USA Today Bestseller
New York Times bestselling author Lorraine Heath pens another richly satisfying romance in her Sins for all Seasons series.She’s looking for a nobleman to wed… intellect and finishing school manners make her the perfect wife for any gentleman—if he’s willing to overlook her scandalous lineage. But Fancy’s plans are thrown into chaos when an intriguing commoner begins visiting her bookshop—and she finds herself unable to stop thinking about him.
He’s looking to escape his title…
Widowed just a year ago, the reclusive Matthew Sommersby, Earl of Rosemont, has been besieged by women hoping to become his next wife. Desperate for anonymity, he sheds Society life to search for the peace that eludes him. Fancy’s shop is his one refuge, until the night their passion erupts into a kiss that nearly leads to her ruin—and leaves both longing for much more.
Together, they discover an unlikely love…
As Fancy finds herself torn between her family’s expectations and her growing feelings for Matthew, secrets are exposed—secrets that force Fancy to question if she can trust her heart’s desire…
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Fancy Trewlove has known her entire life that her family wants the best for her and that they have all worked and sacrificed to give her a better life than they had. They dream of her marrying a lord and living a fancy life and for her part, Fancy has done everything to make that dream come true. She has agreed to have a season in London and is open to wedding a lord, but when she meets Matthew Sommersby in her book shop, she is no longer sure if she can fulfil her family’s wish.
Matthew Sommersby, the Earl of Rosemont needs to escape. He was tricked into a loveless marriage and was trapped for years. When his deceitful wife dies, she arranges to have a letter published a year after her demise – a letter full of lies that paints their marriage in very romantic light and has her begging the unmarried ladies of London to save him from a lonely, loveless existence. Terrified of being trapped again, Matthew bolts and hides out in a terrace house that is in the same neighborhood as Fancy’s shop. When he first meets Fancy, he is taken by her beauty and her kindness, but he is put off when he learns she has a copy of the letter his wife had published and leaves. They meet again at the pub and share a table, he begins to rethink his position, but when he learns her plans to marry a lord “by any means necessary” he assumes the worst and thinks she is just like his wife. He plans to stay far away from her, but can’t seem to walk away and he soon realizes how wrong he was about her.
The more time they spend together, the more they want, but she needs to fulfill the dream her family has for her and he still hasn’t been honest with her about who he really is. He tries to justify his deceit by telling himself that he wants to know that she loves him for himself and not his title. He is falling in love and is planning on telling her the truth – but when she is tricked by a lord and is compromised, he is quick to judge her and leaves without a backward glance. She is heartbroken when she learns he is gone and even more so when she learns who he is, but Fancy Trewlove is stronger than anyone gives her credit for and she will deal with this on her own terms!
This was a really good story, well written, fast paced and definitely a page turner! There is a lot to like about the book, such as wonderful characters, cameos of the Trewlove siblings, steamy love scenes, some surprises, a villain you don’t end up hating, a bad guy who gets his comeuppance and a HEA complete with an epilogue. However, I felt that Matthew was something of a hypocrite – he is so sure Fancy is deceitful and judges her harshly, but the whole time he is deceiving her about his identity and while he did score big points for grand gestures at the end – I personally think he didn’t come close to the serious groveling his actions called for and I felt that Fancy was way too quick to make excuses and forgive. Overall, it was an excellent story that I immensely enjoyed and I happily recommend. This is the fifth book in the series and while it could be read as a standalone title, do yourself a favor and read the series in order.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an uncorrected eARC that was provided to me by Edelweiss and the publisher.*
*** 3.5 Stars Rounded Up To 4 ***
At the moment Fancy was born, her mother looked at her, loved her, and named her Fancy because someday she knew Fancy would marry a fancy gentleman and live in a fancy house. As her mother gazed at her with great, abiding love, her brothers, Mick, Aiden, Finn, and Beast along with her sister Gilly were smitten as well, and their mother’s goals for Fancy became their own. Fancy was protected and spoiled, yet she somehow managed to get through all of that spoiling with a remarkably level-headed, non-demanding, sweet, caring, and very loving personality. All of her life, Fancy has been groomed to meet her family’s goals for her. She’s never questioned the goals and nobody has ever asked her if that is what she wants. You’ll love Fancy when you meet her.
Every female Matthew Sommersby, Earl of Rosemont, has ever known is dishonest and deceitful. They stopped at nothing to get what they want – whether the other person wanted to give it or not. It was true of his mother and his sister – and then it was true of his wife when she trapped him into marriage. To say he was mistrustful of women would be a gross understatement. Then, to add insult to injury, a year after her death she had arranged for a letter from her to be delivered to the gossip sheets. That letter sent every unmarried lady of the ton to Matthew’s door. It was so bad that he abandoned his home to escape them. He took up residence in a newly built housing area and became just plain Matthew Sommersby for a while.
Fancy and Matthew met when he visited her bookshop. They soon bonded over their shared love of books. As they became friends, Fancy shared her family’s goals for her and when Matthew learned she was just another title hunting female, he tried to draw away. However, the attraction was too strong. I loved that it took them a while to get from meeting to falling in love because they had a chance to get to know each other. Of course, that didn’t do much good because, at the first opportunity, one of them readily believed the worst of the other and walked away.
I have enjoyed every book in this series, but if you haven’t read any of them, I do have to tell you that you will have to entirely suspend your disbelief. There are so many improbable and unlikely things that take place that, well – as I said – you’ll just have to suspend those disbeliefs in order to enjoy the story. While I loved Matthew, he annoyed me greatly when he so quickly believed the worst of Fancy – and didn’t come around until he decided to take the word of a woman he didn’t even know. Not well-done Matthew!
I really think you’ll enjoy this book. I loved the characters and the romance – and even the villain wasn’t too bad. One lovely thing is that we got nice visits with all of the brothers and sisters and even Beast. I assume Beast will get his own book next – at least I sure hope so. I have been waiting for his story from the beginning. He is such an intriguing character and the one we know the least about.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Earl Takes a Fancy is the 5th book in Lorraine Heath’s Sins For All Seasons series. I haven’t read the previous books and wasn’t lost in the least, so I doubt you would be either. Ms. Heath is one of my favorite authors, but I got behind on her books due to my freakishly large TBR pile. I definitely need to amend that as I totally enjoyed this great book. Not only was it an amazing romance, but also felt like a love letter to books. Those of us who adore books in all their different forms, could not live without them, will see a bit of themselves in our heroine Fancy.
Fancy Trewlove was born out of wedlock to a baby farmer (a woman who takes in by-blows for coin). Her mother, though, truly loved all the children she took in. Fancy, however, was the only one to whom she gave birth. Her mother and siblings all wanted Fancy to grow up to marry a lord and was taught to be a lady; she was about to embark on her first season. A true lover of books, Fancy had a bookstore where she also taught children and adults to read. One day Matthew Sommersby, the Earl of Rosemont, came into her store. He was renting a home that faced the back of her shop. Widowed a year ago by the woman who tricked him into marriage for his title, he didn’t let Fancy know he was an earl when he learned of her plans to marry one. They were immediately drawn to each other and began a strong friendship. Friendship grew into passion…but could anything lasting form with Matthew’s secret and Fancy’s plans?
Books in which our leads keep secrets from each other usually irritate the mess out of me, but in this case I was able to let it go because it was such a beautiful romance. Yes, this romance book truly was romantic! One thing I particularly loved was Fancy reading in her window seat at night while Matthew was across the way in his home, also reading at his window, sharing what felt like this intensely intimate moment. Sigh… Book geeks will totally understand the magic of that quiet intimacy. When they gave into their physical passions, you could almost feel the heat they ignited. Not only was the romance lovely, but I also loved Fancy’s relationships with her mother and siblings; they truly were a family by choice. I cannot wait to go back and read their own stories in the prior books, plus I eagerly await the next book featuring Fancy’s mysterious brother Beast.
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and Edelweiss. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
I really enjoyed this book. It was better than the last one for me. I’m really looking forward to Beast’s book though.
Great read, can’t wait for Beast’s story!
Expectations at birth are often forced upon a child to achieve the parents goals. Such was the case with Fancy Trewlove, who was going to try to do as her mother had dreamed and marry into the nobility. She was educated and intelligent, everything that would make a wonderful wife if the gentleman would just overlook that fact she was illegitimate. Easy, right?
Unfortunately she meets Matthew Sommersby, when he wandered into her bookshop and they soon find a shared interest and a spark between them. Thinking he is just an ordinary gentleman, no title, she laments what she wants verses what her family expects.
Matthew, Earl of Rosemont has his own trials and insecurities. He hides his identity in the hope of not being fawned upon by women just for his title.. oh and a letter his late wife wrote.
Intrigue, secrets, captivating banter and a love that would hopefully breach any other thoughts of titles or others expectations. Great story.
Loved loved it
Great story! This is what a romance story is supposed to be. I’ve read the others in the series but Fancy’s story is the absolute best! Now I can’t wait for Beast’s story and I really hope Etta (Mum) finds a new love.
Heath is one of my favorite writers and I look forward to each of her books because every story is so beautifully written. The Earl Takes a Fancy did not disappoint, either. LOVE Fancy and Matthew. They both deserve their HEA together!
Looking for a rich historical romance with a “not-your-ordinary-heroine” look no more. She owns a bookshop! Heath delivers the steamy and, as always, the emotion.
The Earl Takes a Fancy by Lorraine Heath is book 5 in the A Sins for All Seasons series. This is the story of Matthew Sommersby, Earl of Rosemont and Fancy Trewlove. I have read the previous books, but I do fill you can make this a standalone book if you wish to do so. Fancy although her birth isn’t what society approves of, her mother has had big dreams for her. Fancy has been raised and taught just like any women of society to be a lady and to find a titled husband. Matthew is done with all the women in his life using him for his title. Now a widower he is not being pressed by ladies who are after his title. So he drops out of society and happens to find solace in Fancy’s book shop. They have started a friendship of sort but when he learns she has goal for a titled husband he tries to pull back but his feelings might have other thoughts.
Enjoyed their story.
Though born out of wedlock, Fancy Trewlove is determined to fulfil her mother Ettie’s wish that she marry into nobility. Fancy’s keen intellect and finishing school manners make her the perfect wife for any gentleman—if he’s willing to overlook her scandalous lineage. But Fancy’s plans are thrown into chaos when an intriguing man begins visiting her bookshop. Widowed just a year ago, the reclusive Matthew Sommersby, Earl of Rosemont, has been besieged by women hoping to become his next wife, after a letter penned by his late wife appeared in a newspaper. Desperate for anonymity, he sheds Society life to search for the peace that eludes him. Fancy’s shop is his one refuge.
This is the fifth book in the series & yes it could be read on its own but the Trewlove’s are a very interesting & loveable bunch. Yes there are improbabilities but it is a feel good romance & appearing as it is at this time of uncertainty & gloom I found it to be an engrossing book that offered me a few hours of enjoyable escapism & it lifted my mood – so I’d say job well done. I loved Matthew & Fancy & their slow burn romance. The road to their HEA wasn’t smooth but it was entertaining. I’m now eagerly awaiting Beast’s story
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Matthew Sommersby, the Earl of Rosemont, lost his wife a little over a year ago and since that day he has had to deal with women falling at his feet vying for the chance to become his new countess. But he isn’t too eager to enter into marriage again, his last wasn’t a happy one, as he was trapped into it by his late wife. But after a chance meeting with a beautiful bookshop owner he suddenly starts to reconsider his stance on the subject.
The Earl Takes a Fancy is a delightful historical romance story brimming with heart, emotion, and drama. This one had me stepping out of my comfort zone a bit, but I must admit I enjoyed what I found between the pages here, it was a slow burn, high anticipation romance. Matthew and Fancy’s relationship had a nice natural progression to it, and it was good to see a friendship take hold first before the romance bloomed, I enjoyed watching them fall for one another. This was a fun read to settle down with, the characters were well drawn and easy to connect to, and the words were heartfelt and entertaining! Highly recommend!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
4.5 stars rounded up.
Fancy Trewlove dreams of marrying for love, though she knows she must also fulfill her mother’s dream that she marry a titled nobleman. Fancy has the manners and educational polish to be a perfect aristocratic wife, if she can find someone to overlook her illegitimacy and scandalous family. But when an intriguing stranger wanders into her bookshop, he and Fancy strike up an unlikely sort of friendship and soon it is he she can’t stop thinking of.
Matthew Sommersby, the Earl of Rosemont, has only been a widower for a year and he’s been bombarded with calls from women eager to become his new countess. His marriage was cold and unhappy, mostly because his wife trapped him into it, and he’s not eager to repeat either experience. Though he longs for love, he can’t trust that any woman truly wants him and not his title. Needing relief, he secludes himself from society and winds up finding refuge and good company in Fancy’s bookshop. When their connection leads to physical interactions, both are left wanting much more. Fancy wants to please the family that has done so much for her, even if it means forsaking her own feelings, but when secrets come out, she begins to question herself and the guidelines of her own heart.
I really enjoyed this book overall, especially how well-written it was, but it didn’t hold my attention all that much and it took me longer than usual to finish; although perhaps part of me was just savoring that lovely writing. The second half especially was quite the slow burn and a bit too angst driven for my tastes. I found myself wanting to yell at Matthew and Fancy to just talk to each other and even more so at Fancy for her to just talk honestly with her family. Luckily they did get it together and the superb writing truly carried this book for me. I can’t wait for the next one in this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The Earl Takes a Fancy
A Sins for All Seasons Series #5
Lorraine Heath
https://www.facebook.com/LorraineHeathBooks/
Release date 03/31/2020
Publisher Avon
Blurb :
She’s looking for a nobleman to wed…
Though born out of wedlock, Fancy Trewlove is determined to fulfill her mother’s wish that she marry into nobility. Fancy’s keen intellect and finishing school manners make her the perfect wife for any gentleman—if he’s willing to overlook her scandalous lineage. But Fancy’s plans are thrown into chaos when an intriguing commoner begins visiting her bookshop—and she finds herself unable to stop thinking about him.
He’s looking to escape his title…
Widowed just a year ago, the reclusive Matthew Sommersby, Earl of Rosemont, has been besieged by women hoping to become his next wife. Desperate for anonymity, he sheds Society life to search for the peace that eludes him. Fancy’s shop is his one refuge, until the night their passion erupts into a kiss that nearly leads to her ruin—and leaves both longing for much more.
Together, they discover an unlikely love…
As Fancy finds herself torn between her family’s expectations and her growing feelings for Matthew, secrets are exposed—secrets that force Fancy to question if she can trust her heart’s desire…
My review :
Will she fulfills her family’s wishes for herself or decides for a different path, one answering her own dreams …
During my first read by Lorraine Heath I was immediately entranced by these Trewloves, and while I remembered learning a different story for Fancy’s father than the one she was told about, I was curious to know how will she respond or not to her family’s expectations.
So far I have only read Aiden’s story, and it was a tale about more mature characters, when Fancy and Matthew are both younger.
Fancy was pampered and protected by her siblings, she lived the life of a well-bred miss but being illegitimate and coming from the rookeries, she also is aware of the struggles of the weakest and poorest, why in her pwn way she tries to better their life with her available means, education.
This journey teaches her a lot about herself, while she learned to be confident and sure, she will discover sides of herself she didn’t know, and when faced with a choice, it will be the new Fancy that must make a choice.
Matthew knows who he is but he has always taken everything around him as granted. Even if he was tricked and found himself brought to the altar without a second glance by his bride-to-be, he now views women as actresses with only schemes in their mind. So when from her grave, his late wife made him a fox hunted by all the debutantes, he decides to run away from the marriage part and hide. Thus when he meets a young woman who checks all the boxes, he keeps his identity secrets and slowly lower his guards to trust her.
So as they get to know and slowly fall for one another, I wondered when the second shoes will drop and how Fancy will react to his deceit even if it was unintentional at the beginning. Fancy wants to please her kin, when her heart calls her outside the ballrooms, Matthew wants to be chosen for him and not the title tagged on the man. Both have a long way to extricate themselves from the web of their heart and desires to seek what they finally really want.
5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Avon through Edelweiss, I preordered my own.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
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