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blodeuedd's review against another edition
3.0
I do like a heroine that is different. Joss was no shrinking violet. She has been all over the world. She speaks a lot of languages. She loves math and books. She says what she wants to, even when she really should not.
Heath is a proper gentleman, who wants to marry a proper lady who can raise his family and if she is easy to talk to then that is a good thing. He may be an earl, but he comes from trade. And you know how low that is.
Heath is best friends with her brother, so that is how they meet again when Heath is wife hunting. He finds her bothersome, she is in love with him. There is great chemistry, and he is such a fool for not seeing how perfect she is for him.
There is also the story of some strange papers, a dead runner, and a conspiracy that they are suddenly in the middle of. At first that was fun, but omg what a conspiracy. It was good, but a bit too big.
A nice couple. A bit of danger and romance.
Heath is a proper gentleman, who wants to marry a proper lady who can raise his family and if she is easy to talk to then that is a good thing. He may be an earl, but he comes from trade. And you know how low that is.
Heath is best friends with her brother, so that is how they meet again when Heath is wife hunting. He finds her bothersome, she is in love with him. There is great chemistry, and he is such a fool for not seeing how perfect she is for him.
There is also the story of some strange papers, a dead runner, and a conspiracy that they are suddenly in the middle of. At first that was fun, but omg what a conspiracy. It was good, but a bit too big.
A nice couple. A bit of danger and romance.
roseybot's review against another edition
4.0
I dunno why this book took me so long to read. It wasn't bad, but it doesn't really compare to the other two books in this series. Like Between the Devil and the Duke, I find Kelly Bowen's 'proper' ton lady to be... something. I tend not to like them, despite them being considered brilliant. Joss is a polymath (Angelica was a mathematical genius). Somehow, it doesn't work for me when written by Bowen.
This book dragged.
I rounded up though, since Kelly Bowen on a book I'm not terribly into is vastly better than most HR authors.
This book dragged.
I rounded up though, since Kelly Bowen on a book I'm not terribly into is vastly better than most HR authors.
thegeekyblogger's review against another edition
4.0
Read for Review (Netgalley)
Overall Rating :4.50
Story Rating : 4.25
Character Rating : 4.75
First Thought when Finished: You're the Earl That I Want was a great way to wrap up this series.
Quick Thoughts: Kelly Bowen has a scored a fan girl. The Lords of Worth series was strong from beginning to end. Even the novella that I wasn't sure about ended up being totally likable. In the You're the Earl That I Want she took Heath from stodgy to sexy. Who woulda thunk it? I think a big part of that was Joss. I love blunt leading ladies in historicals. They are my favorite. The willing to be a spinster to do it on their own terms. Joss was one of those leading ladies (and the duchess would have totally allowed it even supported it). I just downright enjoyed these two oddballs falling in love.
Part of my Read It, Rate It, File It DONE! Reviews
Overall Rating :4.50
Story Rating : 4.25
Character Rating : 4.75
First Thought when Finished: You're the Earl That I Want was a great way to wrap up this series.
Quick Thoughts: Kelly Bowen has a scored a fan girl. The Lords of Worth series was strong from beginning to end. Even the novella that I wasn't sure about ended up being totally likable. In the You're the Earl That I Want she took Heath from stodgy to sexy. Who woulda thunk it? I think a big part of that was Joss. I love blunt leading ladies in historicals. They are my favorite. The willing to be a spinster to do it on their own terms. Joss was one of those leading ladies (and the duchess would have totally allowed it even supported it). I just downright enjoyed these two oddballs falling in love.
Part of my Read It, Rate It, File It DONE! Reviews
hannahkiwi's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
Historical romance's take on The Da Vinci Code.
storytimed's review against another edition
2.0
I wanted to like this book, but I had to slog my way through it. Not a reflection on the prose, or the characters: it's just that the romance is so freaking formulaic that not even the lugubrious attempts at capering can help it along. Lumbering man, impertinent woman, childhood friends that have been in love forever and just don't know it— I am beyond done.
glory317's review
adventurous
emotional
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
3.5
elemee's review
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
2.75
loverofromance's review against another edition
4.0
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Heath Hextall considers being an Earl a pain and a bother and he would much prefer working on his business than dealing with members of the Ton. All he needs now is an amiable wife to take care of his domestic matters so that he can focus on his shipyard and his business affairs. Even though he is attempting to court a lovely and biddable but intelligent woman, except there is one problem: he can't stop thinking about one woman, Lady Josephine Somerhall. But Joss is not just any woman, she was a girl who played with him and her brother when they were kids and then she vanished one day, known to be a traveler and studying abroad. Now she has returned and has not changed one bit. Still wild and sassy smart, and keeping him on his toes. But suddenly Joss and Heath and brought into a mystery and a danger, when Heath's friend is killed with secret papers, enemies that are looking for what they know, secrets of the Templar and soon Joss and Heath will be in danger of their lives if they don't get down to the secret, that could lead to Bonaparte returning to France and taking over once again...
Heath Hextall made a name for himself, he built up a ship yard business, loves his travels especially going back and forth between American and England. But when he became an Earl, his life changed, and he is struggling to maintain a balance of his responsibilities. Heath's household is falling apart, and he has decided what he needs is a wife to take care of the matters between butlers and maids so he doesn't have to. Heath is content with marrying a nice and lovely wife, one that he can be content with and won't drive him crazy like Lady Josephine. But Joss is the one woman he is constantly thinking about and can't stop thinking about. Heath was a great hero, at first he is a bit arrogant and conceited, but honorable and hard working. He isn't ashamed of what he has become or what he has built for himself, even though members of his class are very disapproving of it. He is protective of Joss which I loved, and I adored how he handles her at times.
Lady Josephine Somerhall has always cared for Heath ever since they were kids. She chased Heath and her brother around, always wanting to prove herself to this boy that won her heart, even if he didn't know the different between a frog and a toad. Then a situation developed with her father, and for her own safety and well being she was sent away from the home she loved and the boy she couldn't get enough of.
She has traveled many parts of the world and has become a highly educated woman with a spirited nature that has developed over the years. Now she works with her mother to help those unfortunate women who need aid from abusive situations. Josephine isn't your average heroine and I had quite a fun time with her character. She is passionate, fierce in her desires to help others, creative and cunning, loved the way her mind worked. I love how crafty she is and the way she handles any situation no matter how dangerous.
You're The Earl I Want is a story that I immediately liked. Kelly Bowen has a talented way of creative beautiful stories that make this era come alive for me that not many authors can do for me. Every book I have read from this series just makes me yearn for more from this author. I love how each story has a unique situation with a level of intrigue and danger to it that mixes so well with the love story that she evenly balances out. In You're The Earl I Want we see a childhood sweethearts trope come alive. Both Heath and Joss have cared for each other. Joss knows exactly who she wants and its always been Heath. Heath, however, has always liked her, but he doesn't fully realize it until Joss comes back into his life.
Even though Joss has never really desired marriage, there is one person she wants more than anything...Heath. This was a unique set up because at the beginning we see how against marriage Joss is because Heath doesn't really see her as a potential wife and she KNOWS it. She isn't exactly biddable or passive. Quite the exact opposite. Joss is spirited and lively and brings passion to Heath. These two are brought into a world of mystery and danger. They need each other and start to work with each other to discover what is really going on and get to the bottom of this mystery that ended up with the death of one of Heath's friends. There were so many aspects of this book that I fell in love with but one of my favorites was seeing Heath and Joss reconnect with each other and discover a passion they have for each other. And honestly I love espionage in a romance, and Bowen's handles this aspect beautifully. It is a focus of the story, but it balances evenly with the love story that develops between Heath and Joss. We also see a small side plot of Heath's right-hand man. We also see how desperate certain supporters of Bonaparte were to bring him back to power after he was exiled. Interesting plot twist and loved the historical relevance come into play into this story. This was a story that is a must for historical lover, sweet and exciting.
Such a lovely cover here. I love her peach dress with the yellow ribbon and holding a rose. Her expression is so mischievous and playful, and full of secrets. And I like the contrasts of the blue and green staircase in the background. This is definitely my favorite cover so far in this series.
Summary
Heath Hextall considers being an Earl a pain and a bother and he would much prefer working on his business than dealing with members of the Ton. All he needs now is an amiable wife to take care of his domestic matters so that he can focus on his shipyard and his business affairs. Even though he is attempting to court a lovely and biddable but intelligent woman, except there is one problem: he can't stop thinking about one woman, Lady Josephine Somerhall. But Joss is not just any woman, she was a girl who played with him and her brother when they were kids and then she vanished one day, known to be a traveler and studying abroad. Now she has returned and has not changed one bit. Still wild and sassy smart, and keeping him on his toes. But suddenly Joss and Heath and brought into a mystery and a danger, when Heath's friend is killed with secret papers, enemies that are looking for what they know, secrets of the Templar and soon Joss and Heath will be in danger of their lives if they don't get down to the secret, that could lead to Bonaparte returning to France and taking over once again...
The Hero
Heath Hextall made a name for himself, he built up a ship yard business, loves his travels especially going back and forth between American and England. But when he became an Earl, his life changed, and he is struggling to maintain a balance of his responsibilities. Heath's household is falling apart, and he has decided what he needs is a wife to take care of the matters between butlers and maids so he doesn't have to. Heath is content with marrying a nice and lovely wife, one that he can be content with and won't drive him crazy like Lady Josephine. But Joss is the one woman he is constantly thinking about and can't stop thinking about. Heath was a great hero, at first he is a bit arrogant and conceited, but honorable and hard working. He isn't ashamed of what he has become or what he has built for himself, even though members of his class are very disapproving of it. He is protective of Joss which I loved, and I adored how he handles her at times.
The Heroine
Lady Josephine Somerhall has always cared for Heath ever since they were kids. She chased Heath and her brother around, always wanting to prove herself to this boy that won her heart, even if he didn't know the different between a frog and a toad. Then a situation developed with her father, and for her own safety and well being she was sent away from the home she loved and the boy she couldn't get enough of.
"Then what the hell were you doing in my bed?"
"That is.."
He closed the distance between them in three steps. He reached down and tipped her chin up, forcing her eyes back to his. The dark desire he saw reflected in her gaze nearly undid him right there.
"I wanted.."
He dropped to a knee in front of her, his eyes level with her own. "What? You wanted what, Joss?"
"I wanted to feel what it would be like. To belong to you."
She has traveled many parts of the world and has become a highly educated woman with a spirited nature that has developed over the years. Now she works with her mother to help those unfortunate women who need aid from abusive situations. Josephine isn't your average heroine and I had quite a fun time with her character. She is passionate, fierce in her desires to help others, creative and cunning, loved the way her mind worked. I love how crafty she is and the way she handles any situation no matter how dangerous.
Plot and Story Line
You're The Earl I Want is a story that I immediately liked. Kelly Bowen has a talented way of creative beautiful stories that make this era come alive for me that not many authors can do for me. Every book I have read from this series just makes me yearn for more from this author. I love how each story has a unique situation with a level of intrigue and danger to it that mixes so well with the love story that she evenly balances out. In You're The Earl I Want we see a childhood sweethearts trope come alive. Both Heath and Joss have cared for each other. Joss knows exactly who she wants and its always been Heath. Heath, however, has always liked her, but he doesn't fully realize it until Joss comes back into his life.
I've been spending too much time looking for other things I thought I wanted. Things I thought were the right things and would make me happy. But they didn't. They never could. I want you, Josephine Somerhall. On whatever terms you wish. It's only ever been you.
Even though Joss has never really desired marriage, there is one person she wants more than anything...Heath. This was a unique set up because at the beginning we see how against marriage Joss is because Heath doesn't really see her as a potential wife and she KNOWS it. She isn't exactly biddable or passive. Quite the exact opposite. Joss is spirited and lively and brings passion to Heath. These two are brought into a world of mystery and danger. They need each other and start to work with each other to discover what is really going on and get to the bottom of this mystery that ended up with the death of one of Heath's friends. There were so many aspects of this book that I fell in love with but one of my favorites was seeing Heath and Joss reconnect with each other and discover a passion they have for each other. And honestly I love espionage in a romance, and Bowen's handles this aspect beautifully. It is a focus of the story, but it balances evenly with the love story that develops between Heath and Joss. We also see a small side plot of Heath's right-hand man. We also see how desperate certain supporters of Bonaparte were to bring him back to power after he was exiled. Interesting plot twist and loved the historical relevance come into play into this story. This was a story that is a must for historical lover, sweet and exciting.
I want you all the time, Josephine Somehall," he growled. "I want you from the second I wake up until the moment I work myself into a exhausted stupor that allows me to find sleep. I want you like this, naked and hot and sweaty, every time you're near me. every time you touch me. Every time you look at me. If I didn't have you, I would have lost my mind.
The Cover
Such a lovely cover here. I love her peach dress with the yellow ribbon and holding a rose. Her expression is so mischievous and playful, and full of secrets. And I like the contrasts of the blue and green staircase in the background. This is definitely my favorite cover so far in this series.
Overall View
You're The Earl I Want is a story that is a delightful romp with a dose of danger, hint of sensuality, a smidgen of mystery and quite a lot of rediscovering a love that has always existed between these two!! A STORY TO CRAVE!
I've Got My Duke To Keep Me Warm (1)
A Good Rogue Is Hard To Find (2)
A Lady's Guide To Skirting Scandal (2.5)
You're The Earl I Want (3)
melodicfate's review against another edition
4.0
*I received an ARC, in exchange for an honest review.*
After recently reading and reviewing the novella that precedes this book, I was really looking forward to seeing if the author could capture my attention with a full-length novel. Of course, it helped that the hero of this book was Heath, the brother of the novella’s heroine. Plus, the synopsis promised a lady solving a mystery using intelligence and independence. So of course I was definitely all-in. And luckily for me, “You’re the Earl That I want” didn’t disappoint.
As previously mentioned, Heath was the hero. He was honorable to a fault, and as he was an earl, Heath had many responsibilities. This meant that he was very serious, and wanted to make sure he married someone who wouldn’t cause a scandal. I did like Heath, because he was very loyal to those he considered himself responsible for, but I was definitely hoping he’d come out of his shell.
The woman to make him do just that was the heroine, Josephine. I really, really liked her. She was brilliant with languages, and the author definitely made this a part of her character, and not an afterthought. Josephine was a huge reader, as well. Really, I can’t resist a book lover in any type of story. It helped that she was very independent, and liked to do things her own way. I’m just such a huge fan of the capable, fiercely intelligent heroine. To add to all this, she was funny, and did her best to get Heath to laugh.
The plot of this book was part romance, and part mystery. There was, of course, the love story between Heath and Josephine, which I loved. Heath needed someone to keep him from being too serious, and to make his life happier. Josephine needed someone who would recognize her intelligence. Josephine had loved Heath since she was a young girl, but Heath had always seen her as nothing more than his best friend’s sister. And in this book, Heath was trying to find a wife who would be biddable, with a good reputation. Obviously, Josephine was neither of these things. I didn’t really like how the story got a bit convoluted with another woman that Heath saw as being the perfect wife. I also am not usually a fan of unrequited love being a part of any story. But I definitely got over these things. This was especially true because I knew what would happen with the woman that Heath was considering.
As for the mystery aspect, it was all about decoding documents that Heath was given by a dying Bow Street runner, and trying to figure out how to save whoever or whatever it was that people were hunting for. I found that element intriguing, although I was definitely more invested in the romance. I liked the historical aspect of what was going on, though. Plus, the fact that Heath promised to give the documents to the dying runner’s brother and stuck to that promise really helped flesh out his character.
In the end, I definitely recommend this book to historical romance lovers. I haven’t read the previous novels in the series, but we got little glimpses of the couples featured in them, and I definitely want to check them out now. As for this particular story, the heroin was fiercely intelligent and independent, while the hero was very loyal and chivalrous. The romance was really well-done, and the mystery was something different to what I’ve been reading in historical romances lately. With all that said, I think readers of this genre will find something to really like here.
After recently reading and reviewing the novella that precedes this book, I was really looking forward to seeing if the author could capture my attention with a full-length novel. Of course, it helped that the hero of this book was Heath, the brother of the novella’s heroine. Plus, the synopsis promised a lady solving a mystery using intelligence and independence. So of course I was definitely all-in. And luckily for me, “You’re the Earl That I want” didn’t disappoint.
As previously mentioned, Heath was the hero. He was honorable to a fault, and as he was an earl, Heath had many responsibilities. This meant that he was very serious, and wanted to make sure he married someone who wouldn’t cause a scandal. I did like Heath, because he was very loyal to those he considered himself responsible for, but I was definitely hoping he’d come out of his shell.
The woman to make him do just that was the heroine, Josephine. I really, really liked her. She was brilliant with languages, and the author definitely made this a part of her character, and not an afterthought. Josephine was a huge reader, as well. Really, I can’t resist a book lover in any type of story. It helped that she was very independent, and liked to do things her own way. I’m just such a huge fan of the capable, fiercely intelligent heroine. To add to all this, she was funny, and did her best to get Heath to laugh.
The plot of this book was part romance, and part mystery. There was, of course, the love story between Heath and Josephine, which I loved. Heath needed someone to keep him from being too serious, and to make his life happier. Josephine needed someone who would recognize her intelligence. Josephine had loved Heath since she was a young girl, but Heath had always seen her as nothing more than his best friend’s sister. And in this book, Heath was trying to find a wife who would be biddable, with a good reputation. Obviously, Josephine was neither of these things. I didn’t really like how the story got a bit convoluted with another woman that Heath saw as being the perfect wife. I also am not usually a fan of unrequited love being a part of any story. But I definitely got over these things. This was especially true because I knew what would happen with the woman that Heath was considering.
As for the mystery aspect, it was all about decoding documents that Heath was given by a dying Bow Street runner, and trying to figure out how to save whoever or whatever it was that people were hunting for. I found that element intriguing, although I was definitely more invested in the romance. I liked the historical aspect of what was going on, though. Plus, the fact that Heath promised to give the documents to the dying runner’s brother and stuck to that promise really helped flesh out his character.
In the end, I definitely recommend this book to historical romance lovers. I haven’t read the previous novels in the series, but we got little glimpses of the couples featured in them, and I definitely want to check them out now. As for this particular story, the heroin was fiercely intelligent and independent, while the hero was very loyal and chivalrous. The romance was really well-done, and the mystery was something different to what I’ve been reading in historical romances lately. With all that said, I think readers of this genre will find something to really like here.