Tuesday, May 12, 2020

Review - - The Earl Takes a Fancy


The Earl Takes a Fancy
by Lorraine Heath
Sins for All Seasons -  Book 5
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: March 31, 2020
Reviewed by PJ
 


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...

PJ's Thoughts:
Lorraine Heath has written a lot of 5-star books but, for me, the books in her current Sins for All Seasons series are my favorites. I've fallen hard for the Trewlove bastard siblings and their emotional journeys to love. 
Fancy is the youngest of the Trewloves and the only child born to the mother who raised them all as her own. She's been nurtured and protected by her entire family since birth. Now that she's of an age to be introduced into society, their expectations are high and she does not want to disappoint them, even though her goals are not the same as theirs. I adored her. She's sweet, kind, giving, and would love nothing more than to continue running her bookshop, teaching adult reading to those less fortunate, and deepening her friendship with Matthew Sommersby. 
I'm not usually a fan of deception but I completely understood Matthew's deep mistrust of women as well as his need to escape from his titled life. I thoroughly enjoyed his "courtship" of Fancy. They develop a lovely friendship which gradually deepens into an enduring love. He shows in a variety of ways - from his anonymous gifts to his actions following a harrowing encounter - just how completely he understands, admires, and appreciates her and she opens his eyes to how much more fulfilling his life can be. Of course, he eventually mucks it up but his atonement wins her heart along with mine. As much as I enjoyed Matthew's evolution though, what I really loved was Fancy's. It was such a joy to watch her come into her own, taking ownership of her sexuality, and control of her life. She becomes a force to be reckoned with and I cheered her on the entire way. 
If you enjoy beautifully written and richly emotional journeys,  romance with a fairy-tale feel, and a heroine and hero with whom you'll fall in love, give this one a try. I highly recommend it. 

18 comments:

  1. Yep, this is a book for me - thanks.

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  2. I look forward to reading this!

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  3. LOVE her books! I always enjoy your 5* reviews too!

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  4. I just finished reading this one (an auto-buy author for me!)--and I loved every page!! So good!

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    1. Wasn't it wonderful? I can't wait for Beast's story!

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  5. Thanks for the review - sounds like a good one.

    I hope everyone is safe and taking care.

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  6. I've read every book in this series and have been looking forward to Fancy's story.

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  7. Sounds like another good one!! Thanks PJ for the review.

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  8. I love Lorraine Heath's books. I have several on my Keeper Shelf. I have not started this series yet, but will start getting it. I like to have the entire series, so I can binge read my way through it. thank you for the review.

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    1. Now's a great time to start the series. The last book releases the end of September.

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