An unexpected inheritance An explosive reunionHardworking architect Adam Monroe’s world is shaken when he inherits an earldom! Thrust into the ton, he bumps into widow Kitty Fenton–his lost love. Years before, he refused to elope with Kitty to save her from ruin, and was heartbroken when she married soon after he left. Perhaps fate has given him a chance to discover the truth–after all, … all, beneath the hurt, the sparks of attraction are as strong as ever…
“Janice Preston has done it again and created another wonderful story… held my attention until the very last page!”
–Rae Reads on Christmas with His Wallflower Wife
“This is a beautiful, illuminating and heartfelt romance… expertly written, the emotion ripples and crackles right off the page.”
–Chicks, Rogues and Scandals on Christmas with His Wallflower Wife
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The latest from the brilliance that is; Janice Preston is one of her best yet – in my humble opinion! I do realise I say that an awful lot, but I’m not ashamed to fangirl over a favourite author, especially when she writes such beautiful words and this one is so full of beautiful words I may have to weep with pure joy. This is proper escapism, Adam and Kitty whisk you away, make you fall in love and leave you feel all warm and sighing with content at the wonderful and worthy ending.
What I particularly love about this is that Kitty and Adam are not a young buck and debutante pairing, both are in their thirties and having a bit of experience and a past each they have a second chance at happiness. That is so refreshing especially as we see so few older lead characters in historical romance and I think it is important for to have love stories where the characters have said goodbye to the schoolroom many moons ago. As much as I love and will read any historical romance, as I get older I am more and more drawn to books where the main characters are more my own age, I can’t explain it but it does make reading the book and following the characters that little more enjoyable. There are little things or something Kitty would say and I was like; yes!
Hmmm?! I may have waffled a little there…
Fifteen years previously Kitty and Adam meet fall in love only for Adam to break her heart and left, she doesn’t understand his treatment of her, he thought himself unworthy of her, being an architect’s apprentice Adam didn’t think that someone as lovely and high ranking as Kitty should be tethered to ‘trade’ so he leaves her with nothing but a few hurtful words and more heartbreak then he could ever imagine. All Kitty wanted was Adam, simple as that! She wanted him to rescue her from the future which had already been planned out for her.
Fast forward fifteen years and both of them are about the have their lives turned upside down.
Adam discovers he isn’t who he thought he was and worst those around him have lied to him all his life, he isn’t just an architect he is actually the long lost Earl of Kelridge and he is about to take his place in the circus that is society, thank goodness for his friend; Robert Fenton, who just happens to be the stepson of none other than the woman he walked away from all those years ago, a woman who he never forgot and a woman who has always loved. But is the feeling mutual?
Kitty is an interesting and very relatable character, she is hurt, confused and angry by being so callously put down by Adam. Personally, I don’t she cared that he was just an apprentice architect she loved him for the young man she saw and got to know all those years ago and that deeply ingrained love for him is still there beneath all the years of barricading that part of the heart and focusing her love and life on her husband, stepchildren and her writing. Yes, our Kitty is a writer, how brilliant is that? So to hear of the revelation that her childhood love is, in fact, the new Earl of Kelridge is news that starts a whirlwind of emotions and complex thoughts running through he head. You really feel for her!
But the question is; can these two star crossed lovers traverse the churning sea of old and present emotions to give their fledgeling romance ago?
Oh, Adam!!! How much do I love this man? Gorgeous, brooding, intelligent, passionate, a proper hero plus he’s Scottish – oooh, I do love a thick Scottish brogue and with how perfectly Adam’s character is written you can ‘hear’ him purring and growling while reading. But don’t just think that it’s the accent which is the only reason why I love this man and that I have an overactive imagination which pictured him in kilts far too many times – Outlander has a lot to answer for, for where my imagination goes
You know, I had to do it…;-)
But our Adam is easily one of my favourite heroes, he is a proud, hardworking., loyal, compassionate, sexy as hell man who once he finds out the truth of who he really is at first is a like a fish out of water. My heart goes out to him, there are moment’s when I wanted to leap into the book and give him a huge cuddle when he seems so lonely and little confused at his new life. He is stuck on the outside looking in, he feels once he has the title that he doesn’t belong anywhere, he isn’t an aristocrat and he no longer belongs with the working class, but don’t think that stop’s him from speaking his mind and doing things his own way when he is able.
I thoroughly enjoyed this, the story is fresh, original, entertaining, thrilling, engaging and a little different in feel to all of Janice’s previous books. I loved the fast-paced journey that we as readers are taken on with the characters throughout the book, there is a feeling of adventure and surprises along the way that are so intricately woven into the fabric of the plot. As much as I loved the Beauchamp’s it was great to become invested in another selection of characters, some whom I would love to see have their own stories some time in the future.
Overall, a wonderful second chance love story which centres around two very different main characters, both of who are a little older than the stereotypical late teens/the early twenties which we see so much of. Plus Kitty and Adam are genuinely very likeable, you are rooting for them to finally have they’re happily ever after that they both deserve.
Very highly recommended for all who love an original historical romance!
The Earl with the Secret Past is author Janice Preston’s latest book featuring a couple who finally get their HEA after 15 years apart. What a fabulous second chance story!
Adam Monroe was an architect’s apprentice working on an estate in Hertfordshire when he meets Kitty Fenton, the daughter of the Earl who lives on the neighboring estate. Love blossoms but Adam deems himself unworthy of an Earl’s daughter and walks out of Kitty’s life, breaking both their hearts…
Fast forward fifteen years later… Adam’s circumstances have changed and he’s now back in Hertfordshire. I absolutely loved Adam! He’s a successful, hard-working man whose life turns upside down on him. Nothing will ever be the same, but the excitement he feels at seeing the only love of his life again is real and the reader can’t help but want to see these two find a way to overcome the hurt and misunderstandings of the past. Kitty was a wonderful character and I understood her hurt from all those years ago and the agony of having to deny Adam once he returned. They were a lovely couple who deserved their HEA and Ms. Preston did a wonderful job of giving them one! Besides a fabulous couple and storyline, there were several secondary characters I would love to get to know better! Robert, Kitty’s stepson, and Tolly who is Adam’s cousin were fascinating characters and would make wonderful future heroes! 😉 Really enjoyed this one and highly recommend it!
As reviewed at Roses Are Blue: https://wp.me/p3QRh4-1gE
Fifteen years ago, Adam Monroe was apprenticing as an architect, working on restoring Fenton Hall. While at that job, he met and fell and love with young Kitty, who was an earl’s daughter, and lived in the neighborhood. As his job neared completion, Kitty begged Adam to marry her. Though Adam truly did love her, he knew that an architect in training, who was only a housekeeper’s son, was not a suitable match for the daughter of an earl. Adam intimated that he was only indulging in a flirtation, and had no intention of marrying anytime soon. He refused to listen to Kitty’s tearful explanation, and soon moved on with his life.
Kitty was devastated, as she loved Adam, and hoped that he would be the answer to her dilemma. Her good-for-nothing father has incurred considerable gambling debts, and hopes to clear them by marrying Kitty off to another low life who owns a gaming hall. As Kitty cries in despair, the recently widowed master of Fenton Hall encounters her, and encourages her to tell him her problem. Edgar Fenton lost his beloved wife in a fire, and has four children to raise. He proposes marriage to Kitty, one that is without love, but will benefit them both. Kitty’s father is only too eager to accept Fenton’s payment for Kitty’s hand, and they marry immediately.
Fifteen years have passed, and Kitty has now been widowed for five years. Her marriage gave her contentment and four stepchildren she loved as if they were her own. Edgar was a kind husband who treated her well, though he continued to extol the virtues of his first wife. If love and passion and children of her own were missing from her life, Kitty still considers herself blessed. She’s done her best to forget the heartbreak her seventeen year old self endured from her unrequited first love.
Adam has enjoyed his chosen vocation. And if time and time again, he regrets leaving Kitty, he knows in his heart that it was best for her. When his mother summons him, he is unprepared for the bombshell that’s about to drop. Adam is truly Ambrose Adam Trewin, son of, and legal heir to the Earl of Kelridge. Adam’s mother left her abusive husband, taking her two year old son with her, choosing to live a life of service rather than allow them to continue the mistreatment. Due to his father’s recent death, he must head to London to assume his responsibilities as the new earl.
It’s inevitable that Kitty and Adam are going to encounter each other, as they both move in the same society now. But while Adam looks forward to seeing Kitty, she dreads facing him. Their initial meetings are fraught with tension. When Adam learns that Kitty married Edgar immediately after his leaving all those years ago, he feels she had only been using him. Now they’re both wary of each other, but neither can deny that the old attraction still simmers. Slowly, they begin to let go of the past, and begin to get to know the people they are now. It seems that fate may have offered them a second chance at love, but Kitty is hiding another secret, one that will keep her from marrying again. And Adam’s very life appears to be in danger…
There is a lot to love about THE EARL WITH THE SECRET PAST. Though Adam and Kitty both made somewhat unwise choices, their hearts were in the right place, thinking they were doing what was best for the other. I love that Kitty was strong enough to forge a good life for herself, despite her young age, and despite her broken heart. She loved her step family, and they loved her. Her stepson, Robert, had a surprise role in her romance, but you’ll have to read about that for yourself. I adore Adam’s reaction to learning Kitty’s secret, and how his love for her overcame this last obstacle to their happiness. I also appreciate that Janice Preston wrote a realistic happy ever after, rather that waving a magic wand to create a seemingly impossible one. The romance feels genuine, warm, and steamy. I love the people Kitty and Adam have become, and I enjoyed the flow of the book with its touch of mystery. I’m such a fan of second chance at love stories, and THE EARL WITH THE SECRET PAST left me one happy reader.
Hertfordshire
Adam Monroe, age 21, is trying to explain to Kitty, age 17, why they cannot marry. He simply does not have the money to continue the lifestyle she has always known. She is the daughter of an earl and he an apprentice to an architect. His widowed mother is the man’s housekeeper. His employer has been good to him and Kitty’s father would never allow her to wed him. As much as she wants them to wed, it is best to turn her down.
Edinburgh – 15 years later
Adam, now age 36, has become a successful architect and has returned home to his mother after completing a job. She confesses a secret she has kept from him. It turns out his father was not killed in a war. Instead, she took Adam and fled his father. The man was an earl and he has died. Adam is now Ambrose Adam Trewin, the English Earl of Kelridge. He has an Uncle Grenville and a cousin, Bartholomew. His uncle is not happy that Adam is the new earl because he wanted the title.
Kitty is now Lady Fenton. Her husband has passed away and she is the stepmother to four: Robert, Viscount Fenton, Edward, Jennifer, and Charis. She loves then all dearly and only wished she and her late husband could have had children of their own. Kitty is a practical woman who lives in the present and doesn’t allow herself to think of the past. She enjoys writing and wants to be a published author. Robert tells her that he has invited Adam to dinner as he is the new earl and wants to introduce him to people. Kitty is shocked to find he is the man she loved so long ago. Will he recognize her?
Watching this romance bud and then bloom was a treat. Adam and Kitty’s attraction to one another was too hard for them to fight. There is not only romance but intrigue in this book. A delightful story. Enjoy!
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
A second chance at love that is almost too heartbreaking to think about. Kitty and Adam have what is basically a summer romance. When he must leave, she begs to go with him. He knows since he is an architect’s apprentice and she is the daughter of an earl, it can’t, won’t work. That is the simplest way to put it. There is so much more involved. Spring ahead 15 years, they meet again under very different circumstances, but the emotions are still raw. Therein lies the crux of the story, and of the romance. Throw in a mystery and the story becomes even more engrossing. Ms. Preston does not disappoint. I gave it one less star for steaminess.
I would like to see some of the side characters get their own books – Robert, Tolly, Charis, and the Marchioness of Datchworth (or perhaps her son) would be welcome.
Hardworking architect Adam Monroe’s world is shaken when he inherits an Earldom! Thrust into the ton, he bumps into widow, Kitty Fenton – his lost love. Fifteen years ago, he’d refused to elope with Kitty as he was a lowly apprentice & she an Earl’s daughter even though they both loved each other.
I was drawn in from the start & totally held until the last page. Adam & Kitty loved each other but circumstances drew them apart & now that Adam has inherited his father’s title they meet again, the attraction is still there but both were heart broken. A well paced story with strong characters & I loved how Adam & Kitty rebuilt their relationship almost to have it completely toppled when someone sets out to kill Adam. My only quibble was that there was no epilogue & whilst the ending was satisfying I felt an epilogue would have completed their story
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The Earl with the Secret Past
Janice Preston
https://www.facebook.com/janice.preston.author/
Release date 06/16/2020 (Paperback), 07/01/2020 (ebook)
Publisher Harlequin Historical / Mills&Boon Historical
Blurb :
An unexpected inheritance An explosive reunion
Hardworking architect Adam Monroe’s world is shaken when he inherits an earldom! Thrust into the ton, he bumps into widow Kitty Fenton—his lost love. Years before, he refused to elope with Kitty to save her from ruin, and was heartbroken when she married soon after he left. Perhaps fate has given him a chance to discover the truth—after all, beneath the hurt, the sparks of attraction are as strong as ever…
My review :
Will they be able to see past their own hurt …
Why does the publisher often truncates the blurb? Sure Adam was heartbroken to leave Kitty behind but not because she married soon after, this he learned it only years later, and he was much angry.
Thus said, Mrs Janice Preston narrates a lovely second chance romance.
Adam and Kitty felt in love years ago but circumstances tore them apart when Adam sensed he could never be the husband Kitty deserved, decided to cut the cord of their burgeoning love brutally.
Now fifteen years later, they are no more their young selves, life and change of status bring them back together.
When Adam learns he could have been worthy of Kitty’s love, he is angry but also lost as he takes his first steps now among his peers. Yet unsaid things come again between them.
I liked Adam, he is not flawless, he made his choices, he made mistakes, he has a temper and while he is able to manage it, he can’t refrain to throw some barbs. Yet he also does not shy away and demands answers, he is not always light with his words but he recognizes when he was wrong and accepts he might also at time have overreacted.
Kitty was crushed by Adam’s defection, even if time showed their elopement might have made them miserable, she hardened her heart. Her father’s betrayal, her husband’s patronizing added to Adam’s deception, why her refusal to put her fate under an other man’s thumb.
And while she has every right to doubt a man’s character, she has also her own issues impeding her from giving free reign to her feelings.
She too has her own flaws, by protecting herself she can be the cause of pain too.
Their romance is one of acceptance and seing past deceit as they must attend the issues of their own story to be able to trust one another.
4.5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
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