When the Earl Met His Match

I loved the whole story. The best catch ever.

A witty, sometimes snarky correspondence begins with an advertisement in the newspaper for a wife for A Gentleman of Distinction and Wealth. Lady Phoebe, A Curious Lady, answers the ad with the intention of scolding his audacity. They exchange several letters, the last an appeal from Phoebe for Hugh to marry her. Phoebe has been betrayed by her parents and the man she thought loved her. Pregnant and desperate, she finds her way to Hugh. He wants a marriage of convenience, but will he be able to accept her child? This is a wonderful story. The characters are amazing. Hugh comes from a quite unusual family. He is intelligent and strong and handles the estates for his father who is in poor health. He is also mute. Phoebe is impulsive, but is good hearted and kind. She takes Hugh’s inability to speak in stride, and quickly learns his (sign) language. There is most definitely some sizzling chemistry between them. I love Sarah, Caroline, and the Old Earl (Hugh’s father), each watchful and caring. Then there’s Wolf, Hugh’s and, for a while, Phoebe’s dog. Large and loveable, he is a special part of the story. This is a love story, but there is other excitement as well, including a kidnapping, revenge for the kidnapping, a rescue, and a waltz. This is a great read. I had trouble putting it down, and it definitely goes on my reread list. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it. While this is the 4th book of this series, it can be read as a stand-alone. I will be reading the 3rd book as it is Lady Phoebe Maitland's brother, Richard. From what I have read of him and his story, I am definitely intrigued. This story is a wonderful one that is told in a dual POV format. That is a favorite of mine. Getting that glimpse into the characters' thoughts really makes them more human than character. Lady Phoebe Maitland is in love with her boy-hood friend, George. Unfortunately Phoebe is the daughter of a duke. George is NOT of high social ranking status. Phoebe is crushed and dismayed when he takes the 20,000 pounds that her parents offer to get rid of him. Unbeknownst to anyone at the time, Phoebe is pregnant. Phoebe has been corresponding with a man who seeks a Lady of the realm for a wife. The man does not seek a marriage for love and Phoebe decides to go to him once her pregnancy is discovered. Hugh Winthrop, the future Earl of Albury, is in need for a wife. His father is dying and wants Hugh married. Hugh is mute (which leads a fair amount of frustration in communication between the two at the beginning.) Hugh also has a secret. This story is so well written, I was enchanted with these two characters. I really hated to put it down. The scenes flowed and the characters were wonderful. Now to go back and read the third book of this series.

She's impulsive, he's controlled. I really enjoyed this book. Why? At first it took a bit to get me into the book, but then, once we are introduced to Hugh, I was all in. Hugh is mute (loved him and loved that he had am impairment). He's 25 and i really liked that he only had two other lady friends. Phoebe, the young teenage daughter of a duke is impulsive, head strong and more than a bit willful. She and Hugh correspond through anonymous letters for months. What i liked is that most of their courtship takes place when she is heavily pregnant with another man's child. Hugh is a complex mix of incredibly accepting and yet also incredibly standoffish. Recommend. Well done, Stacy Reid.