An Earl to Enchant

Lord Morgandale decided to escape the hustle & bustle of London and spend his time in the country. He'd grown weary of the parties and balls and of his cousins who insisted on parading eligible young ladies for him to 'choose' from. However, it seems country life has bored him as well and he finds himself in need of something, or someone, to occupy his time. Enter Arianna Sweet... Arianna has lived in India most of her life while her father performed his scientific research. Now her father has been brutally murdered and she must return to England to seek the help of Lady Elder, an old friend of her fathers. Before her father was killed, he thought he had discovered the cure for consumption and now Arianna's mission is to make sure her father and his memory get the credit he deserves. I enjoyed getting to know the characters of Morgan (aka Lord Morgandale) and Arianna. Morgan is an Earl and he lives up to this title. Although unmarried and in no hurry to marry, he's responsible, kind and an all-around good guy. Arianna is innocent and sweet yet impetuous and determined. She intended to return to England to seek the help Morgan's grandmother (Lady Elder) and instead got the help she needed and more from Morgan himself. Arianna was as prim and proper as any well-bred English miss, but having spent so much time in India, she picked up an Indian habit or two that intrigued Morgan (and made him a little hot under the cravat). I was pleased with the novels pacing. Morgan and Arianna enjoyed each other's company and seemed to grow a genuine fondness for each other, although they didn't fall in love or at least didn't realize it right away. There were a few moments that were a bit of a stretch [damsel in distress and hero shows up out of nowhere:], but I guess that's to be expected with romances. There were also some very sweet moments that were nice to read. This was the 3rd book in the Rogues Dynasty Series. However, I was able to enjoy it without having read its predecessors. I plan to read the other two books next chance I get.

Matters are not proceeding to plan when the Morgan, the Earl of Morgandale, awaits a courtesan and a beautiful lady arrives. Miss Ariana Sweet's hope for sanctuary goes awry when a dashing and dangerous nobleman greets her instead of the expected elderly lady. And so begins Amelia Grey's delightful Regency historical, AN EARL TO ENCHANT, a tale brimming with deceptive appearances, mistaken expectations, and dangerous secrets, all leavened with flashes of humor. On the proverbial dark and stormy night, Ariana, ill, and newly arrived from India, seeks aid from an old family friend, Morgan's now-deceased grandmother. When Ariana collapses in his arms, Morgan is forced to grant her shelter. The attraction between them is sharp and immediate. But the rakish Morgan is too much the gentleman to take advantage of a sick lady, and Ariana will not burden her kind benefactor with the danger stalking her. The sensuality ratchets up page by page as they continue to deny their mounting passion. Meanwhile, exactly who is the villain dogging Ariana? The man who followed her from India, or someone else? Ms. Grey keeps us guessing almost to the end. AN EARL TO ENCHANT is a treat for everyone who likes mystery, danger and humor woven into a sensual romance. Enjoy. ARC provided by Sourcebooks

An Earl To Enchant by Amelia Grey Historical Romance - April 6, 2010 4 Stars An Earl To Enchant is the third novel in Amelia Grey's Rogues' Dynasty Series which follows the first two novels in this series A Duke To Die For and A Marquis To Marry. The Rogue Dynasty Series feature the stories of the grandsons of the notorious Lady Elder. An Earl To Enchant tells the story of Lord Lucas Morgandale who has gone to his estate in the county to get away from his matchmaking cousins who both fell in love and married in the London season and feel he should do the same but he has no intention of falling into the same trap. Unfortunately fate has other plans in the guise of Miss Arianna Sweet who shows up on his doorstep looking for his late Grandmother Lady Elder. When Arianna faints with fatigue and illness at Lord Morgandale's feet after her long voyage from India, he feels compelled to allow her to stay to recuperate. It doesn't help that he is instantly drawn to her, which is the last thing he wants. Arianna is happy for a safe place to stay but she knows she can't trust Lord Morgandale with the secret of what really happened to her father in India and the groundbreaking discovery that he made which someone would kill for. Amelia Grey does a fantastic job of creating characters that are compelling. I especially loved the characters of Lucas and Arianna. They both have some very different aspects to their personalities but are greatly draw to each other despite the fact that they have reasons that make them want to draw back from their obvious attraction. In addition to the main characters, I also loved how the novel included many additional characters that were interesting and made me to want to learn more about them and their stories. The story of An Earl To Enchant is an excellent story with a believable and compelling romance. In addition to the main romance storyline, there is a mix of mystery and adventure to keep the reader enthralled until the very end. If you love a great historical romance that is both exciting and enjoyable, I would recommend An Earl To Enchant. I would suggest starting by reading the first two novels by Amelia Grey in this exciting new series. Reviewed by Mary from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club

Originally posted at [...] Sometimes, you enjoy a book based on more than the characters. If the setting is rich and the dialogue is sharp, you'll fall into the pages, becoming one with the surroundings. Thus is the case Amelia Grey's An Earl To Enchant, a vivid and unforgettable story which delivers just as the title promises. A case of mistaken identity ensures the introduction to the protagonists is both sultry and memorable, snaring the interest and engaging the attention. Morgan is a gentleman in need of the lushness of a woman, and awaits the arrival of the courtesan he's arranged to visit his home. Of course, what he finds instead is a beautiful woman who rebukes his advances and informs him none too gently that she is at his domicile to meet his grandmother. Their banter is both humorous and tongue in cheek, and I realized then that I would absolutely adore Morgan and Arianna. Both are head-strong, intelligent, and unwilling to bend. Their similarities make for some comical scenes that will cause you to stifle chuckles of glee while shaking your head in delight. Although An Earl To Enchant has elements of suspense, the plot is woven like the finest tapestry, with interwoven threads that become visible as you view it from the proper direction. Through impeccable pacing, you'll get what you need, when you need it. There is no need to rush as the romance between Morgan and Arianna blooms slowly and enraptures the reader without overwhelming them. It was refreshing to enjoy a book with such a slow, sensual burn. He wants her, but he wants his freedom more. She wants him, and but realizes he isn't hers to take. As a romantic at heart, it definitely hit the spot, and I couldn't wait until Morgan caved to his desire and claimed Arianna as his own. Those searching for a steamy romance with characters you can help but love will thoroughly enjoy An Earl To Enchant. The writing is fantastic, the plot thickens as the story progresses, and the characters are absolutely wonderful. Don't forget to pencil this title onto your TBR list. This is the first story I've enjoyed by Ameila Grey, but it will not be the last.

While Blackwell (from A Duke to Die For) still holds my heart the most, I think Morgandale might make a good showing for second favorite of the three cousins. He certainly knows how to make a girl's heart flutter and Arianna was an interesting mix of innocent and temptress due to her upbringing. An Earl to Enchant definitely has more of a mystery feel to it then the previous book, A Marquis to Marry, with higher stakes and a bigger gamble in my opinion. Morgandale and Arianna, despite starting off on the wrong foot make a commendable effort to get along and develop their relationship. They both show patience which I think is what was lacking in Marquis so very much. Morgandale, despite his initial disappointment and irritation over Arianna not being the courtesan he had hoped her to be, offers assistance for her problem. Arianna, thinking him to be an ogre at first, revises her opinion as he proves himself to be a gentleman and willing to help her honor her father. The letters to Morgandale from his grandmother, Lady Elder (the original person Arianna meant to meet with to discuss her problem) are charming and filled with 'wise words' that help illuminate the chapter's events a little differently. The development of the romance moves at a good pace, though some of the 'bonding' moments were more contrived then others. And despite knowing this is a romance, the ending with the much too sweet to be real words of love rubbed me the wrong way. Not because I didn't feel either meant them--they clearly grew to love and cherish each other through the course of the novel--but because it didn't feel 'real' for them to be saying things. Happily I can look forward to a fourth book in this Rogues' Dynasty series, though I have to wait a good number of months for it. No matter, I'll be happy to read it whenever it comes out!