Once again, we find the jilted lover who is not even ready to give love another try. After a traumatic childhood and the tragic passing of his parents at an early age, David Gray, Earl of Ravenport, has inherited a bankrupt earldom. His childhood has left him dark, foreboding and guarded. When he tried love, he was left brokenhearted by a woman. Thus, now he is working on restoring the family fortress and not at all interested in romance. Fiona Hartley is the daughter of a very rich man. Her propensity toward accidents and her gangly stature seem to keep suitors away. Right now, someone is blackmailing her, and she does not have access to the funds she needs to pay up. Fiona is also a very sharp woman who is passionate about her work as an artist, despite others’ lack of appreciation. Thus, Fiona decides to quickly marry David Gray because she recalls his kindness to her during a mishap at a ball and hopes he will allow her to use part of her dowry to pay off the blackmailer. Naturally, David shrinks away from her proposal. However, Fiona is relentless, so Gray invites her, her family and a friend to a house party, during which the reader is provided a good picture of two strong individuals each trying to persuade the other to come over the his/her side. Still, they are attracted to each other, so who knows how this whole thing will turn out.

I have not read anything else by the author. I enjoyed this book, but had some difficulty getting into it. I also had some difficulty understanding and liking Fiona. Gray was Gray from the start, though I did see some interesting attributes as the tale progressed. All in all, this was an okay book. I enjoyed reading it. I think anyone who has enjoyed the others in the series will like it. If you have not read others, this may be a good place to start. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.

One can understand how Miss Fiona Harley would want to protect the reputation of her younger sister, Lily, and her family by paying off a blackmailer who has damaging information. What is harder to believe is that she would write a letter to a virtual stranger, the Earl of Ravensport, or David Gray and propose marriage. Her thought is that he has been jilted lately by his fiancée and that he would be agreeable to marriage of convenience and thus she would be able to access her dowry. Naturally, the whole affair becomes much more complicated than expected and both David and Fiona learn valuable lessons about love and trust.

I look forward to future stories in this new series.

Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for an ARC; all opinions are my own.

This was as entertaining as heartfelt – the characters were sparkling and charming and Anna Benett’s style is lovely, flowing and fun. I can’t wait to get the rest of her series. Recommend!

I've enjoyed Anna Bennett's previous books and did again with this new one - the first in her new Debutant Diaries series. This one has a great conflict and I do love secrets that threaten to upset everything. I highly recommend this one - First Earl I See Tonight - and can't wait for book 2.

Debutante a-wooing goes!

The jilted Earl of Ravenport, David Gray doesn't want a wife, he wants to renovate his deteriorating country home for his beloved grandmother.
Heiress Miss Fiona Hartley doesn't want to marry but it's the only way she can think of to pay off a blackmailer who threatens to expose information about her sister Lily.
When Fiona approaches Gray with a proposition to meet both their needs he's taken aback and decides a house party at his crumbling estate will send Fiona running in the opposite direction. Fiona's monetary conditions do rather make Gray blink. He didn't count on her desperation, nor her artist's eye to see his home differently. Neither did he count on the rising attraction between them to play a part.
I loved the courage and tenacity of Fiona. Gray as the tragic disillusioned Earl was fine but his Grandmother was just gorgeous. The plot resolution was well done although the ending seemed hurried. Fiona's friend Sophie appears to have a talent for decoration ideas. The tattered ballroom is transformed under her guidance using wild flowers and greenery. I suspect her story will have much to offer. I'm looking forward to it. And then there's sister Lily!
A charming start to a new series themed around these three young woman and their agreement to keep diaries about their time as debutantes.

A NetGalley ARC

I really liked this story. David Gray and
Miss Fiona Hartley are so good together.

It was my first book by this author but it won't be my last.

I enjoyed this book. It wasn’t hard to get into, I liked the main characters and it wasn’t completely fantastical. Although it was fairly predictable, it was a good ‘light’ read.
It’s not one that I would be desperate to read again as I didn’t find it especially exciting, but I would definitely recommend it. ARC received from Netgalley. 3 stars.

A delightful historical romance for those that enjoy this genre. An heiress with a dowry who needs immediate access because of a blackmailer and an Earl who needs money to restore the family estate for his grandmother are the major characters in this story. A fun and entertaining book.

What a delightful book! I loved Fiona. She was desperate to save her sister from a blackmailer. I liked how David didn't intend on falling for Fiona, but couldn't help being drawn to her. I just didn't want to put the book down.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher. Thank you!

Really enjoyed this regency romance with a hint of suspense. First time I've read anything by Anna Bennett and it won't be the last. The writing and editing was spot on for the era.

Let me start by saying the cover is stunning. It’s what grabbed me to pick up this book. The story started well enough, it sort of reminded of Lisa Kleypas’ wallflower series and another series by Suzanne Enoch’s, but I’ve come to the realization that this author is just not for me. The blackmail was fine,but when more and more problems kept being thrown at Gray and Fiona, it was a bit too much to keep track of.

The gist of the story is one we’ve seen before: heroine (Fiona) needs speedy marriage to prevent disaster. Accordingly, Fiona propositions this random earl (Gray), whom she met once when he helped her up after falling while dancing at a ball. He responds by saying, basically, “No way, you’re nuts, but why don’t you come to my decaying country estate for a few days? It’s so derelict that I’m sure you’ll run away and have no further thought of wanting to marry me.” Except, Gray’s plan backfires and Fiona is absolutely charmed by the “Secret Garden” and a “je ne sais quois” quality of Gray’s property, and Gray is in turn charmed by Fiona’s ability to find beauty in what he had previously thought was a pile of rubble requiring extensive repair. After frittering away several days at Gary’s decaying estate, she finally confides in him the reason for her desired hasty marriage: someone is blackmailing her (and not her super rich dad) with lascivious information pertaining to her sister’s parentage. Therefore, she must marry to access her substantial dowry because she doesn’t want to bother her dad about it. Shocked, Gray’s first response is that they should have dealt with the blackmailer rather than dallying the days away at his remote county estate. (Finally! Someone with some sense!). But they get distracted and wile away the afternoon by making out and swinging in trees.

This is a historical romance, so I don’t need to tell you that things work out in the end. It just took a really long time to work out, and I’m afraid it lost me along the way. It didn’t start out slowly, though. There was a wonderful scene in the very beginning where the two are caught in a downpour while walking in Hyde Park. There’s nothing more romantic than that, and the two cozy up in a carriage for a few delightful moments.

Unfortunately, things fizzled out quickly and there’s no real sense of urgency for the remainder of the story, which contrasts oddly with the heroine’s claim that she MUST marry ASAP. Instead, we slowly meander through the narrative, not accomplishing much except some making out and a deflowering (all of which was a bit matter of fact and not at all earth shattering or heart wrenching - both elements that are required for a successful love story, in my opinion).

A few other plot things bothered me (and the story wasn’t riveting enough for me to be willing to suspend my disbelief). Why did the blackmailer target Fiona rather than her dad? He’s super rich and has unlimited access to his money. Fiona, a daughter, obviously would not have the same access. Where did he think she’d get the money? Meh Also, Gray’s estate was where his paternal grandmother grew up...so its her house and not the grandfather the old earl’s house so it’s not part of the earldom but he grew up there too...so I’m confused...why did everyone live there? Giving up on that one since it requires too much circular thinking and I’m definitely overthinking this. There are also some dad problems that are thrown in halfway that explain why Gray can’t love anyone, ever (even though he previously blamed his lack of love on a fiancé who dumped him). Also his parents damaged him blah blah. Too many minor plots going on here, and none that I truly cared about or believed.

Overall, despite a few modern colloquialisms, typos, and slow pacing, the writing itself wasn’t bad. This was a 3 Star read for me.

First earl I see tonight is the first book in a new series by Anna Bennett. It's the story of Fiona and Gray. Fiona's sister will be the heroine of the second book which is nice. I got the impression that she is too young and immature to have a story, but I must have been wrong. I had a little problem with the communication between Fiona and Gray. I wanted her to reveal her secret to Gray sooner in order for them to work together and find out who the blackmailer is together. Fiona did all the work on her own and kept a lot of things from Gray and that's something that in my mind prevents people from having a healthy and solid relationship. At least, I liked how devoted and loyal she was to her sister. She is a good person who tried to save her sister from ruin. Gray is also willing to do anything he can for someone he loves and that is restoring the castle to its former glory before his grandma loses her sight completely. Both characters are good people. I didn't like the identity of the blackmailer. I wanted something more well-thought and complicated. Both things were only minor complaints and I enjoyed the book. It was easy and light read too and I would recommend it to those who want to read an HR book.

4 Wine Glass #Review of First Earl I See Tonight (Debutante Diaries #1) by Anna Bennett

First Earl I See Tonight is a fun and sweet regency romance with a dash of intrigue that I delighted in!

Fiona Hartley may not have born into the aristocracy, but her family is richer then most of those apart of that class. And because of that, she's been targeted by a no-good blackmailer, threatening to expose her adopted sister's origins if she doesn't pay a hefty sum. Unable to go to her father for fear of his health, and not wanting to expose her sister to the malevolence, Fiona must find a husband - and fast - in order to obtain enough of her dowry to pay off the scoundrel. Enter David Gray, the Earl of Ravenport. An impoverished aristocrat who Fiona could hopefully depend on discretion and convenience with. Unfortunately, Gray doesn't seem interested in a wife, even if her riches will help restore his family's crumbling fortress. In order for Fiona to convince him, her and her family must travel to Gray's dilapidated estate, but Gray's convinced that in itself will be enough to scare the young Miss Hartley away for good. Only... she ends up seeing more within the deteriorated grounds then Gray could ever imagine, and brings a light to Fortress that hasn't been seen since his grandmothers youth. Fiona is hiding something though, and Gray is determined to find out what it is before he falls even harder for her... if it's not too late already...

First Earl I See Tonight was my first introduction to Anna Bennett's writing, and I will definitely be back for more! The story was a rollicking good time all around with mystery, romance, and a touch of suspense. I liked the characters, Fiona had whit and sass, and I appreciated her determination to protect those she loved at all costs. Gray was a difficult character to fancy towards the beginning of the story. I didn't understand his fear of commitment over the duplicity of a women that he never liked to start with. Though I did love his relationship with his grandmother. It was heart-warming and endeared me to him more as the story progressed. I also didn't quite grasp the reasoning as to why Fiona always referred to the Earl of Ravenport of Gray, as opposed to his given name of David. I would think that would get a bit confusing after their marriage and her taking his last name...

All in all, First Earl I See Tonight was a promising start to a new series. With a satisfying story-line, well-paced plot, and snappy writing, I look forward to more from this decadent world Anna Bennett has created in the Debutante Diaries series.

In order to protect her family Fiona takes matters into her own hands and proposes to the Earl of Ravenport.
David Gray was jolted once and this proposal is ridiculous. He needs to turn down Fiona immediately.
As he tries to convince her this is wrong. Through all this convincing his heart starts to open and maybe there can be a future for them.

I loved this book the story was consistent and there was a bit of suspense as well as romance.


** I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

I was grateful to receive a free copy of The First Earl I See Tonight. This was a well thought out plot, and it was very easy to like both Gray and Fiona. The book was well written, and overall a good read. I would recommend their story to friends and family.

Wealthy Fiona Hartley and her sister Lily are going to have their first London season. Lily was adopted as a babe and someone is threatening to tell the truth about Lily’s birth mother. Fiona has decided to pay the man but needs to get her dowry to do so. She has decided to send a letter to Gray, Earl of Ravenport, asking him to marry her asap. She knows the Earl needs money and he was once nice to her at a ball. He’s not quite sure about her and decides to have a house party at his crumbling estate, assuming one look will drive her away.

Fiona is an artist and sees what the estate could be when restored. His Grandmother thinks they will be perfect for each other. After spending time with her, he agrees to the marriage but informs her he’s incapable of loving her. During the house party, she becomes acquainted with his friends. One of them, Kirby, doesn’t seem quite right to her. Gray does fall in love with her, but no spoilers from me because this story gets complicated and hard to put down. I really enjoyed it and hope you will read it.

Miss Fiona Hartley needs a husband and soon. She decides to propose by letter to David Gray, the Earl of Ravenport. He is wanting money to restore the family estate. She needs to pay off a blackmailer. He is not sure what to make of her proposal and eventually she has to explain her need for money from her dowry to pay the blackmailer to save her sister's reputation. He is ready to help as soon as he knows but wants to find out who it is. They have much to do to work their whttps://www.netgalley.com/member/shelfay to a 'happy ever after' but they have to trust each other first.

This one I finished (yay) and it was a more middling read for me. I certainly enjoyed myself from time to time but it’s been a month and looking back on this one I have to flick back to my comments I wrote whilst reading because it’s not stood the books amnesia test well. That’s not to say that’s a point against this book, I forget many a book, but if I hadn’t have reread the summary and had a couple of notes to hand I definitely wouldn’t have remembered anything of this book.

There was something which stopped me fully invested in reading this. I did enjoy it and both the characters appealed to me, the Earl was interesting and I liked him, and Fiona’s quest to receive her dowry to pay a blackmailer was pretty exciting (although a touch farfetched). I liked how Fiona was not daunted by anything, she made the most of things and went with it and who can’t respect that in a woman. I did like the interaction between our romantic couple but I just didn’t fully wholeheartedly invested. I did roll my eyes a little as the mystery of the blackmailer was revealed too, because really? I don’t know. It was enjoyable enough and I’d read more from Anna Bennett because hopefully, it would click next time.

I absolutely adored this book! It was cantankerous! This story involves a moody earl who falls in love with a family-oriented, compassionate woman, that wants to be a heroine not a damsel in distress. There are so many funny moments in this book with a dash of mystery. What I loved most is how Fiona an heiress in need of accessing her funds by proposing to Gray so that she can save her family from a blackmailer. A WOMAN! I HAVE ALWAYS ENJOYED BOOKS where the female protagonist is taking the lead. Their two-week courtship accentuated Fiona’s no-nonsense attitude and Gray’s lack of the ton’s attitude. I highly recommend this novel for anyone who loves a hot, heated, sexy, and fun book!