This is my fair and honest review, voluntarily given and in my own words, for this ARC. I have read other books by Ms Bowman and so I know she can write really good stories. While the story concept here was intriguing, I am afraid that I found this one a bit flat.

Every fortune-hunting female in London is after the newly titled Earl of Kendall, but he’s intent on finding a wife whose heart is true. So while drunkenly jesting with his friends in a pub one night, he has an idea—what if the ladies of the ton didn’t know he was a wealthy earl? All he has to do is pose as a servant at his friend’s summer country house party and make sure the guest list is full of beautiful, eligible debutantes. What could possibly go wrong?

Everything, obviously.

Then we meet Frances Wharton who is far more interested in fighting for the rights of the poor than in marriage, but her mother insists she attend a summer house party and guarantee a betrothal with the pompous Sir Reginald Francis. In order to dissuade the would-be suitor, she vows to behave like a shrew (which clearly doesn’t happen. At All.) The only person she can be herself with is the kind, handsome footman she runs into at every turn. Their connection is undeniable, and the divide between them is no match for the passion they feel. But what will happen when Frances learns that the footman she adores is actually the earl she despises?

Cue the drama!

‘The Footman and I’ is a promising introduction to a historical romance series yet the first installment of the ‘The Footmen’s Club’ was not something to write home about. Nothing stood out and it was a very dull, bland read. The concept was there but the author failed to make this novel a standout. I wish the characters had more depth and more drama enfolded in the storyline, possibly a rivalry between Frances and Albina. I could say more about this but meh. I hope the next edition has that something something to win me over.

Thank you for the DRC for a review!

Lucas' reasons for wanting to disguise himself seemed noble at first but he didn't realize what it would cost him. He started feeling guilty pretty early on in the story regarding his duplicitous role of footman at a house party. However, because of his role he also met and got to know Miss Frances Wharton. Their meetings were scandalous but they learned a lot about each other. I thought the story was the perfect length, and it had the right amount of drama. Frances was pretty angry when she found out the truth. Well written, emotionally wrenching, and throughly intriguing; I can't wait to read the next book.

The premise of the story is based on a bet to see which of the friends can last longest as a servant before being spotted for the Lords they are. Although, in The Footman and I, Lord Kendall's original purpose was to find a true hearted wife.

It's perfect for a quick break, simply because it flows well and is a fast moving story. Another plus is that it is priced accordingly and the next two in the series are already out. I'm a binge reader so I plan to dip into #2 and #3 soon! My only wish is that the characters would've been fleshed out a bit more, as well as the heroine and hero's connection, but with fast reads that is to be expected.

Took me only a few hours to read, so it was ideal for an autumn morning outside with my tea! For book clubs it would be perfectly placed after a heavy, emotional read.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this book.
I found I enjoyed this book quite a bit. The writing was easy to read and the pace was adjusted to suit the audience. The plot twist where three noblemen disguise themselves as commoners was always going to be fun and intriguing, when done well. And the author has accomplished that.
The end scene felt a bit rushed and slightly out of character, but as long as it was a happy ending, then readers will be satisfied.
Looking forward to reading about the other two noblemen.