Unable to read or write, an earl discovers love in the last place he expects to find it—within the embrace of a brilliant woman—in this sexy, irresistible novel from USA Today bestselling author Bronwen Evans. What’s an earl to do? The Earl of Argyle has died suddenly, leaving his brother Guy Neville at a complete loss. The dull-witted second son, as his father used to call him, Guy is now … used to call him, Guy is now responsible for the estate and his brother’s seat in the House of Lords. Shamed by an inability to read or write, his distress is multiplied by an inquiry from a dyed-in-the-wool bluestocking who wishes to use the Argyle library and study a rare plant on the estate. Guy’s first instinct is to decline her request—until he catches a glimpse of Miss Abigail Pinehurst.
How’s a girl to behave?
Abigail cares for only one thing: plants. She is unconcerned about how she looks, what she wears, or the impression she makes on men. An orphan who turned to books for solace in a miserly, cruel institution, she now makes her living illustrating the greenery she adores. Lord Argyle, in fact, with his uncanny memory and chiseled features, is the first man to capture her attention—a ridiculous distraction since he is so far above her station. But her unreasonable heart has a mind of its own.
Look for the enchanting Disgraced Lords series from Bronwen Evans:
A KISS OF LIES | A PROMISE OF MORE | A TOUCH OF PASSION | A WHISPER OF DESIRE | A TASTE OF SEDUCTION | A NIGHT OF FOREVER
And don’t miss her novels in the Imperfect Lords series:
ADDICTED TO THE DUKE | DRAWN TO THE MARQUESS | ATTRACTED TO THE EARL
Includes an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
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**** 4.5 Stars ****
I loved that this book had a unique storyline with a truly heroic hero and a heroine who is the definition of a strong, resilient, intelligent woman. We learn the hero’s secret right from the beginning and for that time period, it is really a huge issue. That is a time where the slightest affliction caused one to be shut away – either on a country estate or in an asylum – or more dire consequences. That was a real threat and I appreciated how the author showed the consequences of a problem that today we don’t even think twice about. The heroine’s secrets are revealed more slowly throughout the book, so don’t get impatient (as I did). I liked that the information came out in increments rather than in one big ‘reveal’ moment toward the end. Truly, this is a unique story and I enjoyed it. *** BTW – there is more than one romance in this book and the minor romance is sweet too.
I don’t know who wrote the book blurb, but to me, the part about the heroine isn’t anywhere near the view I got as I read the book. I know that it would be hard to write the heroine’s part of the blurb without giving away plot points but – well – I just thought it was way off base.
The opening scene of the book is great. It takes our hero, Guy Neville, from the ecstasy of his mistress’s arms, to rejection, to total abject fear and grief. The descriptions of his reactions are perfect – you absolutely feel his fear and his deep, deep grief as he learns that his brother has unexpectedly died – and now he is the new Earl of Argyle.
His father’s stupid, idiot son was now the earl. The boy who could not read or write, the boy his father had beaten until he was almost unconscious on several occasions, but that still did not make Guy able to read or write . . . was now the Earl of Argyle
Guy has been most fortunate in his choice of friends. Kit was his batman during the wars and he helped keep Guy’s secrets. Guy was a brilliant tactician, but he could neither read nor write and Kit took care of all of that for him. When Guy was severely wounded (almost died) and had to leave the military, Kit came with him. They protected each other in war – and now they protect each other in the civilian world.
Abigail Pinehurst arrived at the Argyle estate a bit over a year after Guy had inherited. Before he died, Guy’s brother had granted permission for her to search the estate for the rare Ghost Orchid so she could draw/paint it for her benefactor. You’ll love the scene where Guy first meets Abigail.
Abigail has huge secrets – painful secrets – that could ruin her and her sister, Dora. She cannot allow those secrets to come out – even if it means being a spy for the despicable Mr. Patrick Neville – cousin to Guy. She’ll do all she can to wriggle away from Patrick, but she’s pretty sure there is no way to do that.
The book is fast-paced and filled with threats and danger. I loved that once Abigail realized how honorable and trustworthy Guy was, she decided to trust him and never went back on that. So many heroines are written to be wishy-washy and Abigail wasn’t that way. Good move by the author.
I thought the resolution was a little too quick and too pat. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a blood-thirsty wench and loved what happened, it just seemed too quick and out-of-the-blue. I also had a bit of an issue with the disparity between the status of the hero and the heroine and it was not believable. It is implausible even in today’s world, so I definitely have trouble buying it in the Regency world.
What was also so very clear was that the differences in their stations didn’t matter to him. He was not perfect, he was damaged.
I definitely recommend this book because there are so many things to love about it. The hero is what all heroes should be – as is the heroine. I liked that both of them had been through so much, but neither was bitter nor had they lost the ability to love or trust. They were both stronger for what they endured as children and adults. Definitely, a must read.
From the Author’s Note: Here’s to love, the most commanding four-letter word in the world, and the power it has to heal.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I love this book. I couldn’t help getting emotionally involved with Guy and Abigail. They both have secrets that can have devastating results if discovered. What these two go through for an HEA made be cry. Written by one of my favorite authors, it was a pleasure to read.
Guy Neville never expected to be the Earl of Argyle, a position he is completely unprepared to handle, but when his brother dies unexpectedly, he has no choice but to assume the title with all it’s responsiblities and pray that no one learns of his secret. With the help of his long time friend and former batman, Kit, he steps into the role of earl and actually does very well, but when his vile cousin Patrick starts snooping, Guy worries that him learning Guy’s secret is the least of the damage he will do.
Abigail Pinehurst has overcome a horrific past and made a life for herself and her sister, Dora. She is a gifted artist and is excited to go to the Earl of Argyle’s estate to draw the famed and rare ghost orchid for her patron Lady Calthorpe. While on her way to the estate she is confronted by Patrick Neville, he has learned of her past and threatens to expose her if she doesn’t spy on Guy and report his secrets to Patrick. As much as she hates Patrick, she can’t let her past be known – it would destroy her and Dora. She agrees to his terms, but when she meets Guy, she wonders if they work together, they can thwart Patrick.
Slowly they come to trust each other and Abigail learns of his inability to read or write and the nightmare of his childhood, she knows that Patrick will use the information to have him declared unfit and possiblity instutionalized. She cares for him and tells him the truth about Patrick. Together they form a plan to beat him at his game, but it soon becomes clear that Patrick has more in mind than just having Guy declared unfit, he wants him dead.
This was a very emotional, well written story with lots of secrets, a bit of angst, some heartbreak, steamy love scenes, a HEA that didn’t seem possible and a very sweet epilogue. I am happy to recommend this book and while this book is the third book in the series, it can easily be read as a stand alone title.
“Love gives you strength even in a tragedy.”
I love my tortured heroes and wow, Guy Neville sure is one of them!! Physically abused by his father during his childhood years, he runs away at age 14 to join the army and now, 15 years later, a war hero, he’s back home and finds himself the Earl of Argyle, after the sudden death of his older brother. I actually cried at some of the scenes of what his father did to him, just because he couldn’t read or write. In that era, that stigma would actually place you in an asylum! He’s terrified that someone will learn his secret and he will lose the chance to prove himself capable of running the estate.
Miss Abigail Pinehurst arrives at Guy’s home, at the invitation of his mother, to find and draw the elusive Ghost Orchid plant that’s somewhere on the property. She brings along her younger sister, Dora, who has her own mini story in this book! We soon learn that Abigail is hiding many secrets of her own and is also being blackmailed.
I really enjoyed how this author played out Guy and Abigail’s story until they could reach their HEA. Be prepared for lots of suspense, mystery, twists & turns, romance, etc. I totally recommend this book and am looking forward to reading more from Bronwen Evans.
I was given a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Ms. Evans’ writes a riveting, emotional rollercoaster of a story that leaves you feeling drained and happy at the end of the book. Lots of secrets that are devastating especially for the time period. Guy and Abigail are perfect, maybe not in the eyes of some but their caring and sacrifices for others really stand out. Kit and Dora’s secondary romance was a very sweet addition. You don’t have to be perfect to make a difference in the world. I really enjoyed this amazing read.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
“Attracted to the Earl” by Bronwen Evans
This was a good story, a page turner. A bit too much detail in the sex scenes for my reading taste. But one can skip those page, or, read them several times, if that is what pleases you. Loved the last two sentences of Chapter 20. Happy Reading ! !
I was gifted an ARC of this story by the publisher. This is my honest review.
This was a good book and reminded me why I had liked this author..We have a second son who is forced to become an Earl when his brother dies. Guy is a soldier that is what he is good at and his background story just breaks your heart. Luckily he has a best friend Kit that is there for him as he is to him. He has an evil cousin Patrick who is looking for dirt to take the Earldom from him and blackmails Abigail into finding out what secret Guy has, this guy is a snake. Abigail and Guy are attracted to each other but both know that they will not suit, since she is a low on the totem pole and now Guy is an Earl..We have secrets, heartbreak,and eventually redemption..Enjoy!
Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinion
4.5 Stars
Reginald Neville,The Earl of Argyle has died suddenly from appendicitis, leaving his brother Guy Neville at a complete loss. Guy is now responsible for the estate and his brother’s seat in the House of Lords, he’s a returning war hero but hides a secret & feels that he’s the dull-witted second son, his father used to call him. He has an inability to read or write. Miss Abigail Pinehurst is a gifted artist & agreed with Reginald to draw a rare orchid, however she’s being blackmailed by Patrick Neville to find out Guy’s secret.
Another page turning engrossing read. This is the third book in the series but could easily be read on its own, however if like me you love series I’d recommend reading from the start. A well written book with characters that have plenty of depth. The pace is very good, there’s secrets, intrigue, heart breaking revelations & of course romance. I felt for both Guy & Abigail & how they were treated as children & loved that they’d both had the strength to rise above their treatment & to have become strong loving people There’s also a second romance which is also satisfying
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Attracted to the Earl (Imperfect Lords, #3) by Bronwen Evans I love this series IMPERFECT LORDS and thanks to the publisher and #NetGalley for allowing me to preview it. Guy.. The Earl of Argyle and Abigail both have horrible parents and suffered abuse … each has secrets… this story has laughs, tears, angst, tragic and dangerous adventures … I hated to put it down to eat or sleep… this story touched my heart in many ways all getting to a very HEA. I can’t wait for more.
Attracted to the Earl is the third book in the Imperfect Lord series. I haven’t read the previous books, but don’t feel like I needed to in order to understand this book. It was beautifully written about two individuals (Guy and Abigail) who experienced a traumatic childhood. There was also a background romance going on between Dora and Kit. The story was well written and fast paced. I do wish we could have seen a little bit more of the characters personalities, but you couldn’t help loving Guy and Abigail. The characters had secrets from there past and had to learn to trust each other. The book contained it all; history, romance, mystery, and a perfect ending! Another wonderful book by Ms. Evans.
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley for a honest review.
This suspenseful Regency romance hooked my attention from the opening chapter right through to the end, so that I was unable to put the book down. Guy became an unwilling Earl after the death of his brother, but with the threat of his unscrupulous heir snapping at his heels, he recognizes the need to keep his Earldom and the livelihood of those who depend on him, safe. Guy has experienced more than his fair share of horror, both in his early years and throughout the war, but it has also made him a stronger and more honorable man, in spite of a disability for which there was little sympathy and that was totally misunderstood in that era. However, like most people with his condition, he compensated in other ways and is in fact, quite brilliant. The arrival of Abigail puts Guy in a spin, nevertheless, he did not win his reputation as an uncanny strategist in the war by being blind to the facts. Her arrival at his estate puts a question mark over Abigail’s unexpected appearance, especially as his cousin’s arrival will come close on its heels. Abigail is being blackmailed into snooping by the same cousin and fear of exposure and the safety of her own small family is also at stake. Through it all, Guy and Abigail find they have more in common than they would have thought, and whilst their attraction for one another grows, so does their mutual respect. They, in fact, need each other. Unfortunately, the gulf that divides them is wide and deep, and the question remains whether or not it can be crossed. I received a copy of this book through NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Attracted To The Earl is an outstanding historical romance by Bronwen Evans. Ms. Evans has once again given readers a well-written book. I especially loved the cast of characters she’s used for this story. Kudos to Ms. Evans, the characters are imperfect but lovable. Guy finds himself unexpectedly becoming the Earl of Argyle. Because of his secret, he doesn’t believe he’ll ever marry. Abigail is an artist with secrets of her own. She arrives at Guy’s estate to paint the Ghost Orchid. Abigail and Guy’s story is loaded with drama, humor, sizzle, action and suspense. Every page of this book is a treat to read and I look forward to my next book by Bronwen Evans. Attracted To The Earl is book 3 of the Imperfect Lords Series but can easily be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A story of learning to love oneself flaws and all, Attracted to the Earl by Bronwen Evans flowed well, was engaging and had one helluva unexpected twist I didn’t see coming.
Guy is honorable, kind and understanding. Not to mention passionate. But he feels inadequate to fill his late brother’s shoes due to his affliction.
Guy’s mother has asked him to pull out his charm and help her in hopes of persuading Miss Abigail Pinehurst to work for her.
As Abigail and Guy spend time together in search of the Ghost Orchid, the connection between them grows.
But what can happen between an earl and a commoner? Will they be able to share their secrets? Or, will their secrets be too much to overcome for both of them?
I really enjoyed this book. The intimate scenes were hot and heavy. The characters were down to earth but had dark and troubled pasts.
Once their histories were revealed, I wanted more. It was like they only shared the most basic of their dark histories. The detail, to me, is important. They have so much pain and darkness from their pasts and I feel like they didn’t unburden it all to each other.
I wanted this author to explore their pasts more. It is such a huge part of who they’ve become. These were dark topics and I feel as though they were skimmed over. Delving into the background of these characters could have made this a powerful and stellar read.
I did really enjoy the epilogue. It was sweet and endearing. I also really liked the secondary romance between Kit and Dora.
This was a heartfelt read but lacked the depth in the character’s history and the resolution I was hoping for.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
After suffering years of abuse at his father’s hands due to his inability to read or write, Guy Neville ran away to join the army and returned a war hero desperate to hide his secret shame. When his beloved elder brother suddenly dies, leaving Guy as the Earl of Argyle, he must now take up all of his brother’s responsibilities and somehow still keep his secret. His despicable and jealous cousin, Patrick, knows the family is hiding something and is determined to find out what and preferably set himself up with the earl’s wealth and maybe even his title to go with it.
The arrival of a bluestocking who wants to search the estate for a rare flower presents Guy with new challenges to hiding his secret. But the visit was prearranged before his brother’s death so he feels he must honor it, though he’d rather send her away. It also doesn’t hurt that Miss Abigail Pinehurst is beautiful.
Abigail’s passion is plants and sketching them for her benefactress has enabled her to make a stable living and provide for herself and her sister, Dora. She finds herself attracted to the Earl, though she knows she can never have a man so far above her in station. Not to mention the fact that she has her own secrets to keep and she’s being blackmailed by the vile Patrick. As she succumbs to the earl’s charms she must decide who to put her trust and faith in and who is most capable of protecting her and Dora.
Poor Guy had it rough and his resilience was admirable. I also loved that he wasn’t so blinded by Abigail’s beauty and was still smart enough to be suspicious. When the two started working as a team this became a very suspenseful double romance with the budding relationship between Dora and Guy’s right hand man, Kit. The last half was fraught with tension and a well-drawn, nasty villain. These two had some of the most painful backgrounds of any characters I’ve read in some time and it was lovely to see them heal and grow together.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Erica –
Bronwen Evans is a new-to-me author.
Attracted to the Earl is the third installment in the Imperfect Lords series. I can attest that this novel can easily be read as a standalone, simply for the fact that I had not read the previous two books in the series and had little to no confusion. However, I do plan on going back at a later date to read the series from the beginning, then reread this novel, which will give me a better idea if it was a more enriched experience for doing so.
The pacing was something I appreciated the most by Evans. Both our heroine and hero hold secrets. Guy’s secret was revealed from the get-so, which satisfied my instant gratification level of curiosity. While Abigail’s secrets were slowly revealed, hand-feeding the reader to keep them turning the pages to find out.
Imperfect and resilient. Not only is Guy mourning the passing of his late brother, he is now tasked with taking control of his legacy. Maintaining a large estate, accepting all the responsibility of a title, while taking his seat in the House of Lords. There is only one major issue for Guy… he has a learning disability. In today’s times, that isn’t a big issue, how Guy struggles to read or write, but in that era, people were institutionalized for far less. They most certainly didn’t have positions of great power, so he must keep his learning disability close to the vest.
A sketch artist who specializes in detailing plants, Abigail is an empowered woman in that era, her career offering a stable life for her and her sister. Cerebral. Loyal. Abigail would do anything to protect her way of life, as she and her sister are orphans. But then she’s blackmailed into finding dirt on Guy by a cousin seeking to usurp his title, which is the very thing that Guy assumes when he meets Abigail.
While both intelligent, not necessarily driven by lust, attraction, or emotion, Guy and Abigail are still drawn together, even under a cloud of suspicion. Their romance isn’t the driving force of the novel, but it will most definitely keep the reader interested who is primarily there for romance, as will the secondary coupling of Dara (Abigail’s sister) and Kit (Guy’s right-hand man).
Attracted to the Earl was a strong introduction to this author for me, one that will have me checking out Bronwen Evan’s backlist while biding my time to read what she has to offer next.
Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Attracted to the Earl (Imperfect Lords #3) by Bronwen Evans to read and review.
One of those books that you don’t want to put down until the end, the characters and the scenarios in this series are masterfully developed and unusual.
Guy, the second son of the Earl of Argyle has dyslexia, a condition not yet to be diagnosed for another 60 years. At that time, and even still today, people with dyslexia or other reading disorders were thought of being stupid and if a member of the upper class, often put away in asylums. This is not the first historical romance I have recently read about a lord (in the other case, he was a Duke) with dyslexia, but both had brothers who loved them and protected them. In this case, Guy’s beloved older brother Reginald and their tutor protected Guy from his abusive father, until they no longer could and that is when he ran away to the army, where he excelled. Now a civilian again, he is still protected by his brother and his batman, Kit, until Reginald suddenly dies and Guy becomes the Earl. With Kit’s help, Guy enriches the holdings, but lurking in the shadows is evil cousin Patrick who has gone through all his riches and wants to take the Earldom away from Guy. He blackmails Abigail Pinehurst to spy on guy, when she comes to draw the Ghost Orchid. Although not a part of the upper class, they have one thing in common, she had a horrible mother. As Abigail spends more time with Guy, who is also infatuated with her, and finds out his secret, she warns him of Patrick’s scheme. When Patrick comes to visit, no one is safe. Will they prevail against him?
I received a free, advanced copy of this book from NetGalley.com. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
I think that this is my current favorite Bronwen Evans book. Two strong main characters. Loved the heroine, Abigail, and the hero, Guy. I felt myself fully immersed in their tale. Fantastic writing drawing out my emotions and really routing for these two. I liked the sub-story too, about Dora and Kit. The characters/situations of the times felt real. Abigail and Guy come from two different social castes; yet, they are so similar in the hardships/stigmas that they endured throughout their lives. Now, as Guy is forced to assume the title, his cousin Patrick has other ideas; like getting his hands on the title and all it entails. Abigail is not your usual young miss as we find in numerous historical romances. This takes place during the reign of King George III and after the Seven Year’s War. Abigail has a questionable background and Guy has a learning disability. So, of course we want to see these two find each other, right?
Attracted to the Earl is the third book in Bronwen Evans’ Imperfect Lords series. I missed the first one, but I very much enjoyed her second installment. However, this book I LOVED. Seriously, I picked it up yesterday morning, and by the evening I was done. My face was puffy from crying. (My husband doesn’t understand this. “Why are you reading it if it makes you cry?” Men just don’t get it!)
Guy Neville is the new Earl of Argyle. He should never have become the earl; his hateful father died (probably burning in hell, or so Guy wishes) and his beloved older brother took the title. However, his brother died of a burst appendix, so Guy inherited the title. This is not a good thing, as Guy is illiterate. He could not learn to read no matter how many times his father beat him. His former batman from the army and now his man of affairs Kit has helped Guy cover this big secret. Trouble looms, though… His cousin Patrick suspects something is amiss, and he wants to become trustee of the earldom so he can take charge of the funds and use them for himself. He blackmails artist Miss Abigail Pinehurst to discover Guy’s secrets.
I loved both of the leads in this story. Abigail did not want to do this job for Patrick, but she had shameful secrets of her own from her past that she did not want to see the light of day; she would lose everything, including her beloved sister Dora, if that happened. Guy, though brilliant (he could remember entire documents word for word if they were read to him once!), still suffers from the abuse from his childhood and cannot risk losing his earldom. These two damaged people needed each other to make them whole. The intimate scenes between them were incredibly sensual. There was also a lovely, sweet romance between Dora and Kit, which was a nice addition to the story. This was truly a story that pulled at my heartstrings and made me cry like a baby.
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
An Imperfect Lord! A nasty cousin. A woman supporting her sister. Secrets that cannot be revealed, or…. This is my first time reading a book by Ms. Evans, and it won’t be my last. There was plenty here to keep me entertained. Great characters, great plot, wonderful writing. It had me feeling plenty of different emotions, and hoping for an HEA for Abigail and Guy! Fun read!
Attracted to the Earl is the first book by this author that I have read. I loved following Guy and Abigail’s story, even though they both have secrets that could be harmful if found out. Though this is the first book from the series that I have had the pleasure of reading, I am definitely going to read the others as well.