Excellent characters; very mature; serious dialogue. Very Romantic and complicated. Lord Bladenton had a tough time getting through Hazel's very guarded heart. He must marry and proposed to Lady Penelope (witch). But Blade's heart belonged to Hazel. The reason they met was his difficult niece Kitty. With Hazel's gentle and subtle suggestions to Blade he was able to establish a relationship with Kitty. Because Hazel knew what it felt like losing parents and nobody wanting to take her in. She could relate to Kitty and with the other girls at her school was able to have Kitty find a loving home and family at the school. Despite Lady Penelope's threats, Hazel and Blade found their happy ending. A wonderful book. I highly recommend it.

I just reviewed Girls Before Earls by Anna Bennett and am voluntarily leaving a review. #NetGalley

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Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Entertaining
Happily Ever After
Page-turner
Romantic
Realistic
Steamy
Wonderful characters

This was my first read by this author and I was pleased to find everything I love about a good story within these pages.

The characters, for the most part, are richly nuanced and captivating. The dialogue is in turns witty and touching. The love that grows between the main characters is beautifully developed. There are any number of side characters whom I would love to learn more about, so I'm eagerly anticipating the next in the series.

In short, I was delighted by the story and look forward to exploring the author's extensive backlist of titles.

Girls Before Earls is a delightful read from start to finish. Characters you can’t help but love, laugh out loud humor, romance with just the right amount of heat, and of course tragedy and sad history that must be overcome if this steamy attraction between Hazel and Blade is to become anything more than stolen moments and unfulfilled longing.

Hazel Lively is living her dream. Well, part of it, anyway. She has finally been able to open her own school for girls. She is serious, solemn, prim, proper (except for some of her reading material) but has hidden depths and desires. Orphaned as a child, she yearns for family and someone to love her, but she is afraid of another devastating loss and keeps herself closed up. That is, until she meets Gabriel Beckett, Earl of Bladenton. He, however, does not want family. His experience and memories of family broke his heart and he doesn’t believe he can ever love again.

All Blade wants is for Hazel to accept his niece Kitty as a student. Kitty has been expelled so many times Hazel’s school seems like his last hope. Of course neither of them expects the immediate, instant, irrefutable attraction between them. And of course as readers we do expect it and love every minute of it.

Girls Before Earls is another wonderful read from author Anna Bennett, filled with unexpected events and situations, rules and mores of the time that threaten to derail everything Hazel has worked for, and will they/won’t they right until the end. Thanks to St. Martin’s Press for providing an advance copy of Girls Before Earls via NetGalley for my reading pleasure and honest review. I loved it. I recommend it and everything Anna Bennett writes without hesitation. Read it, you won’t be sorry. All opinions are my own.

When an Earl enrolls his niece at a seaside boarding school, he's not expecting the strings that the Headmistress attaches: he must visit his niece once every two weeks, in an attempt to bond with the orphaned girl. With every visit, said Headmistress and Earl do their best to not get attached to each other.

I really enjoyed Blade and Hazel's story.
Both have suffered the loss of loved ones and it's shaped who they've become. Their attraction is real and it begins to shift the walls they each usually have up and around themselves. I really like how they progressed and honestly didn't know how they would end up together.

At a young age, Hazel became an orphan. A kind neighbor took her to a school for girls rather than dump her into a foundling home/orphanage.
She just recently opened her own school for girls.

When Gabriel Beckett, the Earl of Bladenton, walks in to enroll his niece. Miss Lively is ready to turn him away even though the school could use the tuition.

When he makes an offer too generous to refuse, Hazel has one condition, he must visit his niece every other week. Which of course leads to them spending more time together.

They both feel the attraction to one another but Hazel is able to resist his charms knowing that they can never be more.

Miss Hazel Lively is a buttoned-up head mistress who takes on, Kitty, the angry, fifteen-year-old niece of the Earl of Bladenton or Blade. All three have been hurt and seen personal tragedy that still affect their lives. This adorable new Rogue to Lovers series first book has Hazel, Blade and Kitty learning difficult life lessons as they heal from old hurts, grow through their pain and become a family finding home together.

As secondary characters, the other girls, who are students of the school, are adorable and become friends who encourage and support each other. Even they learn about life and what is important. In the story, a small group join to become the Belles of Bellehaven to begin to help each other heal. For a sweet, light-hearted read enjoy Anna Bennett’s first in a new series. Thank you, NetGalley for sharing this book in exchange for an honest review.

What a girl wants
Hazel had proved herself and been admitted into Miss Haywinkle's School for Girls after her parents had died. Nineteen years later, she was able to open her own school, the Bellehaven Academy of Deportment, and her goal was to help those less fortunate girls as she could, just like her.

What the Earl wants... and needs
Blade, Earl of Bladenton, had inherited his teenage niece at the demise of his brother. After many disastrous schools had ejected Kitty, it seemed his last hope was Bellehaven. When Hazel found out all the problems Kitty had caused at her other schools, she refused to take her, but....

Needless to say, the adventure starts and does not end until the last page. A slow boil romance and fun watching the characters interact! Great start to a new series!

This is a charming story and a great beginning for a new series. Hazel’s dream of having a school for girls has come true. Bellehaven Academy of Deportment is a small school (for now) in a beautiful town by the sea. When the Earl of Bladenton comes to enroll his niece in the, she is hesitant. Blades does a little groveling, and tender-hearted Hazel takes the girl on the condition that he visit his niece every two weeks. He agrees and the fun begins.

Blade and Hazel are great characters. Kitty and the other girls at the academy are delightful. A tentative romance blossoms between Hazel and Blade, but they have to overcome several obstacles. Their HEA looks uncertain, but wonderful things can happen by the beautiful sea. I enjoyed this lovely story and look forward to others in the series.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

I loved the premise of this story: troubled teen at a new school for.girls brings together her overwhelmed uncle and the headmistress of the school. The characters were great, from Kitty and her uncle, to my favorite of all, Hazel the headmistress. Hazel is such a great character: she's strong and smart and witty, every dialogue with her was just fantastic. The angst was perfect, relatable and justifiable and the romance was very sweet.

This is the first book in a new series, although I'm not sure who the next book will be about. This one is about Miss Hazel Lively who's struggling to open a new girls academy in the coastal town of Bellehaven Bay, England. She herself is an orphan who was rescued by a headmistress of a girls boarding school. She meets Earl Bladenton, Gabriel Beckett when he pleads with her to accept his troubled niece and ward, Kitty Beckett.

Kitty has been expelled from the last two schools she's attended. Her parents, Blade's younger brother and wife died in a carriage accident. They were estranged and Blade had no idea he even had a niece, and is at lose ends with what to do with her. Hazel knows if she is successful with Kitty she'll get more rich clients from the ton that will make her school a success. So she takes a chance. But she has stipulations besides charging him an extraordinary amount for tuition. He must visit KItty ever other week. As things progress, Hazel recognizes a kindred spirit in Kitty and a relationship builds between all three. Both Blade and Hazel have a hard shell and won't let others in. I loved watching Blade opening up and caring for both Kitty and Hazel. I wasn't sure they would get their happily ever after but Anna made it happen.

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

This, as they say, ticked a lot of my boxes. I love historical romances and just getting lost in the times and lightness of the story that Anna Bennett weaves. Takes me away to another time (and who doesn’t need that now). I very much loved and I look forward to more ❤️

Miss Hazel Lively was orphaned at nine. She was taken to Mrs. Haywinkle who ran a school for girls.
Hazel's elderly neighbor pleaded for Miss Haywinkle to take the child on. She is very smart, and she hated to take Hazel to the workhouse. Nineteen years later, she finally had the money to open her school.
She first met Blade, Earl of Bladenton when he brought his Niece to Miss Lively's School in Bellehaven Bay. He had become his niece's guardian and Kitty Beckett had been kicked out of two schools in three months. He needed her out of town for the summer. Hazel told the earl he would have to come to the school every fortnight {2 weeks}. He didn't want to but after Kitty disappeared again. He was worried.

This was a lovely novel, about lonely and sad girls and their need to feel wanted and useful. The relationships they get into and the friendships they develop. The characters were excellent, and the book was a masterpiece. They were attracted to each other. But there were some problems that might not be fixable.

I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.

I quite enjoyed this. It's my first by this author and I will seek out more by her. I liked the main characters, and generally the larger cast as well. Both main characters grew as people, which I appreciate. And there were some nice, genuinely romantic, moments.

My favorite aspect though was how *intentional* the author seemed to be about laying the groundwork for future events. A lot of authors stick things in willy-nilly just because they're convenient, and don't really care if they make sense or not. Many times while reading this story something would happen and I would think 'ah, she planted those seeds way back when...', or 'nice, she's been building to that all along'. I cannot express how much I approve of this very thoughtful approach. I couldn't quite round up to 5 stars on this, but it is a very strong 4 stars, and I would recommend this book to other historical romance lovers. If her other books are as intentionally crafted she will definitely become an author I follow.

If you are looking for a charmingly sweet historical romance, look no further that this book. Anna Bennett does a lovely job of setting up and starting this new series. Bennett's writing is conversational and easy in tone, swiftly drawing the reader into the story. Her characters are interesting and delightful. Her heroine is full of strength, kindness and has a love for books which will speak to any avid reader. This social class difference romance is built on respect, chemistry and understanding which make it such an enjoyable relationship to root for.

This romance is between Hazel, a 28 year old woman who has just opened her dream school for girls, and Gabriel, an earl who is the guardian of his orphaned niece and in desperate need of finding a place for her. Gabriel was estranged from his brother and his wife and because of this he does not have a relationship with his niece, so he is hoping to hoist her off on a school for her care taking. Hazel's school is the third academy that he has enrolled his niece in. Gabriel is willing to pay any price for Hazel to take her in, so he enters into an agreement with Hazel for monetary support of a few other students as well as a bi-weekly visiting schedule to get to know his niece.

Gabriel is instantly attracted to Hazel and he is intrigued with the way she challenges him. It is so lovely and charming to watch Gabriel rope Hazel into his outings with his niece. Watching Hazel and Gabriel's chemistry, respect and understanding of each other grow is really endearing. I love that Hazel can see early on that Gabriel and his niece are both hurting and that they need to discover each other in order to start to heal and understand. Hazel as a heroine is smart, strong and resilient. Gabriel seems off put by his current circumstances in life. but after meeting Hazel his heart and eyes are reopened to the joys of the world around him. Watching how Hazel and Gabriel quietly support each other and the people around them is softly sweet. I love the setting of this story, it is so much fun to be outside of London and in a coastal English town. I love that Hazel and Gabriel are both very consenting and aware of their relationship and feelings for each other. I love that they explore their feelings without regret or misunderstanding. I love that they both want to support each other's dreams and needs.

This is a wonderful start to a series, I would definitely recommend trying this novel out if you have never read Anna Bennett before or if she is an old favorite. This is such a beautiful romance that is low angst, has a sweet level of sensuality and chemistry, and is embodied with great dimensional characters. I am excited to see how this world grows and develops!

A quick paced, romantic read.

This is a cute story.Hazel and Gabriel are fully fleshed characters.The girls are fun and the importance of family is emphasized.

Gabriel comes to fatherhood and quickly ends up over his head. Hazel is steady and helps this little family come together.


I will read more from this series.

Girls Before Earls was such a fun read, I didn’t want it to end! It was fun, entertaining, heartwarming, and romantic with a few bumps along the way to a happily-ever-after.

Hazel Lively was orphaned as a young child and had dreams of opening a school where girls from all classes can attend. Although she achieves that goal and opens Bellehaven Academy, having only five students places her at financial risk. Anything tarnishing her academy’s sparkling reputation would further her risk.

In walks the Earl of Bladenton who wants to enroll his niece in Bellehaven. Kitty has been kicked out of other schools because of her behavior and Blade thinks Bellehaven is the best place for her. She will receive the education and training she needs for her coming out, some much needed discipline, and be far enough away from London to not be a bother to him. However, Hazel refuses Blade until she comes up with a plan – she will accept the exorbitant fee Blade is offering provided he visit Kitty weekly. Oh, nothing could go wrong with that plan, could it?

This story was well-written, fast-paced, and never had a dull moment. Hazel and Blade fought their attraction from the beginning, neither willing to admit their life could be more than what it currently was – school and work for Hazel, London’s society for Blade. Oh boy when they finally realize - their chemistry could have lit the pages on fire!

I loved the relationships that grew between Hazel and Kitty, and Kitty and Blade. These well-developed characters are endearing and will capture your heart. The secondary characters add depth to the story without being detractions.

I adored Anna Bennett’s Girls Before Earls and if the remaining books in her new series, Rogues to Lovers, are as good then sign me up for the rest! I highly recommend this book and hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Thank you to Anna Bennett, St. Martin’s Publishing, and Netgalley for an advanced copy. I voluntarily read the book and gladly leave my unbiased opinion.

What an enjoyable read -- a heroine who has made a life for herself despite obstacles and a hero who can't manage his niece despite his standing as the Earl of Bladenton. Hazel Lively and Gabriel Beckett meet because he wants his niece, Kitty, to attend Hazel's school — almost as a last resort given her spotty academic record. For Hazel to take Kitty — her school is still making its reputation — is a big risk. But her entire life, in many ways, has been a risk. An orphan whose sheer brilliance won her a place at school, Hazel is not one who sits back. She takes a chance with Kitty and eventually, with her uncle, the earl. Just a lovely read, compelling to the end. (I received an ARC via NetGalley, and all opinions are mine.)

Hazel runs a school for girls...

Hence, the Girls before Earls. The Earl being Blade. He's desperate to escape Kitty, his niece, who at fifteen is the bane of his existence, as her mere presence fills him with regret and his feelings of inadequacy.

Hazel is a hoot, She's refreshingly clever, loves books but more importantly, understands the feeling of being unwanted, therefore her goal is to accept girls who are unwanted into her newly opened school. Her school needs to be a success and Blade needs to off load Kitty, so he can pursue a potential wife in London (and to escape feeling bad about himself).

The book worked as Hazel was so engaging and entertaining. She literally has to rescue both Blade and Kitty from themselves.
Recommend.

Congratulations to Anna Bennett on Pub Day for Girls Before Earls!

Just give me an English countryside, city or seaside setting during the 1800s and a historical romance situation and I am ready to read! #GirlsBeforeEarls by Anna Bennett, the first in a news series called Rogues to Lovers– was a fun read and a lovely escape into the angst of love! And I enjoyed it!

Synopsis

Miss Hazel Lively is a strong young woman whose happy childhood is torn from her by the early death of her loving parents. After securing a charity spot in Miss Haywinkle’s School For Girls for young ladies at the age of 10 due to her love of reading and intelligence, she thrives. Once becoming an adult she is able to open her own school - Bellehaven Academy and needs the daughters of the wealthy who summer in Bellehaven Bay to attend her school – so that those less fortunate (like she was) can attend. She is struggling to stay afloat and has a good reputation of being a strong and reputable owner – but still needs the attendance of the wealthy to stay open.

In walks, of course, a Duke (Gabriel Beckett, Earl of Bladenton or Blade) with a headstrong and difficult niece (Kitty). He is handsome and wants nothing more that to leave his niece with Hazel – she is scaring off his potential fiancé - and sweetens the deal with providing funds that the school desperately needs. But Kitty is headstrong and difficult and Hazel agrees under the condition that he visit his niece every two weeks.

Well – you know what follows. Hazel is attracted to the Duke. The Duke does not share his emotions and has had his own heartache in the past and will never love another woman. He has also promised to marry another woman – who is perfect for him in every way – and they don’t love each other – which works for the Duke.

But – the rollercoaster of falling in love/not saying they are in love for Hazel and Blade has begun!

I loved seeing both Hazel and Blade let down their guards. I loved seeing Kitty grow under Hazel’s care. There is a ball and moonlight and well – you’ll have to read to see what happens! Lovers of historical romance looking for a fun and light read will enjoy this.

I am looking forward to the next in the series!

Thank you @stmartinspress and #NetGalley for this e-arc in exchange for my honest review.

Cute and angsty

What I liked:
The characters
The writing style
Part of a series: Rogues to Lovers
Standalone
HEA

I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC from NetGalley.