Friends to lovers is my favorite sub-genre in romance, so add in the Regency era (while I was waiting for the next season of Bridgerton) and Earls Trip by Jenny Holiday was perfect.

I really appreciated how Holiday wrote about Archie, Simon, and Effie’s friendship and the way they loved each other in spite of and because of their differences. To show the softer side of men during this era (even if it was when they were away from the rest of polite society) only added to the multiple ways that the characters in the book redefined their love for each other, the men and the women. And when I am talking about love, it’s not just the hot and heavy kind (although there were a couple of steamy scenes), I mean sisterly, brotherly, confidante, etc…

There were also lots of amusing moments to help balance some of the heavier issues like Alzheimer’s and bad parents. The silk robes come instantly to mind!

I’m looking forward to reading more in this series, and we get to focus on Effie next in Manic Pixie Dream Earl, coming in Spring 2025. ( )

I loved this book so much more than I thought I was going too. It was heartwarming, funny but also emotional at times. I loved all of the characters as well. I’m so happy it’s getting a companion novel next year. ( )

Earls Trip by Jenny Holiday

Archibald "Archie" Fielding-Burton, the Earl of Harcourt, is set to go on his annual trip with his best friends Effie and Simon. He recieves and urgent message to rescue childhood friend Olive Morgan, who runs off to elope with a less than favorable man.

Olive's Sister Celmentine (Clemmie) is on the same mission. The five end up spending a few weeks at a Country Castle. Friendships are renewed, bonds formed, and love is in the air. This turns out to be more than just a "boys" trip for these young men.

The story moves at a steady pace with well developed (interesting) characters and true to the times dialog. Set in 1821, Clem is a woman before her times with modern thinking and ideals. Olive is as as well. Archie, Simon and Effie have differing personalities, yet some common diffuclites in life bond the men in true freindship.

Overall I found Earls Trip enjoyable, with a bit of humor and feel good moods, it was the perfect read. I look forward to the next book in the series. I highly recommend to those who enjoy regency/historical romance. ( )

Earls Trip by Jenny Holiday
Historical romance.
Three Earls take an annual two week vacation. Archie, Simon and Effie have been friends since childhood. As a way to deal with their stress and everyday burdens, they take turns choosing a vacation spot and escape. This year, a messenger intercepts them on the way out of town, asking for Archie to rescue Olive and Clementine Morgan from a ruinous scandal. He, of course, rescues them, but returning them home would take up most of the two week planned get-away. So instead, the five travel to the remote, crumbling, and borrowed castle on the edge of Scotland, to relax and rejuvenate with strict instructions that the women remain out of the way so as to not bother or ruin the men’s escape.
Needless to say, separate areas of the castle doesn’t end up working and they all find deeper friendships in the end.

Humorous, delightful and adorable. A slow burn blooming friendship, multiple times over between the group, with Archie and Clem turning into a deeper bond of romance. Vegetarian cooking and leaking roofs add depth and color. A story you will love. I hope this is the beginning of a series as I’d love to revisit with these friends.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley ( )

A story of three friends Archie, Effie and Simon who are leaving for their yearly Earl's trip-just the guys. Things change when childhood friends of Archie, sisters Clementine and Olive join the trip. Lots of fun ensues. Fan's of Bridgerton are sure to love this one. ( )