Blame it on the Earl

ElizabethBook Reviews, Historical Fiction, The Nineteenth Century Leave a Comment

Title: Blame It on the Earl: A Scandalous Regency Romp

Author: Jane Ashford

Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca

Copyright: August 23, 2022

ISBN: 978-1728217314

ASIN:  B09L3CGQD1

Format: E-Book, 360 Pages

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, Regency Romance

Summary

Jane Ashford brings you on a romp through the English countryside in her newest Regency romance perfect for readers of Mary Balogh, Ella Quinn, and fans of Bridgerton.

Sarah Moran’s attempt to save the future earl Kenver Pendrennon as he slips off the Cornwall cliffs plunges them both into scandal. Now, marriage may be the only option to save their reputations. But what started as a terrible mistake may be exactly what they need most…

Review

While visiting the mythical Tintagel Castle in Cornwall, Sarah Moran happens upon a stranger by the name of Kenver Pendrennon, heir to an earldom, who is hurt and in danger. When she saves him, they end up spending a night together in a cave because of high tide. With the slightest whiff of scandal hanging over their heads, he does the honorable thing and proposes marriage. Kenver’s parents reject the match, doing all manner of things to make their daughter-in-law’s life a nightmare. This is a household where Kenver’s mother rules the roost. Will Sarah and Kenver’s love withstand the difficulties and trials?

Sarah is a kind and knowledgeable young woman fascinated by the Arthurian legends, and her beloved Kenver shares that same interest. While the characters are exceedingly well written, Kenver’s parents are loathsome and unbearable, and after a while, I found Kenver himself to be frustratingly weak-willed. It is difficult to like a character who doesn’t stand up to his parents’ cruelty or at least stand up for his wife. There are moments where the romance is beautiful and heart-wrenching, but I could not fully overcome my dislike of Kenver. On the other hand, I adored Sarah. An enjoyable but frustrating read.

Originally featured on the History Novel Society website.

Rating

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