Also in this series: Falling Into Bed with a Duke
Series: The Hellions of Havisham #2
Published by Avon on April 26th 2016
Genres: Historical Romance, Regency Era
Pages: 384
Format: Paperback
Source: Library
ISBN: 0062391046
One summer night, Edward Alcott gives in to temptation and kisses Lady Julia Kenney in a dark garden. However, the passion she stirs within him is best left in the shadows as she weds his twin, the Earl of Greyling. But when tragedy strikes, to honor the vow he makes to his dying brother, Edward must pretend to be Greyling until the countess delivers her babe.
After her husband returns from a two-month sojourn, Julia finds him changed. Bolder, more daring, and more wicked—even if he does limit their encounters to kisses. With each passing day, she falls more deeply in love.
For Edward the embers of desire sparked on that long-ago night are quickly rekindled. He yearns to be her husband in truth. But if she discovers his ruse, she will despise him—and English law prevents him from marrying his brother’s widow. Yet he must dare to risk everything and reveal his secrets if he is to truly take all.
Summary
Many years ago, Edward and Julia shared a passionate kiss in a garden once upon a time, but despite the passion they felt…it went no where when Julia married his brother and twin, the Earl of Greyling. For years, both Edward and Julia have been avoiding the truth and acting like they hate each other when in reality that is far from the truth. But when Edward and his brother go on a trip, his brother dies trying to save his life and asks one final request: Be the Earl of Greyling, until Julia gives birth. At first, Edward is resistant to the idea of keeping such a secret from Julia, but he won’t risk her losing her child. But as Edward tries to act the part of a loving and dutiful husband, he can’t deny what changes between them. But will Julia despise Edward when the truth is revealed?
The Hero
Edward, has always had to act the wild and crazy of the brothers to hide his true feelings from Julia. He would never betray his brother by attempting anything, and even though Edward hid it well over the years, his brother saw right through him and always attempted to make him feel welcome no matter the circumstance. Edward is the type of person that does what it takes and is willing to suffer the consequences. He is loyal, strong and committed. It was quite interesting to see such a “bad boy” type end up being so honorable in the end. It definitely wasn’t an aspect I was expecting but thoroughly enjoyed.
The Heroine
Julia is a character that I truly enjoyed seeing through the story. I did admire so many things about her. She is kind and gracious and affectionate. I love how true she was to herself and her commitments in life. She hasn’t had a easy time of it, but she is quite loyal to her husband. And yeah when the truth is revealed, we see a different side to Julia. Fiery and passionate and very angry. Which is quite understandable, but we see how she handles grief, and wow I felt like I could relate with her on many levels. Because she isn’t miss perfect, as she appears to be in the beginning of the story. We see her vulnerabilities and her strengths. The author really balanced that out.
Plot and Story Line
I have no idea why it took me so long to read this, mostly due to the set up of the story with our hero posing as our heroines dead husband. It really threw me off from picking it up even though Heath is one of my favorites, I honestly didn’t know what to expect from this. So thank goodness for library books—hooyah. I had a blast of a time with this book and was so different from anything else I have read from this author. Not exactly in a positive or negative way–just very different. I definitely had to keep an open mind while reading this book. We see the way these two handle the situation they find themselves in. I honestly don’t blame the hero in the beginning…at all. Because we see how tormented he is by agreeing with his brothers dying wish. I can understand the reasons behind it. What I didn’t agree with, was seeing how he kept lying to her…long after she has her baby. It was quite interesting to see the way that these two handled their differences and even though for a little while…its pretty tense while they work through their issues but once they resolve it—their relationship just grows in such a beautiful way and I was cheering for both of them. It was heartbreaking at times, lighthearted and freeing in others and simply a well balanced romance that has me eager for more.
The Cover
What a beautiful cover…I just ADORE her dress. You rarely see black in romance covers, and it fits the theme of the story so well. And FYI I just had to share the stepback. So gorgeous and what a tender sexy pose. It has such a solemn but vibrant feel to it.
Overall View
The Earl Takes All is a creative romance that will take you down a different route…a tale of sacrifice, devotion and love.
I love this book so much. Like you, I was a bit wary to take this book on but I was so glad that I did because I really enjoyed it. I’m pretty anxious for Locke’s book. I can’t wait to read it.
Lovely review, as always. 🙂
oh yes Rowena!!! I felt the same way, but I really shouldn’t doubt Lorraine Heath—she always does great.
That cover is stunning. Such different colors than the typical HR novel.
Karen @For What It’s Worth
It is pretty gorgeous right? So unique for HR.
Nice review! I’ve read book one and really enjoyed it but, like you, was a bit worried about this one. I have yet to pick it up but I’m definitely going to go back and check it out. I loved the sound of the hero in this one. Who doesn’t love a bad boy with a good heart? 😉
I think you will really like this one Michele, especially if you have enjoyed Heath in the past. I do love those good/bad boys. they get to me every single dang time hehe
I like Lorraine Heath a lot, but I haven’t picked up this series yet. I have to admit the concept here really scares, but if it worked for you and if they worked through the relationship, then I’m willing to give it a try. I definitely need to go into this one with an open mind though.
Wonderful review!
oh thanks Nick!! She is pretty fabulous right? I should never doubt her though. She wins me over every time. You will love it. 🙂
That is sure a sexy black dress
Oh goodness. Yeah I can’t imagine that reveal going well for him. lol It sounds good, though. I need to try her out!