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jackelynvb's review
4.5
Loved it - this was a sweet, swoon worthy romance with a great heroine and hero. I didn't fully believe the conflict, but I liked the plotline with the "other woman" who the hero was betrothed to in a loveless but practical arrangement. It provided just enough angst.
I've now read and thoroughly enjoyed two of Anna Bennett's books and know I can pick up one of her books whenever I need a comfort read.
I've now read and thoroughly enjoyed two of Anna Bennett's books and know I can pick up one of her books whenever I need a comfort read.
mostlyfated's review
4.0
4 stars.
First book by Anna Bennett and I really enjoyed it. Such a sweet story of a prim and proper headmistress with a rakish earl. I love that the story takes place in a seaside town (not London) so that was a nice change! My only wish is that Hazel would have called our hero “Beck” (nickname) instead of Blade. The niece was so annoying and I just hope she has outgrown her childishness by the time we get to her book (It Takes a Rake).
Definitely looking forward to Poppy’s book in “One Duke Down.”
First book by Anna Bennett and I really enjoyed it. Such a sweet story of a prim and proper headmistress with a rakish earl. I love that the story takes place in a seaside town (not London) so that was a nice change! My only wish is that Hazel would have called our hero “Beck” (nickname) instead of Blade. The niece was so annoying and I just hope she has outgrown her childishness by the time we get to her book (It Takes a Rake).
Definitely looking forward to Poppy’s book in “One Duke Down.”
givemaribooks's review against another edition
2.0
This book was so confusing and I didn’t understand why the characters did any of the things they did. And the Penelope drama dragged on for too long.
bookndaisies's review
lighthearted
medium-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
jillmlong's review
1.0
I am sorry to say but I did not like this book. There was no chemistry between the characters. The book had a depressing feel to it. No one was ever happy. The Earl even said at one point that their relationship was a series of goodbyes. This book needed more romance and less angst.
njsbooknook's review
5.0
4.5 Stars
This book was delightful. Anna Bennett has a way of writing an angsty, compelling love story with a whole set of interesting characters. This was one of the rare books I have read where I did not need to read pages of steamy scenes (not that I am complaining). The interactions between the leads just spending time and getting to know one another was filled with crackling chemistry. Apart from leaving me quite breathless, the plot was compelling and kept me hooked on till the end. Hazel's refreshing personality, her efforts for her school, Gabriel's heartbreak, his relationship with his niece, and interactions with the other characters all create a warm love story that I would read again.
There were certain things I would have liked to know more about, like Hazel's tough childhood, but that would just be me being greedy to read more. This is a definite must-read for all historical romance lovers.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
This book was delightful. Anna Bennett has a way of writing an angsty, compelling love story with a whole set of interesting characters. This was one of the rare books I have read where I did not need to read pages of steamy scenes (not that I am complaining). The interactions between the leads just spending time and getting to know one another was filled with crackling chemistry. Apart from leaving me quite breathless, the plot was compelling and kept me hooked on till the end. Hazel's refreshing personality, her efforts for her school, Gabriel's heartbreak, his relationship with his niece, and interactions with the other characters all create a warm love story that I would read again.
There were certain things I would have liked to know more about, like Hazel's tough childhood, but that would just be me being greedy to read more. This is a definite must-read for all historical romance lovers.
I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
andrea_author's review against another edition
5.0
Hazel has achieved her dream of opening a girls' school. For the endeavor to flourish, she needs to attract more students. The Earl of Bladenton's niece would be a nice feather in her cap. But when Blade shows up on her doorstep with an incorrigible girl mourning her parents and refusing to submit to anyone's authority, Hazel knows she's got her work cut out for her. It doesn't help that Hazel has never been attracted to anyone the way she is to Blade. A headmistress would be ruined by the smallest hint of scandal. Can she resist temptation for the sake of the girls who count on her?
I connected with Hazel and Blade right from the start of this story. Watching Hazel deal with the long-suppressed passionate side of her nature, and Blade learn to love again after an old betrayal, was a satisfying experience. There's also a strong plot that keeps the pages turning. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
I connected with Hazel and Blade right from the start of this story. Watching Hazel deal with the long-suppressed passionate side of her nature, and Blade learn to love again after an old betrayal, was a satisfying experience. There's also a strong plot that keeps the pages turning. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.
Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
books_and_more_books_byt's review
4.0
Girls Before Earls is the first book in the Rogues to Lovers series by Anna Bennett. It was a sweet romance that started the series off successfully. The pacing was perfect, the plot was developed, and there were a few twists that kept the reader intrigued. The author did deviate from the time frame of the book in a few areas such as the line between classes and some of the girl’s freedoms they were given. However without these deviations, the storyline would not have been as solid.
“..proper behavior never takes a holiday..”
Hazel Lively’s quick mind and love of books helped her get accepted as a charity student to Miss Haywinkles’ School for Girls when she was orphaned at the age of nine. After several years of dreaming, she moves to Bellehaven Bay where she opens Bellhaven Academy, a school for girls. She hopes that wealthy families spending the summer in town will enroll their daughters in her school, but she needs to establish the school’s reputation first. Enrolling more girls who can afford tuition will allow her to help less fortunate students. As soon as she meets Kitty, Blade’s niece, she sees herself as a child, someone not wanted. She agrees to accept Kitty as a student with one condition, Blade must visit his niece every other week.
The Earl of Bladenton “Blade” had many regrets and felt guilty for never reconciling with his brother before he died. Becoming guardian to Kitty, his niece, had him frustrated because she kept getting kicked out of girl schools and kept interfering with his plans of marriage. He had found the perfect candidate in Lady Penelope who would never expect any emotions, she only wanted financial security and independence. He needed Kitty in school and away from London, so he was desperate when he took her to Bellhaven Academy and gave in to Hazel’s demands. As the relationship between him and Kitty grew so does his attraction to Hazel which has him rethinking his plans for marriage. She reminded him of a time when he was less cynical and wanted to belong to a family.
The book was fast-paced but full of humor and wonderful characters. I loved meeting the girls from the school and seeing their plans for Hazel and Blade succeed. The main characters were likable, but I did get frustrated with Hazel and her indecisiveness. She tells Blade they had no future and he tried to fight for her, but she pushes him toward Penelope only to change her mind afterward. I loved seeing Blade grow and become closer to his niece and realize he wanted a family and love in his future. This was a wonderful book and I recommend reading it. I look forward to the next book in the series and hope to see some of the characters again.
“..proper behavior never takes a holiday..”
Hazel Lively’s quick mind and love of books helped her get accepted as a charity student to Miss Haywinkles’ School for Girls when she was orphaned at the age of nine. After several years of dreaming, she moves to Bellehaven Bay where she opens Bellhaven Academy, a school for girls. She hopes that wealthy families spending the summer in town will enroll their daughters in her school, but she needs to establish the school’s reputation first. Enrolling more girls who can afford tuition will allow her to help less fortunate students. As soon as she meets Kitty, Blade’s niece, she sees herself as a child, someone not wanted. She agrees to accept Kitty as a student with one condition, Blade must visit his niece every other week.
The Earl of Bladenton “Blade” had many regrets and felt guilty for never reconciling with his brother before he died. Becoming guardian to Kitty, his niece, had him frustrated because she kept getting kicked out of girl schools and kept interfering with his plans of marriage. He had found the perfect candidate in Lady Penelope who would never expect any emotions, she only wanted financial security and independence. He needed Kitty in school and away from London, so he was desperate when he took her to Bellhaven Academy and gave in to Hazel’s demands. As the relationship between him and Kitty grew so does his attraction to Hazel which has him rethinking his plans for marriage. She reminded him of a time when he was less cynical and wanted to belong to a family.
The book was fast-paced but full of humor and wonderful characters. I loved meeting the girls from the school and seeing their plans for Hazel and Blade succeed. The main characters were likable, but I did get frustrated with Hazel and her indecisiveness. She tells Blade they had no future and he tried to fight for her, but she pushes him toward Penelope only to change her mind afterward. I loved seeing Blade grow and become closer to his niece and realize he wanted a family and love in his future. This was a wonderful book and I recommend reading it. I look forward to the next book in the series and hope to see some of the characters again.
norwayellesea's review
4.0
After reading My Mistletoe Beau by this author, I jumped at the opportunity to read her next novel; the first instalment in her new Rogues to Lovers series.
Hazel Lively, is a woman who wants to help those less fortunate than herself, although her own background and upbringing were tough. Now, as a twenty-eight-year-old spinster, she's finally trying to fulfil her dream and opens Bellehaven Academy of Deportment in the coastal town of Bellehaven Bay. However, the success of the school hangs precariously as she juggles the roles of teacher and fundraiser, until Gabriel Beckett, Earl of Bladenton enrols his troublesome, teenage ward into her school.
The Earl of Bladenton, "Blade", is at his wits end after his niece, Kitty is expelled from yet another school in London. So, he decides to enrol her at Bellehaven Academy, a school far away from London simply because 'out of sight, out of mind' is the best solution for both of them… or is it? When he meets the woman who runs the establishment, it triggers an unexpected response; one which questions his plans for the future.
Although well written, this novel didn't manage to hit the spot for me. The actions of the heroine didn't seem either fitting or appropriate, at times. Additionally, I didn't feel I was reading a story set in Regency England. Yet, the narrative is surprisingly addictive and keeps you wanting to turn the pages to read more. The protagonists, Hazel and Blade are likeable enough, but it's Kitty who steals the show, as we see how the young woman embraces life at her new school and thrives.
Overall, I feel confident Ms Bennett's legion fans will adore Girls Before Earls and look forward to future novels in the series. Despite my own personal reservations, this is a highly entertaining novel with an enticing plot and intriguing characters.
3.5 stars
***arc generously received courtesy of St Martin's Paperbacks via NetGalley***
Hazel Lively, is a woman who wants to help those less fortunate than herself, although her own background and upbringing were tough. Now, as a twenty-eight-year-old spinster, she's finally trying to fulfil her dream and opens Bellehaven Academy of Deportment in the coastal town of Bellehaven Bay. However, the success of the school hangs precariously as she juggles the roles of teacher and fundraiser, until Gabriel Beckett, Earl of Bladenton enrols his troublesome, teenage ward into her school.
The Earl of Bladenton, "Blade", is at his wits end after his niece, Kitty is expelled from yet another school in London. So, he decides to enrol her at Bellehaven Academy, a school far away from London simply because 'out of sight, out of mind' is the best solution for both of them… or is it? When he meets the woman who runs the establishment, it triggers an unexpected response; one which questions his plans for the future.
Although well written, this novel didn't manage to hit the spot for me. The actions of the heroine didn't seem either fitting or appropriate, at times. Additionally, I didn't feel I was reading a story set in Regency England. Yet, the narrative is surprisingly addictive and keeps you wanting to turn the pages to read more. The protagonists, Hazel and Blade are likeable enough, but it's Kitty who steals the show, as we see how the young woman embraces life at her new school and thrives.
Overall, I feel confident Ms Bennett's legion fans will adore Girls Before Earls and look forward to future novels in the series. Despite my own personal reservations, this is a highly entertaining novel with an enticing plot and intriguing characters.
3.5 stars
***arc generously received courtesy of St Martin's Paperbacks via NetGalley***