This book was different and I really liked that.

When Guy Neville finds himself suddenly The Earl of Argyle, he steps up and works it out for his family and all the people dependent on him, in spite of his disability. Ms Abigail is a strong independent woman who is trying to take care of her family the best she can. When these two come together and trust each other it turns out be the best thing for everyone.

I really liked the secondary characters in this book they also made things interesting. The story is interesting the villain is horrible and the rest are loveable. The author did a great job keeping this book interesting and I didn't want to put it down until it was done.

I received this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

I am loving the Imperfect Lords series. There is something endearing about her “imperfect characters” finding a love so deep it changes their lives. Guy and Abigail’s story is no different. I found Guy’s inability to read an interesting affliction and thought it was weaved throughout the story well. I found this to be a good read, but there are parts that lagged a bit for me.

Guy Neville is at a complete loss since his brother and protector has died and now he’s the new Earl of Argyle. Shamed by an inability to read or write he’s not sure how he’ll cope and continue. He has a couple of close friends who work for him, but when he meets Miss Abigail Pinehurst he’s strongly attracted to her. He has to wonder is she working for his wicked whose uncle trying to see him lose his title and claim it for himself. Abigail is there to find and draw a picture of the ghost orchid and Guy’s uncle has blackmailed her into helping him discover Guy’s family secret, what’s wrong with him he never went to school. The attraction grows between Guy and Abigail, but can they trust their instincts and trust in the love growing between them? I have voluntarily read and reviewed the wonderful book and this is my honest opinion.

The plot is so new to me that I immediately wanted to have the book.
Guy Neville inherited a title without any preparation. And most importantly: he doesn't even know how to read!!

And then, we are introduced to Miss Abigail that because of a certain blackmail and to protect a loved one, she needs to participate in a scheme to spy on Guy.

Obviously Abigail and Guy end up feeling the attraction, but before anything, they needed to solve the two major problems in Guy's life: the stalker bastard cousin and the fact that Guy did not know how to read.
Secrets and plans ahead.
3,5 stars

I really liked Guy and Abigail. A cute sweet story!

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

While I enjoyed this book I felt it touched on a trope I had been seeing more and more in romance novels - learning disorders as life-destroying factors for the heroes that only the heroine can help them get past. I understand the urge on the part of authors but I'm not sure how I feel overall about this trend. It seems like just another version of the scarred hero who terrifies everyone but the heroine...I honestly am just unsure

I liked this book! It was interesting to me to find a flaw in the hero of the love story. He was more likable having a problem other than finding a bride. I also liked that the woman didn't care about her appearance as much as most characters in this era did. It caught my interest and kept it.

I have read many romances in my day and the plot in this book is notable for the unexpected subject of illiteracy in the nobility.

"His father’s stupid, idiot son was now the earl. The boy who could not read or write, the boy his father had beaten until he was almost unconscious on several occasions, but that still did not make Guy able to read or write . . . was now the Earl of Argyle. His father must be turning in his grave, and Guy liked that idea."

Guy never wanted to be Earl of Argyle, but his beloved brother's death left his legacy to Guy. Now Guy's secret of being illiterate may be discovered by his evil cousin, Patrick, who is next in line to the Earldom. And Patrick would try anything to discover Guy's secret...even murder.

"Lies, all lies. How she hated the lies that followed her everywhere she went. That is why she never let anyone close. And now Patrick Neville added to her lies."

Guy's cousin Patrick blackmailed Abigail to spy on Guy to find out his secret. With the attraction building between them, she cannot reveal his secret, but she cannot stick around for her secrets to be discovered either. 

An interesting and suspenseful romantic mystery with vulnerable, but strong and determined protagonists who rise up from their horrible childhoods to find love. 

If you like "imperfect" heroines and heroes, give this book a try. It is third in the series but reads well on its own.

Thank you to Ms. Evans, Loveswept, and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to review this book with no expectations of a positive review given.

A pleasing read!

Guy Neville finds himself suddenly The Earl of Argyle, a happenstance he did not expect or want. His secret will come out. Guy cannot read or write. Abused by his father for this disability, Guy is wracked with shame and despair. How can he take his place in the House of Lords with this impairment? The situation's not helped by the fact that there's a dastardly cousin waiting in the wings to use any excuse to take over the Earldom. Guy fears exposure.
And then there's Miss Abigail Pinehurst. An unusual woman, something of a bluestocking and a botanical artist who wants to use the Argyle Library and study a rare plant that's part of the estate.
Of course these two will get together and put in place a plan to maintain the illusion of Guy being able to carry on as Earl.
The getting to that place makes for a lively read.

A Random House Loveswept ARC via NetGalley
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

This novel presented a different take on a regency romance, with the main male character having a disability that could be seen as disqualifying for the position and responsibilities of an earl. The main female character was smart and talented and adventurous, particularly given the circumstances of her youth. The descriptions were captivating -- I wish we could have gone back to the lover's bench and seen it restored. Enjoyable reading, although readers should be aware that there are sexually explicit scenes. I'm not sure that the book needed those -- it would have been as enjoyable without them. Recommended reading.

Dyslexia would be a problem.

What kind of secret does she have to be forced to do this schmuck's bidding, I wonder.

Dora is so her daughter.

They are both very forward.

That's a very good reason to hate the woods.

PTSD will do that to you.

Definitely a concussion.

At least his mother is decent.

Attracted to the Earl ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️by Bronwen Evans

I have read many of Ms Evans books and she is to be admired as a creative writer. This author hits on several issues like the hero has a handicap and is unable to read. His acute memory has let him deceive many during his life. Now, as he has inherited the title of Earl, he finds this handicap monumental. The loss as of his brother and the mistreatment by his father has all but crippled him.
He finds himself faced with Abigail Pinehurst.
Abigail has also suffered as a girl and women. Her only concern now is to study and catalogue the ghost orchid.
With both their background so polarized but their attraction to each other burning, the romance begins.
I did like this story but I wished more was put into their growing relationships.

A very good historical romance story of two individuals from opposite sides of the social scale. Both suffered the worst childhood that you could imagine and have overcome them to a point. But now they have been brought together by circumstances and have to face the reality of mutual attraction. These are not teenagers but individuals in their early 30's and know what they want and what is permissable by ton standards. Can true love overcome these obstacles and a happy ending be had for all concerned parties? Read this stunning tale to find out.

I have rated this book 4.5 stars.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased review.

This was an entertaining, light read. The storyline was fairly typical for the genre, but the characters were likeable and couldn’t help but finding myself invested in their story.

I found this book to be a total pleasure to read! The storyline was good and the characters were so well detailed that I couldn't put this book down, so I ended up reading this book in one evening!

One of those books that you don't want to put down until the end, the characters and the scenarios in this series are masterfully developed and unusual.

Guy, the second son of the Earl of Argyle has dyslexia, a condition not yet to be diagnosed for another 60 years. At that time, and even still today, people with dyslexia or other reading disorders were thought of being stupid and if a member of the upper class, often put away in asylums. This is not the first historical romance I have recently read about a lord (in the other case, he was a Duke) with dyslexia, but both had brothers who loved them and protected them. In this case, Guy's beloved older brother Reginald and their tutor protected Guy from his abusive father, until they no longer could and that is when he ran away to the army, where he excelled. Now a civilian again, he is still protected by his brother and his batman, Kit, until Reginald suddenly dies and Guy becomes the Earl. With Kit's help, Guy enriches the holdings, but lurking in the shadows is evil cousin Patrick who has gone through all his riches and wants to take the Earldom away from Guy. He blackmails Abigail Pinehurst to spy on guy, when she comes to draw the Ghost Orchid. Although not a part of the upper class, they have one thing in common, she had a horrible mother. As Abigail spends more time with Guy, who is also infatuated with her, and finds out his secret, she warns him of Patrick's scheme. When Patrick comes to visit, no one is safe. Will they prevail against him?

I received a free, advanced copy of this book from NetGalley.com. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.

I received an ARC of this title from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book was an engaging diversion, and provided a needed distraction from life's mundane toil. The author's portrayal of dyslexia was realistic and believable, and the heroine's tawdry past was a welcome twist. The plot was unconventional, and had enough twists and turns to keep me both stymied and interested. I will definitely check out more titles by this author.

Four stars.

I was very caught up in this story. Guy is in a position he never wanted, guarding a secret that he feels could ruin him. Abigail has brought herself up out of the gutter to become a respectable artist, but also hides where she came from, fearing being ostracized if found out. As they get to know each other and feel the attraction between them they find in each other what they need to reveal their secrets and feel safe. I love the way Abigail accepts Guy for who he is, helps him see his flaw isn't as awful as he thinks, and helps him accept her love. Guy also sees who Abigail is now, not who she was, and they build a very happy life together.

Couldn't finish this one. Seemed very formulaic, which has its place of course. Just not enough to hold my attention!

I think that this is my current favorite Bronwen Evans book. Two strong main characters. Loved the heroine, Abigail, and the hero, Guy. I felt myself fully immersed in their tale. Fantastic writing drawing out my emotions and really routing for these two. I liked the sub-story too, about Dora and Kit. The characters/situations of the times felt real. Abigail and Guy come from two different social castes; yet, they are so similar in the hardships/stigmas that they endured throughout their lives. Now, as Guy is forced to assume the title, his cousin Patrick has other ideas; like getting his hands on the title and all it entails. Abigail is not your usual young miss as we find in numerous historical romances. This takes place during the reign of King George III and after the Seven Year's War. Abigail has a questionable background and Guy has a learning disability. So, of course we want to see these two find each other, right?