Reviews

The Earl's Christmas Pearl by Megan Frampton

ssejig's review against another edition

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4.0

The last Howlett sister gets her HEA in this short story after Pearl, who feels that she is the "not" sister (not the loudest, not the prettiest, etc.), manages to be left home alone. She rightly determines that if she just lingers long enough during Christmas shopping, her mother won't notice that she's not in the carriage. While she's initially jubilant, she soon realizes that she might not have thought of some problems in her quest to be alone. No servants means she doesn't know where things, like her cloak, are. And she doesn't know how to cook and therefore is hungry. Luckily, there is a gentleman staying at Lady Robinson's next door.
Owen Dwyfor, the Earl of Llanover, is in London to have specialists look at his leg, which he twisted while shearing one of his sheep. And to get away from his overly involved family. He doesn't expect to fall in love with the girl next door but the two are allowed to spend some time together, without social niceties, and figure out that they could spend a lifetime together.

iam_iam_iamy's review

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hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

nday's review against another edition

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5.0

The last book in the Dukes’ Daughters series, except it was a novella – and I was so disappointed it was a novella. Then I started reading the book, and absolutely adored it, and wished even more than this had been a full blown romance rather than a novella.

I would have loved for this book to just be this slow exploration of these two lovely people falling in love over Christmas, there were so many cute moments that could have been expanded out and given more depth to and I would have loved every minute of it, I’m sure. This was super cute and fluffy and lovely, and I just wanted more more more!! Most of the time I get why characters get a novella rather than a novel, but I thought Pearl and Owen were a bit shortshrifted here.

Anyway, regardless of my complaints about wanting a full romance, this was a lovely read, and probably one of my favourite novella’s I’ve read.

bandherbooks's review against another edition

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3.0

Lady Pearl is the daughter and sister no one ever notices, which means she gets left behind in her family's London home after a large shopping trip. With no servants and no food in the house, she appeals to her grumpy neighbor, the Earl of Llanover for assistance. He's alone in London with only his Corgi Mr. Shorty for company, in order to recover from a leg injury he sustained on his Welsh sheep farm. While trying to maintain propriety, the two share the holiday season and fall in love while getting to know one another and getting snowed in.

Really cute and steamy novella, a fun read for the season. I think if the characters had known each other even a little bit before the novella begins it would have helped strengthen their truly whirlwind romance.

I received a free copy in exchange for a fair review.

nickimoon's review against another edition

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5.0

4.5/5 stars

THIS WAS SO GOOD AND SO SOFT! A Christmassy historical romance between a grumpy (but actually the softest) earl, Owen, and Pearl who longs for adventure. It was so romantic, sweet, cozy, steamy, and just SO FUCKING LOVELY AND FUN. I rounded it up to 5 stars cause I just had such a great time with it. Go read it!!! It's so quick to read as well, it's only 160 pages.

lifefullofwords's review

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3.0

Grade: B | 3.5 stars

A little silly but mostly super cute and surprisingly sexy. Pearl and Owen were really sweet together. I liked how Christmasy this novella was, it’s always irritating to pick up a Christmas romance and find very little Christmas. I didn’t mind that this is a wallpaper historical but at times it just didn’t make sense. The author seems to think Welsh earls are basically wealth sheep farmers. It’s not so much ahistorical as it is nonsensical. Still, this was a fun read and I’d definitely recommend it if you are looking for a Christmas historical romance.

beautifullybookishbethany's review

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5.0

This was such a charming holiday novella! Home Alone meets historical romance in a grumpy/sunshine romance with an adorable corgi? I loved it! It was funny, sweet, and sexy with plenty of holiday vibes.

Lady Pearl is thrilled to have been left behind in the London townhouse just before Christmas! That is, until she realizes there is no food, she doesn't know how to cook, and the house is cold. Meanwhile, a grumpy earl recovering from a leg injury is staying alone at a neighbors house. But he has food and knows how to cook! This was so much fun and definitely made me want to read more from Megan Frampton as it was my first outing with her. If you're looking for a short and sweet holiday romance, this is a great pick!

nickicmoon's review

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5.0

4.5/5 stars

THIS WAS SO GOOD AND SO SOFT! A Christmassy historical romance between a grumpy (but actually the softest) earl, Owen, and Pearl who longs for adventure. It was so romantic, sweet, cozy, steamy, and just SO FUCKING LOVELY AND FUN. I rounded it up to 5 stars cause I just had such a great time with it. Go read it!!! It's so quick to read as well, it's only 160 pages.

graceoc's review

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3.0

Definitely not for those that want historical accuracy, but a fun Christmas romance.

When accidentally left alone for Christmas Pearl is excited to have an adventure on her own. Owen is an earl and often feels used without anything being given in return and is perfectly happy to spend some time alone over Christmas. When our two characters bump into each other could they perhaps be each other’s new adventure?

The setup of the story is pretty weak in my opinion. Pearl’s mother and her sister forgets to take her with them to the countryside. It’s stated that their mother is forgetful, but her sister too? It’s already hard to believe and the fact that two people forgot is unforgivable.

Apart from the setup the rest of it is decent. Nothing stand out but I was able to buy into the romance even though it happened in such a short amount of time. I usually hate insta love but despite how short it was the love wasn’t immediate.

I can’t say the characters are the best but fro such a short story they’re pretty good. Both are distinct and have clear arcs. Pearl is the overlooked sister of the family. Not too much of anything to stand out. She’s stubborn and isn’t afraid to get what she wants.
Owen is a grump at the start but he’s actually very considerate and gentle.

I have to admit that I love a good pun. But some of them were such a stretch they had me cringing.

The sex scenes were quite enjoyable. Again some horrible puns but pretty steamy and consensual.

A quick holiday romp to get you in the festive mood. Don’t think I’ll be reading any more from this series though.

missingchapter8's review

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5.0

This was such a cute Christmas romance! I read this in one sitting and couldn’t put it down. I’ll definitely be checking out more from this author. I loved how much the character’s mutual consent played such a big role in their shenanigans. Highly recommend for fellow romance readers looking for some Christmas spirit.