When trying to save an earl’s son one young woman finds herself completely turned upside down and placed into an arranged marriage with a family that is much more than she bargained for. When visiting her favorite cliff, Sarah Moran meets Kenver Pendrennon, and while trying to save him as he fell over a clip both of them find themselves compromised and the only way to save their reputation is to enter into a marriage. Kenver and Sarah are married, and both of them feel the spark between each other despite the scandalous beginning of their relationship but everything takes a turn for the worse the moment Sarah arrives at Kenver’s home. His parents are dead set on going against the marriage and immediately do everything they can to get rid of Sarah. If they want to make this marriage work Kenver will have to finally stand up to his parents and actually fight for his wife or lose her. This story mainly deals with Sarah and Kenver’s struggle against his parents, particularly his mother who is trying to control every single thing. Kenver and his father are both extremely passive and barely do anything to stand up for themselves, and it gets the point where you kind of want Sarah to leave because of just how toxic and horrible their treatment of her is. Sarah does not deserve what is being done to her and Kenver barely stands up for his wife or makes any changes to help her, he thinks it but doesn’t actually do anything. It’s kind of a sad read when you think about it. Much less romance and much more family drama.

*Thanks Netgalley and SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca, Sourcebooks Casablanca for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

Blame It On the Earl was a good, but not great story about Sarah, a gentleman’s daughter, and Kenver, an earl’s son, who marry for convenience to save their reputations after being accidentally caught overnight in in Cornish sea cave.
Sarah and Kenver are likeable characters and they slowly develop a sweet relationship. However, Kenver was so passive for most of the book that it was difficult to respect him. He kept deciding in his mind to try to address the strange dynamics in his family so that he could be treated as an intelligent adult and Sarah could be treated with respect--especially by his controlling mother--but repeatedly failed to make any real effort to follow through. In addition, the secondary subplot about “Merlin” did not really go anywhere significant and felt unnecessary.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #SourceBooksCasablanca for the ARC.

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

Rating: 3/5 Stars
Publishing: August 23, 2022
Series: The Dukes Estates #3
Pages: 360

I’ve read other books by author, Jane Ashford and the last was not so glowing, so I’ve decided to take a chance on “Blame It On The Earl”. Surprisingly, this story was an enjoyable read but I thought is was a bit slow in transitioning and a bare minimal plot.

Kenver Pendrennon is heir to an earldom. While looking off the side of a cliff he falls and Sarah Moran tries to rescue him. They both end up at the bottom of the cliff and take refuge in a cave until the tide lets up. After spending the night in the cave, there is some chemistry between the two and to avoid scandal they marry. Kenver insists on doing the right thing, although his parents do not like wish it because Sarah is not from a notable family. He marries Sarah and travels to his home where his parents demonstrate the worst kind of hatred towards his new bride and scolds Kenver as if he is a child. She is met with disdain from both his parents, placed at the opposite end of her husband’s bedroom to avoid consummating the marriage, and daily schemed upon to break the union.

What was unlikeable about this story was the Kenver not being mature enough and having the backbone to stand up to the servants or his parents throughout the story until close to its ending. I would have thought his character to be a bit stronger considering his father being a passive participant under his mother’s tyrannical rule throughout the home. In addition, the prolong abuse toward Sarah went on too long. About 75% of this story dragged and focused more on the disagreeable parents towards the son and daughter-in-law hat it was sometimes a bit frustrating to read. There also should have been some recompense from the mother and Cranston’s cruel behavior instead of brushing over it.

Likeable aspects of this story…Kenver’s ability to grow in character by the end of the story; Sarah’s ability to provide uncanny details of history and fantasy throughout her conversations with Kenver; Her intelligence and will to see the good in things; and the supporting characters that had faith and belief in them when at times they could not see it…especially on the meager allowance Kenver received and having no viable resource for earning additional income. I did like the duke and duchess characters as they tried to help maneuver and rally to Kenver and Sarah’s plight.

This is a quick and clean historical romance by Ms. Ashford. I enjoyed the beginning and ending of this story. While I do enjoy seeing character growth, it seems that there is a recurring theme for passive male characters in this series (i.e., the earl, Kenver and the duke). Wished this could have been a higher rating for me but the family dynamics took away from the story a bit too much.

A sweet romance with a kind heroine and honorable hero. I enjoyed it, but felt that the interpersonal drama with the hero's family was a bit over the top.

Terrific love story with difficult family dynamics

Sarah and Kenver start things off right, taking care of each other after a freak accident puts them in a precarious position. Getting back to safety was only the beginning of their problems, however, as their entire community, especially her parents, were scandalized by their absence - regardless of the cause - forcing them to get married right away.

Then they travel to his home, where his parents demonstrate their absolute worst personality traits while trying to drive Sarah from their home. This part was very difficult to read, as I am accustomed to seeing the MMC have enough backbone to defend his lady, even to his parents. Kenver was, at the beginning, far too immature to know how to break free of the go-along-to-get-along habit that had kept the peace for so long.

Sarah is determined to stick it out, though, and they do eventually find a way to break through the stalemate and rewrite the power dynamics that have ruled the estate for far too long. There's not much to blame on the earl, despite the title, but the spiteful countess is every horrible mother-in-law stereotype there is.

The story was never boring, as it included many interesting characters and a few surprise reveals along the way. I must say that I greatly preferred the Kenver of the last few chapters to the one in the earlier chapters. Sarah's cheerful patience held out far longer than it should have had to, but their HEA showed that even the worst people can change, when faced with no other option.

If you like a hero that is a little more cinnamon roll than take-charge alpha, then you'll enjoy this story. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

A sweet clean romance that started off well with an unusual meeting where Sarah saves Kenver but is then compromised when they have to spend the night in a cave. However from there it is all downhill with the family being the bad guys and Kenver being a bit on the wimpy side by not standing up to them he just wasn't my sort of hero I'm all for a sensitive guy but come on we all expect at the very least to be supported. It didn't make me want to look up or read any more books in this series either.
I received a copy from NetGalley and this is my freely given opinion.

This book was such a pleasure to read! Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

I am a fan of Jane Ashford's writing, and this story is no exception. Both the hero and the heroine are likable. The story is interesting, and the secondary characters are well developed.

The story began in a rural setting at one of the most popular sites in the area. Sarah Moran was looking off a cliff at the sea when Kenver Pendrennon-the heir of an earl- fell beside her. She attempted to save him, but they both ended up at the bottom of the cliff on the sand. Since the tide was coming in and no one could hear them yell above the wind, they took refuge in a cave and had to stay there all night. Of course, this compromised Sarah, so Kenver was honor bound to offer marriage.

Kenver was mostly a beta hero, but he did marry Sarah against his parents wishes. Unfortunately, he also lived with his parents and did not tell Sarah they did not approve. Therefore, when she moved in, she was not prepared for all the underhanded attacks from his parents (mostly mother).

The two formed a friendship with each other while living completely apart in bedrooms on opposite sides of his parents. The Duke and Duchess Tereford come to visit. Kenver's estranged sister was located. A haunted house with a man named Merlin was visited. All in all, as I said, this is a lovely and entertaining story that I highly recommend reading if any of this sounds intriguing.

Does anyone remember that scene in the first Pirates of the Caribbean movie where Keira Knightley's character falls off a building into the ocean? Well imagine that scene but instead of a woman falling its an Earl's son and a gentleman's daughter saves him not Captain Jack Sparrow.
The beginning of this book was so exciting and different from most historicals I've read recently. I loved the grandness of it.
The romance is a bit insta-love but think The Little Mermaid once she saves the prince. You get why they fall for each other. Besides they do spend a ton of time talking and getting to know each other in a short period of time. I really did like the cave scene and their talks about mythology. So cute!
This isn't a steamy/spicy book but Ashford's books typically aren't, but that doesn't mean they aren't enjoyable and fun. The main villains are the hero's family. They were truly awful but they got their comeuppance in the end.
A very enjoyable romantic Regency story that I will be reading again (preferably at the beach).

This is a story about growing relationships, between a couple forced together by accident and how they coped with the parents who are not happy with the circumstances, as well as friendships and a sibling you can count on. It is about love, kindness and support and how it changes everyone’s lives. An enlightening read.

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and leaving my review voluntarily.

I’ve always enjoyed romances where the hero and heroine get trapped together, washed ashore, stranded…and Blame It On The Earl begins with an unfortunate accident at sea, where Sarah and Kenver first meet. While their meeting is accidental, it becomes scandalous, so the two are pushed together in order to save face.

Jane Ashford always takes such care in crafting her characters, and this latest installment is no exception. Engaging and full of romance!

It's a tough call. On the one hand Sarah and Kenver never expected to marry one another but when they're caught in each other's arms- because she was rescuing him- that's what happens in order to avoid scandal and it's nice to watch their relationship grow. On the other hand, these two are grownups and while Sarah is unfortunately not in a position (being a woman in this time period) to really stand up for herself and leave, Kenver could but he doesn't stop his parents, especially his mother, from being hateful to her. Eventually, though, a secret is revealed and all changes. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. It's guilty pleasure reading.

Blame it on the Earl is the third book in Jane Ashford's The Duke's Estates series in which Sarah Moran and Kenver Pendrennon agree to marry to avoid a scandal. After an accident on the cliffs of Tintagel Castle forces Sarah and Kenver to take refuge in a cave when the tide comes in, they spend the night talking and forming an emotional connection. While Sarah and Kenver seem satisfied with their plan to marry, his parents are adamantly against the union, which provides the main conflict in the story.

Arthurian Legend is woven throughout and provides a point of connection between Sarah and Kenver, who are both lovers of the stories. That Kenver's surname, Pendrennon, is closely related to the Pendragons of legend, added to the connection to King Arthur. Though Kenver strives to live according to the code of chivalry, when it comes to dealing with his parents, he is no knight of legend.

Kenver, heir to an earldom, avoids conflict with his parents throughout much of the story, yet he truly cares about Sarah and is angry with how his parents are treating her and ignoring his position as her husband. The way that Kenver's parents behave toward Sarah and Kenver also highlight the social conventions of the time; Kenver and Sarah are trapped under the control of his parents by a small allowance and no viable alternative for earning other income that would allow them to set up their own household. However, I was frustrated with how young and passive Kenver appeared through much of the story. He is not a hero that I can get excited about, though his character did show growth by the end.

Sarah's internal conflict revolves around her worth and feeling that most people think her odd because of her proclivity to insert detailed facts into conversation. She is an intelligent woman, and doesn't hide that fact, for which I love her. Sarah and Kenver are an example of the belief that there is a perfect partner for everyone. The very things that Sarah is insecure about are the things that Kenver adores about her.


If you are a lover of Regency romance and are ready for a break from the ballroom, this Arthurian legend infused, slow burn, marriage of convenience love story may be for you. Bedroom scenes occur closed door, with kissing only on the page.

Trigger Warning: There is brief mention of infant loss.

Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for providing me with an advance reader's copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I generally love a good forced proximity plot that leads to forced marriage (and then, of course, unexpected love), and this book has a particularly promising beginning. Two history buffs get stuck in a cave after a cliffside rescue, and even better, the woman “rescues” the man! However, while the makings of a fun and tension-filled storyline are abundant, my
main concern is that the plot that results contains little nuance and is sometimes formulaic: The charming young man she swoops in to save just happens to be a wealthy earl, and they just happen to be caught together in a compromising context. And his haughty elite parents look down on their marriage, of course. (They actually play a frustratingly large and constant role in the plot machinations, and I wished they’d just keel over already by only 1/5 of my way through the book.) And obviously they’re both into mythology and history and legends, conveniently.

That said, I really did enjoy the gentle character of the main hero, who is thoughtful and considerate and neither classist (like his parents) or alpha. He defends his new bride to his friends and family even before he really knows her, and he considers her feelings and her reputation. And the awkward initial rumblings between the somewhat nerdy couple as they learn how to communicate and discover more about each other is quite endearing. There are some sweet moments in which they learn to take joy in each other’s company and touch, and in these moments you can feel the chasm between them growing smaller. Although both main characters tend to spend a bit too much time
In their heads reflecting in the first person, there are some really adorable quiet moments between them that brought joy to me when I was frustrated by the sometimes too-predictable plot.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me a free ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Sarah saves Kenver’s life and in doing so becomes compromised in the eyes of the ton. A hasty marriage occurs and when he brings her home to the family she is treated horribly. Kenver’s character is very weak. He does whatever his mother tells him as she rules the roost. With some help from her friends and others, Sarah finally becomes worthy of her mother-in-law. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for my honest review.

I really really wanted to like this. And at the beginning, I truly did. The relationship that was forming between Kenver and Sarah overnight in that cave was promising, and it was a fun and unique setting to start off the story with. I mean, falling off a cliff?

All downhill from there. Both literally and figuratively. The abhorrent nature of Kenver Pendrennon's family just soured the book for me. The only real tension was between both of our MC's families and they aren't even the main focus of the book. (Also, c'mon Kenver. Stand up for your wife a little here. Do something. Anything. I beg you.)

I wanted to believe in Kenver and Sarah's love story, but I couldn't. It was so bland, and beyond the 'scandal', there was really nothing that was pushing them together or driving their budding relationship forward. It was just there.

Blame It on the Earl has an expected publication date of August 23, 2022. Thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca, NetGalley and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I liked many parts of this book- watching Sarah try to navigate her husband, who is a stranger but she has generally nice feelings toward, but how allows his mother and father to basically abuse her and their marriage. I think there are a lot of men with mothers who mistreat their wives who could learn a lot from reading this story - Kenner is so passive and really let’s Sarah take a lot of abuse before finally he is basically shamed by a friendly Duke into putting his foot down. Not a very spicy book but there are some fun moments

I really tried to get into this book, but it was really hard to finish. The dukes' parents have this wall up against Sarah from the very beginning even before they meet her. You don't find out any reason till like 80 percent in the book. They story between Sarah and Kenver was cute and he saw her from first meeting her before the go down the cliff that she was special.

Overall this was a good story. I liked the beginning and the ending, but the middle was a bit hard to get through. I don't think it was made clear very early on the issues of Kenver's parents, while being a united front against Sarah had different reasons for doing so. Kenver's father and mother had such different reasons for disliking Sarah and it was a bit startling to not figure out why until around 80-85% of the book.

I'm glad that Sarah's friends, the duke and duchess of Tereford, ended up staying with Kenver's parents and I think it helped to break some of the tension in the book. I also think the character of Merlin helped a bit, but he was also a bit confusing in his addition to the book and not quite needed.

2.5-3 ⭐️

A chance encounter, a fall from a cliff, and a tender night spent in a cave, result in a quick marriage between an earl’s son and a gentleman’s daughter in this sweet historical romance by Jane Ashford.

Blame it on the Earl is the third book in the Duke’s Estates series. I would recommend reading the series in order, since the duke and duchess of Tereford (the leading characters from book one) make reoccurring appearances in this series. It was nice to have their commanding presence in this book because Kenver and Sarah needed their assistance to defy Kenver’s parents, who are set against the marriage. Kenver is an intriguing character. Kind, honorable, and deferential to a fault. He avoids conflict. While I adore beta heroes, at times, I was frustrated with his inordinate passiveness. I wanted Kenver to do more to cement Sarah’s position in his household, especially after his mother’s repeated attempts to separate them. Nevertheless, Kenver’s quiet charm grows on you. Sarah is a lovely character. I couldn’t help but root for her. She is intrepid, resourceful, and “a mistress of arcane facts.” I enjoyed the moments they spent together discussing myths and legends. It was heartening to see both Sarah and Kenver slowly shed their vulnerabilities, overcome challenges, and reach their full potential.

Blame it on the Earl is a light and easy read, sans intense drama and evil villains, unless you count Kenver’s domineering mother and Cranston! The latter irked me so much lol.

Thanks to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I've only read the second book in the series, but it didn't seem to matter as "Blame It On the Earl" can be read as a stand-alone book. When I read the blurb, I thought it would be an interesting and engaging book weaving in the different legends surrounding King Arthur, but that didn't turn out to be the case. The hero, Kenver, wasn't much of a hero, more of a wimp who couldn't stand up to his parents. He was so weak that even when his mother's final malicious plans were revealed, he thought the best thing would be to work with her. Really?

There's no comeuppance for how mean and cruel this woman was all through the book?? It seems to be a common theme as it also happened in book two. That doesn't sit well with me at all. I did like Sarah. She was unique and kind, almost to a fault. There isn't much action - all the bad things that happen are in the earl's home. I forced myself to finish this story hoping the mother would get her due, but unfortunately, that didn't happen.

I don't think I'll bother to read any more in this series.