Series: Wedded by Scandal, Book 4
Publisher: Entangled: Scandalous
Genre: Historical Romance
Release Date: September 14, 2020
Source: Publisher
Buy it here: Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Entangled
Stacy Reid Reading Order
When Hugh Winthrop, the future Earl of Albury, decides to advertise for a wife in the London paper, he never expected an anonymous response from a woman who matches him wit for wit. Their back-and-forth letters on the true nature of love, something they disagree on wholeheartedly, leave him shocked—and intrigued. But then the woman he’s been corresponding with shows up on his doorstep, enticingly beautiful and offering a marriage of convenience in exchange for his protection…
Lady Phoebe Maitland expected to marry for love and nothing else, until the man she gave her trust betrayed her. The more intrigued she becomes by the mysterious and devastatingly handsome Hugh, however, the more she realizes he’s holding back from opening his heart due to long-held secrets she struggles to understand. As passion flares wickedly between them, their marriage bed is quick to heat up. But when Phoebe’s past threatens to destroy the fragile bond they’ve formed, even a budding belief in love might not be enough to save them.
Ever since I finished the last Wedded by Scandal book, How to Marry a Marquess, I’ve been eagerly anticipating Phoebe Maitland’s story. Stacy Reid did not disappoint. I was swept away by When the Earl Met His Match from the very first page, losing track of time until I looked up upon finishing the book. Ms. Reid’s writing is just that addictive.
Phoebe may come from wealth and power, but that doesn’t equal freedom. She’s had to bank the inner fire in her to be the dutiful daughter. But when she risked everything for love, it blew up in her face as the man she wanted to marry betrayed her. Though her heart has been bruised and her faith in love shaken, Phoebe makes one last desperate gamble in order to escape the horrible fate her mother has planned for her: she proposes marriage to a man she has only known through letters. I loved Phoebe’s spirit and determination, how she picked herself up from heartbreak and was determined to make a new life. She has a big heart and a sunny nature that even the storms she weathers can’t tamp down. Quite simply, I adored her.
And Hugh… *sigh* The future Earl of Albury might just be my favorite of Ms. Reid’s heroes to date. Hugh has been badly hurt in the past and he’s had it drilled into him never to risk opening his heart to his future wife. But Hugh has also been raised to be a man of honor and said honor shines through and makes him an utterly irresistible hero. He’s protective, kind, and sexy as sin. Hugh is also determined to honor his father’s wishes and take his place in London society. To do so, he needs a wife with connections and no scandal to her name. Given his circumstances (which I won’t spoil), he advertises for a wife in the newspaper. When Phoebe takes umbrage to his ad and writes a scathing letter in reply, it’s only the beginning for them. Their back-and-forths made me grin and I loved watching their friendship form before they even meet in person. When they do, the mutual attraction sizzles and despite logic saying Phoebe isn’t a proper match for him, Hugh agrees to a marriage of convenience.
The chemistry between Phoebe and Hugh is top-notch. I loved watching their friendship deepen into love, especially since the sexual tension constantly simmering was utterly delicious. Both have secrets in the beginning of the story that I won’t spoil, so I will have to be a bit vague. There are things about Hugh and Phoebe that so-called polite society would love to gossip and make cutting remarks about. But it’s those things that show their true strengths of character as they adapt and support one another. Their love story is both sweet and passionate, which is the best combination. There are some truly special moments in this book that I smile just thinking about. Is it a smooth road to happily ever after? No. Old wounds and outside obstacles threaten to hinder their romance, but I was rooting for them every step of the way.
Hugh’s family adds further life to When the Earl Met His Match and I hope to see Caroline Winthrop get a book of her own. All in all, I loved Hugh and Phoebe’s story from beginning to end. It has heat, humor, and heart – a truly potent combination.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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