kudos for a very original plot, but it was too high on the bananas scale for me. The MMC is very rigid about morals, particularly around sex, because his parents were basically sex addicts who couldn’t stop touching each other in public. This brought shame and embarrassment to their children.
While I appreciated the originality of that plot (can’t say I’ve read it in any other historical romance), it also felt totally not believable and anachronistic. It was simply odd the degree to which his parents couldn’t stop touching each other and having public sex.
I recommend the book because it’s enjoyable to read and, like I said, the plot is totally wackadoodle original.
cr88's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
mcklockhart's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
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
3.0
bookishmya's review against another edition
5.0
It took me awhile to come around for Sebastian. I felt for him, truly. He had built up so many walls and clung to his structure with such a tight grip that I had difficulty loving him. Emmeline tried so hard, and he constantly let her down. I know what you’re thinking, if I don’t like the hero how can this be a positive. But here’s the thing, I love a good redemption arc! And Sebastian’s epiphany was exactly the thing I needed to fall head over heels for this Earl. He truly had his priorities straight in his plan to win her back and I loved that! Emmeline is all about family, it’s who she is at her core and that was the only path forward. This story is written with a surprising amount of realism that can easily be missed when reading historical. The emotions felt, the reactions and the uncertainties truly speak to a weakness that is engrained in every one of us. We are forever our own worst critics, and that self-doubt can be an impossible hill to climb. I felt both Emmeline and Sebastian faced their personal hills with admirable strength and resilience. They each faced a battle of self-discovery before they could truly embrace their emotions and in the end, they came together in a spectacular fashion to create their own family and continue to build on that. These are some difficult aspects to marry together in a perfect blend and I am supremely impressed that Britt Belle was able to achieve such harmony in her writing style in her debut novel. I look forward to peering closer into the future of the Greyson siblings.
mia_reads_romance's review against another edition
4.0
I chose Sebastien and Emmeline's story because I really enjoy a marriage of convenience and The Earl Was Wrong was no exception. It was really enjoyable to watch them figure how how intimacy and marriage should work. I thought Sebastien's parent's love match negatively effecting him was an interesting twist. Flaunting societies rules for love is usually celebrated in historical romance, and while I don't think that's wrong, anything taken to an extreme can be harmful. I also really liked that Sebastien was a virgin, and he and Emmeline had to figure out how to make sex enjoyable. It is realistic and was a fun way for them to learn to communicate. Finally, I really liked the role family played in this story. It showed that family is complicated but can also be rewarding. I liked that certain characters like Sebastien's uncle, and sister weren't perfect but they cared about him and had value in his life even when they made mistakes. I recommend this one and I can't wait to read more from Britt Belle!
Thanks to booksirens and Britt Belle for letting me read this book early in order to do a review. All opinions are my own.
Thanks to booksirens and Britt Belle for letting me read this book early in order to do a review. All opinions are my own.
annerollins's review against another edition
funny
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? It's complicated
4.0
baekho_888's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
First of all, our earl was wrong about a lot of things.
Sebastian, our MMC was forced to become an earl at such a young age that he had to leave his family behind and move to London. This distance between them has persisted for ten long years and you could clearly see that from their interactions as well. Even though Seb had good intentions, his siblings only view it as abandonment.
I liked the complex family dynamics and sibling drama a lot, and also found it ridiculous how Seb thinks that his only solution to solving it is marriage😂 (evn though it's Alex who suggests it).
Honestly, as ridiculous as it is, that's one of the best decisions he ever made.
Emmeline, our FMC is the kindest and smartest soul ever. She had taken care of her siblings after her mother's death and also handled the finances in her family, which has left her a spinster. So she's more glad to marry Seb, as he asks her to only take care of his family in exchange for her hand...from there ensues a plot of self discovery and immense passion...
Seb definitely has a different idea of love and he doesn't want to give in to passion after marriage (evn before that, he didn't)...but our man cannot stop falling for Emmeline more! As much as he tries to control his actions, he cannot stay away from her bed🤣😂 The first few encounters of them in bed are really awkward but they slowly start to feel more than just a mere duty to beget an heir. And Seb starts to question himself whether he feels love or mere passion or both for Emmeline.
My only gripe is that I found certain parts to be repetitive but it didn't take away my interest at all. Sebastian was a bit annoying when he pushed Emmeline away and he was also super strict with himself, but I understood his actions and sympathized with him bcoz it was so apparent what left him scarred like that. (I'm not gonna mention his father... but his mother only cares about herself no matter what she says at the end)
To see Sebastian change a lot and mend his relationships with his siblings, and also vow to love Emmeline was so heartwarming at the end. (The letter scene has my whole heart... I didn't think Seb would pour out his heart like that🥺)
The author also had done an incredible job in making all the characters seen different and round, so you can't help falling for them. I already love Edward a lot and cannot wait for his book!! And I kinda took a liking to Belinda towards the end because I understand how she feels (my asexual heart goes out to her💜) I hope she gets her love story too and finds happiness!!
Overall I'd highly recommend the book for historical romance lovers who also like sibling relationships in their books.
I did not expect to devour this book this fast!! I had a great time reading it and am definitely looking forward to the author's upcoming works.
Thanks to the author and BookSirens for sending me the e-book in exchange for an honest review.
Sebastian, our MMC was forced to become an earl at such a young age that he had to leave his family behind and move to London. This distance between them has persisted for ten long years and you could clearly see that from their interactions as well. Even though Seb had good intentions, his siblings only view it as abandonment.
I liked the complex family dynamics and sibling drama a lot, and also found it ridiculous how Seb thinks that his only solution to solving it is marriage😂 (evn though it's Alex who suggests it).
Honestly, as ridiculous as it is, that's one of the best decisions he ever made.
Emmeline, our FMC is the kindest and smartest soul ever. She had taken care of her siblings after her mother's death and also handled the finances in her family, which has left her a spinster. So she's more glad to marry Seb, as he asks her to only take care of his family in exchange for her hand...from there ensues a plot of self discovery and immense passion...
Seb definitely has a different idea of love and he doesn't want to give in to passion after marriage (evn before that, he didn't)...but our man cannot stop falling for Emmeline more! As much as he tries to control his actions, he cannot stay away from her bed🤣😂 The first few encounters of them in bed are really awkward but they slowly start to feel more than just a mere duty to beget an heir. And Seb starts to question himself whether he feels love or mere passion or both for Emmeline.
My only gripe is that I found certain parts to be repetitive but it didn't take away my interest at all. Sebastian was a bit annoying when he pushed Emmeline away and he was also super strict with himself, but I understood his actions and sympathized with him bcoz it was so apparent what left him scarred like that. (I'm not gonna mention his father... but his mother only cares about herself no matter what she says at the end)
To see Sebastian change a lot and mend his relationships with his siblings, and also vow to love Emmeline was so heartwarming at the end. (The letter scene has my whole heart... I didn't think Seb would pour out his heart like that🥺)
The author also had done an incredible job in making all the characters seen different and round, so you can't help falling for them. I already love Edward a lot and cannot wait for his book!! And I kinda took a liking to Belinda towards the end because I understand how she feels (my asexual heart goes out to her💜) I hope she gets her love story too and finds happiness!!
Overall I'd highly recommend the book for historical romance lovers who also like sibling relationships in their books.
I did not expect to devour this book this fast!! I had a great time reading it and am definitely looking forward to the author's upcoming works.
Thanks to the author and BookSirens for sending me the e-book in exchange for an honest review.
happily_after_heas's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
It's been a while since a book has been titled so appropriately. If you are curious what this book is about, just take a look at the title. The earl was wrong, is wrong, and continues to be wrong SO MANY times throughout the book. He does redeem himself but good lord. (And I say all of this in a good way, a wonderful way.)
Sebastian aka Lord Graydon might just be the most beautiful idiot in all of London (a legit note I made as reading). His younger sister is completely out of control and is lucky she hasn't been caught in a compromising position yet. His mother is completely self-absorbed and cannot spare a moment for any of her five children bc she is too busy banging whatever twenty-something man comes her way (which now that I type it out sounds like it might be nice if he knows what he's doing or is willing to learn. I digress....). So when he laments to his bestie Adam, a commoner (gasp!), Adam jokes that Sebastian should marry. And since Sebastian doesn't have a sense of humor--he lost it about ten years ago when he inherited the title and all its impoverished lands and had to grow up overnight--he agrees and finds himself a bride ASAP.
He literally chooses the first woman he sees per his aunt's recommendation: Miss Emmeline Hart. His ears perk up when he hears that she is "sensible and reliable" and has assisted in raising her younger siblings, as well as assisted her brother when he inherited his viscouncy. Man, if only it were this easy to pull a husband! (Except I'm not sensible and only mildly reliable so....) But even more importantly, bc she is 24, she's seen as desperate which might work in Sebastian's favor bc he is disgustingly handsome and that would intimidate us only mildly attractive women sitting on the shelf. Much like Babe the Pig (that'll do), Emmeline will do bc all Seb wants is a wife who will form relationships with his siblings and make them happy (and behave) and keep his mother from scandalizing the entire family even more. He refuses love and does not want passion bc he saw it consume his parents to the detriment of their children and their standing in society. (They sounded like a really devoted, horny couple. But like, in a bad way.)
Sebastian aka Lord Graydon might just be the most beautiful idiot in all of London (a legit note I made as reading). His younger sister is completely out of control and is lucky she hasn't been caught in a compromising position yet. His mother is completely self-absorbed and cannot spare a moment for any of her five children bc she is too busy banging whatever twenty-something man comes her way (which now that I type it out sounds like it might be nice if he knows what he's doing or is willing to learn. I digress....). So when he laments to his bestie Adam, a commoner (gasp!), Adam jokes that Sebastian should marry. And since Sebastian doesn't have a sense of humor--he lost it about ten years ago when he inherited the title and all its impoverished lands and had to grow up overnight--he agrees and finds himself a bride ASAP.
He literally chooses the first woman he sees per his aunt's recommendation: Miss Emmeline Hart. His ears perk up when he hears that she is "sensible and reliable" and has assisted in raising her younger siblings, as well as assisted her brother when he inherited his viscouncy. Man, if only it were this easy to pull a husband! (Except I'm not sensible and only mildly reliable so....) But even more importantly, bc she is 24, she's seen as desperate which might work in Sebastian's favor bc he is disgustingly handsome and that would intimidate us only mildly attractive women sitting on the shelf. Much like Babe the Pig (that'll do), Emmeline will do bc all Seb wants is a wife who will form relationships with his siblings and make them happy (and behave) and keep his mother from scandalizing the entire family even more. He refuses love and does not want passion bc he saw it consume his parents to the detriment of their children and their standing in society. (They sounded like a really devoted, horny couple. But like, in a bad way.)
This is possibly the beginning of the reader seeing how wrong Seb gets it. (Not even counting how he tries to manage his sister.) There's also the time I call him a "turd," when I note that "he is such an ass," shout "YES YOU ARE THE COMMON DENOMINATOR! You are the problem!" [this was when he was starting (!!) to think he was the problem.
For romance reasons, they agree to consummate the marriage in one of the most awkward, and likely realistic, sex scenes between two people with zero experience. Egads. It's painful. But despite all that Sebastian is a goner for the sex. He understands why it makes people crazy and tries (weakly) not to give in to these urges. However, it is in the boudoir that Sebastian starts to feel something, though he doesn't admit it to himself. Instead he lashes out and shows us his jealousy. He cannot explain it as it is so out of character for him. But we know. And we just sit here and eat popcorn as we watch him fall. He continues to go to Emmeline's bed and eventually realizes he's terrible at it and she's not into it at all. It's a literal starfish moment. So we reach a turning point when Seb does something SHOCKING (to me, at least) and I note: "Thank you jesus for getting some help. Maybe you're not the idiot I think you are." This is where we finally see Seb and Emmeline become closer and start to let the walls come down.
Of course it's not all gravy from here and Seb continues to take a few steps forward and then a giant fall backwards on his ass. And while he's terrible with people and emotions, he's actually kinda sweet in a weird way. He's just very scared and dealing with family trauma that he doesn't realize he needs to deal with. This book feels a lot more about Seb and his moronic tendencies but it's also about a woman discovering who she is away from her family and finding herself in her new role of wife and the expectation vs. the reality. Emmeline must decide what she truly wants and how to demand it. Bc what she knows she wants is love. And while he may be an idiot, she wants love from Sebastian. Sebastian has the ability to provide a level of security and independence for Emmeline that she didn't think she'd ever have and we discover that Emmeline provides a safe place for Seb to find himself again as a man, a husband, and an earl.
All this said, I need book two now and request it be Belinda and Adam. Please and thank you.