Review: The Earl's Unlikely Bride

 

One summer to make her his…

 

After four failed seasons, Emily Hawkins is tired of following the rules. Aside from crossing swords with her lifelong enemy, Freddie Dashworth, she is an exemplary member of Society. But after all this time, she’s yet to find a husband and life with her over-bearing mother is becoming intolerable. 

Freddie returns to his childhood home to help look after his orphaned niece. His neighbour, Emily, has been his nemesis for years. The infuriating miss is the only woman immune to his charms and there’s nothing he enjoys more than her disapproving glares. It’s a shame he can’t stop thinking about her, because she clearly despises him.

One minor indiscretion later and everything in Emily’s ordered world changes. The one person on her side appears to be Freddie but can she trust her former antagonist? And what will happen to her when she does?

Review

Tropes are the way of life for romance novels and this one takes its tropes very seriously. It's an enemies-to-lovers with a White Knight thrown in for good measure. But while plot may be predictable, the author does an excellent job at creating unique and well-developed characters and relationships. 

One of my favorite elements was her nuanced look at what makes and breaks families. Emily struggles as her mother continuously breaks any attempt at bonding. Freddie pushes past old defenses to form lasting connections with his brother's family. The poignant growth in trust and confidence experienced by all characters made this a romance worth reading. (Also - shout out to an over-30 protagonist, love my ladies with full brain development)

This romance novel is appropriate for all readers. 

Purchase Links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Earls-Unlikely-Bride-Dashworth-Brothers-ebook/dp/B0FBY7FL68

Author Bio – 

Ella Matthews lives and works in beautiful South Wales. She writes historical romances for both Mills & Boon and as an Indie. When not thinking about handsome heroes she can be found walking along the coast with her husband and their two children (probably still thinking about heroes but at least pretending to be interested in everyone else).

Social Media Links – 

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