Arabella and her friends were expelled from a you ladies' academy and since then, they have been shunned by most of polite society. It doesn't really bother her as she would rather spend her time reading medical texts and helping those around her. When she is forced to accompany her family on a grand tour, she makes the best of it and sneaks off to see the things she wants to see along the way. On one of those jaunts, she runs into the Earl of Langdale. Arabella knows what he is a rake, but when they spend time together, she can't seem to fight the attraction between the two.

Gabriel has left London after a scandal involving a married woman. Because of additional trouble on the home front, he is on the search for his mother who left the family years ago. His latest destination is Switzerland where he meets Arabella. They in up getting caught kissing and Gabriel is obligated to offer marriage.

Neither wants the marriage, but Gabriel is enough of a gentleman to not let Arabella be ruined by their actions. While their marriage starts as one of convenience, is soon turns into something more. But the trouble on the home front didn't go away in Gabriel's time away. Can they fight this enemy and save their new family?

I absolutely adored Arabella and Gabriel's story!! We met both of them in the previous story in the series and I love how Bennett redeemed Gabriel in this one. I like marriage of convenience stories because the H/H are stuck with one another and it is aways interesting how they find their way to their HEA. I've loved both stories in this series so far and can't wait to read book 3!!

This was a pretty good story. I liked both main characters. I hadn’t read this author before but I look forward to reading more from her. I recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

This was a middle of the road read for me. The stakes never felt particularly high, I didn't feel like we got to spend enough time in each section of the plot, and I didn't feel connected to the characters or find their relationship particularly compelling in the latter half. The sex scenes were fine, but the payoff for the yearning (which was good! Excellent yearning) didn't seem worth it.

Arabella and Gabriel's story though sweet, lacked a certain cohesiveness. While Gabriel is busy trying to find the information that he needs to be sure that his title doesn't fall into the hands of his opium addicted cousin.
Arabella is doing her level best to follow in the footsteps of her physician grandfather. Who saved her from live in an orphanage as a child. By dedicating her time to working in hospitals and orphanages.
So finding herself on a Grand Tour of the continent. In a compromising position in a castle dungeon.
In the arms of the dashing but notorious Gabriel Holmes Fitzgerald. The now in-exile Earl of Langdale.
Resulting in a rather impromptu 'marriage of convenience'.
Is far from the way that this blue stocking Miss ever envisioned her happily...
But, oh well...
What is a woman to do when in flagrante delito...

This second offering in the Disreputable Debutantes series features Arabella for the girls and Gabriel for the boys.
They are mentioned in this review in that way because it is quite clear in reading these books that all the Lords given leading roles. Will in some form or fashion find their happiness with their corresponding leading Lady of the adjacent friend set.
With the pairing options becoming more obvious as the playing field narrows.

In as much as both Gabriel and Arabella are both likable and equally tragic character in their own rights.
Their story as a couple while sweet, really seems to lack the emotional crazy glue needed to really appeal to the heart of readers until the very end.
What we have until that point boils down to a 'romantic fight for the covers' as these two try to adjust to the reality of having the other in his / her space at all.
Let alone the actual business of facing the reality of what that truly comes to mean.
It is in fact, the parts of the story that revolve around Gabriel's struggle to find his mother and secure his title that offer the most captivating aspects of this story's plot

This story suffers from a case of second book-itiis. Otherwise known as "I owe my publisher a story. So let me get something together...fast!
In short.
Was it good?
Yes
Could it have been better
Most definitely.

*Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley Books for providing the review copy on which this unbiased review is based.
*This book may be read as a standalone or as part of its intended series.

How to Catch an Errant Earl is the second book in the Disreputable Debutantes series, and I enjoyed it more than the first book. I loved the characters and Arabella “Bella” and Gabriel were perfect for each other. Bella was so confident with her medical knowledge but had so much self-doubt about her value. Her family's disregard for her didn’t help, but Gabriel was so charming and saw her for who she was. They were both upfront about their past and future together. The book was beautifully written, fast-paced, and attention-grabbing. I can’t wait for the next book the sneak peek I saw was fantastic!
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I have been in a bit of a reading rut lately, and How to Catch an Errant Earl was exactly what I needed to get me excited about reading again. I will be looking for the first in the series (How to Catch a Wicked Viscount so I can read about Sophie and Nate. Errant Earl gives a sneak peek into their relationship. Amy Rose Bennett's writing is so wonderful and witty. As a voracious reader of historical romance in this era, I knew how the story would evolve before I even started reading, but Ms. Bennett kept it so fresh and humorous. I read this one over the course of a couple of days, but easily could have devoured it in an afternoon if I had the chance.

I loved this story of unexpected love, forced marriage. These two strong characters who want to forge their own paths and future come together in a great story. Amy kept me engaged from the beginning to the last word. I highly recommend this to everyone.

A debutante with a scandalous past is whisked away from London only to create new headlines on the Continent.
Poignant moments. This is a wonderful romance.

A story full of everything I love about historical romance! An expelled student of Mrs. Rathbone's Academy for Young Ladies of Good Character (yes, I love it!), Miss Arabella Jardine and her three friends had come up with a plan for their debut and a list of men. Unfortunately she was being forced to go on a tour of the continent with her Aunt Flora and Cousin Lilias. But Arabella had secret plans of her own. She wanted to get into the medical field and had her eye on a gentleman she had met through her grandfather.
Gabriel Holmes-Fitzgerald, the Earl of Langdale, better known as the Errant Earl due to his rakish ways, found out his cousin TImothy was going to try to snatch his title and lands away by proving his parent's marriage was not legitimate. They were married in Scotland and it seemed there was no record to be found. So he set out to find the mother who had left him all those years ago and it seemed she had been in Switzerland last.
Well what do you think happens next? The two meet in a dungeon (oh yes) in a castle in Switzerland and.... Well let's just say the journey begins! An intellectual with no self confidence and a handsome rake with his own demons make this the perfect tale and I loved every second!
Amy Rose Bennett's writing is magical as she weaves an unexpected, but enthralling storyline with Gabriel and Arabella, both flawed but perfect for each other. A little adventure, humor, angst and of course and unexpected romance that flares to life and ensnares the heart. Can I just sigh? Perfect.

I can't say that I loved this one. There were a lot of external elements going on, a lot of mysteries and side plots, and it felt like there was too much going on. It made ror slow reading, and I found myself skimming large portions.

I enjoyed Gabriel and Arabella. I love them as people. I enjoyed their stories, but I definitely enjoyed book one more.

"I must warn you, Miss Jardine," he said in a voice that was almost a purr. "I'm a man prone to acting on impulse, and I'm sorely tempted to kiss you right now…"

Arabella really shouldn't. Gabriel Holmes-Fitzgerald, Earl of Langdale, is a notorious rake. But the way he was looking at her — no one had ever looked at her that way before. And it was not as if her reputation was as spotless as newly fallen snow, she had, after all, been expelled from Mrs. Rathbone's Academy three years previous, and it wasn't as if the Earl of Langdale was Lord Byron. It would just be one little kiss, and no one would know. It would be their secret, forever…

From a chance meeting in the dungeons of Château de Chillon to the proclamation of true love, How to Catch an Errant Earl (The Disreputable Debutantes #2) by Amy Rose Bennett is the emotionally charged story of two very lonely souls discovering love when they least expected it.

One of my favourite Regency Romance authors is back with another passionate tale of love, heartache, danger, romance, and desire. Bennett is an author that keeps on giving. Her stories are always richly detailed with dashing heroes that a reader can fall in love with, and feisty heroines that one cannot help but admire. How to Catch an Errant Earl is everything I expected it to be, and then some.

With an enthrallingly sensual narrative, and a story that is as impressive in its sweep as in its brilliance, How to Catch an Errant Earl has a lot to recommend it. This book swept me away with its emotional love scenes, and its message that love, with the right person, is enduring, and happy endings can and do happen.

Miss Arabella Jardine is a young woman who is forced to hide her dreams. Her willful and spirited personality is tempered by her demanding and insulting aunt, who despises her. Arabella's treatment by her family is beyond cruel, and how she puts up with her vile aunt without losing her temper is a mystery. However, despite her past and current situation, Arabella is a compassionate and caring woman who is passionate about improving the conditions of orphaned and abandoned children. She is determined to help in any way she can. Her interest and understanding of medicine, thanks to her grandfather, also does not help with her domestic situation, for such interests are unseemly. It isn't until Arabella meets Gabriel that she begins to think about her own wants. I adored Arabella. She is intelligent, quick to smile, more than a match for Gabriel, and she is also this wonderful, passionate woman who isn't afraid to speak her mind, except when she is in her aunt's company — then she behaves submissively, but then you would when such abuse is unrelenting. Her depiction is superb. Kudos Ms Bennett.

Gabriel is a dashing rogue, who leaves a trail of broken hearts behind him. Women fall over themselves to be with him, and I can see why. Bennett has certainly depicted a swoon-worthy hero. However, Arabella is not like the other women he has been in a relationship with before. He is drawn towards her like a moth is to a flame. He initially passes it off as lust, having never been in love. However, he soon discovers that what he feels isn't just lust because he wants to know her — her thoughts, her feelings, what she likes, what she doesn’t. He cares about what happens to her. Gabriel’s life, despite his wealth and position, is not what it appears. A scandal, and not just because of his many passionate liaisons, threatens to destroy his reputation beyond salvation. He is unfailingly honest with Arabella about what the consequences could mean for her, and I think that is one of the reasons why I liked him so much. He is a rake, but he is an honest one. Gabriel is in all ways a contradiction. He never promises his lovers anything, until he meets Arabella, and then his promises take a significance that will change the course of his life. Bennett has portrayed a man who is scared of commitment, who is terrified that if he should love, then it will be thrown back in his face. His backstory is utterly heartrending, and it goes some way to explain why he does what he does. I thought his depiction was absolutely fabulous. Gabriel really drove this story forward, and I so enjoyed reading about him.

Bennett evokes a strong sense of time and place in this novel. The depiction of the Château de Chillon was sublime, and one could understand through Bennett's portrayal why the castle attracted so many romance writers in the 19th century, including, of course, the notorious Lord Byron!

There was nothing about this book I did not love. I was enchanted from the opening sentence to the last full stop. How to Catch an Errant Earl (The Disreputable Debutantes #2) by Amy Rose Bennett is a beautiful Regency Romance, and it is a book that I could happily read over and over again.

I Highly Recommend.

Review by Mary Anne Yarde.
The Coffee Pot Book Club.

I liked this one a lot more than I thought I would, especially since the story has so many romance tropes that I really enjoy. A real marriage of convenience! A bluestocking heroine with medical knowledge! A former rake who has to learn to love someone! Ultimately, the first 75% of the book was my favorite and the last 25% seemed to have a LOT of plot shoved in (including a kidnapping that was resolved very quickly, btw), but I was way more interested in the emotional conflict between the love interests than any of the external issues they had to face.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I enjoyed the overall storyline of the book. Two strangers meet, get married after one day of knowing each other and spent the rest of the time getting familiar with each other. The heroine Arabella had a difficult time growing up. She was rescued by her grandfather who saw Arabella take an interest in his job as a physician. He taught her many things until he passed away. She then had to live with her cruel aunt, her mother's sister. The aunt was caustic, mean and had no respect for Arabella and treated her with disgust and shame. I had a hard time with Arabella's character as she believed she was nobody and nothing of worth. But that was the result of her aunt’s influence. Yet she still had a bit of rebellion in her. When she had to marry Gabriel after being found in a compromising kiss, her aunt threatened her and even slapped her across the face to make sure she would marry and not be a disgrace to the family. I really disliked Arabella's aunt. Gabriel was completely honest with Arabella and said some things that made her feel uncomfortable. She thought she could live with it but in the end she could not. Their living together was stressed. The problem I had with Arabella is that every time Gabriel would make a positive declaration, she refused to believe him because of her lack of self-worth. It was annoying at times because this continued through most of the book. The secondary storyline was very good. I enjoyed it. When I finished reading, I felt disappointed there was no epilogue. I wanted to know if Arabella was increasing and Gabriel's relationship with his mother if it was flourishing. That is why I gave this a four-star rating instead of a five.

Reforming rake!_____3.5

Another rather satisfying episode in The Disreputable Debutantes series. That delightful group of young women expelled from their exclusive boarding school. Forced to rethink their debut strategies, they decide to seek husbands from the ranks of the rakish rogues.
A Waterloo hero with a emotionally stunted childhood who's a seductive rake of the first order meets a rather unusual member of the group, an orphaned Bluestocking, Arabella Jardine in a ruined dungeon whilst touring Switzerland, and then ... ah well life takes quite a different turn for both of them.
Gabriel Holmes-Fitzgerald, the Earl of Langdale, also known as the Errant Earl is on the continent searching for his mother. A gifted artist BTW, he spends a lot of time during the story either lounging around naked drawing his wife, or naked pursuing her, whilst she spends time wondering how to attain his love, help him prove his legitimacy in order to retain the earldom, how to support various medical clinics in the slums, and set up well run orphanages.
I rather liked both lead characters. Arabella is an unusual women who spent time in an orphanage and then was reclaimed by her grandfather, a physician. From him she learnt many medical skills ... and of course if times were different she would have pursued that calling.
Then there's the villain of the piece, the drug enslaved wicked cousin of the earl's who's convinced the earl is illegitimate and is bent on fighting for the title.
Despite all these factors this is a surface skim type read that has a somewhat familiar air. Still, a pleasing read that possibly dwelled too much on the 'bed sport' aspect of things, nevertheless an enjoyable addition to the series.

A Berkley Group ARC via NetGalley

Moment of honesty, when I picked this up from Net Galley I thought it was from a different author that I’d read before. What an excellent mistake to make as I discovered another historical author to read and try.

I enjoyed Arabella, Gabriel, and their unusual situation. The story was semi fast paced for a historical and I appreciated the frankness with which the characters discussed their situation. Arabella was especially interesting. She stayed true to her character, but also grew in confidence. Gabriel’s emotional growth seemed more along the traditional hero path, but was still pleasurable to watch.

This was a solid read that is part of a series. As I moved along, there were moments when I wished I had read the first book, but overall I was able to follow Arabella and Gabriel’s story with little effort. I will be on the look out for sales by this author to read more of her back list.

I had mixed feelings about Amy Rose Bennett's "How to Catch an Errant Earl." On the positive side, the book was generally well-written, and main character Gabriel, Lord Langdale's, investigation into the circumstances of his parents' marriage and his mother's later disappearance was interesting. I also enjoyed the fact that the first half of the novel was set in Switzerland rather than the typical ballrooms and drawing rooms of Regency London. It was nice to get a glimpse of what traveling on the Continent might have been like 200 years ago.

Gabriel and his love interest, Miss Arabella Jardine, were mostly likeable lead characters, though there were aspects of their personalities that I wish had been better developed. At first, Arabella seemed quite intelligent and capable, and I appreciated her pride in her medical knowledge and the fact that she wasn't ashamed to be considered a bluestocking. As the story went on, however, her seeming lack of self-esteem when she was around Gabriel really started to bother me, mainly because it didn't quite seem to fit with her behavior earlier in the novel. Admittedly, Arabella's aunt and cousin treated her rather poorly over the years and that probably took a toll, but I was still uncomfortable with the way she continually thought of and described herself as "nothing and no one" in comparison to Gabriel because of his title and standing in society. Arabella must have had some family connections or else how could she have been admitted to the ladies' academy where she met Lady Charlotte and her other friends? If the academy was good enough for the daughter of an earl, it must have been pretty selective.

Gabriel was a roguishly charming hero, but I appreciated the fact that he actually seemed to grow up a bit over the course of the story. Perhaps because of the threat of his cousin challenging his title, he finally realized what was important in life and that he needed to take his responsibilities more seriously. However, I wish that Gabriel's addiction to laudanum had been explored in greater depth. It was an important part of his background, but seemed to be treated as nothing more than an afterthought.

As for the relationship between Arabella and Gabriel, while their physical attraction to each other was obvious, I remained unconvinced of their emotional connection by the end of the book. I am not a fan of the insta-lust or insta-love tropes, and both of those seemed to come into play here. Gabriel could never quite explain what it was that he actually liked about Arabella, but he somehow "just knew" he had to have her. Arabella became obsessed with the fact that Gabriel wasn't in love with her and tried to push him away. They seemed to keep having the same argument over and over again, and frankly, I found myself growing more and more annoyed with Arabella and her unrealistic expectations. They were forced to marry quickly without knowing each other at all, and the whole story took place over only a month or so. They needed to spend some time getting to know each other in order to fall in love!

Overall, like the first book in this series, "How to Catch an Errant Earl" was not a terrible book, but I did not find it to be particularly memorable either. I will probably give the series one more chance since I've enjoyed getting to know Arabella's friends Olivia and Lady Charlotte (Charlie) in these first two books, but at this point my expectations are pretty low.

*ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

Amy Rose Bennett’s How to Catch an Errant Earl is 2nd book in The Disreputable Debutantes series which is about 4 women who were ruined when they were kicked out of their finishing school for disreputable behavior.

Arabella thinks she is in love with a Dr at a foundling hospital and dreams of working side by side with him. Arabella has learned about medicine from working with her physician grandfather – and wants to help children.

Instead, she must accompany her aunt’s family on a tour of the continent. She is at the mercy of her not-so-great relatives. But her life changes course dramatically when she meets someone unexpected on the trip.

Gabriel, the Errant Earl, has to flee London after being publicly called out for an affair with a married woman. Plus, his evil cousin is planning to steal Gabriel’s title by proving that Gabriel is illegitimate. Thus, Gabriel sets out for the continent.

Arabella & Gabriel meet under unusual circumstances and Gabriel soon finds himself needing medical care with only Arabella for help (which she administers admirably, of course). Close quarters lead to some passionate kissing and soon after . . . marriage.

Gabriel doesn’t think he can be faithful (HE HAS SO MANY NEEDS!); he isn’t sure what will happen to his title, but he does offer Arabella the resources and support to build her own foundling hospital. With her nasty relatives nagging her, she accepts his proposal.


AND THERE IS A SPURT! “Shuddering, moaning, he crushed Arabella’s trembling body against the door as his seed erupted inside her in long, hard, violent spurts.” VIOLENT SPURTS!

As I mentioned, I am a big fan of The Disreputable Debutantes series – and this book. It is sexy. Arabella is a fantastic heroine whose life plans take a dramatic turn when she is caught kissing Gabriel. She approaches things pragmatically and unapologetically.

Meanwhile, like many historical heroes, Gabriel has to come to terms with his ability to actually feel significant emotions when Arabella crashes into his life. But he always supports her and her life’s aspirations.

How To Catch an Errant Earl is a delightfully delicious and steamy historical romance. I have also had the good fortune to read the next book in the series How To Catch a Sinful Marquess – YUMMY!

HOW TO CATCH AN ERRANT EARL by Amy Rose Bennett is book Two in The Disreputable Debutantes Series. This is the story of Gabriel Holmes-Fitzgerald, the Earl of Langdale and Arabella Jardine. I have read the previous book, which did add to my enjoyment of this one. But, I feel this can be a standalone book if you wish to do so. Arabella and her friends had been expelled from the ladies academy which lead to their disgrace with the town. Arabella and her family go on a Grand Tour which leads her to meet Gabriel. Gabriel is a rake but his latest entanglement has left him taking a break from everything to cool the rumors. In addition to that he is out to find his mother to prove his parents where married and that he is the legitimate heir that his cousin his trying to prove that Gabriel is not. Gabriel and Arabella get caught in a compromising position which of course will lead for him to do the right thing. But both have issues that they need to overcome before either can find their happy ending. I really enjoyed this author's writing and hope to read more from her soon.

Gabriel Holmes-Fitzgerald, the Earl of Langdale is not having a good day – he is recovering from a night of debauchery after being punched by his lover’s husband while attending a ball at their home and if that was not bad enough, his cousin has informed him that once his father, Gabriel’s uncle passes away, Timothy plans to challenge Gabriel’s right to the Earldom. He contends that Gabriel’s parents were not legally married in England, therefore rendering him illegitimate. Gabriel needs proof and there is only one person who can help – his mother, problem is, he hasn’t seen her since she left his father many, many years ago. But a little digging and he finds out where she was last year and since London is not the best place for him right now, he heads off to Switzerland to find her.

Arabella Jardine thought that the scandal caused by her “unbecoming” behavior at finishing school ruined her life, she was sadly mistaken. She quickly learns that being caught in a passionate embrace with a half-dressed, well-known rake is much more ruinous and life changing. Arabella is in Switzerland with her family when she runs into Gabriel, he tells her he has a letter for her and promises to deliver it – which he does, but ends up injured and in need of medical assistance. Lucky for him, Arabella has medical knowledge as she often assisted her grandfather in his medical practice. She tends him and he begs for a kiss, which quickly spirals out of control and has him proposing.

Arabella has no choice but to marry him – a man who is honest and tells her he will probably never love her and most likely won’t be faithful. She never expected to marry for love, but the idea of him breaking her heart has her throwing up a wall between them, a wall he desperately wants to knock down.

This was a very good book, it was well written and paced nicely. Both Gabriel and Arabella have had less than stellar childhoods and their experiences have scarred them both in different ways. Arabella is guarded and cautious, while Gabriel is self-indulgent and promiscuous – but deep down they are both insecure and have abandonment issues – they just deal with them differently. There is a lot going on in the book and I wondered if the romance would be lost in the mix, but it works, so be prepared for outrageous flirting, steamy love scenes, secrets, jealousy, addiction, evil relatives, kidnapping, a bit of angst, great secondary characters and a wonderful HEA (complete with an epilogue!!!) This is the second book in the series, but it can easily be read as a stand-alone title. I am happy to recommend this this book, it was a delightful read and am looking forward to the next installment.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review of an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*

How to Catch an Errant Earl, book two in The Disreputable Debutantes, makes wicked proper as only Amy Rose Bennett can!

This author brought to her work two vastly different characters yet their shared traits of innate goodness and underestimating their personal value bonded them in a unique way. Gabriel Holmes Fitzgerald, the Earl of Langdale very much personified the role of "rake" with his unrepentant escapades and lack of commitment to anything but his next bout of decadence. With adept writing this author was able allow his honor to breakthrough while still maintaining glimmers of his incorrigible behavior for a captivating hero. Arabella Jardine while having dabbled in naughty actions was wrongly labeled as a woman of loose morals. Her bluestocking tendencies and her parent’s poor choices further isolated her. Ms. Bennett did an admirable job of showing the struggles of an intellectual woman in Regency England in her portrayal of Arabella in a realistic and poignant manner making her character one that modern readers will easily form a kinship with even as their historic sensibilities are appeased. The unease and emotional grappling between Gabriel and Arabella felt real and the sparks that ignited between this couple were spicy but never gratuitous. Their angst and fears were brought to the pages with a clarity and logic that defied the turmoil of their feelings.

Finding the perfect balance of edgy and risqué without disparaging her characters in the eyes of her audience is a strength of this writer. Amy Rose Bennett's stories are full of details and wonderfully descriptive, from her portrayal’s feelings to the historic period they are living in. She creates very real characters that while derived from the past feel close enough to engage directly with her readers in the present with their emotional experiences and timeless behaviors. This author's writing is fluid, never lagging and ever evolving, engaging her audience's interest throughout her work. Her attention to details is exemplary and she goes to great lengths to bring an understanding of the times she is showing and the rational of her characters choices and concerns without detracting from her story. Amy Rose Bennett's How to Catch an Errant Earl adds another quality historical romance to her growing list of engaging works!