Kathleen Ayers

The Theory of Earls by Kathleen Ayers
The Beautiful Barringtons #1

Delightful with a tinge of darkness – a romance to be savored

What I liked:
* Margaret “Maggie”: synesthete who sees music in colors, daughter of a tin miner and uppercust mother, oppressed by her guardian aunt, pretending to be less than she is, aspires to have a comfortable life, wants control in a time that women didn’t have much say, sensual, intelligent, aware, a woman I wouldn’t mind having as a friend
* Welles show more “Tony”: one day to be Duke of Averell, hates his father, loved his mother, musically inclined, part owner of a gambling establishment, has many siblings by women other than his mother, a rake and a rogue, difficult to like (at times) and yet lovable, too.
* Leo: Tony’s best friend and half-brother, tells it like it is, likable, astute, someone I want to know more about
* Amanda: Tony’s stepmother, duchess, mother of four daughters, kind, generous, interesting
* The Barrington sisters: Andromeda, Phaedra, Theodosia – each with a talent of her own – looking forward to reading their books in the future
* Olivia: related to the Barringtons and a ward of sorts…might show up in a book of her own
* Margaret’s backbone and the way she stood up for herself…eventually
* Welle’s love for his siblings…and the way he grew through the story – would love to see him ten years in the future
* The chemistry between Tony and Maggie – they really did see one another, communicated (eventually), and have potential for the love match they both deserve
* The music tie-in
* Knowing that there are more books to look forward to in this series.

What I didn’t like:
* Marcus – the Duke of Averell…his behavior when younger hurt more than one person though he did come around later it was too late for some that he hurt deeply
* Aunt Agatha and Lord Winthrop
* The power the ton had and thinking about how men were in control of so much back then

Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely

Thank you to the author and IndiePenPR for the ARC – this is my honest review.

4-5 Stars

BLURB

“Chemise. Stockings. Piano.”

Three words, uttered by the beautifully rakish Lord Welles, leave Margaret Lainscott speechless. His improper request, that she play the piano for him in her…underthings is as shocking as it is titillating. Margaret should never have asked his help in reintroducing her to Lord Carstairs. But his friend meets all of Margaret’s criteria for a husband; passably attractive, of below-average intelligence, and possessed of an obsessive outdoor hobby which will leave her free to pursue her own life.

Welles is one of London’s most committed bachelors, known for his notorious dealings with women and his part ownership of one of London’s pleasure clubs. He’s long admired Miss Lainscott’s unrestrained passion at the piano; a passion he suspects is not reserved only for her music. Welles is certain Miss Lainscott will not entertain his improper request despite the attraction burning between them.

A young lady such as Miss Lainscott would never ruin herself willingly.

And Welles? Nothing would make him compromise his heart…

Until a duet with a passionate pianist changes his mind.

The Theory of Earls is a steamy, sexy regency romance with a guaranteed happily ever after and the first in a new series, The Beautiful Barringtons.

4-5 Stars show less

Basically a knock off of The Duke and I, and not a very good one at that. Their relationship has no depth beyond physical attraction. He acts like a jerk to her and then she just falls at his feet. I hate male leads like that. Stop promoting toxic masculinity and abusive relationships.

Also, the overuse of italics is annoying, as is the repetitive remark about her being not remembering names. Yeah. We get it. The language is also off. It’s written like modern fanfic rather than regency era show more language. I don’t think the author did her research. show less

Thank you NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for the chance to read and review Enticing the Earl by Kathleen Ayers!

I can't believe this is the first Kathleen Ayers book I've read! At 166 pages, this was a short book but perfect! The plot was interesting, the story was fast paced, and I would 100% pick up more books by the author! And I love Carrot. He's as chaotic as a cat should be!

The Marquess Method by Kathleen Ayers
The Beautiful Barringtons #3

Intriguing, immersive, interesting introduction to an author I have not read before but would gladly read again. This book was all that I hoped it would be…and then that little bit more.

What I liked:
* Lady Theodosia “Theo” Barrington: a young woman that seemed foolish and besotted in the beginning but someone I grew to adore as the story progressed.
* Ambrose Collingwood, Marquess oof Haven: A man that was much more show more than he first appeared to be with fiery temper, a deep capacity to love, and more romantic than he would first have seemed to be. I really liked him.
* The way the compromising of Theo occurred – it felt believable and drew me in keeping me reading to find out how it would all play out.
* Jacinda Collingwood: sister to Ambrose and someone that deserved so much better than the lot life handed to her – hoping that she will come out okay in the future and have a story of her own.
* How Theo came into her own and grew from the first to the last page of the book.
* That Greenbriar, Haven’s estate, was given a new life through the infusion of funds that came to Haven.
* The relationship between Ambrose and Theo – though often dramatic and emotional it was exactly what I would expect of the two.
* The deep love that grew between the main couple
* That the supporting characters were fleshed out allowing me to “see” them.
* That I was able to understand the story without having to have read the previous books – although – I am curious what happened in those books.
* The unveiling of an unexpected culprit and the way that person was to be dealt with.

What I didn’t like:
* The culprit – so easy to dislike and be happy to see the end of!
* That there was so much that Theo and Ambrose had to work through BUT it also made the story that much better.
* Wondering what would happen next and who will star in the story.

Did I enjoy this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes

Thank you to IndiePenPR and the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars show less