Early Book Review: Attracted to the Earl (Imperfect Lords) by Bronwen Evans

Attracted to the Earl  is the third book in the Imperfect Lords series by Bronwen Evans. While it is part of a series with reoccurring characters it can be read as a stand alone. It is currently scheduled for release on May 28 2019.
The Earl of Argyle has died suddenly, leaving his brother Guy Neville at a complete loss. The dull-witted second son, as his father used to call him, Guy is now responsible for the estate and his brother’s seat in the House of Lords. Shamed by an inability to read or write, his distress is multiplied by a cousin willing to do anything to take his estate and an inquiry from a dyed-in-the-wool bluestocking who wishes to use the Argyle library and study a rare plant on the estate. Guy’s first instinct is to decline her request—until he catches a glimpse of Miss Abigail Pinehurst. Abigail cares for only one thing: plants. She is unconcerned about how she looks, what she wears, or the impression she makes on men. An orphan who turned to books for solace in a miserly, cruel institution, she now makes her living illustrating the greenery she adores. Lord Argyle, in fact, with his uncanny memory and chiseled features, is the first man to capture her attention—a ridiculous distraction since he is so far above her station and she has so many secrets to hide. But her unreasonable heart has a mind of its own.

Attracted to the Earl  is a book that caught my eye mainly because of Guy's predicament. Unable to read, but not stupid, he ha to navigate a world that has very little empathy or room for weakness. I love that good people and family are the cornerstone of Guy's success, both on and off the battlefield. He is a good man that doubts himself but still works hard to provide for and protect others. Abigail has worked hard, and fought hard to get where she is. Like Guy, she will do just about anything to protect those she cares for, and I was impressed with her ability to widen that circle as the story continues. When you have seen the evil people can possess trusting new people can be hard, and Abigail's judge of character and effort to be better really stands out. Watching two love stories unfold amid so many secrets, and danger, was engaging and I enjoyed the read. There were moments that everything felt too easy, too simple, but then again Guy and Abigail had several real discussions so there were less misunderstandings and communications than in most romance.

Attracted to the Earl  is a good historical romance. The characters were solid and the danger will played. Fans of the author will want to pick it up, and I think many others will enjoy it for a weekend read as well.

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