A fun historical romance written with a deft touch by Eric Ridley. It tells the story of Titus and Mattie. I enjoyed this couple from their first meeting. Titus finding out Mattie was his ward made me laugh. While I enjoy a good age gap book, I also liked that the age gap here was not too crazy although I did wonder what the ton would think of no other woman being her chaperone asides the maid. This was good fun though, both characters were lovely, and I liked them singly and together

Minor dings include not liking how stubborn Titus was till the end, but it made the grand gesture quite swoony. I also felt the story was rushed.

All in all, this was a very lighthearted and fun book that I had a blast reading. It also has tropes such as Grumpy and Sunshine x Forced proximity ( )

Here we are again with the Lords in Love. Defying the Earl by author Erica Ridley is the 4th entry in this wonderful series. We’re back in Marywell at the marriage fair and see some familiar faces, but this time it’s more of a handover than a young girl trying to find a handsome, rich, titled husband.

Titus Noble, the Earl of Gilbourne, is all three of those things. Well, he was handsome until the accident when he was a child but look closely and you can still see it. He is in Marywell to take charge of Miss Matilda Dodd until she reaches her majority in three weeks. Lady Stapleton, the woman who raised Titus after he was orphaned, is Mathilda’s aunt. Mathilda has proven to be quite a handful and Aunt Stapleton can’t manage anymore and has asked Titus to step in for the next three weeks. There is nothing he would like to do less – but – he would do anything to Lady Stapleton.

So here he is, lurking among the plants at the Marywell Ball, impatiently waiting, when through the leaves the spies the most beautiful and beguiling creature he has ever seen. He can’t take his eyes off her; he’s mesmerized, on autopilot. She catches him staring and feels that same pull. They are like two magnets, approaching, approaching, an irresistible force pulling them together. There is some conversation, maybe a little flirting, and – gasp! – a kiss. Which of course should never have happened because this is the Regency, after all.

Titus hears Lady Stapleton’ voice, they pop apart, and she soon introduces the Earl of Gilbourne to his new ward: Mathilda Dodd. Didn’t see that coming. Half of his brain tells him to just win her for his own; the other half, the logical half, reminds him that he is damaged goods and cannot expose anyone else to the danger that surrounds him so he must get her married off ASAP. Mathilda, for her part, never intended to even consider marriage, but she just might have to change her mind if Gilbourne (Gilly-Gil-Gil??) would be the husband.

Author Ridley puts a lot of fun and laughter and tension and heat into those three weeks. Both Titus and Mathilda have tragic pasts clouded in secrecy. Titus believes he was the cause of the accident that cost the lives of his family and ever since has been a recluse. He takes his duties as Earl and his position in Parliament seriously and takes good care of his staff and those dependent upon him. But what he learned from the accident was “nothing ventured, nothing lost.” He is sure disaster is just around the corner and he will not risk love or marriage and the loss of another person that would become dear to him. He was disfigured in the accident and young ladies of the ton are repelled by his appearance but quite willing to marry for his fortune. He'll have nothing to do with them. Mathilda lost her family and suffered greatly as well but her takeaway was “nothing ventured, nothing gained” and she vowed to always do all she could for people, to be an independent woman but make friends wherever she goes. So Guardian and Ward, although only 5 years apart in age, are like oil and water. Except for that attraction, that pull, the inevitability that author Ridley so expertly weaves into their adventures and encounters and arguments – and spicy, warm, tender, heart-stopping moments.

Thanks to the author for providing an advance copy of Defying the Earl for my reading pleasure and honest opinion. What a pleasure it was. I swooned through every minute of it and cannot wait for the next installment in the series from authors Erica Ridley and Darcy Burke. I voluntarily leave this review and all opinions are my own. ( )

In "Defying the Earl", the fourth book in the "Lords in Love" series by Erica Ridley, readers are treated to a delightful and fun read.

The story follows a scarred and grumpy earl who finds himself enamored with his sunshine-sweet ward. Although he tries to resist at first, he eventually succumbs to her charms. The book is a short read, with only 221 pages, but it is full of heartwarming moments and romantic tension. It's also self-published, which is important to mention because I know how many of us want to actively support indie authors in an increasingly difficult space!

This is also my third Erica Ridley book and I suppose it's time to admit that I am a fan of her writing. I've also read the second book in the "Lords in Love" series, "Taming the Rake'. So keep in mind that each book, like any good regency romance book, can be read as standalone novel and you really don't need to have known anything about another book to enjoy it. I've also read "The Rake Mistake," and I suppose that means it's time that I give in and actually start on "The Wild Wynchesters" series or finish up the "Lords in Love" series.

I really appreciate that the book did not rely on massive drama to create tension. Instead, the story focuses on the budding romance between the main characters and the petty people around them. Yes, both the characters have had a really tough life, but the book wasn't too focused on unpacking that trauma; the aim was to entertain and entertain it did! It's genuinely my favourite take on the black cat boyfriend and golden retriever girlfriend trope!

I'd recommend "Defying the Earl" to readers who are looking for a fun and light-hearted romance novel. Ridley's writing style is enjoyable, and the characters are likable and engaging. If you are a fan of historical romance or are looking for a quick read, this book is definitely worth checking out. ( )