Saturday, June 26, 2021

Review & Giveaway - - West End Earl

West End Earl
by Bethany Bennett
Misfits of Mayfair - Book 2
Publisher: Forever
Release Date: June 29, 2021
Reviewed by PJ


While most young ladies attend balls and hunt for husbands, Ophelia Hardwick has spent the last ten years in disguise. As the land steward for the Earl of Carlyle, she’s found safety from the uncle determined to kill her and freedoms a lady could only dream of. Ophelia’s situation would be perfect—if only she wasn’t hopelessly attracted to her employer.


Calvin, Earl of Carlyle, is determined to see his sister married this season. And he’ll do it with the help of his trusted right-hand man. But when he finds out Ophelia's secret, and that her life is in danger, his priorities change. Their attraction is passionate, all-consuming, and if they aren’t careful, it could turn downright deadly—for both of them.

PJ's Thoughts:

I was dazzled by Bethany Bennett's debut, Any Rogue Will Do (click to read my review) and eager to learn more about Ethan's friend, Cal in Bennett's second book, West End Earl. Once again, Bennett pulled me into a story from the start and held me spellbound until the end. She's making a habit of that dazzle.

Bennett excels at creating fully-dimensional characters who come to life on the page. I adored Cal and was right there with him as he worked through a plethora of emotions regarding his family, his unexpected relationship with Ophelia (Phee), and the future he yearned for as opposed to the one he felt resigned to. He has a significant growth arc that tests his beliefs as well as his close relationships before he ultimately takes control of his life and learns to fight for his happiness. I loved that Ethan and Lottie (Any Rogue Will Do) were there to help him along the way. Lottie, especially, really shines in this book. 

Cal's younger sister, who also has a significant role in the book, has quite the growth arc as well. I didn't like her at all during the first half of the book but the evolution of her character was very satisfying and left me eager for her story in the third book of the series. 

And then there's Phee, who is without doubt the undisputed star of this book. I'm usually pretty good at ferreting out characters' secrets but not this time. There's a major twist with her character that I did not suspect at any point while reading Any Rogue Will Do. I love when an author is able to surprise me and Bennett certainly did. Phee is one of my favorite characters I've "met" this year. I love her strength, determination, cleverness, and confidence, but also her vulnerability. Bennett took her story in directions I did not expect but, in retrospect, I understood that the decisions she made were the only ones that could have ultimately brought about happy endings for multiple characters. Doesn't mean they didn't make me sweat, wondering how it would all work out. ;-)

If you're a fan of historical romance, give this new author with her fresh, sparkling, page-turning stories a try. I highly recommend both West End Earl and Any Rogue Will Do. Both books can be read as a standalone but I think reading them in order will deepen your understanding of the characters and pleasure in their journeys. 

If you haven't read Any Rogue Will Do yet, it is currently $1.99 on Kindle for a limited time. 

Do you enjoy characters in disguise?

Have you read Bethany Bennett yet?

What's the last book that took characters in a direction that surprised you?

One randomly chosen person who comments before 11:00 PM, June 27 will receive a print copy of West End Earl.

*U.S. only
*Must be 18
*Void where prohibited



23 comments:

  1. Yes I do but I've not read her as yet. I think I'm always surprised about different things in every story.

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  2. I haven't rad this author's books but intend to now. I enjoy characters in disguise since they are unpredictable and intriguing.

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    1. If done well, it can take the story to another level.

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  3. This sounds so fun! I really enjoy characters in disguise, but in often romance, I need the love interest to be in on the disguise/secret before the romance hits the halfway point, otherwise the secret keeping tends to seem like too big of a hurdle to clear in time for a believable HEA. Grabbing the first book now while it’s on sale and adding it to the top of my TBR pile :)

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    1. Not to worry. The disguise/secret is revealed before the romance begins.

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  4. I find that characters in disguise are great fun to read. Thanks for mentioning the sale of the first book to this series, I hadn't read it yet but based on your review, hopped over and purchased it. The last books that took characters in a different direction that surprised me was Sally Thorne's Second First Impressions, and Sarah Morgenthaler's Tourist Attraction.

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    1. Hope you enjoy the first book and give the second a try.

      I love Sarah Morgenthaler's books!

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  5. Lovely review. I enjoy characters in disguise and I haven't read this author's works before. Thank you for the giveaway opportunity.

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  6. This is a new to me author! Her books sound awesome. Thanks for the great review and the chance to win.

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  7. This is a new author to me. Characters in disguise make fun reads.

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  8. This is definitely a book I will enjoy. I like character in disguise, especially when they can pull it off for an extended period of time. When it is a total change in who you are, not just a name, it is all the more difficult. I sit there waiting for the disguise to falter and things fall apart, putting the character in danger.
    I have not read Bethany Bennett, but will certainly be giving her books a try.
    I can't think of any book recently that took a turn I didn't expect. I can usually figure out how things will progress. I look forward to reading one that keeps me guessing. I will be heading to Amazon to order this book.

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    1. What I meant was I am putting both books on my wish list. I read the blurb, and Any Rogue Will Do sounds like another good read.

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  9. Sadly, Bethany Bennett is one of those authors whose books I want to read but haven't yet done so. I do love characters in disguise! I honestly can't think of the last book where the characters surprised me

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  10. I do like characters in disguise. No, I haven't read any of Bethany's books yet, but I'm looking forward to it.

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  11. This is the first I've heard of this author - sounds like an exciting read - I do enjoy a bit of suspense.

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  12. This is a new to me author, I just got her first book you recommended. Whether I like a character in disguise has depended....not all of them are wonderful.

    Thanks for the terrific review and introduction. Hope everyone is well and happy and safe.

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  13. Oh wow, this sounds marvelous, and I'm adding Ms. Bennett's name to the top of my authors to try. Phee sounds delightful.

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    1. Thanks for the heads up on the Any Rogue Will Do sale. Just purchased!

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  14. Thank you for always giving such great reviews. She's a new Author to me and this book sounds really entertaining. I do like characters in disguise, and I'm glad that its revealed before they begin their romance.

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  15. Oh, PJ, these both sound so good! I put Any Rogue Will Do on my wish list when you reviewed it earlier, and now I really want to read them both. Fingers crossed I win the time lottery!

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  16. I loved Ms. Bennett's first book and this one too!! Wonderful review PJ.

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  17. Bethany is a new-to-me author and I just recently had the opportunity to receive a free book from her titled The Wallflower Code. It was a novella length story and very good. I enjoyed the story and the writing. I believe this lady is a new addition to my authors to buy list.

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