During the beginning of the American revolution, Jewel's father sends her to England. At a family ball she overhears a conversation between her aunt and cousin to trap an earl. Jewel steps in to save him, but accidentally ends up in a compromising position with him herself. Oliver, Lord Winchcombe, also known as Lord Scar, goes along with Jewel on a long engagement. Someone wants to destroy Oliver and Jewel wants to be the one to save him. At the same time her father is imprisoned for his participation with the Sons of Liberty. A complicated story of finding the answers to so many questions. Pay attention to the complexity of the story. Good start to the series.

I recieved a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I wanted to like this book but it just didn't work for me.
Jewel has been shipped off to London with the pending war in the colonies. When she finds out her cousin plans on trapping an earl into marriage, she tries to warm him.
Oliver has been a recluse since his face was scarred. After being caught in a compromising situation with Jewel, everything is set in motion.
While Jewel and Oliver were okay characters, this book was too long with the constant misunderstanding, lack of communication, and mistrust.
It became very tedious and I wasn't a fan.

I just really enjoyed this book. It was just really easy to get lost in this book. I will definitely be reading more by this author.

An outsider at her first English ball, Jewel is fascinated with the beautiful dresses and the lovely dancing, but she’s vowed to save the Earl of Winchcombe from her cousin’s marriage trap. When she first glimpses the handsome lord, her heart beats faster. As they plan to thwart her cousin’s machinations, she discovers a kindred spirit in Oliver—even if he’s a peer and she’s a lowly colonist. Caught kissing the earl, the ball ends in disaster and Jewel’s displeased uncle whisks her away to Scotland..Lord Scar, as the ton calls Oliver, would rather be anywhere than at a godforsaken masquerade ball and when he learns from the free-spirited colonist about the nefarious marriage plan, he grudgingly accepts her help. Jewel intrigues him and sets his heart racing. Yet, when the ball is over and the mask is off—Oliver curses the scar that will send her screaming away. When her uncle banishes her, Oliver comes to her rescue by offering Jewel his hand in marriage. She agrees, despite his disfigurement. But what’s a beastly lord like him to do with such a beautiful wife—especially when he discovers she’s delightfully saucy?
This was a decent read. I really liked Oliver and the basic plot. However, Jewel got on my nerves. There were some other issues, but overall it wasn’t bad.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

This was an interesting and fun book to read. The characters were well developed and perfect for each other. There was plenty of witty banter and mystery. It kept my attention until the end with all the intrigue and twists.

I loved the first half of this book. The two main characters, Jewel and Oliver, have a lot of depth. I felt there connection immediately. I wanted to see where this story was going. However, due to a lot of miscommunication and assumptions, the second half of the book lost me. I liked the mystery aspect but there was so much mishandled information that it stressed me out.
I received an ARC for my honest review.

Received in exchange for a honest review.

So quick and dirty. Love Oliver. He hides behind his brother when it comes to his title due to his scars when he shouldn’t. He is honorable and kind. I love how he believes Jewel and helps her no matter what. How even when Jewel is out to find out the truth behind her stay in England and her money, he doesn’t waver and is there for he. He is even willing to give up his freedom and titles for her. He goes to bat for her and doesn’t ask for anything in return. He only wants her to get what she deserves and to know the truth. He wants to do what is right for everyone and is a kind sweet guy. Only issue: he doesn’t see how truly liked and amazing he is. He is more than his scars and it takes Jewel for him to realize this.

Jewel is a strong,stubborn smart girl. Sent to England for safety when the danger is more in England for her. She knows things are afoot at her uncle’s but doesn’t know how deep until she begins to unravel it on her own with a letter and when she thwarts her Uncle’s attempts at getting the Earl of Winchcombe to have to marry his daughter. Only the one he thinks is the Earl isn’t and a whole other can of worms opens up. Jewel is caught in a hard place and is sent away but Oliver is awesome and helps her escape her destination. Along the way to falling in love they have several mysteries to solve and a attraction to act on. I love how she helps Oliver see beyond his scars. I love how Oliver has the gift of letters and uses his powers of influence and respect he has gained through his correspondence to help Jewel. These two are perfect for one another for Jewel helps Oliver overcome his scars and he helps Jewel to see she is more than just a colonist. She is someone that has a mind and he is supportive of that. He draws on her strength to become the true Earl and she draws on his to go after the truth and her uncle and his devious ways.

The story is entertaining and fun. Sexy and sweet but shows us that there is more to someone than just their outer appearance if we only give ourselves the chance to find out. IT’s about family, love and loyalty and two people who find one another and help each find the strength and courage to face the unknown and also fall in love.

I've been reading more and more historical romance again. This book was set in 1775 which is a time period I don't usually visit,



I had mixed feelings about this book though. For one. historical romance always seem to be chunkers and find that it affects the story. This book could have been better had it been a little shorter. The story is really cute, with Jewel set on saving Oliver from her cousin's trap.



I warmed more to Oliver than Jewel, but I always lean toward the underdog, and Oliver had that whole Beast/Phantom thing going on with his scar. The scar is played up upon quite a bit, but no one seems to run from him when he is in public, so it makes me wonder a bit.



What bogs this story down is the mystery or mysteries that are going on. Someone wants to prevent Oliver from taking his place in the House of Lords. Then there's the matter of funds that are supposed to be Jewel's.



Are these things tied together? Well you have to read the book to learn that answer. That was the part that got complicated and the budding love between Jewel and Oliver makes things a little less exciting for me, mostly because the love seems to be...Oh she can gaze at my horrible face and she's so beautiful, I must love her kind of thing. I often wish writers would create characters that have a common ground besides sex or basic attraction. Having crappy parents isn't a reason to fall in love, either, but that's another part of the story.



Jewel's dad was a bit neglectful. I'm not sure that he was unloving, but just not present and not thinking clearly when he sent her across the pond without any knowledge of what was really going on.



For the most part, the story is an enjoyable one, but then it started coming apart for me.



I loved the author's writing style and her characters were good, though like I said I was more an Oliver fan because he got my sympathy early on.



This could have been a 5 flower book, but when the mystery wrapped up and the day was saved both for Oliver and Jewel, things went on.



ARGH!



If you are setting up a continuation of the story, I can understand going on, but that wasn't the case here. The HEA should have happened, story done.



Still if you enjoy a good historical romance that's just a little bit spicy. (This isn't a bodice ripper) This is really a good read.

About an Earl is the second installment from the What Happens in the Ballroom series. It is, also, my first introduction to the writing of Diana Lloyd. I enjoyed this historical romance. I absolutely adored the characters of Jewel and Oliver. The story is a little predictable but still a delight to read.

I am giving About an Earl four stars. I would love to read more by Miss Lloyd in the future. Lovers of historical fiction and romance will definitely want to read this one. I am happy to have the opportunity to read it.

I received this book from the publisher. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

About an Earl, Diana Lloyd
Set in 1775 London, About an Earl brings together American heiress Julianna Latham, newly arrived from Boston where she had her heart broken, and Oliver Chalford, Earl of Winchcombe.
The story is a historical romantic suspense complete with money-grabbing relatives, and it really should have had me turning the pages as fast as I could to find out what happened during Julianna’s and Oliver’s journey to true love. Unfortunately I thought the pace was rather slow and large chunks of the book dragged for me. The author also spent a lot of time telling me what the characters were thinking rather than showing me so it was quite hard to get into their heads. I did like the plot. The notion of a disfigured earl appealed as they generally appear in romance novels looking strong, handsome and virile. While there were points in the story where my imagination was stretched, there was still plenty to like and overall I did enjoy it.

Wonderful story. Loved Julianna and Oliver! The story was fast and fun. It was great disliking Udele and her mother. The plot was well written and the HEA was perfect.

An outsider at her first English ball, Jewel is fascinated with the beautiful dresses and the lovely dancing, but she’s vowed to save the Earl of Winchcombe from her cousin’s marriage trap. When she first glimpses the handsome lord, her heart beats faster. As they plan to thwart her cousin’s machinations, she discovers a kindred spirit in Oliver—even if he’s a peer and she’s a lowly colonist. Caught kissing the earl, the ball ends in disaster and Jewel’s displeased uncle whisks her away to Scotland..

Lord Scar, as the ton calls Oliver, would rather be anywhere than at a godforsaken masquerade ball and when he learns from the free-spirited colonist about the nefarious marriage plan, he grudgingly accepts her help. Jewel intrigues him and sets his heart racing. Yet, when the ball is over and the mask is off—Oliver curses the scar that will send her screaming away.

When her uncle banishes her, Oliver comes to her rescue by offering Jewel his hand in marriage. She agrees, despite his disfigurement. But what’s a beastly lord like him to do with such a beautiful wife—especially when he discovers she’s delightfully saucy?

This is the second book I have read by this author. I enjoyed the first book very much...this one not as much, Both had comical moments. Each book in the What Happens in the Ballroom series is STANDALONE:Each book in the What Happens in the Ballroom series is STANDALONE:
This one gets a 4 star rating from me,
I received a complimentary copy to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

About an Earl is a stand-alone but second in the What Happens in a Ballroom series. It begins as kind of madcap adventure with Jewel trying to prevent her cousin causing a compromising situation with the earl. Only once Jewel gets to the earl, it is his brother that the cousin is mistakenly after. Rushing to find him causes havoc inside the ballroom. Well, who gets caught, but Jewel.

The Earl of Wenchcombe/Lord Scar/Oliver feels a connection to Jewel. He wants to explore the connection, but her uncle has sent her off. Bringing back the madcapness, Oliver takes off after her.

This is a sweet romance with both couples having difficult backgrounds, reasons for their cautiousness in being willing to commitment to a relationship or open up about their feelings. Yet, each wants to protect the other from their hurts.

I love that Oliver loves Jewel’s odd ways. She dresses as a boy if needed, she breaks into her uncle’s home, she takes in strangers. She is just delightful. Oliver struggles to overcome the plot against him all the while trying to keep up with Jewel.

This romance has a sweet HEA for more than one couple. You will find it an easy weekend read.

This was good. Only while i love novels compared to novella's this was alot of empty space. It seemed to drag in some parts. I love the author. I will read her again. I really liked the story and the characters.

The second book in the series by Diana Lloyd is a Beauty and the Beast retelling. It is funny and has a sufficiently twisty plot to keep me entertained to the end. Jewel and Oliver are both empathetic characters with commendable devotion to their families. It was interesting to reflect on the decision of Jewel’s father to send her to England for safety at the start of the American Revolution.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Series: What Happens In The Ballroom #2
Publication Date: 1/27/20
Number of Pages: 400

This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.


“Delicately bred women were so predictable. First they screamed, and then they fainted.”

An enjoyable historical romance, with a lots of adventure, twists and drama.
About an Earl has an interesting main male protagonist, that I completely fell for, a wounded virgin hero, Oliver Chalford, the next Earl of Winchcombe.

A sassy American colonist, Julianna (Jewel) Latham, has been sent to London to visit her aunt and uncle. Sent away by her father, and from the boiling tension within Boston between the colonials and the redcoats. Time away also might help to escape some poor past choices that ultimately led to a broken heart.

Named lord Scar by the ton, A reclusive, bearing a disfigurement from his horrific father, Oliver has found away to do estate business by strictly by post.

Named lord Scar by the ton, A reclusive, bearing a disfigurement from his horrific father, Oliver has found away to do estate business by strictly by post.
Oliver and his twin Penry attend a masquerade party, and when a series of events happen. Along with a compromising situation, this were the book ignites with a fast paced creative storyline, I completely inhaled. When a threat to discredit Oliver’s sanity along with Jewel’s odd banishment, her fathers arrest in states, and some intriguing findings. Things really take on a different perspective as clues fall into place in this splendid fast read. I enjoyed the sweet chemistry between the main characters.
I look forward to reading more in this series.

What Happens in the Ballroom #2, A delightful retelling of a tale as old as time, truly I never get tired of Beauty and the Beast trope (is it technically a trope). New author to me and as a second story in the series it can be read as a standalone. I love Jewel and Oliver. Jewel is a colonist her father sent her to her aunt, his sister, to be safe during this upcoming war. When Jewel foils her aunt and uncles plan to trick the Earl of Whichcombe into marrying one of their daughters they try to send her off to Scotland. Oliver is grateful to the beauty that saved both him and/or his twin brother from a forced marriage, so grateful he kisses her unfortunately in walks her cousin and aunt and very loudly announce that Lord scar has ruined Jewel. After thinking about it Oliver decides he will do the right thing and marry Jewel but her uncle has already sent her off. That doesn't stop him though he tracks her down and after procuring a lady's maid/chaperone he whisks her off to his country estate.

Oliver's claim to his title is challenged, his scar makes people think he's in league with satan and that he's crazy, Jewel thinks she's helping when she declares herself his fiancee. While Oliver tries to get all his contacts and acquaintances to help prove he's not insane together Jewel tries to figure out the purpose of her uncle's scheme and why he's trying to steal her money. Together Oliver and Jewel make a great team they have wonderful chemistry between them. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this story it was well written with fantastic characters and a tangled web of deceit that Oliver and Jewel manage to work their way through to get to their HEA.

About an Earl (What Happens in a Ballroom)

book 2 by Diana Lloyd is an interesting but complex Historical Romance. can be read as a stand alone, see HOW TO TRAIN A BARON, book 1. Set just before the American Revolutionary War, and in Scotland. 
Follow, Oliver Chalford, the new Earl of Winchcombe,  Lord Scar, as the ton calls him and 
Bostonian Julianna (Jewel) Latham, an American  on their journey to find happiness and a HEA. 
A forbidden romance, a multi-layered conspiracy, tests of a true of friendship, betrayal, deceit, a cruel plot, a charge of lunacy, and a beautiful colonist, intrigue,  mystery,  and love, kept me turning pages. Well written and well excuted. the characters are well developed,  with bits of humor, and lots of emotions. The secondary characters are well thought out and great addition to the story. I loved the epilogue (years later) and HEA. Another intriguing and enjoyable Historical read. Does slow some toward the middle of the book, but picks up nicely, in my humble opinion. I look forward to more of Diana Lloyd's stories.  

"I voluntarily received a complimentary copy, however,  these are my honest opinions. I was in no way required nor compensated to write a review."


Rating: 4
Heat rating: Mild 
Reviewer: AprilR

Oliver and Jewel are both interesting characters and overall, I enjoyed their story. But there were a few parts in the middle that were kind of bland. In any case, it is a good historical romance and I did find it entertaining.
Jewel doesn't like London as much as she had hoped she would. Her aunt and cousins don't treat her well and there might be no going back to Boston now. To make things worse she was caught in a compromising position with a man she had literally just met. But okay, so, it was just a kiss and now she is banished from society and must stay in Scottland, for who knows how long.
Oliver feels guilty about the whole situation. After all, Jewel did help him. It is only right that he help her too. There is no reason for her to be banished when he can do the right thing and marry her...
However, things get complicated and there might be more to the story than they know. What is it that Jewel's uncle is hiding?
All in all, an interesting read and a good story. I think historical fiction fans would enjoy this.

A fun and funny story. Oliver makes his first foray into society in years and gets caught in a dilemma. Jewel is in the place she doesn’t want to be but has decided she will still be a Good Samaritan. The story is delightful as these two become entangled together. Their relationship proceeds on a start and stop basis sprinkled with a host of silly misunderstandings. The characters that support them are an interesting mix of daring and outlandish. Their adventures and encounters will keep you turning the page to see what they willl come up with next.