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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All his life, Guy has thought himself to be an imbecile and unworthy person, all because he was unable to learn to read and write. Yet, in the Army, he proved himself invaluable because of his quick thinking mind and his uncanny strategizing. Now with the help of his best friend and former batman, Kit, Guy has to prove that he can run his family’s estate upon the death of his older brother. Guy’s nasty cousin Neville is bound and determined to learn Guy’s secret and gain control of the estate that he feels should rightfully be his–enter, Abigail.
Neville blackmails Abigail into learning Guy’s secret and helping Neville gain control of the estate. Abigail cannot stand Neville, but doesn’t have much choice as she is protecting her (sister) Dora from learning the truth of their past. Alas, love does not care about one’s background nor one’s secrets, the heart chooses who it chooses and so it is with Guy and Abigail and Kit and Dora. Neville will not be thwarted and kidnaps Dora, exposes Abigail’s past and learns Guy’s secret. You will have to read the book to see if goodness and love triumph over hate and evil and see if everyone that deserves to gets their HEA.
I received an ARC of this book and I am freely and honestly giving my opinion of this book. I plan to go back and read the first two stories in this series at some point.
Love conquers all! Guy and Abigail are hiding secrets that can devastate their lives. They are both hardworking and loving people. When faced with danger they decide to trust in the feelings brewing between them and share their secrets and burdens. Through sharing it brings them closer and deeper in love. This is a spectacular love story. It shows how to love people despite their differences. It also shows how love can heal and restore a person’s faith.
4 Stars!! I really enjoyed reading Guy & Abigail’s story! They both had really sad, rough upbringings as they both had one horrible parent! This was book 3 of the series & I’ve only read book 1 from this series but I wasn’t lost at all. I definitely need to go back & read book 2!! I really liked the few surprise twists in this book-especially at the very end! I’ve never read a book like this one before. It’s definitely worth reading & I recommend it!
*I received this book to read and review at no charge from the publisher and I gave my honest opinion.*
Captivating In Every Way! Beautifully written with a Extraordinary and Original story with characters that are fabulously crafted and gloriously complicated. I felt like I was transported back in time. The author balances the dark with the a light humor and asexual tension that adds sizzle to every scene. “Attracted to The Earl” is, intense,satisfying and cleverly unpredictable.
Bronwen Evans never ceases to deliver something completely unique, completely addictive and completely mind-blowing. I was utterly mesmerized by her exquisite ability at storytelling. She transforms a simple love story to one that enraptures readers with it’s emotion, conviction, and vitality. This is a insta-must read, and one you wont be able to put down.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I am going to start this review with a trigger warning. There are several explicit scenes of child abuse. Guy endured emotional, physical, and psychological abuse that took years for him to get over. I went cold reading what he went through. Some people might think that the descriptions were too much, but I disagree. Those graphic scenes only showcased how strong he was. If you are triggered by child abuse, then do not read the book. Unfortunately, Guy’s abuse is a significant part of his character and part of the plot.
Guy’s inability to read or write had me wondering. Did he have a form of dyslexia? Everything that was mentioned made me think that he did.
Whenever Guy remembered his childhood, I got tears in my eyes. He had cracked ribs at 7. He was forced to sleep in a cupboard under the stairs. He was dunked into wells. He was starved. He was beaten. All because he couldn’t read or write. My heart broke into smithereens every time he remembered something. I was thrilled that he had a secure support system when he was an adult. The support and love that he was denied as a child were there tenfold.
Abigail didn’t have a much better childhood. Her childhood wasn’t talked about until the latter half of the book. I was heartbroken when it was revealed where she came from. Then I got angry. When everything was explained, I understood why she decided to spy on Guy. She had Dora to protect.
Abigail and Guy had some serious chemistry going. From the minute she showed up, dripping wet, the sparks flew. I wasn’t too surprised when their chemistry exploded.
Their sex scenes were intense. I liked that Abigail wasn’t a shy virgin. She was able to look at Guy and not shrink from the size of his member. She was able to take intense pleasure from them having sex. I liked that Guy didn’t have to be gentle with her.
The main plotline, Guy’s disability and Abigail being sent there to spy on him, was well written. I liked that Guy went from being terrified that his disability would get out to not caring. He was willing to have someone else take over rather than have Patrick take over the estate.
I felt terrible for Abigail in this plotline. She was being blackmailed into doing something that she didn’t want to do. All she wanted to do was sketch the Ghost Orchid. Instead, she was forced to look for anything that would give Patrick leverage over Guy. It was a horrible position to be in.
I couldn’t stand Patrick. He was a slimy man who got what was coming to him. I wished that Kit did what he threatened earlier. It would have taken care of a lot of things.
I did figure out what Abigail’s secret was early in the book. The author dropped enough hints. But it wasn’t until Patrick saying something that it was confirmed.
I liked the end of Attracted to the Earl. I loved the note that Abigail got from her mother. The epilogue made me smile. I loved seeing them in a good place!!
London 1816 The loss of his brother, left Guy wanting to scream for the unfairness of it all. Now he was the Earl of Argyle and how would he cope with that? “He couldn’t read, for God’s sake. He was stupid. An idiot.” My heart became engaged immediately with Guy and I could almost feel his anguish. Bronwen Evans is a master at creating characters that pull at the emotions and bring you into their world. To see what was endured in times past that is taken in stride today is difficult at best.
Of course Guy’s cousin Patrick would be looking for anything to take the title from him due to his jealousy.
Miss Abigail Pinhurst, bluestocking and plant lover comes to the estate to study and draw a rare orchid for her patron Lady Calthorpe. But before she gets there is waylaid by Patrick who wants her to spy on Guy. You see Abigail has her own secrets and and he threatens to expose her if she does not cooperate.
Such a truly wonderful story with strong emotions and heartbreak that pull these two souls together at the perfect time. Could these two from different walks of life pull together and thwart Patrick and have a happy life of their own? As in all of this author’s work, she pulled me in and did not let go until the end and left me wanting more of her stories.
Attracted to the Earl
Imperfect Lords book 3
by Bronwen Evans
WOW! Just WOW! This was exceptionally written ! Bronwen Evans has written a GEM of a story with flawed characters that have overcome tragedy and found love.
Our hero Guy is a war hero with a secret, after his brothers untimely death he gains the title Earl of Argyle. But he has a secret that his father tortured and almost had him killed because of his affliction. Life hasn’t been easy for him, surviving the horrors of war he now has to survive his cousins machinations to have him either killed or take over the Earldom by uncovering his secret. Not knowing who’s friend or foe the tempting Miss Abigail has him wondering if she can be in league with his cousin. But Abigail has secrets of her own that she’d do anything to keep from being exposed. If only she wasn’t so attracted to Guy!
This was such a roller coaster ride of emotions, it was one of the best books that I’ve read by Bronwen Evans in my opinion. Fraught with dangers, secrets and villains. A scarred hero and even more scarred heroine find their happily ever after! I highly recommend this amazing book by the talented Bronwen Evans not to be missed!
I received a complimentary copy from the author via NetGalley. This is my honest unbiased opinion.
Attracted to the Earl by Bronwen Evans is book Three in the Imperfect Lords Series. This is the story of Guy Neville and Abigail Pinehurst. I have read the previous books, but feel you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so.
Guy never thought he would have to take his brother’s (or Father’s) title as The Earl of Argyle, but now his brother has died. So it now on his shoulders to carry on the Estate, Title and the spot in the House of Lords, but Guy has a secret. Guy has a hard time learning so he can’t read or write which he has kept secret but now it will surly come out. Then a bluestocking in the name of Abigail comes to his door asking for use of his library and wanting to find a special plant. At first he thinks to turn her away… she may be a spy for his cousin to find out what he is hiding.
Abigail and her sister Dora, are orphans who only really have each other. Abigail is being threaten by Guy’s cousin to find out what Guy is hiding or he will ruin them.
Really enjoyed their story and this touching subject of the learning issue.
This was a cute regency style story of love and acceptance.
Guy suddenly finds himself with the title of Earl but hides a secret. Abigail has her own secrets but finds the attractive Earl too hard to ignore. As they begin to fall in love, someone is bent to trying to tear them apart and take his land. Along with trusted friends, they must figure out the who and the whys, while dealing with the aftermath of their secrets being revealed.
This story was well thought out and the execution was flawless. I was consumed in the pages and couldn’t wait to read the outcome.
Good book with an unusual hero and a heroine who turns out to be the perfect match. Guy is the second son of an earl and never expected to inherit the title. Severely abused as a child by his father, he ran away to join the army when he was fourteen. After 15 years and a brilliant career, declared a hero for his abilities as a tactician, he is back home. Guy is devastated when he receives word that his beloved older brother is dead, and terrified by what it could mean for him. Guy knows that his inability to read and write if revealed could see him stripped of his title and lands and even thrown into an asylum. His cousin Patrick Neville has tried for years to discover what secret the family is hiding, determined to take it all for himself. Guy’s saving grace is his best friend and former army batman, Kit, provides Guy with the assistance he needs. The arrival of Abigail, invited by his brother to use the library and study the elusive Ghost Orchid, adds another complication as someone he must hide his disability from.
Abigail is unwillingly involved in Patrick’s plans. Her plan to find and sketch the Ghost Orchid is real, and her motivation for visiting Lord Argyle’s estate. Unfortunately, Abigail has secrets of her own that would ruin her life and that of her sister Dora if revealed. Patrick has discovered those secrets and blackmails Abigail into spying on Guy and finding out his secrets.
I really liked both Guy and Abigail. The things that Guy experienced growing up could have made him a hard and bitter man. Instead, he is an honorable man with a heart. I ached for the way he was made to feel stupid and horrified by what his father did to him. I was also incredibly impressed by the techniques he has learned to compensate for his disability. Abigail also had a terrible childhood, experiencing things that no young girl should have to experience. Her story is revealed slowly, and though I suspected the truth early on, it did not diminish the impact. She is intelligent, determined, and protective.
I enjoyed the first meeting between Guy and Abigail. Each of them was bowled over by the other. I had to laugh at the way Kit ended up elbowing Guy to break the trance, and Abigail gave herself a stern talking-to. But in spite of his fascination and attraction, Guy still felt a niggle of suspicion over the timing of her arrival, as well as later when he found her near his study. I was impressed by Abigail’s quick thinking. Over the next couple of days, they spent some time together, and it doesn’t take long for a tentative friendship to build along with some fantastic chemistry. As Abigail begins to suspect Guy’s secret, she also can’t deny that he is a kind and honorable man. I loved how she chose to tell Guy and Kit the truth.
The pace of the story picked up as the three of them worked together to bring an end to Patrick’s plans. There was an attempt on Guy’s life that they were confident Patrick was behind. His arrival at Argyle ramped up the intensity as we saw his threats against Abigail and Dora. I definitely felt the waves of hatred toward Guy, and the evil of his intentions was apparent. I felt their hopefulness as they laid their trap for Patrick and their fear as they discovered his abduction of Dora as a bargaining chip. Though Dora had previously seemed to be a somewhat naïve young woman, she proved to be much stronger and smarter than I expected. I cheered that determination and rooted for her success.
All through this time, the feelings between Guy and Abigail grew stronger. Abigail has no hope of anything coming from it because of who she is and what she was hiding in her past. Guy wants to believe that he can make it happen. But when Patrick finds a way to threaten Guy’s hold on his title and lands, it takes all of them plus the help of two of his good friends to counter the threat. I loved Guy’s protectiveness toward Abigail and how he was willing to give up his dreams to keep her safe. Abigail is just as determined to protect Guy and his dreams, and I loved seeing her do what she felt was right.
I was a little disappointed in the resolution, as I would have liked to see a different outcome for Patrick (not that he didn’t deserve what he got). The way it happened was an interesting and unexpected twist. I liked how Guy’s friends helped him and Abigail find a way to be together. The epilogue was a nice wrap-up.
There was also a sweet secondary romance between Guy’s friend Kit and Abigail’s Dora. The attraction between them was also immediate. I enjoyed seeing the two of them together, as Dora did her best to tempt him, and Kit held tight to his honor and resisted her. He was very fierce when she was in danger and so proud of her when she escaped.
Attracted to the Earl by Bronwen Evan
4.5 Stars. A well-researched and beautifully written story with vivid characters, and a gripping storyline. This historical story is filled with emotional angst, secrets, danger, deception, intrigue, adventure, passion and steamy romance that kept me reading until the last page! As I was reading I thought the plot was transparent, then the author threw in a creative curve ball at the end that was truly cleaver! I loved and recommend this book.
2.5
What I liked:
The writing style
Most of the characters
Part of a series: Imperfect Lords
Standalone
HEA
Epilogue
I look forward to reading more from this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC from NetGalley.
I’ve read the other 2 books in this series and really enjoyed them. However, this book was well-written, but I didn’t like it as much as the other previous ones. The Earl of Argyle, Guy Neville, is thrust into being an earl by the death of his beloved brother. Not only did he never think this would happen, but he’s terrified that someone will uncover his secret–that he’s never learned how to read. His batman from the war, Kit Hunter, helps Guy with running the estate and all is going well until Guy’s evil cousin Patrick shows up and will do whatever to wrest control of the estate from Guy. Patrick blackmails Miss Abigail Pinehurst, a noted illustrator with secrets of her own, as a spy to ferret out Guy’s secrets.
While Ms. Evans tackles serious issues in this book, I thought the interactions between Guy and Abigail went right to the physical without the emotional connection to bind them together. Eventually, they do confess their love for each other, but there are huge obstacles to overcome especially her background and her own explosive secret. I did figure out the secret early on so it wasn’t a surprise when it was finally revealed. I did enjoy seeing characters from the previous books show up and help Guy with his cousin problem and also with Abigail’s sordid past.
While this wasn’t my favorite book in the series, I’m looking forward to reading the next one. I voluntarily read this book and opinions are my own.
I am loving the Imperfect Lords series. There is something endearing about her “imperfect characters” finding a love so deep it changes their lives. Guy and Abigail’s story is no different. I found Guy’s inability to read an interesting affliction and thought it was weaved throughout the story well. I found this to be a good read, but there are parts that lagged a bit for me.
The plot is so new to me that I immediately wanted to have the book.
Guy Neville inherited a title without any preparation. And most importantly: he doesn’t even know how to read!!
And then, we are introduced to Miss Abigail that because of a certain blackmail and to protect a loved one, she needs to participate in a scheme to spy on Guy.
Obviously Abigail and Guy end up feeling the attraction, but before anything, they needed to solve the two major problems in Guy’s life: the stalker bastard cousin and the fact that Guy did not know how to read.
Secrets and plans ahead.
3,5 stars
Attracted to the Earl is an entertaining, quick read that gives us a good mix of romance and intrigue. Guy and Abigail both have secrets, and I liked how the author reveals them bit by bit throughout the story. This pair certainly has the deck stacked against them with a greedy family member and the difference in social class to keep them from being official. There’s also a secondary romance going on throughout the story, which for me was just a bit too much with everything already going on in the book, and the main romance suffered for it. In the end, I would’ve preferred a little more focus on the romance between Guy and Abigail, but I still enjoyed the read.
Guy and Abigail have overcome some serious situations in their pasts. Abigail leads a quiet, respectable life and tries to fly under the radar for the most part. Guy has to rely on the help of close friends to do his reading and writing in secrecy. When the two meet there is attraction and distrust. I think the story moves along too quickly from that point. More time should have been relegated to their developing relationship. The reality of their situations should have made them especially cautious rather than reckless. I still enjoyed the story but with such appealing characters I think it could have been even better.