In this Regency romance, an English aristocrat needs a wife for his post, but the woman he chooses is searching for love. With her three good friends all recently married, Elizabeth Turley is ready for some husband-hunting of her own. One gentleman in particular sparks her interest. Geoffrey, Earl of Harrington is tall, handsome, and dashing. He’s also just a bit too sure of himself. But … himself. But Elizabeth has observed enough about the rules of attraction to pique the earl’s attention. Yet once she has it, the discovery of a troubling secret taints her future happiness…
Lord Harrington must marry or lose a prestigious position in Brussels, and pretty, well-connected Elizabeth fits his needs admirably. But could it be that he has underestimated his bride? She doesn’t bat an eye in the face of the danger they encounter overseas. She’s strong-willed, intelligent, and more enticing each day—yet also more indifferent to him. Now Geoffrey faces his greatest challenge: to woo and win his own wife, or risk losing her for good…
Praise for the USA Today-bestselling Worthingtons series
“The happy and chaotic family life that takes place around the edges of the love story is what makes this novel so delightful. A fun read.”—Kirkus Reviews on It Started with a Kiss
“Quinn offers a refreshing take on historical-romance conventions…. Grace Burrowes’ readers will also appreciate the intelligent commentary on issues of the day.”—Booklist on When a Marquis Chooses a Bridemore
I have been enjoying the tight-knit family in the Worthingtons series, even though it seems I have missed a book along the way. It’s not necessary to read these in order, particularly if you are starting with You Never Forget Your First Earl. In this book, we have exhausted our Worthington it seems and we are going with a friend of he family instead of one of the Worthington brood.
Our hero in this installment is Geoffrey, Earl of Harrington, who had planned to marry Lady Charlotte Worthington in a previous book. Geoffrey was not looking for a love match, but instead was looking for a lady to tick all the “perfect wife” boxes to compliment his diplomatic career. When he loses out on Charlotte, Geoffrey must find a replacement wife as soon as possible, or risk losing his position with Sir Charles Stuart. I’m not really sure why it was necessary for Geoffrey to have a wife to be qualified for this position… his superior didn’t even bring his wife along to Brussels where they were expected to live. Anywho, when Geoffrey decides that Charlotte’s friend Elizabeth Turley is his best option, he sets out to woo and win her to the role of helpmate. As businesslike and unfeeling as Geoffrey sounds from this description, he really wasn’t. I liked him as a hero. He was somewhat oblivious about love and feelings, but his actions spoke louder than his words. It was probably easier for us to see as the reader because we were privy to his inner thoughts.
Elizabeth Turley doesn’t seem to mind overmuch that she was playing second fiddle to her friend Charlotte, but she decides that, overall, she wants a love match. So while Geoffrey is trying to bring her up to scratch as the perfect diplomat’s wife, Elizabeth is looking for signs that he is in love. I did like Elizabeth and I thought she was perfectly paired with our hero. They complimented each other quite well. However, I felt like she took bad advice at times, and she could have communicated better with our hero.
The relationship between these two was copasetic – they got along great at every turn for most of the book. Though while I was reading, I had this sense of impending doom that dragged on and on forever. And when doom came knocking, I wasn’t satisfied with how things played out. I prefer to have better communication between our hero and heroine. Luckily, this portion was short compared to the rest of the story where they rubbed along really well. They had some good chemistry as well, and their intimate interactions came across as sweetly steamy.
Overall, I enjoyed the story. From the blurb though, I expected more danger and suspense. The story was fairly mild for the first 85% or so. Then we got to what I felt like was a contrived plot device that threw me out of the story. (Spoiler Removed)
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from the publisher, Kensington.
Unique twist and plots. Ways to take and avoid advice and how to choose the right advice to take – your own .
Summer is here. We’re all looking for a perfect book to take on vacation or just enjoy on our own deck on a sunny day. Rejoice fans of Ella Quinn and her series of stories about the Worthington family, her gift to our reading list is here. You Never Forget Your First Earl is out in paperback & available for your e-reader. Even if you’ve not followed the journeys of our first four couples, never fear, this story will stand all by itself. Elizabeth Turley, friend to our previous four ladies, has watched her friends find love & marriage & happiness during the Ton’s “Marriage Mart” season. Elizabeth is ready to strike out on her own path to the perfect love match. A certain gentleman has caught her eye but the dratted man has been courting her friend Charlotte all season. When Lord Geoffrey Harrington’s plans fall to pieces Elizabeth decides to seize the day. Geoffrey is about to leave London for an important diplomatic post. He needs a wife who fits all his “qualifications” and quick or he’ll lose his posting. With a little help from those around her it’s seems that love will win the day. Of course life throws a monkey wrench into the newlyweds plans & life. Geoffrey doesn’t understand love, what it is or how it feels. Elizabeth must find a way for Geoffrey to examine & understand his feelings for her & their life together or the future will be a misery for them both. This being a romance novel you know there’s a happy ending. It’s the journey of the couple & the skill of the writer that make a difference. As a bonus we revisit a few characters from previous books & a few that just may show up later on. I’m an admitted fan of Ella & the Worthington family series but I’m not steering you wrong by suggesting You Never Forget Your First Earl for your “To Read This Summer” list.
You Never Forget Your First Earl by Ella Quinn is book Five in The Worthingtons Series. This is the story of Elizabeth Turley and Geoffrey, Earl of Harrington. I have read the previous books but feel you can make this a standalone book.
Geoffrey needs to marry in order to get a prestigious position in Brussels. With his one attempt past him he is then given a list of names and Elizabeth was on that list. When he talks to her he finds she meets allot of his needs on the list he has. Elizabeth friends have married and now she wants her chance and when Geoffrey comes forward she thinks he might be the one. Although she does have him work some for her they end up marring but she later hears a conversation that Geoffrey had that sets back. But Geoffrey is confused of the change in her but goes forward to find the reason why…at the same time in keep her out of the new danger that has found them.
Love Ms. Quinn’s stories…always a must read for me!
Maybe 3.5 stars
Geoffrey, Earl of Harrington and heir to the Marquess of Markham is in need of a wife, his first choice Lady Charlotte has apparently decided on the Marquess of Kenilworth. To take the diplomatic post he wants, he must have a wife, but as the season is drawing to an end and many families have left town for the continent – his options are limited. So when he runs into his old friend Gavin Turley and is invited to tea, he thinks his luck might be changing. Just to cover his bases, he seeks advice from his grandmother, the dowager Marchioness of Markham.
Elizabeth Turley, daughter of Viscount Turley, knows Geoffrey is looking for a wife and she might be interested in the position, but she wants a love match and will settle for nothing less. She met Geoffrey before and thought him attractive and interesting, but he was pursuing her friend Lady Charlotte at the time and she has been advised to not make things easy for him.
At tea, Geoffrey “tests” Elizabeth and is delighted to learn that she meets all his requirements for a wife, he of course has other options to explore (his mother sent him a list of potential brides – including Elizabeth), so he asks Elizabeth to save a dance for him and she agrees.
When Geoffrey learns that Elizabeth really is his option for a bride, he decides to court her and his attempts are amusing. Armed with a list from his grandmother, Geoffrey sets out to win his lady. Elizabeth who was at first uncertain, begins to have hope that she and Geoffrey could have a love match, and when he finally proposes, she accepts.
They marry and share an incredible wedding night, but Elizabeth’s heart is shattered when she overhears Geoffrey and his father talking. His father is congratulating him on his bride and Geoffrey replies she was the last choice available and met all his qualifications. She thought he loved her and now feels the fool for falling in love with him. His mother and grandmother offer her advice and she agrees to give their suggestions a try.
Geoffrey is clueless as to what has upset his bride and as they travel to Brussels, he tries to figure out what when wrong and how to fix it. But with the war coming to a head, his first priority must be to his superior Sir Charles. When the battle literally comes to their doorstep, Elizabeth decides that life is too short and tells him she loves him. But before Geoffrey can respond she falls asleep. And before he can examine his feelings and tell her, tragedy strikes and he may never get the chance.
This was sweet book, but the first 70% of the story just dragged for me, however, once they leave for Brussels, the pace of the story picks up and the ending is wonderful. The story features likable characters, amusing advice from friends and family, some steamy love scenes, a bit of action and finally a HEA complete with an epilogue.
This is the fifth book in the series, but it can absolutely be read as a stand alone title with no problems at all. While this was not my favorite in the series, it is a quick read and I would have no problem recommending it.
Elizabeth Turley’s three friends have all married so she’s more than ready to marry. Geoffrey, Earl of Harrington is tall, handsome, and dashing, he’s also just a bit too sure of himself. Elizabeth has observed enough about the rules of attraction to pique the earl’s attention. Lord Harrington must marry or lose a prestigious position in Brussels, and pretty, well-connected Elizabeth fits his needs admirably.
Another very good well written book from the author. I found that I wasn’t enamoured of Geoff to begin with he came across as a little petulant however as the novel progressed I found I liked him more & more. I especially liked his Grandmother & cousin Apollonia (love the name) taking his courting skills to task. Elizabeth is an intelligent & very likeable young woman, The attraction between the pair is apparent from their encounters. It was a very well paced story which I didn’t want to end. I also loved that characters from other series made cameo appearances.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
You Never Forget Your First Earl is the fifth in the series but can also be read as a stand alone story. This is a wonderfully written story of Geoffrey and Elizabeth. Geoffrey must marry before he leaves for his assignment regarding the war but his first choice rejects him. Elizabeth has been fascinated with Geoffrey but will only marry for love. Their courtship and subsequent marriage is filled with misunderstandings, ups and downs, and ultimately the realization of true love. At first, Elizabeth seems a little wishy washy but her strengths are revealed as the story progresses and Geoffrey’s attitude towards love changes. A great story with strong, relatable characters.
I really enjoyed reading this book. More please.
I really liked this book, I loved the characters and the plot. It was a nicely woven plot.
A good story, but others in the series are better
Definitely of the Historical Romance genre and definitely very easy to read. Set in the times of the Napoleonic Wars, this story speaks of politics and wars but only amongst the polite talk made at Balls long ago, where women were supposed to be well-versed in certain subjects to learn to carry on conversations with their prospects. Truly your girl in a “coming out” stage and a titled boy trying to find the proper wife, story. Nonetheless, it’s a delightful love story and I enjoyed it. It was even a little humorous at times which I thought kept it moving along well.
Romance is not my favorite genre but I enjoyed this book. There is no explicit sex, at least to me, nothing that did not fit in the story and the characters were not just defined but likeable. They were easy to know. I am talking about the whole family…the Marchioness of Somewhere, the Lord, the Earl, the Lady…well you get my point. Each family was discernible living in times of war, politics and slaughter. To make it real but yet a pleasant read, Quinn described the homes, the riding out in carriages, the Balls, even the beautiful Teas to allow us to enjoy her storyline and yet give us a hint of what went on at the time. I think she did a good job at this.
Let me tell you what else she did. She gave this book a title to make me think this book would have a whole ‘nother ending than it did. What a sassy lady.
This is Book 5 in her “The Worthingtons” series. There is no question it could be read as a stand-alone but I think it’s probably worth checking them all out.
***This book was provided to me free of charge in exchange for an honest review.
Men are just so clueless when it comes to love and relationships with women. Geoffrey, Earl of Harrington, first son, and heir to the Marquis of Markham, is evidently the king of clueless. He just assumes that, because he has expressed an interest, the lady will be likewise interested. He has his list of qualifications for a bride and when he finds one who meets those qualifications and his sight is set on her – he just expects to get her. He has absolutely no clue – none, nada, zip – that they wouldn’t want him. He has no desire to fall in love – he has friends who married for love and they are either in agony or ecstasy. No, he just wants someone who meets his qualifications and it would be nice if there was a bit of passion between them. It really isn’t that he’s conceited, it is just that he is clueless. He thinks that the ladies will have the same attitude that he does – you find someone with the right qualifications, and you make a match. It is the business of a relationship. That attitude has cost him one woman (The Marquis and I (The Worthingtons #4)). Will he realize that he needs help before his time runs out? He has to have a bride very quickly now that he lost the last potential candidate – he only has a matter of weeks to pursue someone, marry her, and leave for the continent to assume his new diplomatic position. You just have to love him because he really is so clueless and naïve. I loved watching him grow and learn!
Lady Elizabeth Turley has been the overlooked jewel of the season. Her more beautiful, vivacious friends have garnered all of the attention and now it is the end of the season and she has no prospects. There is one man who caught her attention (Harrington), but he was completely focused on her friend Charlotte all season – now, Charlotte is marrying someone else. Elizabeth is both interested and hesitant when her brother invites Harrington to tea so they can be introduced. She’s interested because she’s been attracted to him all season and she’s hesitant because – if he loved her friend Charlotte and she married someone else, how can he be ready to love again so soon? Yes, you have it, Lady Elizabeth wants a love match. Since men find it hard to say those words, how can she tell if he loves her or not?
Both Geoff and Elizabeth follow the advice given to them by others and they are off on a merry chase. I love Geoff’s reactions to his grandmother’s list of things for him to do in order to secure Elizabeth’s hand. True to character – he looks at the list, picks a couple of easy things and ignores the rest. Then, he is surprised when that doesn’t work. Finally, though, he does embrace the list and wins the fair maiden. That doesn’t mean all is well in the neighborhood.
After Elizabeth overhears a conversation between Geoff and his father (after the marriage), she comes to believe that Geoff doesn’t love her and will not love her. Now, what is she to do? Well, she follows advice from her mother-in-law and her grandmother-in-law – who both had the same problem with their husbands. If you want to know how well that works, you’ll just have to read the book!
The largest portion of the book takes place in England with Geoff and Elizabeth dancing around each other. But, the latter portion deals with them traveling to Brussels just before the battle of Waterloo. Those were some perilous times and Quinn’s scene-setting is brilliant. You feel you are right there with the tension and the threat of Napoleon overrunning you at any point. It is also amazing to see what a household had to go through to re-locate during that time. It certainly wasn’t like just calling the moving company and off you go.
Elizabeth really came into her own once they were traveling. You will come to admire her very much. She is calm, caring, concerned, organized, and brave beyond belief. She really is what a heroine should be.
I really liked all of the secondary characters in the book. Well, all of them except Elizabeth’s father. He only had a small part to play in the book and he was mostly very melancholy and still, years later, consumed with the loss of his wife. However, his absence left the door open for us to meet and come to admire Elizabeth’s brother – Gavin. He’s delightful and I can surely see a book in his future! Another one I’d like to see a book for is Lord Littleton – he needs to fall in love and have his HEA.
This is excellently written – as are all of this author’s novels. The plot is well thought out and the scene setting is perfect.
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“I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.”
Bless his heart, Geoff is kind of clueless when it comes to courtship and women. He is very methodical and analytical about his courting methods. He just does not get it. I loved that about him. When would he finally figure it out? And Elizabeth, she is a dream in this book. She has rose-tinted glasses when looking at love and Geoff. Unfortunately, the last quarter of the book was a struggle to get through. Not that it was about the war but that it was just there. I did enjoy the story.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
When I first saw this book I was immediately drawn to the absolutely stunning cover. Not only was the dress and model beautiful and eye-catching, the cover was actually relevant to the story, which I love. Although this is book five in her Worthingtons series, You Never Forget Your First Earl (whew, that’s a mouthful) was my first book by Ella Quinn and, unfortunately, I am not sure I’ll pick up another one. If I had to give it a starred rating, it would get 2.5-3.
The pros: Let’s start with the positives. As I mentioned, the cover is perfect. I want it framed on my wall, it is just that pretty. When Geoffrey is courting Elizabeth based on his grandmother’s rules? He’s got the moves! He kisses both her hands and is pretty doting. I see why Elizabeth thought he was all that and a bag of chips. The writing good as were the historical references. The plot moved enough that I never entirely wanted to give up on the characters or the story.
The cons: Based on the synopsis and basically the first half of the book I kept waiting for them to get married (this isn’t a spoiler, it’s on the back cover I promise) and start their life together in Brussels. I didn’t know that their married life was only going to be the last 25% of the book or so. There was so much focus on the war and the politics at the time, which is well and good but it had no relevance on the plot. The author would spend two pages talking about writing a note or packing a bag that didn’t further any plot line or characterization. It read like filler text which is especially annoying when I really just wanted to know more about Geoffrey and Elizabeth. I felt like there was a lot of family dynamics and interpersonal relationships that could have been explored further.
More cons: Geoffrey is kind of a cold fish (and yes, I understand that is part of the plot line) the problem is, I wasn’t ever sold that he saw Elizabeth as more than a convenient partner he liked to have sex with occasionally. There was an entire week that Elizabeth was mad at him and not one time did he ask her why. He just kept living his life, occasionally thinking about the fact that she wouldn’t have sex with him and that sucked. On the other hand, Elizabeth was passive aggressive for most of the book.
Overall, this story could have been much stronger. I think both characters lacked any kind of fire and the focus on the war, as opposed to the relationship with the war as a foil, was distracting. It wasn’t the worst book I’ve read all year but I wouldn’t recommend it.
**I received an ARC of this book in order to provide an honest review**
Publisher’s Description
Within the Worthingtons’ extended family circle, laughter and romance rule, and a young lady never settles for less than true love . . .
With her three good friends all recently married, Elizabeth Turley is ready for some husband-hunting of her own. One gentleman in particular sparks her interest. Geoffrey, Earl of Harrington is tall, handsome, and dashing. He’s also just a bit too sure of himself. But Elizabeth has observed enough about the rules of attraction to pique the earl’s attention. Yet once she has it, the discovery of a troubling secret taints her future happiness . . .
Lord Harrington must marry or lose a prestigious position in Brussels, and pretty, well-connected Elizabeth fits his needs admirably. But could it be that he has underestimated his bride? She doesn’t bat an eye in the face of the danger they encounter overseas. She’s strong-willed, intelligent, and more enticing each day—yet also more indifferent to him. Now Geoffrey faces his greatest challenge: to woo and win his own wife, or risk losing her for good . . .
My Thoughts:
This newest book in the Worthingtons is about extended family and in that it disappointed me. This isn’t my favorite book in this series as I missed the humor that was part of each of the other books in this series. I was so looking forward to this one being about another Worthington miss but there is only the briefest mention of Charlotte in that she choose another groom due to the scandal in The Marquis and I.
Geoffrey, Earl of Harrington is tall, handsome, and dashing and is certain that Charlotte will marry him. Boy is he in for a surprise! Not only is she not marrying him, she has accepted a betrothal to another. Now because he is expected in Brussels with his new wife for a prestigious position he must seek another to become his wife immediately.
Elizabeth Turley is ready for some husband-hunting. After her three best friends have recently married she doesn’t want to be left out and Geoffrey seems to be just the ticket. Unfortunately the gentleman, although willing to marry her doesn’t believe in love and Elizabeth most certainly wants to marry for love!
How will this convoluted tale end.
This story carries us through Brussels and more of the continent during the war with Napoleon. and has some very scary moments.
I gave this book 4.25 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 2.5 of 5.0 flames. This is more a story of a developing love after marriage than an intimate tale.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this title from the publisher to read and review. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
An entertaining book, full of ups and downs in a hurried courtship and marriage.Set during the run up to Waterloo and the action afterward. Since the building relationship was the main topic, anyone who wants to know about the battle should read another book. The important item was the love found between the characters. Looking forward to reading more in this series.
This one will keep you on the edge of your seat. I was hooked from the start with what happened with him. I loved his family and how they kept trying to help with things between them. They are not the usual couple leading up to their engagement and I liked how they got to know each other. I loved the added historical events and when they really got along.
Elizabeth knows what she wants in a marriage and it’s love. I loved her confidence because she didn’t run from anything. She was great under pressure and did not get embarrassed easily.
Geoffrey was on the hunt for the perfect wife and it didn’t matter if love was a part of it. I really loved that he just didn’t understand how to act with women. It made him so cute and loveable.