The Formidable Earl

At first Simon (the Earl) is a coward for at one time being a soldier. He had his priorities all messed up and I didn’t like his character. But by the end he was a hero for Ida. I love this series.

I’ve enjoyed so many books by Sophie Barnes in the past. This one had a great story premise and I wish I had liked the hero more. I realize for the sake of the story the characters are who they are or who they are portrayed to be. And not caring for Simon is probably on me and not the author. Sophie is a very talented author and I’ve always enjoyed her stories immensely. Simon for me was almost unredeemable. While he felt that he had a opportunity to do a good deed and make amends for the mistakes of his past by helping Ida clear her father’s name he treated her as if she was unworthy of him but he did come through for her. Her father who was hanged as a traitor because of lies saved his life during the war. It was Ida’s mission to finally get justice for her father and vindicate his name. Ida was wonderful, strong and stood by her convictions which I liked. The mystery and suspense was very good and the storyline was engaging and held my attention. There was a good ending although I expected much more in the way of groveling out of Simon because his behavior had been so lackluster. But he did come around, realizing Ida was more than enough for him. The chemistry was well written and together they find their hard won happily ever after and vindicate her father. Thank you Sophie for such an exciting and engaging story.

Simon Nugent, Earl of Fielding, set out to end the stuffy and boring existence his life had become. Being jilted can do that. He takes himself to Amourette’s (an exclusive brothel), and gets a huge surprise. Instead of a night’s pleasurable interlude, he meets Ida Strong, the daughter of a friend from his time in the war. From the moment she publicly vowed she would find the men who framed her father for treason, she has been in danger and hiding in the brothel owned by her Aunt Phillipa. She runs, and he chases and catches her. Now they are off to find the truth about what happened to her father. Their search and time together might reveal some other truths as well. This is an exciting story with secrets, action, danger, treason, mystery, and romance. The mystery is a page-turner in itself. The attraction between Simon and Ida is undeniable and the chemistry is sizzling. The romance is a little complicated by Simon’s rather arrogant views of Society’s expectations. He feels like he has failed the people he cared about in the past. After some soul-searching, with and without the help of others, Simon begins to see life in a different light. Ida is smart and stubborn. She is independent and determined to clear her father’s name. Carlton Guthrie, Blayne MacNeil, and the Duke of Huntley help with the mystery. I enjoyed and recommend this Diamond in the Rough. Now on to Blayne. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.