What a delight! Matthew, freshly reunited home from war and being tortured in India comes home a broken man. Inside and out. Lily, his fiancé is heartbroken to learn he doesn’t want her. But her caring nature and love and the love of some dogs show love can conquer. Nice subplot with some nice suspense. Great read

Lady Lily Thornton has loved Matthew Lackspur, the Earl of Arnsbury for a long time, long before he left for India with her brother, James. Before he left they married, illegal but consummated. She expected it to be made legal when he returned. However, Matthew and James were captured by the enemy, one expected year became two. Two years during which Matthew was cruelly tortured. James escaped and was able to rescue his friend. Matthew came back a very different person, on the brink of madness, tormented by nightmares of his captivity. Can Lily`s love be enough to save him? Is he strong enough to allow her love to save him? This is the second book in the Earls Next Door series. The first was an enjoyable read, but I liked this one more. It just had a little more of everything, more suspense, and more action. Of course there is a villain or two, easily guessed early on, but that did not affect the storyline. Good read, shows how a strong love can really conquer all.

Saucy, fast paced and highly entertaining. Historical romance is one of my addictions in literature so I loved this! I recommend it.

Michelle Willingham sure brings the romance and spunk in What the Earl Needs Now. Reading this journey made me fall head over heels with the hero of this story and the heroine was just as adorable.

I haven't read book one in the series but this was easily a stand alone
It was an easy read. Didn't really stand out to me. There were a lot of plot holes but overall wasn't bad

This book is the second in a series. I rated the book a solid four stars. One star was missed due to the "hero's" unbelievable actions towards the heroine. Matthew, Lord Arnsbury, was an older friend of Lady Lily's elder brother, James. Matthew felt a protectiveness towards James and followed him to India. The two were captured and, those events set the stage for the premise of the book. I will not disclose the plot in this review but will mention some of my thoughts about the story. The book dragged at points, with so much repetition, the hero's rejection of his "wife" that went on and on throughout most of the book. There were some light and humorous moments involving a dog, Sebastian and a kitten, Beast. Otherwise, the book featured some heavy content, detailing PTSD, dementia, betrayal, grief and loss. There were two despicable characters that appeared throughout the story. A third mean character was redeemed towards the end of the book. That one was a bit of a stretch, although I understood what the author was trying to achieve.

I would read other works by the author. I was interested in Lily's brother, James, and would like to read his story with Evangeline. I would also like to read Sarah Carlisle's story to see what became of her life. Well, since I mentioned her, I must make note of a peeve. Although Sarah was the sister of an earl, she was known as Miss Carlisle. Why was she not allowed the title of "Lady" as all of the other characters that were earl's sisters were called. I would definitely read Juliette's story. Hopefully, the author will revisit this family and continue telling their stories. I would recommend the book to others.

WHAT THE EARL NEEDS NOW is the second book in Michelle Willingham's The Earl Next Door series. This is a terrific book for readers who are fascinated by stories with wounded heroes, second-chance romances, and readers who enjoy the "brother's best friend" trope. I really like how Michelle Willingham throws a few twists and turns into this story and puts a new slant on the scarred hero classic theme.

Michelle Willingham gives a little prologue at the opening of WHAT THE EARL NEEDS NOW, detailing how Lily Thornton and Matthew Larkspur, the Earl of Arnsbury entered into an unofficial form of marriage before he left the country. The story then picks up with Matthew returned to England a scarred and slightly morose man. Usually in these types of stories, the focus is on the hero and how he deals with his trauma. In WHAT THE EARL NEEDS NOW, although struggling with his PTSD, Matthew soon realizes that he should have held Lily close instead of initially trying to push her away. The focus of the story then shifts to Lily and whether she can trust Matthew with her heart after he rejected her.

There are two major stories in WHAT THE EARL NEEDS NOW: Matthew and Lily's second chance at love, and mysterious forces at work to destroy Matthew. I like how Michelle Willingham balances the suspense and hint of mystery with the romance. I wasn't sure if I would like Matthew at first, mainly because I generally don't enjoy stories in which the hero pushes the heroine away for her own good. I was happy that this hero sees the error in his thinking, and tries to change his life. I was thoroughly charmed by this hero, by his determination to win back Lily's trust and prove his love. Matthew's courtship starts out sweet, but things quickly heat up because of the love that's always existed for this couple. The fun outings and tender seduction make this story such a treat for historical romance fans.

WHAT THE EARL NEEDS NOW is a scrumptious romance with a scarred hero who gets a second chance at love. The shadowy villains in WHAT THE EARL NEEDS NOW only draw Matthew and Lily closer together as they work together. I look forward to hopefully reading about Lily's brother James and her friend Evangeline in a future book by Michelle Willingham.

My review was published at All About Romance. https://allaboutromance.com/book-review/what-the-earl-needs-now-by-michelle-willingham/

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book which I received through Netgalley.
I really liked this story. It's very well written.

The story seemed promising and interesting when it started but it fell flat and was kinda slow. I have read stories previously from by Michelle and she has definitely written better stories.

Things I liked:
• It's cute how she refers to him as The Viking. I rather like Lorrie.
• With SO MANY stories about Dukes and lower class leading ladies, it's nice to see a story where the heroine outranks the hero (a Duke's daughter and the third son of an Earl)
• Lorrie challenges the double standard that it's expected for a woman to remain a virgin until she is married, while mine are allowed and even expected to have, er, "relations…" before marriage, and she embraces her own sexuality.

Things that bugged me:
• Kind of annoying that each of the Survivors has a moniker. Our hero, Evan Mostyn (which I can't help but read as "moisten) is "the Protector." Ugh.
• Completely unnecessary side story about Lorrie's parents, and how they both have lovers but her dad wants to get back with her mom. Ew.
UGH ok, I can't finish this book. It's just annoyingly repetitive and I hate all the characters.

This is an emotional, captivating, romantic and suspenseful story. The twists in the story are dramatic and intriguing. Matthew is a charming, amusing and kind man who came back from India broken. Lily is an independent woman with a big heart who has been in love with Matthew for years. The relationship starts off very strained, then over time they start to revert to their comfortable and caring relationship. And they are very funny together. Matthew's storyline is cruel and heartbreaking. Several if the storylines are sad, but there are happy endings. It was such a gripping book that I couldn't put it down.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.

I really enjoyed "What the Earl Needs Now" by Michelle Willingham which was sweet and romantic. Matthew left to follow Lily's brother to India two years ago. Now he is back, but he is a shell of himself. He was tortured and beaten, and has trouble remembering anything but the torment. Lily is broken hearted that the man she loves, who she waited two years for, has returned but doesn't seem to know her. And doesn't care to know her.
Matthew and Lily pledged themselves to each other before he left. Now upon his return, he isn't sure he can actually be a husband to any woman. Lily only wants him to be happy and whole and preferably return to the man she used to love.
Matthew has a long way to go. He is hurt, physically and mentally, and drinks and takes medicines to avoid his constant pain. He starts to realize that he wants and needs Lily in his life, but he scares her away with his fits of temper and his rages.
Lily is steadfast, but Matthew scares her. She is worried that his mind will break and he will sink back into despair. She wants to believe his promises that he has changed, but will she put herself in danger if she opens her heart and trusts him again?
Very sweet and romantic story with a few passionate scenes added to make it all the more delectable. Matthew is an extremely sympathetic character, even when he is scary, and readers will root for them to come together.
Would definitely recommend this book.

Unusual story for a Regency. How a broken mind can slowly heal and how life is rarel what we assumed.

There were times when What The Earl Needs Now was emotionally difficult to read. A couple who marry in secret before he leaves for another country is emotional in the first place – add into that the man’s capture by a rebel faction, held hostage, tortured and eventually rescued, and you have a man who has been through the deepest levels of hell. Throughout this story I kept envisioning how PTSD is viewed and treated in our time… I cannot imagine the misunderstanding and horrible treatment that was “modern” in this historical time period. Utterly insane would probably have been the kindest diagnosis.

I was easily caught up in Lily and Matthew’s romance. They had married but not in a way that was considered legal at the time. Believing that they would remedy that upon Matthew’s return they pledged their love and enjoy one night together. Only Matthew’s return was far different than either could have possibly imagined… for he returned a tortured, far different man. He claims to not remember Lily, but that may not be entirely true. He knows he is a danger now and the kindest thing for Lily is to remain far away from him. But never underestimate a woman’s love for her man… even when he accidentally hurts her.

Lily is made of strong stuff and I liked her character very much. Matthew is complicated, trying so hard to hang on to his sanity and do the right thing for the woman he loves. Only he knows that Lily calms him, that her touch is soothing and keeps the memories at bay. He knows how good she could be for him but how good could he possibly be for her. There were moments when I was a bit afraid that Lily would allow her fear of Matthew’s actions to overtake how much she loves and needs this man. Their’s was not an easy situation with a simple answer. As I mentioned, this is an emotionally difficult story to read but it is so well worth it.

I enjoyed my time in this world and definitely will search out the next story in this series.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

It was a little hard to read about the PTSD and know about the torture of Matthew but then also sweet that Lilly persevered to help him. Matthew returns and does not know Lilly but she does her best to bring him back, However the healing is not quick or easy as other events occur to get in the way. There are subplots that muddy the story line a little but still they persevere. It is not all lighthearted but good. Thanks

I loved this book from beginning to end. It was filled with so much emotion and feels, so great story.The story is about Lily Thornton who has waited two years for her husband to return, the Earl of Arnsbury. But he does not remember her at all. He was tortured in India.Lily tries to reach Matthew, but soon flashbacks from his imprisonment scare her away. Matthew decides he needs to make amends and he must work to earn back her trust and save a love that had barely begun to thrive.

A tortured Earl who came back from India is physically, mentally and emotionally scarred. Matthew Larkspur, the Earl of Arnsbury has lost his penchant to live.
Lily Thornton, would never give up on the man she calls her husband, despite the fact that she's the only person who knows and believes this, as the Earl denies their union.

This is a heart-wrenching story of deep friendship, unfathomable love, reprehensible betrayal, mental illness, manic depression, family bond, inconceivable greed, unwavering loyalty, healing, forgiveness and a fresh start.

The Earl needed someone who is strong in spirit and possesses a steadfast love, this is the embodiment of Lily Thornton who was able to bring the Earl back to the land of the living.

Such a good story. I received an eGalley complimentary copy. This is my honest review.

It was okay, but I wasn't that enthusiastic. The pace was really slow, and the lovers torn asunder were ridiculous. Half the time that the slightly bewildered earl thinks about her, it's carnal. And yeah it's a romance novel, but it's not very enticing. I wouldn't want to read more books in this series.