The Earl of Charm has it all—the title, the wealth, the land. The only one thing he doesn’t have? Charm.
As the second son, Alexander Gordon was never supposed to inherit the earldom. But then again, his elder brother wasn’t supposed to die in a tragic hunting accident, either. Alex’s gruff manners and quiet nature are far better suited to his solitary life as as a scholar, but Alex is … suited to his solitary life as as a scholar, but Alex is honor-bound to do right by the title and by his family. Which means…he must find a wife. More importantly, he must learn how to woo a wife.
Luckily for Alex, his great aunt has brought her companion along to celebrate Christmastide. The lovely Miss Lovelace might be plagued by scandal and notoriety, thanks to her family’s downfall, but she knows more than anyone about the art of charm and flirtation. His new instructor makes the ideal practice partner for conversation, and dancing, and…kissing? But no, that was a mistake. He has a duty to his family to uphold, and as delectable as his new teacher might be, she’s not a proper choice to be his wife. When it comes to love versus duty, it would be wicked to choose with his heart…wouldn’t it?
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Although this novella can be read in an evening, it is a heartwarming romance between the awkward Earl of Charmian and the disgraced Miss Clara Lovelace. Alex is only too aware that as soon as he is let loose in society he is going to be compared to his charming father and older brother. He really did not need to find himself in the predicament of having to take on the Earldom after his brother’s death, let alone finding a wife. Fortunately, his enthusiastic aunt brings her companion along on a visit to help him smooth out the rough edges. When Alex remembers that Clara’s name is associated with a family’s scandal, his head decides that she really is not for him. However, after a few days of the most comfortable and meaningful conversation, he has ever had, Alex has to choose between doing the right thing or doing the wrong thing for the right reasons. The story is delightful and witty and left me with a smile on my face. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
A very charming (pun intended) story. Alex is just lovely as the Earl of Charm and his love for his family makes this story for me. I love the governess angle where Clara is helping him with integrating into society. A very sweet and clean story in the Wicked Earls’ Club series.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
Short and sweet, great characters. The story flowed smoothly and kept me engaged. I am looking forward to reading the Charm School series.
The sweet love story of Alex who becomes the Earl of Charmian after his older brother’s death and Miss Clara who becomes his friend and mentor.
What a sweet couple! This was a wonderful story. Absolutely loved Alex and Clara. Hope to see more of these characters in future books.
As the second son, Alexander Gordon was never supposed to inherit the earldom. But then again, his elder brother wasn’t supposed to die in a tragic hunting accident, either. Alex’s gruff manners and quiet nature are far better suited to his solitary life as a scholar, but Alex is honour-bound to do right by the title and by his family. Luckily for Alex, his great aunt has brought her companion along to celebrate Christmastide. The lovely Miss Clara Lovelace might be plagued by scandal and notoriety, thanks to her family’s downfall, but she knows about the art of charm and flirtation.
I loved Alex, so serious & honourable, Clara was a delight together they complemented each other. He was a quick learner & so found he could cope in society after Clara’s down to earth instructions. I loved how they both grew in confidence when they were together & Frederick’d advice really helped Alex
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This was a lovely sweet addition to the Wicked Earl’s Club – Christmas edition. It was well-written and the story was lovely and uplifting. I loved the characters and can’t wait to read more about them in the spinoff series – The School of Charm. It was also lovely to have a brief visit with a former Wicked Earl, the Earl of Davenport, and his lovely wife.
Alexander (Alex) Gordon admired his older brother, Frederick, – well adored is more like it. Alex thought that his father was a wonderful earl and that Frederick was even better. Frederick was handsome, charming, full of vitality, wise – all of the things that made up an excellent earl. There is no way shy, studious, tongue-tied, quiet, honest, and brusque Alex can ever hope to fill his shoes. Except, that is exactly what has to happen thanks to Frederick’s tragic death in a hunting accident. While the former Earl’s of Charmain took delight in being called the Earl of Charm, Alex knew it would devolve into a derisive term during his tenure because charming is one thing he definitely was not.
Lady Clara Lovelace is the daughter of a disgraced line. None of it is her fault, her father the Marquess of Tarlow, had bankrupted the estate and then killed himself leaving Clara and her sister Edith with nothing and totally dependent on the charity of family members. She is now the companion of Gertrude Trumbolt, Dowager Duchess of Redmayne – also affectionately known as Aunt Gertie to Alex and his sister.
As Christmas nears, Clara and Aunt Gertie visit with Alex and his sister. Clara is charming and lovely and she quickly agrees to help Alex become more charming. Her best advice is for him to actually listen to the speaker rather than thinking of what his next comment should be – or even worse – instead of woolgathering. As they work together, he is more and more smitten and so is she, but they can never be. Because of her family scandal, she would only bring his family down, and he is expected to fulfill his brother’s obligation to his fiancée.
Will they get a Christmas miracle? Will his brother’s fiancée insist on marriage between herself and Alex? You’ll just have to read this delightful tale to find out for yourself.