Who’s That Earl by Susanna Craig is an excellent historical romance novel that also has a fabulous mystery plot added to make it even more enjoyable. This is the first book in the Love and Let Spy series.

I loved so many things about this book:

1. The Location: a rural setting/small village/Dunnock Castle in the Highlands, Scotland. Just beautiful.

2. I loved Jane and Thomas. They were both complicated, had secrets concerning their professions and past, and their chemistry with each other was impressive. I loved their personalities and actions. Very relatable, sensible, and believable.

3. I liked the plot. It was more then just a historical romance. This book had mystery, landscapes, likable village cast, and great main characters set in the late 1700s/early 1800s.

4. I loved the ending!

This is the first book by this author that I have read, and I enjoyed it so much that I have already purchased another series (Rogues & Rebels). This is an excellent start to a new series and I loved how the book finished with a teaser to the beginning of the next installment within the Epilogue. Perfect!

5/5 stars

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington for this ARC and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon and B&N accounts upon publication.

This is a sweet start to a new series. Jane and Thomas had a brief romance 7 years earlier, but circumstances drove them apart. Now, Thomas, back from years spying for the Crown, is faced with an unexpected inheritance in the Highlands of his family home that just happens to include Jane... as a tenant. Of course, given the history and their professions, secrets abound. While the reader knows their motivations, assumptions and a lack of honesty create conflict throughout the book. There are some precious little scene-stealing puppers and a well written little town. I'm kind of sad that the end implies that the next book won't take place in Scotland because I want to know more about everyone! I'm definitely adding this to my series to follow and you should too if you're a fan of historical romances.

Susanna Craig put me in so much suspense, I could barely wait to finish the book!

Who's That Earl is a good read. It is delicious as it is and engrossing. I like the fact that Jane is an independent woman who has to cope with the boss of the times regarding female writers.

The book is well detailed and has a wonderful storyline.

This is book 1 in the Love and Let Spy series, where a matchmaking spymaster brings together couples whose
romances were interrupted by the Napoleonic Wars. The book has a complex plot that is extremely well done, and it was a joy to see all the ins and outs revealed. The one niggle I had was that it wasn't clear exactly how Jane and Thomas ended up in the same place, but I suspect the spymaster had a hand in that.

Thomas Sutherland had been stationed for seven years in Dominica, watching for French ships. Seven years
before, he had met Miss Jane Quayle and had fallen hard for her. He was unable to speak to her before he shipped out. Jane, unknown to him, had also suffered a sudden and severe dislocation in her life just before he left England.

Thomas receives an unexpected inheritance, and is released from his military service in Dominica. When he travels to see the property he has inherited, who does he find in residence but Jane, now the widowed Mrs. Higginbotham. She is acting as a transcriptionist for the famous and reclusive author of gothic romance, Robin Rattliff. Only, the Thomas Sutherland who presents himself is hiding a big part of his identity, and Jane has plenty of secrets of her own.

And someone is sending threatening letters to the famous author ....

I very much enjoyed reading this book and seeing all of these various mysteries resolved. The last part of the
book has the spymaster contemplating the future of another of his spies .... I am looking forward to that book
also.

I received an advance reading copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is my opinion of the book.

While formulaic in the way that all regency-ish romances are, I found Who's That Earl to play surprisingly well on the tropes of the genre. The main characters are both fully charming and the banter is lovely. This is a second-chance romance which typically isn't my favorite trope, but I was pleased with how Craig keeps it fresh by mixing in secrecy and spice.

Overall the plot and characters probably could be a little more fleshed out. The setting is so superb but overall underutilized. I would've loved more creepy-castle embellishments. Plus the pacing is a little off, but no more-so than any other book in the genre.

That said, it's a sweet and speedy Scottish romance that keeps things light and maintains a self-assured heroine throughout. The intimate scenes are superbly done and I feel like other books in the series will be just as lighthearted.

Who's That Earl by Susanna Craig -- beautiful cover! I love the pose and the vibrant colors. This book has a little bit of romance, a little bit of mystery. But unfortunately, a little bit wasn't enough. This book ended up being like a tepid cup of tea, good at the core, just wasn't fully satisfying.

I would have loved for the characters and the plot to be fleshed out more. This is a second chance romance. Jane and Thomas had known each other seven years prior, had a whirlwind "courtship" and then Thomas was sent away with the military and Jane was packed off by her family. It would have been nice to see some scenes of Jane and Thomas when they were younger and infatuated with each other, but there was more tell than show.

Seven years later, they are both more jaded and "coincidently" end up at the same Scottish estate. I like that Jane was strong willed and independent, but having her live at the same remote castle that Thomas visited as a child and that he now inherited was just too big of a stretch. And I think that's where this book lacked, that there wasn't enough tension or complications, not a huge climax, everything was just sort of middle ground. Good, but not great.

I did enjoy the excerpts from the novel Jane was writing and would have loved to read this actual story! The author does a great job employing the reader's senses to the Scottish highlands, lending the story a gothic overtone that fits well with the type of novels Jane writes.

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC of this book, the thoughts and opinions are my own.

I'm newer to romance so I'm not 100% sure how I felt about this. It felt like the usual romance and predictable. Though I'm told that's part of the charm of romances you know what's coming and it's just a comfort read. I just felt like I knew what was coming. Them ending up together was the aspect that bugged me just that the story felt like a redone oldie. All in all I enjoyed it and would like to read more of the author.

I liked it! Who's That Earl is a historical romance between a member of the British militia who returns to his native Scotland and the woman he had a brief but memorable courtship with seven years prior. That the woman is a famous Gothic novel authoress (!) hiding behind a pseudonym just adds to the intrigue. While the story is a traditional historical romance in many ways, I liked that the characters seemed to espouse more contemporary worldviews—living how they wanted to live and not worrying about how others might judge them for it. It reminded me of some books I've read and enjoyed by Tessa Dare.

My only criticism would be that any dramatic issues were resolved relatively quickly with limited fanfare, so there wasn't a lot of opportunity for the reader to back the protagonists or wonder how the story would play out. Otherwise, this was a solid addition to the genre.

I really tried hard to like this book but it was just to slow paced to keep me interested in it's plot and I just never really connected with its characters. Totally not what I was expecting upon reading the blurb of this book as it sounded like something that I'd enjoy. I found myself skipping pages just to get to the end of the book.

I had such high hopes for this book. The premise for this particular historical romance was dazzling. A woman author who has to hide behind a male pseudonym, rusticating away in a Scottish castle, content with life until a dark and handsome stranger arrives at her door. Only he might not be as unknown to her as she thought.

'"I ken you're remembering what happened the last time I had you out for a stroll?"
"Certainly not." The pink in her cheeks deepened.
"Nay?" In the intervening years, he ought to have been too focused on his survival to have spent much time swooning over a girl he'd known for only a few weeks. But he' held onto those moments like a nun clutched her rosary, lingering over each detail, seeking...something. Solace in the past. An escape from the present. A promise of hope for the future. "I think of it often."'

This was a deep slow-burn romance for sure. It took quite a while for any semblance of passion or romance to enter into the fray. While I don't mind that at all, I still like the story line to progress at an even speed. The entire first chapter of how our hero was called back home, seemed like such a waste of time. It was unnecessary for the plot. There was a few more instances where the story seemed to stagnate, neither moving forward or doing anything profound in the interim.

There was some lovely scenes throughout, as our hero and heroine became reacquainted with one another, as they learned to form a friendship, a trust and confidence in each other. I would have just liked a bit more passion and fervour between them. It was almost too subliminal for too long. But I will say that once they gave into their feelings for each other, it was beautiful, sensual and intense.

Then there was the added mystery of the threatening letters, which was an interesting element. It did give the story a bit of excitement as we trailed along with the protagonists in solving the matter.

Who's That Earl had so much potential. Second chance romance is my favourite trope, add in the fact that it is historical romance and it should have been a double whammy here for me, however it fell short somewhere along the way. It was a lovely love story, just a tad too slow moving for my liking, however this author is one to watch for the future. I'll certainly not be writing her off due to my average feelings regarding this book. I'm actually quite excited to see what she does next.

Lt. Thomas Sutherland was stationed in Dominica, watching for the French soldiers. He was surprised by a skiff arriving, more so when it was a message from his commanding officer to return home.
He was shocked by the reason, he was now the Earl of Magnus and required to attend things at the castle he inherited.
Hoping the author who had rented the castle was willing to stay and things were going well, he traveled to Scotland as his superior requested, only to find his hopes dashed. He couldn't hire away the writer's assistant and Dunnock needed help.
Finding the woman he'd been dreaming of for nearly 7 years at the castle as the author's amanuensis, and his people struggling, he didn't admit to being the Earl right away as he scoped everything out, a habit from his army days.
Things were not as they appeared and he found, the amanuensis, his Jane was in danger. Enlisting the help of the friends of his youth, he protected her. He knew he was in love with her, but not how to tell her.
His friends helped him to get the woman of his dreams and he helped his people to recover from the last Earl's neglect.
Ms. Craig's historical romance has intrigue, humor and a bit of steam. Triple the enjoyment. I recommend it highly.
I requested and received a Neygalley ARC to peruse and offer my opinion freely.

I loved this book and I loved the h and h! Jane was a fearless heroine!

There was no unnecessary drama although the villain was not hard to figure out.

All things considering I loved this book and cant wait for the next installment!


I received a complimentary copy of the book via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are completely mine.

Also on good reads

Ms. Craig has a fine hand for this novel of a spy turned earl who gets a second chance at first love. No rogue, and not a very accomplished liar, he knows what and who is important and yet still is more pursued than pursuer. She knows romance, suspense, and subterfuge and wields them well to eventually snare her HEA. It is a marvelous tale with an original plot — she is almost as often in Peril as Pauline. All is right in the end as he is in his own fashion a thoroughly modern and non-controlling hero. Very satisfying. Though told over the course of a very few days, there is no frenetic rushing about, and a very real relationship evolves.

I really liked Thomas! No drama. Had to figure out his life and did. I liked Jane too. She is strong. Just wish she thought more of herself sometimes. I loved the plot and look forward to the next book in this series.

trigger warning
<spoiler> being thrown out by your family as a child </spoiler>

Thomas is summoned back from the West Indies where he is a spy for Her Majesty because it appears though he never knew it, he is the heir for an estate, including a castle in the highlands and the matching lordship.
His new home is currently occupied by a reclusive author who pens gothic romances and the man's amanuensis which he will have to get out as soon as possible if he wants to live there. And his honour dictates that he should.

I knew nothing about this author beforehand, and I specificly requested this title on Netgalley as I wanted to see what current historical fiction romance looks like. My last recollections of actively seeking out such a novel was years and years ago on a family vacation as we all shared our books with each other and my mother had a subscription for scottish romances.
I am ashamed to say that I thought romances and chick lit beneath me for a while, but then I grew out of it. I read the romance classics, the Austen books, Jane Ayre, Wuthering Heights, and was curious to see how modern takes on the genre would compare.
So the four stars don't necessarily mean that I enjoyed this book as much as other books I rated four stars, but based on what it set out to do and if I thought how well it was achieved.

We have two points of view: Thomas, the new Earl of Magnus, and Jane, the gothic author's amanuensis. Through curious coincidences, not only do those two know each other, but he was actually asking her father if he might marry the young woman.
As you'd guess, it didn't work out, and the meeting is very awkward.

The comic relief is mostly provided by Athena and Aphrodite, Jane's two dogs, which I consider a plus.
The sex scenes are written in great detail but with enough tact to not make me giggle at weird use of language in the wrong moments.

You can read this novel as a standalone, but the epilogue gives an apportunity for a further plot beyond simply slice of life. Since this novel is marketed as book one of a series, you can expect further adventures.
I don't think I will seek those out, but this is to no fault of the author or the publisher. It still appears to not be the genre I'd go for if I have other options.

But there is a great chemistry between the protagonists and even the side characters are very three dimensional. The pacing is good, the backdrop of Scotland is awesome. If you're into historical romance, I think you'd like this one.

And now I want to take a moment for that gorgeous cover because my e-reader that can only show black and white hues won't do it justice.

I recieved a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

There's a lot to be praised here, but something was off. I just couldn't really get into it until the end. The mystery was not that mysterious and I would like to have had some flashback moments from when the two met. It was good, but not great. This was my first read of this author, and I liked it enough to try another book by Susanna Craig.

First sentence: In spite of the eerie, not-quite quiet that settled over the island in the hours between dusk and dawn, Lieutenant Thomas Sutherland nearly missed the telltale rhythm of oars slicing through water. Damn and blast. If he weren’t careful, he’d find himself in enemy hands after all this time. Or at the mercy of his general, once he’d explained how he’d been distracted from his duties by the scent of flowers.

Premise/Plot: Thomas Sutherland has newly inherited a title and an estate in Scotland. He'll need to take time away from his service--he's a spy--to settle things. As things stand there is a tenant--a famous/infamous gothic writer, Robin Ratliff-- leasing Dunnock castle. He'll need to either renew the lease or take up residence himself...

Jane "Higginbotham" loves living at Dunnock castle. It's the perfect place for her secret to stay secret. She's not the "secretary" of a famous author, she is THE author. Her gothic romances are entirely inappropriate for proper women, decent women to read or to admit to reading. Ratliff has just as many enemies--those who hate his immoral books--as fans. When the novel opens, Jane has just received two pieces of mail. One warning that there is a new Magnus and he's on his way (that would be Thomas Sutherland, though it does NOT name names.) The other a death threat against the author Robin Ratliff. One could leave her temporarily homeless...the other leave her dead. If in fact the writer means what he threatens...

Jane and Thomas soon meet. But surprise, surprise, surprise Thomas and Jane are not entirely strangers to one another. Seven years previously they'd enjoyed a brief flirtation that if things had gone another way--if he hadn't been called away by the army, for example--and if they'd had more time. Thomas doesn't want Jane to know he is the new Magnus. Jane doesn't want him to know she's the author. Both have secrets from the other....

My thoughts: I loved the idea of this one. A woman author writing under a pen name finds great success writing over-the-top gothic novels...and perhaps will find her true love as well...as her own life undergoes some adventures and misadventures. I love the idea of the hero being a spy/former spy. I love the Scottish setting. I love the Regency time period. I love the plus-size heroine.

Did I actually love, love, love this one? Almost. Maybe. Perhaps. I like the idea of these two being reunited unexpectedly. Are the feelings still there? Can they clear up any misunderstandings? Are the obstacles standing in the way any closer to being removed? I like the tension between these two secret keepers. It reminds me of the Friends episodes where eventually everyone is connecting the dots about Monica and Chandler. They don't know that we know...they don't know that we know they know we know. I like how they come to trust each other.

But. It is not a clean read--which is what I personally, personally prefer. It definitely has on-screen "smut." Conveniently these scenes seem to be contained within two separate chapters. So technically if readers knew in advance which chapters contained the "naughty" "smutty" bits, they could skip over them...if they want a clean read. And, well, if you don't...you might not mind knowing exactly where these bits are either.

There is definitely a feel of instant about this one. The connection and spark between the two is there from the start. There is no falling in love. There is no gradual development of feelings and desires. It is BOOM. The fact that these two have a history together might explain some of the instant--but not necessarily. I mean I think that kind of thing happens more often than not in genre romances. This bears closer resemblance to a soap opera perhaps than Georgette Heyer or Jane Austen.

This was an engaging story from the first page. It was a story with intrigue, romance and secret identities. I don't want to give away any surprises, but I might have to. The heroine is a secret author of gothic novels. The hero is a spy who has just returned from his directive. They had met many years ago at a small town assembly and they shared a sweet kiss. The hero went the next day to her father and was told that he didn't have a daughter. For all of the different pieces of this story and plot, they all fall into place so nicely. This was a nice, smooth read that got better and better with each chapter. The characters were so very lifelike and likeable. They were the type of people pl le that you would always cheer for. The heroine is just a young woman who had to survive on her very own at a young age and was able to do so, keeping her morals intact. The hero was a man who had been living as a reclusive spy for at least 6 years. There was a significant change to the hero's life and he had to return from his assignment in the West Indies and return to Scotland. This was a charming story that I wish I could give more than 5 stars to. This book is a candidate for my keeper shelf. I felt so many good things when I finished this story. 5 stars and I highly recommend buying this story.

This book certainly has an opening that gets your attention and interest right from get-go! This introduction of Thomas left me somewhat unsure what kind of guy he would be, but definitely made me want to learn more about him. And what I did learn of him I liked.

I really liked the character of Jane and appreciated having a female protagonist who was independent but still understood the importance of having connections to people in her community. I also liked that she figured out Thomas's secret before he figured out hers - it was nice to have the woman get the upper hand for once. Her anger toward Thomas didn't quite make sense thought - she was upset that he had left, but she had already been thrown out of her home and was on her way out of the village at the time he was supposed to arrive at her parents' house.

This would have been a very short book had these characters just been open and honest with one another from the beginning, but the author does a good job of not making you frustrated with the characters for not talking (as so often happens in romances). The only part of their story I did not like was at the end with Jane running away - the scene with her father could have just as easily taken place at Dunnock.

The mystery aspect of the story is resolved pretty quickly and was not exactly a huge surprise. If that part was meant to serve any purpose other than to bring Jane and Thomas together I would have minded, but that aspect of the story definitely takes a back seat to the romance part.

Overall, a highly enjoyable novel! I look forward to reading more from this author.

Jane and Thomas shared a kiss they never forgot. Then he got his orders and had to leave, and her father kicked her out of the house. Seven years later, they meet again. Why does she not confess she is actually a reclusive Gothic novel writer? Why does he not reveal he is actually the new Earl? But most important, who is sending death threats to the writer? Very good suspense, with lots of twists, and two mischievous dogs. I received an ARC of this book.