Ella Quinn has got me back into reading regency romances again. This was the genre that I fell in love with when I first started reading adult romances when I was in junior high...ok..I was younger than that.



Her books have great characters.



Elizabeth is a strong heroine but she wants a love match. Geoffery is trying to find a perfect diplomats wife. Geoffery isn't exactly the most likable hero. He's ambitious and is more career oriented than looking for love. He's a little bit dim sometimes too. That's what makes the book fun! OK, Geoff is more than just dim, he's the kind of guy you want to shake some sense into. I wanted to do that so many times in this book.



You'll remember Geoffery from her last book, The Marquis and I. If you haven't read that book, you are definitely missing out. I liked revisited the other characters from The Worthington series. Charlotte, who was Geoff's first choice of a bride is Elizabeth's best friend.



Elizabeth is such a sweet character. Like most ladies, she is looking for a love match, and between her friends and family and Geoff's family they work to get him to fall in love with her, and it seems like it is working, until shortly after the wedding.



This is really when you want to shake Geoff.



As they travel to Brussels, she takes control and becomes a "qualified" wife of a diplomat. It is in being such a good wife that she was hurt.



Ms. Quinn, it is not fair to make me cry like that over a character. I had to keep reminding myself that this is romance and that nothing would happen to Elizabeth, but it still made me tear up.



The ending was perfect.



I look forward to the next book in the series.

Geoffrey, Earl of Harrington, just lost the lady he had picked out to marry, now he must find a new lady who meets all his “perfect wife” boxes. Geoffrey’s not looking for a love match, but instead is looking for someone to compliment his diplomatic career. He must marry or lose this prestigious position in Brussels he desperately wants. Geoffrey sets his sights on Elizabeth Turley as the perfect wife for him. He set out to woo Elizabeth.
Elizabeth Turley finds Geoffrey intriguing, but a little too sure of himself. Elizabeth wants a husband who loves her and so far she’s not seeing any signs that he is in love with her. These two character have a sweet chemistry and romance, but have trouble communicating their feeling and you’ll be routing for them to find their HEA!
This is my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.

You gotta love a completely clueless about women and love hero – and that is exactly what Geoffrey is… clueless. He’s been assigned a diplomatic position in Brussels and he needs a wife, right now. His first choice went and married someone else, for love no less. Geoffrey wasn’t interested in love, he doubted its existence even when several of his friends have found or said they were in love with their wives. No, our hero had a list of qualities his bride must possess – kind of like running down to the shops and picking out a bride from aisle 4. Geoffrey is in for some educating, some head turning, a bit of confusion and maybe if he’s really lucky he will realize that he loves his bride before he loses her, too.

Elizabeth has come to the ending of the Season with no groom to sweep her off her feet, no man who thinks the stars shine in her eyes or that she’s the only one who can make him happy for the rest of their lives. No. Didn’t happen for her. Yet, all might not be lost, the one man she is attracted to and wouldn’t mind getting to know better is in need of a wife. Can she set aside her vow to only marry for love in the hopes that Geoffrey will come to love her one day? It’s a gamble, but one she’s going to take – even when she overhears a conversation that never should have been had in the first place.

I enjoyed You Never Forget Your First Earl very much. It’s easy to talk about Geoffrey as a man without romance in his heart, but that isn’t entirely true. This man truly is clueless about love, and even when he’s trying he keeps missing the mark. I liked Geoffrey, I don’t think he can be described, he needs to be experienced to see that he is a man with potential he just doesn’t realize it yet. I loved Elizabeth, she’s smart, determined and convincing in her role as a diplomat’s wife. Geoffrey may not know it yet but he has a true jewel in Elizabeth.

As always, Ella Quinn spins a tale that is enticing and entertaining. If, by some chance, this is your first time reading Ms Quinn then I’d suggest going back to the start of The Worthingtons, you’ll find them all well worth your time. If you love Historical or Regency Romance then You Never Forget Your First Earl should be on your to read list.

*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.*

I had a few complaints about You Never Forget Your First Earl. Mainly that it contained too much military history. If people during the Regency period are anything like people today, not nearly that many people would know that much about whatever military thing was going on. The book also contained a lot of terminology and phrases that would most likely be unknown to the reader. This continually jolted me out of the novel. The pacing of the novel was also off. There were almost two separate plots, the first half and the second.

The first one for me by ella quinn.
and sad to say also my last.
I did not get into the story.
It dragged on and on.
there is no real storyline,no angst,no drama.
rather bland and easy to forget.

Geoffrey (Geoff), Earl of Harrington, is the son and heir to the Marquis of Markham. Today, he is going to ask Lady Charlotte Carpenter to be his wife. He is to meet her guardian and brother-in-law, Lord Worthington, to request her hand. He hopes to wed soon and then take up his post on the Continent on Sir Charles Stuart’s staff. Arriving at the Worthington residence, Geoff encounters a group of excited people. A young woman has been abducted and Charlotte is to accompany Lord Kenilworth to search for her. Geoff dislikes Kenilworth and thinks he is a bounder. When Geoff tries to stop Charlotte from going with him, Worthington rejects him because Kenilworth has already asked for her hand, beating out Geoff. It seems that Geoff had been in the country for several weeks attending to his father and assumed that Charlotte would be waiting for him. (You snooze, you lose, Geoff.)

Geoff needs a wife right away and one of whom his father would approve, so she can be with him as his hostess when he takes up new new post.

Geoff happens to meet an old friend, Gavin Turley, son of Viscount Turley, and explains his dilemma. Gavin invites him for tea to meet his sister, Elizabeth.

When Miss Elizabeth Turley meets Geoff at tea in her home, she is impressed by him but not sure he could truly care for her. He only seems intent on acquiring a wife as soon as possible. But Geoff is quite taken with her, even if he doesn’t show it, and feels they would be a perfect fit. However, he has to learn that it will take more than one dance at a ball to win the lady’s hand. Perhaps he needs a bit of a shakeup.

As they continue to see one another at balls, she metes out her attention and makes him work to win her. Along the way, they both enjoy their time together and they realize an attraction. Geoff is not only taken with her beauty but also with her intelligence. Will he be able to win her hand in marriage and quickly?

This book is a refreshing change from the other Worthington clan novels this author has been writing. Those books became boring to me as I encountered way too many characters making it difficult to keep track of them all. I must add that I do think the book dragged on too long. It could have been cut into two books. I did enjoy this story and while it took Geoff longer to “wake up” and realize what a woman wants to hear, I think he and Elizabeth are great characters.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I liked the character of Elizabeth Turley, she had a good heart and cared for others. I had mixed feelings about the character of Geoffrey with his list of qualifications for his wife but no thoughts of love. However, as the story progresses, reasons for his attitude are revealed. There were also some very interesting secondary characters that are asking for their own stories, in particular, Elizabeth’s brother Gavin and his friend. This was an entertaining read, I enjoyed how Elizabeth used her pistol! I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Men are just so clueless when it comes to love and relationships with women. Geoffrey, Earl of Harrington, first son, and heir to the Marquis of Markham, is evidently the king of clueless. He just assumes that, because he has expressed an interest, the lady will be likewise interested. He has his list of qualifications for a bride and when he finds one who meets those qualifications and his sight is set on her – he just expects to get her. He has absolutely no clue – none, nada, zip – that they wouldn’t want him. He has no desire to fall in love – he has friends who married for love and they are either in agony or ecstasy. No, he just wants someone who meets his qualifications and it would be nice if there was a bit of passion between them. It really isn’t that he’s conceited, it is just that he is clueless. He thinks that the ladies will have the same attitude that he does – you find someone with the right qualifications, and you make a match. It is the business of a relationship. That attitude has cost him one woman (The Marquis and I (The Worthingtons #4)). Will he realize that he needs help before his time runs out? He has to have a bride very quickly now that he lost the last potential candidate – he only has a matter of weeks to pursue someone, marry her, and leave for the continent to assume his new diplomatic position. You just have to love him because he really is so clueless and naïve. I loved watching him grow and learn!

Lady Elizabeth Turley has been the overlooked jewel of the season. Her more beautiful, vivacious friends have garnered all of the attention and now it is the end of the season and she has no prospects. There is one man who caught her attention (Harrington), but he was completely focused on her friend Charlotte all season – now, Charlotte is marrying someone else. Elizabeth is both interested and hesitant when her brother invites Harrington to tea so they can be introduced. She’s interested because she’s been attracted to him all season and she’s hesitant because – if he loved her friend Charlotte and she married someone else, how can he be ready to love again so soon? Yes, you have it, Lady Elizabeth wants a love match. Since men find it hard to say those words, how can she tell if he loves her or not?

Both Geoff and Elizabeth follow the advice given to them by others and they are off on a merry chase. I love Geoff’s reactions to his grandmother’s list of things for him to do in order to secure Elizabeth’s hand. True to character – he looks at the list, picks a couple of easy things and ignores the rest. Then, he is surprised when that doesn’t work. Finally, though, he does embrace the list and wins the fair maiden. That doesn’t mean all is well in the neighborhood.

After Elizabeth overhears a conversation between Geoff and his father (after the marriage), she comes to believe that Geoff doesn’t love her and will not love her. Now, what is she to do? Well, she follows advice from her mother-in-law and her grandmother-in-law – who both had the same problem with their husbands. If you want to know how well that works, you’ll just have to read the book!

The largest portion of the book takes place in England with Geoff and Elizabeth dancing around each other. But, the latter portion deals with them traveling to Brussels just before the battle of Waterloo. Those were some perilous times and Quinn’s scene-setting is brilliant. You feel you are right there with the tension and the threat of Napoleon overrunning you at any point. It is also amazing to see what a household had to go through to re-locate during that time. It certainly wasn’t like just calling the moving company and off you go.

Elizabeth really came into her own once they were traveling. You will come to admire her very much. She is calm, caring, concerned, organized, and brave beyond belief. She really is what a heroine should be.

I really liked all of the secondary characters in the book. Well, all of them except Elizabeth’s father. He only had a small part to play in the book and he was mostly very melancholy and still, years later, consumed with the loss of his wife. However, his absence left the door open for us to meet and come to admire Elizabeth’s brother – Gavin. He’s delightful and I can surely see a book in his future! Another one I’d like to see a book for is Lord Littleton – he needs to fall in love and have his HEA. 

This is excellently written – as are all of this author’s novels. The plot is well thought out and the scene setting is perfect.

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"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."

You Never Forget Your First Earl by Ella Quinn is book Five in The Worthingtons Series. This is the story of Elizabeth Turley and Geoffrey, Earl of Harrington. I have read the previous books but feel you can make this a standalone book.
Geoffrey needs to marry in order to get a prestigious position in Brussels. With his one attempt past him he is then given a list of names and Elizabeth was on that list. When he talks to her he finds she meets allot of his needs on the list he has. Elizabeth friends have married and now she wants her chance and when Geoffrey comes forward she thinks he might be the one. Although she does have him work some for her they end up marring but she later hears a conversation that Geoffrey had that sets back. But Geoffrey is confused of the change in her but goes forward to find the reason why...at the same time in keep her out of the new danger that has found them.
Love Ms. Quinn's stories...always a must read for me!

You Never Forget Your First Earl is another of Ella Quinn’s unique romances. I love how she overlaps her stories and intertwines her characters. Geoffrey, Lord Harrington, is in a rush to marry and get to his post with Sir Charles in Belgium. After pursuing Charlotte, of the Marquis and I, and not winning her hand in marriage, he is left with only weeks to marry and get on with his career.

Geoffrey’s friend and Elizabeth’s brother, Gavin Hurley, happens to be in the right place at the right time to invite Geoffrey to his family home for tea. Gavin, in his own way, is playing matchmaker for his sister and Geoffrey. Elizabeth is everything that a diplomat could want in a wife. Her circle of friends includes the now betrothed Charlotte.

Ms. Quinn writes Geoffrey just as some men can be – ignorant of what a woman wants and desires in a husband and lover. Geoffrey has his grandmother and mother to guide him, but he doesn’t take their advice until it is almost too late. Good for Elizabeth, at the advice of Charlotte and their friends, to insist that he actually court her. She decides not to make it too easy for him even though she is beginning to care deeply for him. Once they are married and she overhears hurtful remarks, she takes his mother and grandmother’s advice and goes back to making him work for it. Geoffrey seems like a stick in the mud for a good portion of the book, but it fits his personality and the story line.

Once Geoffrey comes around and realizes Charlotte is what he needs, he makes reparations. Their HEA is rocky to start. The traveling as a diplomat’s wife is just what Charlotte needs to fulfill her life and bring them closer together even in the worst of times.

Maybe 3.5 stars


Geoffrey, Earl of Harrington and heir to the Marquess of Markham is in need of a wife, his first choice Lady Charlotte has apparently decided on the Marquess of Kenilworth. To take the diplomatic post he wants, he must have a wife, but as the season is drawing to an end and many families have left town for the continent - his options are limited. So when he runs into his old friend Gavin Turley and is invited to tea, he thinks his luck might be changing. Just to cover his bases, he seeks advice from his grandmother, the dowager Marchioness of Markham.


Elizabeth Turley, daughter of Viscount Turley, knows Geoffrey is looking for a wife and she might be interested in the position, but she wants a love match and will settle for nothing less. She met Geoffrey before and thought him attractive and interesting, but he was pursuing her friend Lady Charlotte at the time and she has been advised to not make things easy for him.


At tea, Geoffrey "tests" Elizabeth and is delighted to learn that she meets all his requirements for a wife, he of course has other options to explore (his mother sent him a list of potential brides - including Elizabeth), so he asks Elizabeth to save a dance for him and she agrees.

When Geoffrey learns that Elizabeth really is his option for a bride, he decides to court her and his attempts are amusing. Armed with a list from his grandmother, Geoffrey sets out to win his lady. Elizabeth who was at first uncertain, begins to have hope that she and Geoffrey could have a love match, and when he finally proposes, she accepts.

They marry and share an incredible wedding night, but Elizabeth's heart is shattered when she overhears Geoffrey and his father talking. His father is congratulating him on his bride and Geoffrey replies she was the last choice available and met all his qualifications. She thought he loved her and now feels the fool for falling in love with him. His mother and grandmother offer her advice and she agrees to give their suggestions a try.

Geoffrey is clueless as to what has upset his bride and as they travel to Brussels, he tries to figure out what when wrong and how to fix it. But with the war coming to a head, his first priority must be to his superior Sir Charles. When the battle literally comes to their doorstep, Elizabeth decides that life is too short and tells him she loves him. But before Geoffrey can respond she falls asleep. And before he can examine his feelings and tell her, tragedy strikes and he may never get the chance.


This was sweet book, but the first 70% of the story just dragged for me, however, once they leave for Brussels, the pace of the story picks up and the ending is wonderful. The story features likable characters, amusing advice from friends and family, some steamy love scenes, a bit of action and finally a HEA complete with an epilogue.

This is the fifth book in the series, but it can absolutely be read as a stand alone title with no problems at all. While this was not my favorite in the series, it is a quick read and I would have no problem recommending it.

I enjoyed this title by Ella Quinn! Even though this is part of a larger series that I wasn't familiar with, I had no trouble following the story line. You Never Forget Your First Earl follows the story of Lord Harrington, who is required to marry before he can take up his dream job posting abroad. Elizabeth dreams of travel and a love match. Combined the two surprise! find love and adventures together.

When I first saw this book I was immediately drawn to the absolutely stunning cover. Not only was the dress and model beautiful and eye-catching, the cover was actually relevant to the story, which I love. Although this is book five in her Worthingtons series, You Never Forget Your First Earl (whew, that’s a mouthful) was my first book by Ella Quinn and, unfortunately, I am not sure I’ll pick up another one. If I had to give it a starred rating, it would get 2.5-3.

The pros: Let’s start with the positives. As I mentioned, the cover is perfect. I want it framed on my wall, it is just that pretty. When Geoffrey is courting Elizabeth based on his grandmother’s rules? He’s got the moves! He kisses both her hands and is pretty doting. I see why Elizabeth thought he was all that and a bag of chips. The writing good as were the historical references. The plot moved enough that I never entirely wanted to give up on the characters or the story.

The cons: Based on the synopsis and basically the first half of the book I kept waiting for them to get married (this isn’t a spoiler, it’s on the back cover I promise) and start their life together in Brussels. I didn’t know that their married life was only going to be the last 25% of the book or so. There was so much focus on the war and the politics at the time, which is well and good but it had no relevance on the plot. The author would spend two pages talking about writing a note or packing a bag that didn’t further any plot line or characterization. It read like filler text which is especially annoying when I really just wanted to know more about Geoffrey and Elizabeth. I felt like there was a lot of family dynamics and interpersonal relationships that could have been explored further.

More cons: Geoffrey is kind of a cold fish (and yes, I understand that is part of the plot line) the problem is, I wasn’t ever sold that he saw Elizabeth as more than a convenient partner he liked to have sex with occasionally. There was an entire week that Elizabeth was mad at him and not one time did he ask her why. He just kept living his life, occasionally thinking about the fact that she wouldn’t have sex with him and that sucked. On the other hand, Elizabeth was passive aggressive for most of the book.

Overall, this story could have been much stronger. I think both characters lacked any kind of fire and the focus on the war as opposed to the relationship with the war as a foil was distracting. It wasn’t the worst book I’ve read all year but I wouldn’t recommend it.

**I received an ARC of this book in order to provide an honest review**

Elizabeth Turley's three friends have all married so she's more than ready to marry. Geoffrey, Earl of Harrington is tall, handsome, and dashing, he’s also just a bit too sure of himself. Elizabeth has observed enough about the rules of attraction to pique the earl’s attention. Lord Harrington must marry or lose a prestigious position in Brussels, and pretty, well-connected Elizabeth fits his needs admirably.
Another very good well written book from the author. I found that I wasn’t enamoured of Geoff to begin with he came across as a little petulant however as the novel progressed I found I liked him more & more. I especially liked his Grandmother & cousin Apollonia (love the name) taking his courting skills to task. Elizabeth is an intelligent & very likeable young woman, The attraction between the pair is apparent from their encounters. It was a very well paced story which I didn’t want to end. I also loved that characters from other series made cameo appearances.

My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Publisher's Description

Within the Worthingtons’ extended family circle, laughter and romance rule, and a young lady never settles for less than true love . . .

With her three good friends all recently married, Elizabeth Turley is ready for some husband-hunting of her own. One gentleman in particular sparks her interest. Geoffrey, Earl of Harrington is tall, handsome, and dashing. He’s also just a bit too sure of himself. But Elizabeth has observed enough about the rules of attraction to pique the earl’s attention. Yet once she has it, the discovery of a troubling secret taints her future happiness . . .

Lord Harrington must marry or lose a prestigious position in Brussels, and pretty, well-connected Elizabeth fits his needs admirably. But could it be that he has underestimated his bride? She doesn’t bat an eye in the face of the danger they encounter overseas. She’s strong-willed, intelligent, and more enticing each day—yet also more indifferent to him. Now Geoffrey faces his greatest challenge: to woo and win his own wife, or risk losing her for good . . .

My Thoughts:

This newest book in the Worthingtons is about extended family and in that it disappointed me. This isn't my favorite book in this series as I missed the humor that was part of each of the other books in this series. I was so looking forward to this one being about another Worthington miss but there is only the briefest mention of Charlotte in that she choose another groom due to the scandal in The Marquis and I.

Geoffrey, Earl of Harrington is tall, handsome, and dashing and is certain that Charlotte will marry him. Boy is he in for a surprise! Not only is she not marrying him, she has accepted a betrothal to another. Now because he is expected in Brussels with his new wife for a prestigious position he must seek another to become his wife immediately.
Elizabeth Turley is ready for some husband-hunting. After her three best friends have recently married she doesn't want to be left out and Geoffrey seems to be just the ticket. Unfortunately the gentleman, although willing to marry her doesn't believe in love and Elizabeth most certainly wants to marry for love!
How will this convoluted tale end.
This story carries us through Brussels and more of the continent during the war with Napoleon. and has some very scary moments.

I gave this book 4.25 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 2.5 of 5.0 flames. This is more a story of a developing love after marriage than an intimate tale.
I received a complimentary digital copy of this title from the publisher to read and review. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

“You never forget your first earl” is the fifth book in the Worthingtons series. The story follows Geoffrey, the Earl of Harrington and his quest to find a wife, in order for him to take on his job abroad. After little success with Lady Charlotte Worthington, he realises that time is running out and decides that Elizabeth Turley, is the next best choice.
So, it was at this point that I found it a ‘bit’ difficult to warm to Geoffrey; however, thankfully, Elizabeth was not someone to let him get away with this attitude. She manages to force him to realise his feelings, along with assistance from Geoffrey’s aunt and grandmother.
It was these three women that shone throughout the book. Geoffrey’s stiffness was almost too much at times. However, I still look forward to reading more from this author as she always tells a sweet story.
I received an advanced review copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Geoffrey, Earl of Harrington, had pinned all of his hopes on wedding Charlotte Worthington, but seems Charlotte has already moved on with someone else by the time he comes around. Since Geoff has to find a bride before he takes up his assignment working for Sir Charles Stuart, he is kind of pressed for time. With the help of his family, Geoff makes a list of eligible ladies to be his bride. Geoff has his eye on one lady in particular, Charlotte's friend, Miss Elizabeth Turley.

Elizabeth agrees with her family that Geoff is a suitable option for a husband, but she wants her marriage to be one for love. At first, Geoff does not seem that interested, but the tables turn when another man appears to be interested in Elizabeth. Elizabeth is only giving her other "pretend" suitor the time of day to determine if Geoff really wants her or not. Could Elizabeth have met her match in Geoff? Will he ever allow his true emotions to shine through?

YOU NEVER FORGET YOUR FIRST EARL is the fifth installment in author Ella Quinn's series titled THE WORTHINGTONS. It centers around a close friend of Charlotte Worthington, Elizabeth Turley. Geoff was attempting to win over Elizabeth's friend, Charlotte. He certainly has a whole lot to learn about women and what they really want before he can convince Elizabeth to be his bride. Elizabeth is not going to play second best. If she can't have love, then she wants nothing at all. Does Geoff have it in him to feel more for her, or is he just doing his duty in marrying?

I do feel that this YOU NEVER FORGET YOUR FIRST EARL could be read as a stand alone, but for more of the story, I suggest reading the series straight through. There are five books to date; THREE WEEKS TO WED, WHEN A MARQUIS CHOOSES A BRIDE, IT STARTED WITH A KISS, THE MARQUIS AND I and YOU NEVER FORGET YOUR FIRST EARL. Each novel is entertaining in it's own right and adds something special to THE WORTHINGTONS series. Fans of the series will enjoy it.

I really enjoyed reading You Never Forget Your First Earl by Ella Quinn. I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher and I am voluntarily reviewing the book. I recommend this book. It is part of a series but you don;t have to read the books before this one.

Lord Harrington must get married or lose his prestigeous position on the continent. Besides a love match, Elizabeth Hurley wants adventure and to travel. The adventure begins and we have a roller coaster ride with some danger and war thrown in to make this a great read and romance.

Geoffrey, Earl of Harrington, is clueless. Being self centered and single minded he doesn't notice what's happening in the world around him - not unless it directly impacts him and sometimes not even then.

That explains why he was still courting Lady Charlotte Carpenter when she was publically engaged to Constantine, the Marquis of Kenilworth, whose romance appears in The Marquis and I, Book #4 of the Worthingtons series. Any chance Geoff had while wooing his first choice for a wife disappeared when he took off back home to visit an impatient father, the Marquis of Markham, who insisted on micromanaging his son's London life. Now Geoffrey has just a few weeks to find a suitable bride, a requirement for his job as an assistant to Sir Charles Stuart. His mate must meet certain requirements if she is to accompany him to Brussels. After all, not only does a diplomat's wife have responsibilities, she also must be somewhat pleasing to the eye (since Geoffrey wants to enjoy his husbandly duties). After reviewing the "short list" of eligible young ladies he sets out to "meet" them at the next ball where he ends up eyeing Elizabeth Turley, best friends with Charlotte. Elizabeth is actually attracted to the stilted, cocky Earl, even though she feels like she is being interviewed for a position instead of being courted. She doesn't want to appear too eager or marry someone just for the sake of convenience - either his or hers. Unsure if Harrington will come up to scratch, her brother, Gavin, convinces his friend Lord Littleton to provide some competition. Now Geoffrey has to put some effort into what turns out to be a whirlwind romance. With the help of Grandmama and Cousin Apollonia, he "makes a cake of himself", but Elizabeth is worth the effort. Their passion in the bedroom is a bonus which makes him even more desperate for the upcoming nuptials.

Everything seems to be going well until Elizabeth overhears Geoff talking with his father. She's devastated to hear her new husband agree that she has all the qualifications necessary to be an excellent hostess, without any mention of the love they had just proclaimed in their wedding vows. So for the rest of You Never Forget Your First Earl by Ella Quinn, Elizabeth decides to withhold her affection from an oblivious husband who is baffled about what he's done to offend his bride. However, neither has much time to contemplate their marital difficulties since there's a war gong on, so the two must temporarily drop their differences and rise to the occasion. With a battle as a backdrop, their squabbles seem insignificant and the ultimate resolution, while overly dramatic, does provide a satisfying conclusion.

I have mixed feelings about this Regency Romance from The Worthingtons series (#5). Parts of it were fun (especially when Harrington and Littleton were fighting over Elizabeth), some parts dragged (too much repetition with both protagonists agonizing over their relationship), and some parts were filled with minutia. These little details, which would ordinarily have been annoying, were at times fascinating, as Elizabeth packed up an entire household complete with horses, conveyances, and servants and traveled to Belgium.

Then there's that one-sided "spat", where Elizabeth freaked out when Geoffrey didn't proclaim he had feelings for her on that day she inadvertently eavesdropped. However, if she had thought about it, the idea of love was not something a son would necessarily confide in his dad, especially a domineering man like the Marquis. Her anger should have been directed on the fact that her competency was considered her best feature, as if she were a hired servant.

Elizabeth didn't need to fret about her abilities because she was a whizz at any task thrown her way. Her talents went beyond her organizational skills, and included the ability to take charge during times of stress and then, mere hours later, appear beautiful and composed at a ball. All this at the tender age of eighteen - a little far fetched, to say the least.

For fans of The Marriage Game series, Geoffrey runs into Septimius Trevor at the solicitor's office who asks him to touch base with Colonel Lord Hawkesworth while he is in Brussels and remind him to write home more often. While Quinn explores a few details about the battlefront, that is not her main focus, although the anger of the French locals at the interference of the British in overthrowing Napoleon, is well represented.

Three stars and a thank you to Netgalley who providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This review also appears on my blog: Gotta Read

This is a slow and beautiful falling in love story of the hero and heroine. This is Book #5 of The Worthingtons Series and even though the characters appear in previous books, this book can be read as a standalone. The romance between Geoffrey and Elizabeth is sweet and I really liked how the author wrote about the war without becoming too enmeshed in it. It was good to read about how war affects the people on the sidelines and to see a glimpse into their life. I did think that the story moved too slowly at times but I would suggest to keep reading as it is a sweet read.

* I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher for an honest review*