An exciting book with lots of twists and turns, this was a hard one to put down. The characters were strong and interesting, the dialogue well written with witty banter. I liked how the story revealed itself bit by bit, then a twist to keep you guessing. A lot of back and forth in the budding romance kept my interest. Several plot lines made the story a good one. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. This is my freely given, honest review.

Really wonderful storyline which combines a bit of mystery with romance! I’m very happy to have found a new author to add to my favorites.

I received an advanced reader copy (ARC) from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review

Better than I expected! The title didn't grab me so much, but the write up looked pretty good. Inside is a strong tale that I enjoyed. Lies, mysteries, and romance fill these pages with an engaging story.

My copy came from Net Galley. My thoughts and opinions are my own. This review is left of my own free volition.

Miss Athena Hawthorne, the daughter of a celebrated jeweler, is left dismayed when her father's lawyer tells her there is no money for her inheritance because it was gambled away. She would not believe that was true, and is determined to find out who has cheated her.
Orian Ashcroft, Earl of Rockford promised his grandmother he would reclaim an important family heirloom. He knows where it was last seen, but can't prove who has it.
This is a lovely mystery with danger in the background for our sensible and courageous heroine. Someone is out to do her serious harm.
Our hero had to take responsibility far too young, that has made him wary of allowing his emotions out.
This is obviously part of a series of books than can be read alone, but are better read in order. I can't wait to read the next book even though I know, from this story, who the main characters will be.
Thoroughly enjoyable reading.

Excellent story full of suspense and mystery. The characters are entertaining as well as likeable. My only issue was refences made that didn't exist yet. Poe was reference in 1819 but not written til 1841. Makes it hard to enjoy a story when the FACTS used are false. Other than that it was a great story

A missing heirloom. A stolen inheritance.
Athena Hawthorne never imagined that she would lose everything she'd ever had. But after the death of her father, his prosperous jewellery store is sold off to pay his supposed debts leaving Athena destitute, so she embarks on a mission to discover the truth, but circumstances force her to accept an offer from a handsome stranger to work as a governess. Orion Ashcroft, the Earl of Rockford, is convinced that Athena is a grasping thief who stole a priceless family heirloom, the rare sapphire known as the Couleur Magnifique. When he offers her the position of governess to his sister Cassie's children, he only intends to catch her in some nefarious scheme and get back the sapphire his grandmother's dying wish. But he soon discovers that keeping his distance and his sanity around the beautiful Athena isn't as easy as he'd planned. It certainly doesn't help that his sister and his best friend plead her innocence at every frustrating turn. But there's danger closer than either expect. Even a masquerade can't hide Athena from the curiosity of the ton forever.
An engaging debut novel the story is well paced & the characters are well portrayed. There are twists & turns along the way & I certainly wasn’t expecting an inscription at the end. I soon found myself engrossed in the book & will certainly read the next books in the series. The book is well written & on the whole well researched. However my one gripe was the novel is set in 1819 but there are references to works by Poe & Dickens who were 10 & 7 respectively!
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

This is an outstanding book from a new Author! It is the story of a jewelry maker, and his daughter. Unfortunately, he dies, leaving her destitute! How are Earth did that happen? He was very successful, made beautiful works of art, for the Aristocracy, including Prinny! What happened to her inheritance, and where was she going to live, with only two pounds, to her name? As she is leaving the lawyers office, extremely distressed, she runs straight into the most handsome man, that she has ever laid eyes on! Finding out her name, he gives her a card, with an address on it, he knows someone who needs a Governess. To begin with, she should have thought about how convenient it was , to run into someone who could help her, just when she was in such desperate need! The story just gets better, danger, romance, heartbreaking, a Cinderella tale!
I highly recommend! Thanks! Enjoy!
Carolintallahassee.com

Why the Earl is After the Girl by Tabetha Waite is book One in the "Ways of Love" series. This is the story of Athena Hawthorne and Orion Ashcroft, the Earl of Rockford.
Athena has lost everything after her father's death and she is out to find out what really happened.
Orion is out to find out what happen to a family jewel that is missing and he thinks Athena is the one to blame. Sitting Athena up in his sister's home to watch her so he can catch her.
Really enjoyed this book! Will look for more books from this author!

.. Tabetha 3 cheers for u what a book. I LOVED EVERY SINGLE PAGE OF THIS BOOK ...
u ve done a wonderful job for it being ur debut book ...KUddos to the author for giving readers excellent story...

The book introduces us to Orion Ashcroft, the Earl of Rockford alais ( ROIN ) & Athena Hawthorne the daughter of a well known liked Jeweller...Roin believes Athena is a thief , hence immediately begins to ensnare her into his trap to find out what happened to his grandmother's jewelry. As she lives with the Earl's sister as the governess to her children, but eventually falls in love with her...

The story was full of Mystery. intrigue, romance and humor, sex ,sizzling chemistry . romance . beautiful emotions , through to the end. The pace of d story fast not one moment of boredom...the characters of both Roin -Athena strong , bold, beautiful, adorable ... The secondary characters in synch & necessary to d story ... I would like to read Roarke & Mara's story definitely...

It is a well-written, well-constructed story,well devloped, well scripted and an enjoyable read. The chemistry between the protagonists, Athena and Rion, is sizzling,hot ,steamy. There was a great plot twist at the end—completely unexpected & surprising ...

Well I strongly Recommend this book ...it is must & definite read ... I ve become a big big FAN of the author Tabetha ... even though it was my 1st book dat i ve read by Tabetha... After reading so many historical Regency Romance , this book was unique in its own domain ..Refreshing . A very talented author indeed... Pls keep up d good work & would definitely read all ur work if it is dis excellent ...U made my day ...

After finishing this book, I went searching for more by Ms Waite. What a surprise to find that this is a debut novel as it was such an engaging story. The characters were well fleshed out, with great secondary characters. I found myself racing through what was a very entertaining read. The attraction between Rion, the Earl of Rockford and Athena Hawthorne, was instantaneous but their romance proves to be anything but conventional. There were many twists to this story, highlighting the author’s talent in not only delivering great characters but providing a storyline that was well thought out.
I look forward to further stories in this series and hope that Lord Eversleigh features in one of them.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I did not finish this book, I tried and got to 49%, but when Rion mentioned Edgar Allen Poe and his book The Murders in the Rue Morgue - in a book that was set in 1819 - I had enough. The story is unbelievable without adding the aggravation of misused facts, the facts the author includes (Rolitos, Poe, etc) are all correct facts but not for 1819 - FYI Rolitos were from 1823 and Edgar Allen Poe wrote The Murders in the Rue Morgue in 1841

Oddly enough, there was not one title or formal address error - which is usually my biggest peeve in HR novels, so bravo for that!

It's the first book I read from this author but it won't certainly be the last.
The author found the perfect mix between romance and mystery. The story kept my attention as from the first page.
I would highly recommend this pageturning story !

The only reason I'm 'only' giving a 4-stars review is that in my opinion the title doesn't invite to buy the book.