Robert, the young and handsome Earl of Donnelly, has a great passion for writing novels but as part of the nobility, it is socially impossible for him to openly publish fiction in his own name.After much searching, he finds the young Diana Browning, a charming and well-established romance writer, who agrees to publish the book under her name.As Diana and Robert begin to work together, they find … together, they find they are becoming increasingly attracted to each other. But, Diana is engaged and unavailable.
However, circumstances contrive to bring many surprises, and nothing comes out as anyone quite expected.
♥ A historical romance novel full of twists that’ll keep you turning the pages ♥
*Diana Adores the Puzzled Earl is a historical standalone romantic story of 80,000 words (around 380 pages). No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a sweet happily ever after.
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Well this was a reversal–a male has to ask a female to publish a book he wrote under her name. I mean way back then the Titled gents were not supposed to write travel novels with romance–it just wasn’t done! But the Earl of Donnelly had done just that and he really wanted his book published. Even the publisher who liked the book would not publish it saying that it might affect his business adversely. But he had some suggestions and Diana Browning was one of them. She was also a writer of romance. They decided to give it a try.
Diana’s family was in trouble and she could use the extra money–she also agreed to marry a young man if he could convince his father to give her father a loan. What a mess!
Diana and Robert, of necessity, had to work together frequently. Robert began to realize he loved Diana–but she was engaged to another man–so he kept his distance in that respect.
There are several other characters that deserve mention–the twins were Diana’s friends and non stop fun and games. Robert’s sister was not the nicest of people and even Queen Victoria makes an appearance.
Lots goes on and twists that will make your head spin! There is laughter (via the twins) and the elderly spinster ladies (also neighbors of Diana).
Can a Lord of the Realm and the daughter of a university professor and scholar make all this work–and what about them?
ONE CAPTIVATING ADVENTURE!!!
Thrilling! One intriguing tale that hooks you from the start and reels you in for the duration. All the drama, uncertainty and suspense make for one enjoyable experience. A swirling eddy of happenstance and a bevy of surprising events thrust all of your emotions spiraling, drawing you in deeper and deeper. The characters are strong, authentic and realistic with on point personalities that bend and flow. The scenes are vivid and breathtaking in the realistic true to life form. Twists and turns abound with unexpected circumstances that propels this baby to life beautifully. Fantastic job Hanna, thanks for sharing this awesome read with us.
PLOT: The year is 1872, and the 30 year old Earl of Donnelly has written a novel based on his travel experiences. When he tries to publish, he is told that someone of his rank does not publish novels-it would be disgraceful. So, the publisher makes suggestions as to other authors that might be agreeable to having their name attached to Robert’s work.
Robert makes an agreement with the last person on the list, a young woman who has already published 7 novels, and is the daughter of a scholar, Diana Browning. In order to explain the change in style, they agree that in the preface there will be an explanation that this is a deliberate and new direction for the author. Thus begins the working relationship between the 2 authors, Robert and Diana.
CRITIQUE: When discussing their writing styles, Diana says about her writing:
“My stories are character based with the individuals who are faced with impediments to their union but with some humor and, of course, a happy ending once the obstacles are overcome. Not very exciting to a gentleman, perhaps, but my readers seem to enjoy my modest tales.”
This captures in a nutshell THIS story. “Impediments” do arise in the development of a personal relationship: Diana’s fiancé Adam, who becomes jealous of the time and attention Diana gives to Robert, and Robert’s sister Amelia who insists Robert should marry someone “of the blood”-a titled lady.
How these obstacles arise and are then are overcome makes for a delightful story. Into the mix of eccentric neighbors and friends are folded true personages of the age, such as Queen Victoria. She bestows upon Diana’s father the Order of Merit for his scholastic excellence and to honor the range, breadth, and contribution of his published works. Will this help overcome Amelia’s class prejudice against Diana’s family? Will Diana and Adam be able to cope with Diana’s independent spirit so she may continue to write? Or will something more than a professional relationship develop between Diana and Robert? Finding these things out is an enjoyable experience for the reader, regardless of age.
Diana Adores the Puzzled Earl is a very entertaining story that kept me up far too late! Start this one early in your day. I really liked these characters – especially Diana, Robert and the Sinclair twins. Diana is not a member of the ton but is a talented writer and a very smart heroine. Since she is engaged, the plot has many twists and turns. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel.
What’s the word…? When you’re going up straight up the mountain and it’s really really far & steep and the path is really really clear? Arduous? Yeah. 11% is all I could take of the writing style, which dragged and dragged. The story could have been good, if someone else were writing it.
As I started to read, I am reminded of how delightful it is to be engaged in one of Ms. Holborn witty romances. She always has charming to idiotic to villainous characters to help carry along her storyline and plots. Amongst these plots, she adds a Queenly visit which causes the main male character’s sister much aggravation. add to that monstrously planning and carrying through he unwisely mentions her state of spinsterhood which really causes temper and bitterness of childhood discrepancies in treatment “heir apparent—the favored male child.” Not so good decisions, decisions based on need, love that increases between 2 who would be circumspect, lies, deceit, blackmail. All lead to happy endings for many.
An amazing book! Diana Adores the Puzzled Duke is well deserving of 5 Stars! This is such a sweet, lovely story. If you’re looking for a nice, clean, and fun historical romance, then this is the book for you! Hamilton’s characterization, plot-development, and vivid scenes are just impeccable! I highly recommend this book to all historical romance lovers!