A free Novella (Marlow Intrigues) - Capturing the Earl’s Love

The lack of authenticity flavors this tale from the beginning. If you are a Georgette Heyer fan, you won't enjoy this. It feels as if certain historical facts have been carefully placed, but the characters aren't right. It's almost as if they're not real to the author, therefore they're two dimensional.

The lack of authenticity flavors this tale from the beginning. If you are a Georgette Heyer fan, you won't enjoy this. It feels as if certain historical facts have been carefully placed, but the characters aren't right. It's almost as if they're not real to the author, therefore they're two dimensional.

Rupert Stanford, the Earl of Morton, is doing his best to make sure he'll find a good match for his sister Rowena. He doesn't want her to be unhappy. His parents didn't have a good relationship and he wants something better for his sister. Unfortunately Rowena has made a friend with a girl whose social status he doesn't approve of. He's sure Meredith Divine befriended his sister to make herself look better. Rupert's theory is that by outshining Rowena her own beauty will be noticed. He loathes the girl and doesn't even want to look at her, which is quite unfortunate as Meredith likes him a lot...

Rupert is Edward's cousin and best friend. Edward is one of the main characters of The Illicit Love of a Courtesan. It's advisable to read that book first before starting this novella, but it can also be read as a standalone. I enjoyed reading this story very much, it's a wonderful light read. Even though Meredith is seen as unworthy by a lot of people of society Rowena likes her and has chosen to be friends with her. Rupert is very protective of his sister and he hates Meredith without knowing her and he makes assumptions that aren't true at all. The question is of course why he does that and what happens when he starts to actually look at her. Rupert is stiff, confident and he lives by the rules while Meredith is impulsive and cheerful. She's also a bit nervous from time to time, which I could totally imagine. I think Jane Lark has written a fantastic highly entertaining, romantic novella.

The blurb is sufficient in setting up the story, so I’m not going to go into it much.

The main hero of this story is Rupert, Earl of Morton and a cousin to Edward from the first book in the series, Illicit Love of a Courtesan, and one I recommend highly you read, even though it’s not really necessary for you to do so as this little gem stands on its own merit.

Rupert was a witness to Edward and Ellen’s affair and someone who doubted their love match, even after they married, but slowly he’s been coming around as he watches them display devotion to one another. He finally realizes that this sort of affection and love he dearly wishes upon his own sister Rowena, a young woman who he is responsible for and plans to arrange a suitable marriage for as the head of his family.

Rowena is someone who abides by the rules and etiquette, yet I did get the feeling of strength and some stubbornness in her. She did befriend our heroine, Meredith Divine, a beautiful young woman who comes from the ‘new money’ and a father that’s in trade, and that tells me that she’s not a snob.

I liked her story as well.

As a heroine, Meredith was a bit more complex. We first see her through Rupert’s and and then Rowena’s eyes. We, as Rupert, begin to question her motives of friendship to his sister. We are aware that she is hiding something and as the story unfolds, we see this young woman’s secret desires and dreams slowly begin to crumble and she is given only one chance to take her life into her own two hands and trust her feelings and jump at a chance at happiness.

The reason why I called this story a ‘little gem’ is because it really is. You have to give this author props for ‘cramming’ a lot of book into a handful of pages.

And if you don’t trust my opinion on it, here’s your chance to get it right now as it’s FREE!

ENJOY!

Melanie for b2b

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher

FOUR STARS
⭐⭐⭐⭐

Capturing the Earl's Love by Jane Lark is a quick, sweet, historical romance.

Meredith and Rupert's romance may start off on a sour note but it doesn't long for Rupert to fall for his sweet bride. Even the small side story of Rupert's younger sister was a sweet addition.

She's the you daughter of a successful financier and he's a Lord. Meredith has developed a friendship with Lady Rowena, Lord Morton's young sister. Their parents benign neglect of them during their child hood has mad them close, while Meredith has been raised by her not so caring father. What will Meredith do when she learns that her father has signed a marriage contract without her knowledge? Though not long, this is a pleasant story.

The Story Line Was Beautifully Made, Distaste, Underhandled, Vet True Love Prevailed Beyond Measure, Love Is A Strange And Complicated Word, But It Lives Within Us All, Kudos Jane Lark.
Regards, Arlene