In The Earl Next Door, the first book in Amelia Grey's First Comes Loves series, a red corset and a case of mistaken identity bring Adeline, Dowager Countess of Wake and Lyon Marksworth, Earl of Lyonwood, together; and the neighborhood will never be the same!

Lyon's gossipy aunt tells him a house of "ill repute" is being set up next door and finding a woman dancing around in a red corset seems to confirm his aunt's information. When he realizes his mistake, Lyon apologizes but is not sorry he met Adeline.

Adeline has joined two other widows in establishing The Seafarer's School, a boarding school for girls who lost a father or brother when the Salty Dove sank. The widows lost their husbands, and the families of many of the crew members lost their only means of support.

Finding out how courageous, impassioned and strong-willed Adeline is intrigues Lyon. Adeline has gained freedom after her controlling husband's death and isn't afraid to indulge the attraction she feels for Lyon and get what was missing in her life.

"The Earl of Lyonwood had made her aware of what it was. What she had dreamed of having from her marriage but never received. Someone to hold her possessively. To touch her with passion. To love and desire her."

Lyon is ready to give Adeline all that and build a future with her, but she is afraid to trust in that future after what she endured with her husband. Her offer to continue as lovers is not what Lyon wants.

"A lover is not what I want and a lover is not what you deserve."

Lyon is steadfast in what he wants from Adeline - marriage. Grey deftly establishes him as a solid presence in Adeline's life.

This first installment was enjoyable and entertaining. Mrs. Feversham and her spyglass were a hoot! I'm looking forward to reading about the other widows of The Seafarer's School.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a fun historical romance. I really liked Adeline and Lyon. They were both interesting characters. I loved the idea of these widows starting a boarding school for girls that would not have a chance to get an education. I look forward to reading the next two books in the series. I want to learn more about each of the widows. I received a copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

OH wow, what an amazing tale! Dynamite High 5 Stars for this tale! This is a new author to me and I must admit she has blown me away with her writing! Truly impeccable! Lady Adeline, a widow, with the help of her two widow friends start a boarding school for unfortunate girls to help teach them how to sew and other useful tasks in order to help them learn a trade to avoid a life of poverty. There is just one problem, her school sits next to the Marquis, Lord Lyonwood who at first mistakes her and her school for a brothel, not only that he also begins taking over the neighborhood and Lady Adeline's carriage can't get down her own drive, so she must walk in the rain. Well, being the strong, determined woman that she is, she barges into his card party and demands his friends not park their carriages along the whole street blocking her from her own drive. Well, Lord Lyonwood is absolutely taken by this spirited woman and soon as more challenges come their way, sparks begin to fly and their hearts begin to melt for one another!

I absolutely loved these characters and especially adore Adeline, she's just so gutsy and spirited and I can't wait to see the future stories about her friends and see how her school continues to grow! Truly a wonderful story and if you're looking for a good historical with a spirited heroine than this is the tale for you!

The Earl Next Door is the first book in the First Comes Love series by Amelia Grey and it was not a good beginning if you ask me. There was nothing interesting going on and the story was focused on the main couple as much as it was to Adeline's school. The main characters were either bland or bad. I couldn't manage to feel one positive emotion about them. I hated how Adeline reacted when a certain child who was abandoned by her mother came into her care. I know it wasn't the best situation to be in, but the child was not at fault for that. I couldn't get into the story or even focus on it, to be honest. This is the first book in a while that got a low rating from me without having any of my triggers in it. I simply didn't like it. To be honest it left me indifferent. I will read another book from this author to check if this one was an instance or if the author's writing and I don't match.

This is first in series by Amelia Grey. The book is well written with great characters. However I found that it lagged some in spots, but overall it was a fun read with a good storyline.

Lyon and Adeline's story will have you entertained for hours.

I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review.

RATING: 4 STARS
2019; St. Martin's Paperbacks/St. Martin's Press

When Adeline becomes a widow, after being in a loveless marriage, she vows to remain one. Lyon is a bachelor looking for love before marriage. When the two end up living next door to one another sparks fly, but will wedding bells ring?

From page one, the opening scene when the hero and heroine meet, I was in for the romance ride. They have chemistry and banter - which is my yardstick for romances - and it climbs as the story continues. There isn't anything new/unique with this couple or romance, but it was the predictability that I needed. I enjoyed the series arc of three widows opening a boarding school for daughters and sisters of men who died in the same sea accident their husbands died in. The young girls and older ladies provide some of the more humourous and heartwarming moments. Two young friends Fanny and Mathilda are the cutest! The cast of secondary characters are great - with Lyon's father, Aunt and her homebound friend to Adeline's household. I am in for rest of the series and may need to add Grey to my list of "Authors to Read".

***I received an eARC from the PUBLISHER via NETGALLEY***

Adeline, Dowager Countess of Wake, is a very young widow who lost her husband at sea. At last she’s free to go about as she pleases, she’s doesn’t need to marry again so there’s no need to go husband hunting. She simply wants to open a school for young girls who have lost loved one from shipwrecks. Her neighbor, Lord Lyonwood, comes marching into her home thing she’s running a house of ill-repute.
Lord Lyonwood the future Marquis of Marksworth wants to find a wife who brings love to his life. He’s meet his match in Adeline. The attraction and passion between them continues to grow, but neither wants to marry without love. This is an enchanting story of neighbors with a growing attraction. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

Maybe I wasn’t in the right state of mind to read this book. It just didn’t do it for me.

Right from the beginning, I felt everything was a bit forced, a bit too much. That “I want to jump in your pants right away, even if you don’t treat the best” (the hero does improve later on, just to be clear).

I didn’t connect with the characters. The only ones I liked were the girls from the school, and I have a very, very slight curiosity regarding the other ladies that opened the school with with the countess (the heroine of this book).

It took me quite a bit of time to read it, simply because every time I went to pick it up I just dreaded it.

It wasn’t poorly written, and the plot did have some interesting touches, but it just didn’t captivate me.

She's opening a girl's boarding school with her two friends. Adeline, Lady Wake is a widow who doesn't want to remarry after her disastrous first marriage. The Earl of Lyonwood is looking for the perfect woman to fall in love with. Then a misunderstanding brings him barging into her home. Can they fight the immediate and strong attraction between them? Will her past marriage get in their way? Can Lyon change her mind about love and marriage?

Adeline is day dreaming about sexy things while looking over fabrics and garments are accidentally was delivered to her house. When a man comes barging into the room making lewd and inappropriate comments and suggestions. She's outraged with his actions and yet can't deny the desire that instantly hits her. Lord Lyon was sent by his aunt and neighbor to get rid of the pleasure house they think is moving in next door to him. He's immediately attracted to the woman he meets. Both are apologetic and embarrassed finding out who each other are. They can't stop thinking about each other. They think that they've gotten past their first meeting until the have a heated discussion about the noise the girls at Lady Wake's boarding school are making. Lyon's card game club members have Adeline making a angry and possible ruin to her reputation. Leaving her gloves behind gives Lyon the incentive to make a late evening visit resulting in them coming together. Once Lyon finds out the real reason for the school he's embarrassed by his actions and sends a pianoforte as an apology. This brings the two closer together. Meanwhile, Adeline has told her partners/best friends about her feelings for Lyon. Lyon's father is pushing him to get married and produce an heir. High jinx from one of her students has Adeline wondering how to punish her and her friend for their misbehavior. Lyon must take his pursuit of Adeline patiently because of small pieces of information he's learned along with her reluctance. A second encounter between them leads to a marriage proposal. Adeline panics and refuses, putting space between them. They completely realize their feelings. At the first ball of the season Adeline meets his father and his soon to be 4th wife. She and her friends are touted by the society for their charitable efforts. They're also a hit with the gentlemen, which the three of the doesn't want. Another marriage proposal is made and turned town with an offer to continue as they have been. When Adeline gets a very unexpected new student to the school it brings out the whole events of her first marriage. Lyon understands but doesn't agree how she wants to handle the situation. Since they can't come to an agreement about their future they part ways. Adeline brings two of her students for an apology to Lyon and comes in to talk to him. She reveals her reason for coming to see him and that she loves him. A few months later their family and friends are gathered for a new arrival.

This is the first book I've read of Amelia Grey's. I found the story engaging, entertaining and very enjoyable. The backstory of the how the three women were widow was plausible and unique. I didn't want to put it down. Can't wait to find out which of the other two widows is next to find the second love of their lives. Will it be Julia Kitson Fairbright or Brina Feld? I'll be back for more of the Love Comes First series.

Adeline has no one left after the death of her husband, The Duke of Wake. Instead of wallowing for a lifetime, she decides to move on from her painful past and open a school for girls who need the help and can benefit from various life skills. She definitely has no need for a man until she meets her neighbour, Lord Lyon.

He invokes tumultuous feelings and emotions inside of her. She needs to ignore them and the Lord but he vows to make it a difficult feat through and through.

This story was so so beautiful. I love a bold heroine who isn't afraid to put egotistical men in their place. The one scene where Adeline runs in drenched and puts rich men to shame was so magnificent. I love her spirit. And I specially loved how much she loved the little girls. It was so pure.

Lyon is such a growly pouty man, I adore him so much. His attraction for Adeline and her boldness made me giggle so much. He was just so hot for her screaming at him. That's a man we stan!! I swooned when he realized his feelings for her. It was such a pure moment and I can't get over it.

It was definitely a very refreshing story and I love the way it was written. I am actually very excited for more books in this series.

I do love a good historical romance and this ticks all the boxes, from the setting to the characters, this is one unputdownable read.

I received a copy from Netgalley and I am voluntarily leaving my own honest opinion

This story kept me reading. Adeline was a delight with her determination to run her life her way, to stay independent. I also loved how she went against expectations. Lyon was so patient with her though he did have his designs on her. The attraction between them was strong and good for both. I enjoyed the other widows as well and look forward to their stories. I recommend this story.

I received a copy of this through Netgalley, and this is my unsolicited review.

Title: The Earl Next Door
Author: Amelia Grey
Series: First Comes Love #1
Genre: Historical Romance
Publisher: St. Martins Press
Pub Date: May 28, 2019
Pages: 294
My Copy: Courtesy of NetGalley and St. Martins Pres

Book Summary:

Adeline, Dowager Countess of Wake, is all on her own after her husband’s sudden death. The good news? Losing him allowed her to find herself. Finally, Adeline is free to do, go, and be as she pleases. She cherishes her newfound independence and is not looking for another man to wed. But seeking out a new lover? Well, that is a whole ’nother story. . .


Lord Lyon, son of the two-timing Earl of Marksworth, wishes to have a respectable, loving wife someday. When he meets the beautiful and self-reliant Adeline, Lyon is instantly smitten. But Adeline would rather have the handsome suitor in her bed than to take his hand in marriage. It’s a scandalous proposal—and one that’s hard for Lyon to refuse. Unless the fire of his passion can melt Adeline’s resolve. . .and he can find a way to be the Wickedly Wonderful Widow’s lover for all time?

Book Review:

A very good historical romance where two people meet in a most unusual way and find themselves in a situations that makes them grow closer in a lot of ways. Since they are living right next to one another.

Things happen in a way that is unexpected. Lyon thinks that this women who has moved in next door to him is opening a brothel because of something one of his neighbors has voiced concerned and finds out from Adeline, that she is opening a school for Girls and Lyon feels bad that he made an assumption. We learn that this is not an everyday occurrence for Lyon to go into another persons house and a women’s bedchamber. So then things happen that are unexpected.

Lyon has a neighbor who makes things interesting. She is constantly spying on her neighbor and has a very good spy glass. Things get interesting between Adeline and Lyon when the students come into the school. I like how the young girls all seem to be in situations that are terrible. Adeline and her friends get a staff and are teaching these girls trade so that they can make a living other than doing things that are not so reputable. So this school provides purpose and other things.

There are many issues that arise with having a school for the girls. We learn a lot about our two characters past. Both Adeline and Lyon have had things that have gone wrong in their life. Lyon has a somewhat tenuous relationship with his father who is constantly doing something to him or causing him some grief. Adeline has always felt like she was never enough for her dead husband. He always put her down and made her feel like she was stupid and not worthy. This makes her skeptical of men. Especially someone like Lyon who is really handsome.

So Lyon & Adeline come to butt heads sometimes about things that the girls may or may not do. This causes some arguments between the two of them. Also there is a moment when both Lyon and Adeline let their guard down and start to begin a sexual relationship that leaves both of them very satisfied, but Adeline’s past makes her think that men in general can’t be trusted. Things also are happening in Lyon’s father’s life. His father is engaged to a young women as well. Plus Lyon finds out that his father has put a bet up that he will have a child up before him.

There is some more intense things that have happened. We learn that Lyon has given them a pianoforte to the school and that the girls really love it. Adeline is surprised by everything he does and doesn’t do at times. I thought this was really good use of showing that Lyon is a man who is complicated and feels bad when he does something wrong or that the girls need something to keep their mind occupied. I really enjoyed the way the story unfolded.

We also find out that Adeline’s late husband had a child with his mistress and this causes some great distress to Adeline. She really doesn’t want that child in her school but her mother has left the girl in the custody of her because she has no financial means to support the child. Things happen that caused this situation to arise and Lyon gets Adeline to see that this child needs her help and this woman wouldn’t have done this if she didn’t have a choice. Lyon shows his caring nature. We also learn that later on that Adeline is pregnant with Lyon’s child and I really enjoyed that development in this book.

We get to see them at the end of the book together and of course Adeline is in labor. So of course things are good now between the couple. The child turns out to be a boy. Lyon and Adeline are so happy. Lyon’s father is happy and goes to inform the bet makers and tells Lyon he had a feeling that he would have a son first. Lyon is quite stunned by his father. This couple had to work to be together and find that somethings things happen in life that are unexpected and to embrace those moments. I really enjoyed this story so much.

I’m looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book in this series.

Rating:

Four Hearts

Mostly in Regency romances, widows and dowagers are supporting characters. Author Amelia Grey took a different stance in “The Earl Next Door” by making Adeline, Dowager Countess of Wake as the main character.

Embracing her new life as a widow, Adeline opened a unique boarding school for girls adjacent to her new home. Keeping things low profile to avoid the prying eyes of the aristocracy presented itself a new set of issues.

Her handsome and dashing neighbor, Lord Lyonwood, heir to the Marksworth earldom thought that Adeline was secretly furnishing a smartly hidden brothel inside the respectable district inhabited by the peerage.

Their meeting might not be ideal, but after everything was cleared, it was obvious that there was an undeniable chemistry between them. As their relationship progressed, Lord Lyonwood offered marriage but Adeline was adamant in staying single after her disastrous first marriage.

Now, the ball in in Lord Lyonwood’s court, that is to convince Adeline that giving marriage a second chance is the way to go.

“The Earl Next Door” is Rated T for Teens.

Amelia Grey kicks off her fantastic new series First Comes Love with an enchanting and enjoyable Regency romance that is a delight from start to finish: The Earl Next Door.

Adeline, Dowager Countess of Wake, is finally free. After the death of her husband, Adeline can finally grasp the reins of her own future and be the one in charge of her own destiny. Her late husband had done his utmost to subjugate her with his incessant demands and strict and stringent rules which allowed him to raise merry hell in London, while she had to bury herself in their country estate. Adeline has got great plans for the future – plans which do not involve matrimony. She has waited a long time to be free and she intends to make the most of her independence. No man is ever going to disrupt her plans or tell her what to do. She plans to live the rest of her life living by her own set of rules – however, she hadn’t quite counted on falling head over heels in love with the aristocrat next door, Lord Lyonwood…

Lyonwood’s aunt is convinced that a house of ill repute has opened up next door and she demands that he puts a stop to it. With her penchant for gossip and her ability to sniff out scandal at ten paces, Lyonwood has got no reason to doubt his aunt, so he charges round to Lady Wake’s and demands to find out what is going on. Only, instead of a the madam of a pleasure house, he finds a spirited and self-reliant woman of impeccable rank who is absolutely flabbergasted to be compared to a lady of the night. Getting a much-deserved slap for his gross misunderstanding might not be what Lyonwood had been expecting when he set foot inside Lady Wake’s household – but neither was finding himself drawn to this bewitching beauty who soon begins to haunt his thoughts and dreams…

Lyonwood has got enough to worry about – he certainly does not want or need to have to contend with an inconvenient attraction to a woman who makes it quite clear that she has no interest in matrimony. Yet, the more time he spends with Adeline, the more Lyonwood finds himself falling for her. Whilst Adeline has made it perfectly clear that she has no interest in his heart, it is plain that she has no qualms about sharing his bed!

As desire gives way to a love that simply cannot be denied, will Lyonwood manage to convince Adeline to give romance another try? Or will she stick to her resolve to stay stubbornly single for the rest of her life?

Laced with passion, humor and heart, The Earl Next Door is a first class Regency romance that will keep you turning the pages all night long. A captivating tale that sizzles with danger and desire, The Earl Next Door features two terrific characters it is impossible not to fall in love with. Adeline is fiery, intelligent, smart and determined and swoon-worthy Lyonwood is absolutely impossible to resist. Their love story is intense, the chemistry between them off the charts, the love scenes red-hot and their romance charming, steamy and absolutely delightful.

A sparkling historical romance that is hard to put down, Amelia Grey’s The Earl Next Door is a must-read for fans of Sarah Maclean and Suzanne Enoch.

I'm at odds about The Earl Next Door. By the end, I liked the book as a whole and would recommend it, but there were certain aspects that didn't sit quite right as I was reading.

First and foremost, if you're looking for a strong plot in a romance then you're not going to find that here. The Earl Next Door is primarily focused on the interactions between Adeline, a widow new to the neighborhood, and her neighbor, Lyon, son of an Earl and nephew to a nosy aunt and her friend across the street. Usually, I prefer more story in my romances but in this case it worked out and I didn't really mind the shift. With the exception of the last 30% or so, which lagged a bit for me.

Adeline and Lyon had some serious insta-lust with plenty of sexual tension hiding under the real tension from Adeline's girl's school (run by her and 2 other widows) sitting almost in Lyon's backyard. I really enjoyed their back and forth over noise complaints, when the neighbor across the street thinks Adeline is running a brothel (and sends Lyon to investigate), and all the other mishaps in between. Parking issues? That was a thing. I absolutely laughed out loud at a few choice scenes.

And then they started noticing that there were other feelings underneath the barbs flying back and forth. I liked Adeline well enough until the relationship started taking hold. She's a strong woman trying to make her way in the world, where being passionate about what you love wasn't always acceptable by society, and on top of that she underwent emotional and physical abuse because of her former husband that put her off marriage. This became an issue with her relationship with Lyon, but I felt like her aversion to marriage was really an aversion to trying to have a child and often her arguments that stirred up drama didn't ring quite true.

Lyon had a tendency to overreact. . . a lot, and it came off as a means to keep the story going rather than in-character for him, especially compared to how he acts for the rest of the book. But beyond that, I liked that he could keep up with Adeline's sharp tongue but didn't let her steamroll him either. That he stood his ground and didn't just want to be her lover, but wanted to be in a respectable marriage with her because he valued her that much, really stood out to me for a male romance protagonist. He was a bit forceful with her to start out but quickly backed off and I felt like he truly cared about her and her feelings.

Though the book had a few elements that weren't quite working for me, I ultimately enjoyed it and would definitely pick up the sequel. I have a feeling this is going to be a fun series, especially if it follows the other two widows.

There was so much I loved about this book. The characters were strong and three-dimensional. The story was plausible and the Regency details were accurate.
However, there were too many subplots started and abandoned. The reader never learns what the deal with the Earl’s lawyer and the delay in presenting the account ledgers. Mrs. Feversham is never confronted or even confirmed if she is real. And, we never learn Fanny or Mathilda’s motivations/purpose.
This story has the ground work for some good intrigue and suspense, but all of the threads were abandoned.

Adeline, the Dowager Countess of Wake, age 22, is having gowns made for her first Season now that she is coming out of two-years of mourning for her husband. Looking through the swatches of fabric from her modiste, she finds that someone put a red corset in with the fabric. Wickedly intrigued, she just has to try it on. Just then, a knock sounds on the door and in comes her housekeeper followed by an unknown man. Her housekeeper is apologizing that the man has followed her, but Adeline assures her that she will handle it.

Adeline and her friends, Julia and Brina, are all widows having lost their husbands when a ship sank. Together, they have purchased a building behind Adeline’s home in Mayfair, that is being outfitted to be used as a small boarding school for unfortunate girls who also lost family members on the same ship that sank.

Adeline’s visitor demands to know who owns the property behind her home and states that he assumes that she will be running a house of pleasure. Incensed at his insult, she slaps him.

Lord Lyon, age 28, is the son of the Earl of Marksworth. Shocked at being slapped by Adeline, he explains that he is her neighbor and only came over because his aunt is certain it is to be a house of pleasure. Embarrassed by her reaction, she explains what the house will be used for.

Even though Adeline and Lyon are often at odds with one another, they still cannot stop the attraction that draws them together. Will Adeline be able to overcome the damage her husband inflicted upon her to allow her to open her heart to another man?

A clever story with strong characters. I think Adeline was too strict with the young girls in the school and hope she learns from that mistake. Amelia Grey always writes a very good book and I have enjoyed them all.

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

A great Regency romance and wonderful debut to the First Comes Love series by Amelia Gray. I enjoyed every minute of this well-written book with captivating characters who are passionate and spirited. As soon as I started reading, I knew I wouldn't be able to put the book down until I read the last word. I loved the instant attraction and undeniable chemistry between Adeline, Dowager Countess of Wake and her next door neighbor Lord Lyonwood. This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys Regency romance and I look forward to reading book two in this fantastic series. I received an advance reader copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my honest review. I also purchased a copy for my keeper library.

This is a lovely and well written historical romance. I'm a fan of Regency romance, grew up reading Georgette Heyer, and I can say this one is a very good one.
I was hooked since the first pages, I really liked the "comedy of errors" with Lyon thinking that Adeline is a maitresse and Adeline wearing something not suitable for a recently widowed lady. It made me laugh and appreciated how it was written and how the characters were introduced.
I think that the characters are the main force in this book: they're mature, quite realistic and there's quite a lot of character development.
Adeline is a strong woman who's trying to move on after an abusive marriage, Lyon is a serious and strong men who wants a love marriage. Both are attracted but it's a kind of mature love.
I appreciated the originality of the boarding school for poor girls and found the entire cast of characters likable and well written.
I look forward to read the next installment in this series.
Highly recommended!
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.