Lucinda meets William when her gig gets stuck in the mud. He kindly offers to help her get it unstuck and then she learns that he's the new groom and coachman her father recently hired. Little does she know that William is actually at Fleetwood Hall to spy on her father because someone is killing scientists in the Linnean Society. They get to know each other and can't deny that they are developing feelings. Can William find the killer? Will Lucinda's father marry off to a man she can't stand? Will Lucinda forgive William for lying about who he is?

This book has a little bit of everything. I enjoyed how the author allowed Lucinda and William to each have their own stories that then wove together as the story progressed. It was natural that William couldn't tell Lucinda the truth early on and that his investigation would require him to lie. The author did a good job of giving William time to do his investigation and to develop feelings for Lucinda. I like the part of the story where Lucinda was searching for her brother. The author did a good job of showing how sheltered Lucinda was growing up and how learning more about the world changed her. The bad guy was really bad and he met a good ending. The author added in a cute little quirk to Lucinda that she absolutely refuses to curse. The alternatives Lucinda used in place of cursing were adorable and her explanation as to why was really heartwarming.

The one thing that kept bugging me was that everyone seemed to have a house, club, or business in Belgravia. How is it that William is able to be a spy when he also lives out in the open in Belgravia as the Earl of Kyle. I would think that he would be known around town. I would think that someone like the bad guy would have some idea of who's who in the Ton. I don't know but it just drove me crazy.

This is a love story set in London in 1858. This story is part of the Byronic Book Club series. You do not need to read book 1 to enjoy this book. I will definitely read more by this author in the future.

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher. This in no way impacted on my view.

For Miss Lucy Bertram, trying to keep the estate together after her brother, Monty, runs off, her father is pushing her into a match with a wealthy industrialist, and hoping for her work to be listened to has been tough. The new groom, Will - the first new servant in years - seems to be someone Lucy can trust, and when she needs to journey into the dangerous St Giles area of London, there's no one else she would rather ask. But Will is not only a groom. He is in fact William Lockhart, Earl of Kyle, working for the Crown to discover who is poisoning members of the Linnean Society, and threatening Charles Darwin. He has suspicions of the baron, and maybe even Lucy, and needs to rule them out, one way or another. Will has always been able to keep his head on even the toughest of missions, but around Lucy, it's proving to be his hardest case even.

Well, this was phenomenal. I honestly could not put the book down. From the first meeting of Lucy and Will, it was clear that their story was going to be filled with twists and turns, and one for the ages. Lucy had been forced to take on more and more responsibility for the household when her mother died, and then her father came into money worries, and more and more staff were let go. She's a jack of all trades, and now has lost her brother who she relied on. She needs help, and Will appears at the perfect moment. Though he's keeping a secret, and is convinced that the baron has some role in the poisonings, he can't abide seeing Lucy suffer, and is ready and willing to help when she finally asks. He is possessive in a way he's never been before, but he knows that Lucy is strong and capable, but seeing her in danger is a step too far. I loved that when Will finally revealed the truth of who he was, he was honest and open about everything, and brought Lucy into his plans. Rather than sheltering her, he supported Lucy and pushed her ideas forward to his superiors. He was Lucy's biggest champion, and someone who she needed after so long. The mystery was great, though I had guessed at who the villain was. Even so, I'm really looking forward to book 3!

He had a mission, which turned into three, which turned out to be related. A lovely tale of murder mystery and love between two people who accept each other as they are. The main characters are wonderful and the villain is so insanely evil. Love the ‘manufacture maledictions’ in the story too.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and leaving my review voluntarily.

I enjoyed this book by Amy Rose Bennett, which can be read as a stand alone or out of order as the second book in her Byronic Book Club series. I hadn't read Up All Night with a Good Duke, whose characters return for a small part of this novel, before reading Curled Up with an Earl and was not at any disadvantage for having read it out of order. This story was fairly self-contained, which I appreciated since I am not a stickler for reading a series in order..

The story revolves around Will, aka William Douglas Lockhart, the Earl of Kyle, and Lucy, aka Miss Lucinda Bertram, the 28 year-old "spinster" daughter of a well-known, respected botanist, Sir Oswald. Lucy aids her father with his manuscripts and research and as in Up All Night with a Good Duke, the heroine is an intelligent, ambitious woman who is more interested in science (she's a steminist) than in marrying well and starting a family. She meets Will, a Scotsman who is undercover for Scotland Yard, when he takes a position as head groomsman at Fleetwood Hall, Lucy's home. I found both hero and heroine to be engaging, and the author does a great job of drawing the reader into their love story.

What made this a 4-star read rather than a 5-star read for me was that so much goes on in this novel. It is packed to the rafters with subplots, and in some instances, I would have liked Will and Lucy to have more quiet time together - like they have on their honeymoon, but which comes in the epilogue. The story includes (which I will try to keep mostly spoiler-free): a murder mystery subplot (who's poisoning members of a scientific society that includes Charles Darwin and his recent work on natural selection and evolutionary theory?), a missing older brother in St. Giles, an unwelcome suitor for Lucy, Will having been a spy for The Crown but now working cases with Scotland Yard, Will having a difficult childhood and estrangement from his family in Scotland (hence his time in the military, then as a spy, etc.), Lucy being a bluestocking with her friends, Artemis (now a duchess) and Jane from The Byronic Book Club (focusing on Gothic novels) and NOT wanting to marry and have a family - just to name a few of the subplots. I think the author juggled all of these subplots well, but I wanted to see a little more romance between the MC's and also later Will's reconciliation with his family. So perhaps fewer subplots with more detail to the ones included.

Still, Will is "verra" charming and respectful of Lucy, Lucy is resourceful and a strong heroine (not as shy as she thinks she is by any means!) and they are very cute together. I think when they finally admit their love to each other at the end (and marry), it is such a sweet conclusion to the flurry of activity in this novel that it leaves this reader with a huge smile on her face. Amy Rose Bennett can write hunky, scarred, honorable Scotsmen any time she so pleases, and I will read every single one of them (although Hamish MacQueen [How to Catch a Sinful Marquess by her also] inches out Will Armstrong as my favorite of her Scottish heroes!).

4-4.5 stars for me - I received this novel as an Advanced Reader Copy from NetGalley in exchange for my true and honest review of it.

Lucy is a breath of fresh air!

I loved Lucy in this book! She's a delightful character, warm and compassionate, intelligent and humble, and so very brave in the way she takes on the many challenges in her life. Her beloved brother is missing, her father is trying to marry her off to a truly detestable man, and just about every professional door is closed to her as she pursues her study of botany. Through it all, she maintains her optimism and determination to succeed on her own.

Will is undercover as a groom, working for Lucy's father, when they first meet. Will is a brilliant spy, a charming hero, and just the kind of man Lucy needs in her corner. I loved the way he supported her in every endeavor, especially the dangerous ones, and how he came to her rescue without diminishing her own abilities and independence in the process.

This was a captivating read for me, with an intriguing murder mystery, an intense romance, and a wonderful cast of supporting characters. The author's impressive knowledge of botany was proof of her extensive research, and I appreciated the way sensitive, controversial subjects were handled with extreme care.

Their HEA was every dream come true for these two, and it couldn't have been better. I highly recommend this lovely Regency romance for all historical romance readers. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Historical romance. Victorian era England. Book 2 of the Byronic Book Club series. Will is an earl and a duke’s heir, but is estranged from his grandfather, serving as a spy for Scotland Yard. He’s investigating a botanical expert on poisonous plants to determine if the man is responsible for the murder of another nobleman; he poses as the new groom to the estate to do so. However, he’s instantly smitten by the Lucy, the daughter of the botanical baron, who serves as a botanical expert in her own right. Lucy is pre-occupied with her own bluestocking studies and desire to travel while also looking after her father’s financially floundering estate and trying to locate her brother. I enjoyed watching Lucy and Will interact with each other, both nervous and smitten, and I also enjoyed seeing them team up with open honesty about the midpoint of the book. The romance plot was pretty low-ansgt without a third-act breakup between our two, but we do get to find out why Lucy’s brother was driven away and the culprit of the poisoning plant murder.

3.5 stars
The mystery subplot of this story is very intriguing and I enjoyed it. Lucy and Will are interesting characters who drew me in. Will is the type of book boyfriend that I love – protective, observant and smart. Lucy is sweet, smart and a nerdy kind of heroine. Together they find trouble and are fun to read. I enjoyed getting to see the other members of the Byronic Book Club. I’m looking forward to reading Jane’s story and seeing where things go next.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The second installment of the Byronic Book Club series hits on everything I love about historical romance. The heroine is smart and unafraid to go after what she wants in life, even if it means going against the grain. The hero is forward-thinking, utterly charmed by the heroine’s brilliance, and, underneath a gruff exterior, has a heart of gold. There’s are mysteries to unravel, wonderful female friendships, and several swoon-worthy moments. Oh, and a Scottish accent. Can’t forget the Scot.

All that to say, I loved Lucy and Will’s story. Their attraction jumps off the page from the very start, but even when they’re trying to deny it, their scenes together are still great. They seem to trust and support each other in a way that surprises both of them, two people used to having to mostly take care of themselves. When that evolves into something more, something physical, it feels natural. They just make sense together.

The “villain” of the story works so well. Often, I find the reasons behind the evil in historical romances to be a little far-fetched. But a man who is just clearly too intense, fanatical about religion, and just crazy enough to wreak havoc because he’s so convinced he’s right…well, that still feels all too real in 2023. This is the kind of character who makes my skin crawl. I hated him, because Bennet wrote him too well.

I really loved every moment of this novel – the heartfelt, the mysterious, and the steamy. I can’t wait for the third book in this series!

Lucy and Will met each other by accident. She was riding her carriage home when a hare cross her horse’s path and scared it. And then a storm broke out and the carriage’s wheels got stuck in the mud. It was Will, a tall, dark, handsome, Scot who found her and gave her a helping hand. Of course the attraction is there from the beginning. Will is a little overbearing at first, and rough but Lucy is so thankful for the help that she invites him into her father’s home, a mansion in a state of almost ruin and hardly enough servants, for a cup of tea. Then is when he tells her that he is the new group and chauffeur of her father’s and she is, of course, the daughter of the house.

Lucy is what they call a bluestocking. She’s a botanist in all maters save for the degree. In 1858 women weren’t allowed a higher education, but she has been writing her father’s articles and books for years. She also has a brother who had a very bad fight with their father and who ran away from home months ago. The situation is so dire that mr Bertram, Lucy’s father, has agreed to let a certain Mr. Thorne, a rich industrialist, court Lucy. But she’s attracted to Will and has no intention to ever get married and lose what little freedom she has.

Will is under an assumed identity. He’s taken his mother’s maiden name to infiltrate Mr. Oswald’s home and investigate the murder of several scientist who support Darwin’s ideas. The method used by the murdered is poison from plants, therefore Mr Oswald is one of the main suspects. Will is actually William Lockhart, Earl of Kyle, and works for the Home Office since he’s estranged from his family. While working at the mansion he, of course, feels such a connection with Lucy that before long he decides to be honest with her and let her join his mission.

I’ve enjoyed this book very much but not as much as the first book of the Byronic Book Club. For me the overall plot of the book had a problem of pace, though not the romance plot, which had an adequate slow-burn pace. I usually have no issues with slow paced developments but in this case the mystery plot took too long to unveil and got resolved too quickly in the end. Besides it is quite easy to figure out who did what and why. There wasn’t enough tension to engage the reader or justify the mystery story, however, the romance story was more than perfect.

What I loved the most about this couple is that they are honest with each other as soon as the confidence between them grows. They trust each other with their truths and their fears, there’s no room for misunderstandings because they talk, they communicate, and that’s refreshing. Their love comes from a mutual attraction but it flows for the intimacy that they have, the support and encouragement and also how they trust in each other’s capabilities and intelligence. Of course there are doubts about what they want in life and the new situation between them but they talk about it, they acknowledge each other’s dreams and goals. Deep inside they both want the same thing for themselves; to be loved for who they are and what they can do. Their love story is delicate and beautiful while at the same time strong and and incredibly powerful, so at the end of the day, I couldn’t give this book less than four stars.

4.5 stars rounded up.

Miss Lucy Bertram is happy to spend her time with a gothic romance novel or working on botany papers as her scholarly father’s research assistant. She’s definitely not one for society, so when her eccentric father, Sir Oswald, starts trying to foist a wealthy industrialist on her as a way to save their family from his own poor financial decisions, Lucy knows she must do something. If her brother, Monty, were around he’d help her, but since he’s been disowned by their father, finding him means venturing into the rookeries of St. Giles.

William Lockhart, the Earl of Kyle, has been working as an undercover agent for the Crown. His latest case, the search for a killer out to destroy the Linnean Society, has brought him to Sir Oswald’s door. Since he is an expert on botanical poisons, Sir Oswald is the top suspect in the case, so Will is posing as a groom in the man’s household in an attempt to gather enough evidence for Scotland Yard to make an arrest before anyone else is murdered. His mission would be much easier if he wasn’t so distracted by Lucy.

Neither expects the connection that sparks to life between them, but neither Lucy nor Will can deny that they feel something. As secrets come to light, Will and Lucy must work together to get to the bottom of the murders if they want a chance at a happily-ever-after together.

This was just the low-angst romance with a bit of mystery that I tend to enjoy. Romantic suspense is what got me into reading romance in the first place so I’m usually thrilled when there’s some sort of mystery for the MCs to solve, especially when they wind up working together against an external threat as was the case in this book. Will and Lucy made an excellent team and I loved how open and honest he was with her despite this being a hidden identity trope. He kept only what he had to from her and soon brought her into his confidence so it never felt like he was being untruthful with her and made their relationship feel like a real partnership. Lucy was a bit immature sometimes, especially for her age, but thankfully not often and she was happily very aware of herself and what she wanted, even when that changed from what she’d always thought her goal would be. She was quick to rearrange her goals and listen to her heart and her feelings for Will and was open with him about them, which I loved. These two came together with little fuss or angst and that’s always fantastic for me as I personally prefer external conflict.

I was fortunate to be able to both read this book and listen to the audio, which helped when I got to the point that I didn’t want to put it down. My only complaint is that the narrator has quite a high-pitched voice and it made Lucy seem younger and more immature and naïve at times. She also mispronounced some words that caused me a bit of confusion and some that I just found a bit irksome, for instance wanton was pronounced like wonton. Otherwise, the audio was still great and helped me stay invested in the story.

I loved Will and Lucy as a couple and I was very much here for their open communication. As much as I enjoyed the first book in this series, this one was even better for me and I look forward to the next story.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book and its audiobook. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I happily picked up this second book in the Byronic Book Club series. The series focus on three friends who in their late 20’s form their own club. Miss Lucy Bertram is loves botany and has been her father’s research assistant for years. She mostly wrote the book on poisons that brought him acclaim. She wants nothing more than to continue writing science articles. But her brother is now estranged and her father is forcing her to accept the suit of a man she doesn’t like. She isn’t sure where to turn.

William Lockhart, the Earl of Kyle arrives at Bertram’s house as an a groomsman. But he is really an agent for the crown looking for evidence of murder after a Lord is poisoned. It isn’t long before Lucy and he team up. He to help her find her brother and she to help him investigate the poisoning. I enjoyed the story but I missed the humor and wordplay that the characters had in Up All Night with a Good Duke. Lucy does have some fun curse curse words but the focus is more on the investigation. (Which isn’t hard to solve.) There is heat good chemistry between Lucy and Will. The book can be read as a stand alone but the Artemis, now a Duchess from book one makes appearances. I am looking forward to Jane’s story.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. (3.5 Stars)

Delicious!

Be still my beating heart 💜 We have a Scottish groom (horses not marriage) with attitude and a shivery physique; a determined, twenty-eight year old spinster whose life’s work is investigating poisons; an industrialist of slimy manner!! and an unreasonable father whose work is researched by his daughter. Said father is throwing her at the dreaded industrialist Mr. Zachariah Thorne.
William Armstrong is an agent for the crown racing against the clock to discover who’s poisoning highborn members of the Linnaean Society, and also threatened to do in Charles Darwin. Of course he ensconced himself in the house hold of Sir Oswald Bertram. After all SirOswald is the preeminent authority on poisons, all grown in the gardens of Fleetwood Hall. He just hadn’t counted on being blindsided by the ravishing and very different daughter of the house, Lucinda Bertram.
A lively and intriguing read with a swoonworthy hero, frighteningly intelligent and completely adorabable heroine, and a villain worthy of the title with a capital V.
Loved this novel!

A Sourcebooks Casablanca ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.

Recommended Read
Throughly enjoyed this murderous romantic suspense with it’s undercover earl and scientific spinster.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was a delightfully well-written, steamy, romantic book filled with some lovely characters and some not-so-lovely characters. Finally, I can say I have read a historical romance with two adult lead characters. No, they aren’t old, they just actually communicated with each other, discussed misunderstandings, and didn’t keep secrets from each other. That is marvelously refreshing – and – to add even more – there wasn’t the normally required big break-up about two-thirds of the way through.

William Lockhart, the Earl of Kyle, AKA William Armstrong, head groom at the penurious estate of the eccentric botanist, Sir Oswald, is looking for a murderer. The mild-mannered botanist is the chief suspect in the murder of a member of the Linnean Society and Will has been sent to the estate to ferret out any clues that can either prove him guilty or exonerate him. Will is very good at his job, and he has every intention of doing a thorough job – but – Sir Oswald’s daughter just keeps distracting him.

Lucy Bertram is beautiful, intelligent, kind, shy, and often awkward. She is the brain behind Sir Oswald’s fame – not that he doesn’t know his stuff, she just does all of the work. She does the research, writes the papers and books, and then it is all in his name. She doesn’t actually seem to resent that, but she does dream of being able to travel the world to do her own research on the medicinal value of plants. She’s not against marriage at all, but she is sure she’d never find a husband who would allow her to travel and research. No, he’d want her at home with him and raising children. But, there is that new head groom in her father’s stables that intrigues her – draws her like a moth to a flame. Still, any relationship between them would be forbidden because of the differences in status. Though, at twenty-eight and a spinster, could a little kissing really hurt anything if they were discrete? More than kissing?

As Will and Lucy draw closer, they exchange confidences and Will shares his true identity as well as his purpose for being there. I loved how Lucy took the news and actually joined in the investigation. Is Lucy’s father guilty? He’s certainly guilty of being a lousy father, but does that make him guilty of murder? If not him, then who?

Throughout the story, Lucy’s father is trying to marry her off to an odious friend of his. Lucy detests the man and flatly refuses his suit. Still, her father keeps on insisting – why? Hmm – you’ll just have to read the book to find all the answers.

This was a very well-written, well-plotted story. I absolutely adored Lucy and Will both separately and together. Usually, I like either the heroine or the hero, but not both. This book is the exception to that. I loved that Will was so supportive of Lucy and the future she wanted. He always believed in her – believed she could accomplish anything she wished. I also loved that he could be that loving and supportive without becoming a doormat for her.

I can definitely recommend this book and I hope you’ll love it as much as I did. My only complaint was how quickly Sir Oswald was forgiven for his actions. Not sure what should have happened with him, he just seemed to pay no price for nearly wrecking the lives of both of his children. I rarely read books a second time, but I think this is one I’ll read again.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is the first book I've read by this author. It won't be the last. I can't wait to get Up All Night with a Good Duke. The only bad thing about this book is it left me missing my new friends, Lucy and Will. I hope future books in this series will include updates of them. I'm so happy to have found another great author to add to my TBR list. I highly recommend this book.

"I like wicked and wanton. And I don't just want you, lass. I burn for you."

Thank you Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca for this Arc.

Will, Sunshine protector, Lockhart and Lucy, the sunshine, Bertram. 💙
The book definitely lives up to it's name. Lucy spends quite some time curled up with the Earl trying to unveil him, convincing him to her, and doing other things. Their relationship dynamic was so lovable and endearing. Things I absolutely loved in this sequel, there was no third act break up. And that they communicated, not letting misunderstandings or secrets get in between them.

Their interactions were way more interesting than the whole spy\murder plotline. Despite the fact that I was really looking forward to it, thought it would be a thrilling addition to the story. Alas, I was absent minded and felt disconnected to the story because of it. But that's fine! I was here for the romance and I was served. Their romantic relationship carried the book.
Ps. He's a dirty talker.

I found this book to be ok. I had two main problems with it, the side story involving an undercover agent (Will) trying to find who is poisoning people and the length of the book. The whole story about someone poisoning people was just boring and uninteresting. Because of this side plot I felt the book was to long and not enough romance between Will and Lucy.

If you want a book that has a couple who for once puts aside the secrets, actually communicates early on and work as partners to solve a mystery while also being cinnamon rolls for each other, this book is just for you!!

As a undercover spy and a bluestocking wallflower, both characters had the risk of being depicting as cold-hearted reserved characters. This was not the case here. Their profession and intelligence took the backset to their sweet feelings for each other and I was hear for every cuddle, pining moment!

While Will empowered Lucy to come out of shell, address the fractured relationship she had with her father, Lucy also helped Will shed all the false identities he had to wear over the years and rediscover his true self.

Their dynamic, chemistry and team-work while solving the mystery was just *chef's kiss!*

I can't wait to read more of Amy Rose Bennet!

Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for providing me with a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This is the second book in The Byronic Book Club series. I liked the first book in this series, but I must say that I enjoyed this book more. Curled Up with an Earl is a great blend of sexy romance and intriguing mystery. Lucy is an endearing character and Will is ‘verra’ charming! Will disguises himself as a coachman to investigate Lucy’s father—a suspect in a murder case. When Lucy’s father pressures her into accepting the suit of a religious extremist, Lucy enlists Will’s help to locate her brother in the rookeries of St. Giles and put an end to her father’s plans. I enjoyed their secret trips and nightly meetings in the kitchen. Sometimes I appreciate books in which conflicts are resolved quickly and smoothly, especially, through good communication. This is one of those books. I can’t wait for Jane’s book!

Thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the e-ARC. All opinions are my own.

Book two in the series, but can be read as a standalone. Lucy is her father’s assistant as a botanist, only she has a more prominent role as the real brains behind the man. Writing a book and studying the plants in their poison garden, Her father has almost squander away their fortune on his many expeditions, plus he has had a falling out with her beloved brother who she hasn’t seen in months. And now he seems to want to match Lucy to a man she doesn’t like.
Will is working undercover to find out who had poisoned a Pier, following leads of those that are knowledgeable of poisons. As luck would have it he helps Lucy whose vehicle is stuck in the mud, just his destination. Will is to be their new head groom and uses his Scottish brogue as cover.to help hide his true identity. Both reason that they could help one another without letting them know what they are up to. Lucy wants protection and help to find her missing brother so that he will help her with the unwanted attentions of a man she despises. Will that Lucy may have unknown information about who the killer may be. But as the attraction grows between them, they both confess what they are both looking for.
The book has mystery, growing romance with some steamy scenes, of course the evil villain and HEA. I preferred the book to the audio and wasn’t the expected ending, seem more like an ending for the present and not what would have been during the past. Of that’s my opinion. Thank you NetGalley for this eARC. I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story. #NetGalley #CurledupwithanEarl