Hot Earl Summer by Erica Ridley is a fast-paced romp that blends Regency charm with adventurous flair. Elizabeth Wynchester is a delight—bold, witty, and completely unapologetic as she tackles villains and hidden castle traps with a sword tucked in her cane. I loved how her confidence and humor carried the story, even as she wrestled with vulnerability. Stephen, the reluctant earl’s stand-in, is both brainy and endearing, and their banter sparks with chemistry from the start.

This story has everything I crave in historical romance: danger, clever twists, and a couple you can’t help but root for. If you like Bridgerton elegance mixed with a touch of Indiana Jones adventure, you’ll want this one on your summer reading list.

ARC Note: Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy. All opinions are my own

This was perfectly fine - fun and goofy but not very memorable. I suppose it being a superficial historical romance which doesn't take itself too seriously isn't meant to be lingered upon anyway

I picked up Hot Earl Summer on a whim because I absolutely loved the cover—and had no idea it was part of a larger series! While there were definitely some hints at backstory I didn’t have, I didn’t feel too lost and was able to enjoy the story on its own.

This book felt like an Indiana Jones and Bridgerton mash-up in the best way possible. A treasure hunt set in a castle full of quirky inventions? Yes, please!

I adored the push-and-pull dynamic between Elizabeth and Stephen. Their banter, tension, and eventual chemistry were written so well—it made their connection feel earned and electric.

I also really appreciated the thoughtful inclusion of disability representation and the strong themes of female empowerment. It added depth to what was already a fun, adventurous romance.

If you're in the mood for a historical romance with adventure, clever banter, and a touch of steam, this one's worth picking up—series knowledge optional!

As always with books by Erica Ridley, I laughed, sniffed, and hoped with bated breath that things would come together, and was thankful when they did.

I’ve read the complete Winchester family series so far and absolutely loved it, but for some reason when I was trying to read this and get into Elizabeth’s story- I just couldn’t do it.

That being said, I had to put the book down. And I have not been able to pick it up since I’ve purchased a physical copy of the book and intend to finish reading because I do need to know how Elizabeth and Stephen come together and how Elizabeth will defeat the earl…

But at this point, this book was not landing for me and it might just have been not the right time.

The writing and the characters and their banter were SO much fun in this one, I loved the book <3

-- ty to the author, the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced copy!

Thank you, Netgalley, the author, and Forever for the gifted e-book! ❤️ #gifted. My review is comprised of my honest thoughts.

Read this book if you like: Dual POV, regency romance, feminist, forced proximity, chronic pain representation, plus sized fmx

This is a great series. This one is funny and charming like the previous ones. I love the plus sized fmc. I love the mmc. Such a great couple! I definitely recommend it!

Hot Earl Summer is a delightful, steamy historical romp with a modern edge. Erica Ridley delivers a charming mix of witty banter, slow-burn romance, and just the right amount of spice. The heroine is bold and refreshingly self-assured, while the earl is equal parts swoon-worthy and emotionally complex.

Their chemistry crackles from the start, and Ridley weaves in themes of independence and self-discovery that elevate the story beyond a typical Regency romance. Some plot points are predictable, but the vibrant characters and fun, flirtatious tone make it a perfect summer read.

Warm, sexy, and full of heart—Bridgerton or Regency romance fans won’t be disappointed

This was a fun and refreshing book. I loved both main characters and their stories. Another grwat one from Ms Ridley.

The Wynchesters are back with Elizabeth and Steven's tale. Steven is currently residing in a home that was bequeathed to two ladies who want to turn it into an orphanage. Unfortunately, Steven cannot leave the house because someone believes he has won the house in a poker match.
Elizabeth was hired by the ladies to find the will so they can claim proper ownership. Living under the same roof as Steven, Elizabeth sets forth to find the will. However, she keeps getting interrupted by Steven's good looks and the gentleman who believes he owns the house.
Opinion
I honestly cannot fathom how Ridley does it. I swear that each new book, as it comes out, is my favorite. She manages to top herself time and again.
I personally enjoyed the reenactment scenes as I was forced as a child to attend those near and including Gettysburg. It gave me a bit of nostalgia as well as a good laugh at the spoiled man leading the charge.
Elizabeth and Steven's story certainly kept a smile on my face as their romance budded. It went from shy to hot in the blink of an eye, something I don't see as often in romance books.
All together, the book was a fabulous and quick read. I have recommended Ridley to friends as a great author and will continue to do so.
Many thanks to Net Galley and to Forever for providing me with an ARC of this book.

I received an advanced reader's copy of Hot Earl Summer by Erica Ridley.

Elizabeth's story is one I've been wanting to read. I've loved her character in the previous books. In this story, she goes out on assignment and ends up having to stay in a castle with Stephen, the hero. The castle has been fortified by him to keep it safe from a group of re-enactors and their leader. Elizabeth joins him in defending the castle. He is the perfect complement to Elizabeth. He accepts her just as she is and learns the best way to support her when she's having a bout of pain. Some scenes seem a bit improbable but make for fun reading.

The love, acceptance. and support the Wynchesters show each other makes this a wonderful series.

What a fun book! If you're looking for a story that will have you grinning from beginning to end, the adventures of berserker Beth and nerdy Stephen are what you need. My favorite Wild Wynchesters story so far. And that's saying something.

I wasn't sure what to expect from Elizabeth in this book. We've always known that she's a bold warrior who leads with her sword but we discover in this story that there's much more to her than her battle skills and bloodthirsty nature. She's actually a very complex woman who lives with chronic pain and the challenges that can bring in both activities and relationships. I loved getting to know her better through her interactions with Stephen, the last man she would have chosen for herself but the very best match possible. I loved these two together. The banter. The battle of wits. The attraction. The care, respect, and admiration that Stephen holds for Elizabeth exactly as she is.

When a neighbor with delusions of grandeur lays siege to the castle, requiring Elizabeth and Stephen to merge their skill sets, that's when the fun really begins. So many laugh-out-loud moments. So many hilarious scenes and lines of dialogue. Ridley really outdid herself with the humor in this one. But with all the fun and humor of this adventurous romp, there is also a satisfying balance of emotional depth and tender feelings. Along with, of course, the feel-good bonds of chosen family that come with the Wynchester siblings, romantic partners, and unique pets, all dedicated to delivering justice for the underdogs of the time.

There's so much more I could say about this book but all the deliciously delightful bits really deserve to be discovered by each reader as they navigate the journey of a Hot Earl Summer. This one is going straight to my comfort read keeper shelf where I will no doubt revisit it whenever I feel the need for a mood boost.

For those of you who have not yet discovered Erica Ridley's Wild Wynchesters, Hot Earl Summer is the fifth book in the series. It's fun to catch up with all of the siblings in each book but you can absolutely jump in at any place in the series and not feel lost or confused. Having said that, I enthusiastically recommend all five of the titles for a rollicking good reading time.

Rated 3.5 Stars

Hot Earl Summer was an enjoyable read. It was ridiculously over the top at times but so so amusing. It had me laughing out loud on more than one occasion.

I loved the characters. I loved the way Beth and Stephen's relationship developed. Their flirting amused me to no end. I loved their banter as well. Beth had a bloodthirsty nature which I loved. She had spunk. I loved that even with her body's limitations she was a force to be reckoned with. Stephen was a nerd but he had quite a mouth on him. I loved how he loved and cared for her. They were an unlikely pairing but they complemented each other oh so well.

This book was filled with hijinks and shenanigans aplenty which made for a highly entertaining story. Hot Earl Summer was an awesome read that I definitely recommend.

Erica Ridley might just be one of the best historical romance authors of our generation. This was fun and dynamic and romantic and captivating. A stellar read.

It was a great book with lots of fun charaters but I had a hard time gettting over Elizabeth's immaturity. Either way, I love a good historical romance!

Part of The Wild Wynchesters series, this installment delivers a thrilling blend of action, romance, and wit. Elizabeth is a bold and fiercely independent woman with a sharp mind and a sharper sword. She defies the expectations of her time—one duel at a time. The story kicks off with her mission to take down villains, but things take a complicated turn when she ends up trapped in a castle with Stephen Lenox, a reclusive inventor and reluctant stand-in for his missing cousin, the Earl of Densmore.

The chemistry between Elizabeth and Stephen is electric, but it's their dynamic that truly drives the narrative. Elizabeth is no damsel in distress; she’s a fierce, sword-wielding force, while Stephen is a man who’s more comfortable with inventions than with romance. As the two of them navigate threats to their lives—and the growing attraction between them—their banter and evolving trust create an irresistible tension. The novel seamlessly blends action with romance, and Elizabeth’s feminist spirit brings a refreshing depth to the story.

A fun, heart-pounding romp, with enough suspense, romance, and humor to keep you engaged and entertained from start to finish.

I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

This book was cheesy but cute! Elizabeth Wynchester is a bold, curvy heroine who’s impossible not to root for as she takes on villains and navigates hidden traps in a castle. The blend of adventure and romance with a bit of humor made it an enjoyable read, even if the plot felt a little over-the-top at times. Stephen Lenox, the brooding inventor, brings a nice balance to Elizabeth’s fiery spirit. While the story leans into the cheesy side, the dynamic between them and the action-packed setting gave it a fun, lighthearted charm. Perfect for fans of whimsical, romantic adventures!

The title of this book is hilariously intriguing, but the story itself didn’t quite meet my expectations. As the fifth in a series, it can be read as a standalone, focusing on Elizabeth Wynchester and Stephen Lenox. While I appreciated the mystery/puzzle-solving aspect, which kept me engaged, the cartoonish characters and over-the-top dialogue, particularly Elizabeth’s bloodlust, detracted from the story. Both protagonists have compelling backstories of feeling unloved and unwanted, and I sympathized with their struggles, but their chemistry fell flat. The pacing dragged, especially during the overly long battle sequence. While the premise had promise, the execution felt lackluster. Three stars. Thanks to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC!

A delightful romp with some unique twists. The story is a charming blend of action, adventure and romance. Elizabeth is bold and independent and Stephen is a little quirky, and their chemistry is sizzling. A fun read.
Many thanks to Forever Grand Central Publishing and to Netgalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Erica Ridley is one of my favorite historical authors and Hot Earl Summer did not disappoint. If you like feisty female characters, castle sieges (but make it sexy) and socially awkward main characters, this is the book for you!