Author: Alexandra Hawkins

Guest Review: Waiting For an Earl Like You by Alexandra Hawkins

Posted January 6, 2017 by Tracy in Reviews | 1 Comment

Guest Review: Waiting For an Earl Like You by Alexandra HawkinsReviewer: Tracy
Waiting For an Earl Like You by Alexandra Hawkins
Series: Masters of Seduction #3
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks
Publication Date: January 3rd 2017
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three-half-stars
Series Rating: four-stars

LOVE ISN’T ALWAYS WHAT IT SEEMS.

Justin Reeve Netherwood, Earl of Kempthorn—a.k.a. Thorn—has never cared much for his neighbor’s daughter. But his twin brother, Gideon, befriended the wild, reckless, and wholly inappropriate Miss Olivia Lydall in youth, and two have been close ever since. So when Olivia finds herself in a state of romantic conflict and seeks out Gideon for advice, he’s only too pleased to oblige. Only problem: The man Olivia is speaking to is Thorn. And now it’s too late for him to tell Olivia the truth…

Thorn always believed that Olivia was too smitten with Gideon for her own good. So what’s the harm in steering her away from him? But Thorn’s charade turns out to be anything but harmless once he begins to see Olivia for who she really is: A woman full of spirit and passion…and someone he can’t live without. But how can Thorn claim Olivia’s heart when their deepening connection—and burning desire—is built on lies and deceit?

The Netherwood twins are virtually identical.  Very few people can tell them apart and Olivia Lydall, their neighbor, isn’t one of them. Thorn and Gideon were pretty inseparable when they were kids but Gideon always got along well with Olivia where Thorn didn’t.  Now they’re all grown up and Gideon is back from his travels and Thorn now sees Olivia all grown up.  He’s intrigued by her but doesn’t want to admit it.  She sees Thorn as judgmental and aloof, where she sees Gideon as a kind, charming man.

When they all head to London Olivia seeks out Gideon’s advice but he ends up kissing her.  Olivia is shocked as she’s never thought of Gideon as more than a friend but the kiss brought definite feelings that were nowhere near friendship to the surface. Every time they meet Gideon kisses her and she gets more confused.  Thorn is trying to steer Olivia away from Gideon by pretending to be him but the more time he spends with Olivia he actually starts to like her more and more and starts to fall for her.  Only problem?  Olivia thinks he’s Gideon!

This was an entertaining book for the most part although I did have some issues with it.  I can’t say that I’m generally a fan of the twin switching when it comes to intimacy.  That’s kind of a no-no with me but I dealt with it as it didn’t get too out of hand.  I did like Thorn a lot so forgave him more than a few times when he screwed up – like when he was kissing and touching Olivia and she was saying no and he didn’t stop until she gave in.  Um, no!  That’s so not ok!

That being said I thought the pair were good together.  I couldn’t see Olivia with Gideon as she would have run right over him.  He was obviously having his own problems in the book although those issues are never brought to light.  In fact the whole problem with Thorn and Gideon not really getting along now that Gideon is back from his travels bothered me.  Thorn had no idea why he felt he should leave as he thought they were close.  The true reason is never explained and that was annoying.

The ending was a bit rushed and a villain was stuck in there that was completely unnecessary but in the end I found the book enjoyable.  Yes, it had issues but the writing and general story made up for those flaws in the end.

Rating: 3.75 out of 5  

three-half-stars


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