The Earl I Adore
Prelude to a Kiss, Book #2
By Erin Knightley
ISBN# 9780451466792
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Una
Description:
Sophie Wembley is about to discover two hard truths: When planning a rushed betrothal, one must not be picky; and when the perfect earl happens by, one must not be shy.
After receiving word that her sister has eloped, even ever-optimistic Sophie has trouble staying positive. She needs to secure her future before the scandal destroys her prospects, although she doesn’t relish the idea of a hasty marriage. But her longtime crush has just shown up for the summer festival in Bath. He may be the key to avoiding disgrace and getting a happily ever after if she can bring herself to pursue him.
John Evan Fairfax, Earl of Evansleigh, is one of the most popular bachelors in the ton. However, his easygoing ways hide a dark past he’s determined to keep secret. Evan has always kept acquaintances at arm’s length for self-preservation, but there’s something irresistible about Sophie and her seductive charms may well sway the confirmed bachelor to seize a chance at love.
Review:
This is historical fiction at its best and tells the story of Sophie, who because of a family scandal, must find a husband fast or be a spinster for life. She has her heart set on the Earl of Evansleigh who up to this time had only danced with her once. The story shows how scandal could ruin a family and remove them from elite society with disastrous results. Despite her attempts the Earl seems content with just being friends. Sophie and her friends do all that is possible to set up the relationship leading to some humorous events. When the scandal is finally found out and Sophie has not secured a marriage she returns to the family home discouraged and under the knowledge that she will never see her Earl again.
Evan finds Sophie easy to talk to and quite pleasing to look at but he has a past family secret that keeps him from committing to marriage. As he gets to know Sophie he realizes that she has besotted him and also he realizes he is in love with her. When the answer to the secret comes out he pursues Sophie at her home but, the scandal is upon the family and he knows Sophie is suffering because of it. How will he deal with the scandal and make Sophie his wife?
The story is an easy read and is just the type of book you want when you just want to lose yourself in a story. I look forward to reading more of Erin Knightly books in the future.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
