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A review by kbranfield
First Earl I See Tonight by Anna Bennett
4.0
The first installment in the Debutante Diaries series, First Earl I See Tonight by Anna Bennett is a fun and heartwarming historical romance.
Miss Fiona Hartley is a feisty, spirited young woman who is devoted to her family. She is also a gifted artist but her pictures do not provide her any income. When a blackmailer threatens to reveal salacious information about her sister, Lily, Fiona decides a marriage of convenience is the solution to her problem. She has selected David Gray, the Earl of Ravenport, as her intended bridegroom.
David might hold a title, but he is cash poor. The recent end of his engagement has soured him on marriage, so he is not exactly amenable to Fiona's daring proposition. Fiona is unwilling to take no for an answer so he invites her, along with her family and friends, to his ramshackle country estate. With his beloved grandmother and his best friend George Kirby by his side, David is hopeful the tumbledown estate will convince Fiona to give up on her marriage plans.
Fiona and David are a surprisingly well-matched couple. Both care deeply about their respective families and they will do anything to make them happy. David and Fiona are equally stubborn once they have made a decision. However, David is unexpectedly charmed by Fiona and he eagerly plans outings for them. Fiona already holds Gray in high regard and as she spends more time in his company, her feelings for him begin to deepen. The couple share a sizzling hot attraction that proves impossible to resist. But will David agree to marry Fiona before their week in the country comes to an end?
Peppered with witty banter, First Earl I See Tonight is a humorous romance that is also rather steamy. Fiona and David are appealing protagonists whose shortcomings and strengths are relatable. The secondary characters are equally well-drawn and quite likable. The conflict that arises between Fiona and David is somewhat predictable but it is resolved fairly quickly. Anna Bennett brings this delightful novel to a sweet and sigh-worthy conclusion. The Debutante Diaries series is off to a wonderful beginning that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next release.
Miss Fiona Hartley is a feisty, spirited young woman who is devoted to her family. She is also a gifted artist but her pictures do not provide her any income. When a blackmailer threatens to reveal salacious information about her sister, Lily, Fiona decides a marriage of convenience is the solution to her problem. She has selected David Gray, the Earl of Ravenport, as her intended bridegroom.
David might hold a title, but he is cash poor. The recent end of his engagement has soured him on marriage, so he is not exactly amenable to Fiona's daring proposition. Fiona is unwilling to take no for an answer so he invites her, along with her family and friends, to his ramshackle country estate. With his beloved grandmother and his best friend George Kirby by his side, David is hopeful the tumbledown estate will convince Fiona to give up on her marriage plans.
Fiona and David are a surprisingly well-matched couple. Both care deeply about their respective families and they will do anything to make them happy. David and Fiona are equally stubborn once they have made a decision. However, David is unexpectedly charmed by Fiona and he eagerly plans outings for them. Fiona already holds Gray in high regard and as she spends more time in his company, her feelings for him begin to deepen. The couple share a sizzling hot attraction that proves impossible to resist. But will David agree to marry Fiona before their week in the country comes to an end?
Peppered with witty banter, First Earl I See Tonight is a humorous romance that is also rather steamy. Fiona and David are appealing protagonists whose shortcomings and strengths are relatable. The secondary characters are equally well-drawn and quite likable. The conflict that arises between Fiona and David is somewhat predictable but it is resolved fairly quickly. Anna Bennett brings this delightful novel to a sweet and sigh-worthy conclusion. The Debutante Diaries series is off to a wonderful beginning that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next release.