Two people, each searching for the same thing. One a scandal ridden debutant with a penchant for digging. The other, a Lord, unrecognizable as the person our heroine previously knew. Expect much angst between the two.
Very enjoyable read. Recommended.
Thank you Alyxandra Harvey, Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback.

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

Ever since she caused a scandal which took her off the marriage mart, Persephone Blackwell has been able to follow her dreams of archaeology and antiquity, with the blessing of her godfather, the Duke of Pendleton. But while organising this year's Festival of Antiquities on behalf of her godfather, Persephone soon finds herself embroiled in a plot to save her oldest friends from treason charges, while also protecting her own name, and life. And the fact that Conall Hunter, the Earl of Northwyck, has returned from war, and is very different from the Conall she once knew, Percy struggles with her newfound feelings.

As soon as I saw the synopsis for this book, I knew it would be one for me. I love history, and having a heroine in a historical romance who is a historian was a dream. Persephone had caused a scandal when she was younger so that she would be able to have a little more freedom in her life, and not be forced to marry, but there were still people who used it against her. She only really cared about her friends and fellow Cinderella's, and when it's clear that Henry Talbot, her oldest friend, is facing treason charges, she will do whatever it takes to fight them and clear his name, even if it makes her look guilty in the meantime. Conall, though Earl of Northwyck, is on the hunt for those involved in the treason, and he'll keep a close eye on everyone, but especially Percy. He's always had feelings for her, and hopes that she is innocent, but he can't allow his feelings to skew his judgement. Their romance was fun to read, and I appreciated how Conall respected and boosted Percy's love for antiquities. A great start to the series, and hopefully we'll see more from the couple in future books!

Regency Romance with Intrigue

They are both searching, and without realizing it, they are looking for the very same thing. What will it take for them to have a meeting of the minds? There is a traitor they must find, but unless they work together, the danger will be deadly. The traitor will not want to be found, and he, or she will go to any lengths to stay hidden. As Conall and Persephone dig for the truth, they find themselves falling in love, but will they decide to cooperate before it is too late? I enjoyed this story and would recommend it to those who like steamy Regency romance with humor. There is romance, mystery, treachery, and intrigue.

Full disclosure: I'm a MASSIVE fan of Alyxandra Harvey's books and have been since I was a teen and picked up Drake Chronicles, closely followed by Witches of London! Given that all the books of hers that I've read are YA I was so excited to find that she'd written an adult novel, and not only that..but that it's historical romance WITH a mystery AND involving artefacts and a history nerd female lead! It's genuinely like she peered into my brain and crafted a book that's all of my niche interests rolled into one, I can't begin to explain how much this book was right up my street!

Honestly? I wasn't disappointed at all, I loved it! How To Marry an Earl is so easy to read from the narrative tone and the language used isn't overly fussy or complicated while still evoking the era so I binge read this in mostly a day.

It's well paced with things moving along and developing nicely and so much happening that there's never a dull moment! There's also plenty of twists and turns throughout thanks to the mystery and trying to figure out who the traitor is! On the romance side of things, there's some sweet moments, some swoon-worthy moments AND a couple of steamy moments thrown in as well!

I also just really loved the characters. Persephone is a history nerd so I immediately vibed with her, but she's also a very unusual and refreshing female lead for the time period in that she voluntarily ruined herself so that she could have her own freedom. There's lots of whispers about her but she's still feisty and witty. Connall is on the hunt for a traitor and sort of reluctantly attracted to her in the beginning as he suspects her a bit. He's a great male lead providing the swoon-worthy moments but also showing a vulnerable side to himself with his PTSD.

The side characters are also brilliant! I love the Cinderella's and can't wait to see more of them! Each of them is a little bit different and has interests that don't entirely fit with societal norms so I can't wait for them to get their own books! I know Meg is next and I'm assuming it's then going to be Tamsin! They were just so fun with all the banter between them, and the way they looked out for each other and had each other's backs. I also loved Priya, Connall's sister and I'm hoping she might get her own book as she's just as feisty and independent as Persephone.

Each of the characters was so vibrant and really came to life, particularly Persephone's Grandmother. You really can't miss her! I also appreciated Harvey's efforts to make the cast diverse and even provide some lesbian rep, fleeting as it was!

All in all, I just really had a good time reading this and couldn't put it down and when I had to, I couldn't wait to pick it back up. Yes, there are a few typos and errors but given I was reading an ARC I assume that's something that'll be fixed for the final version. Either way, I really enjoyed myself reading this one and can't wait to pick up the next!

How to Marry an Earl by Alyxandra Harvey is the First book in the A Cinderella Society Series. This is the story of Conall Hunter, the Earl of Northwyck and Persephone Blackwell. Persephone has made sure that she wouldn't have to marry and loves her time now to pursue what she wants. But when she gets the chance to look into clearing her friend Henry's name of being a traitor she goes forward to do so. Conall wants to find the traitor too so this starts him and Persephone working together. Enjoyed their story and I hope to read more from this author.

Overall, this book is a good read, however it was a slow start for me and I wouldn’t say I was hooked.

It has a mystery and the love interests working together (separately in the beginning) and some lustful scenes. Who doesn’t love those?!

The beginning was difficult to differentiate the characters, I had a hard time keeping up with who was who.

I would like to thank netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this, but I hoped for more acknowledgement of stolen artefacts from Egypt.

I received a copy of this from NetGalley and this is my freely given opinion.

This is the first time I am reading something from this author and I have to say I really enjoyed this story.

I love a good bluestocking heroine and Persephone Blackwell is a dirt-digging, antiquarian who defiantly loves what she does and has no interest in what young ladies of her status are supposed to be engaged in - flirting, shopping, hunting the Marriage Mart, etc. In defiance of the social expectations, Percy ruined herself and the resulting scandal has put her firmly on the road to spinsterhood, so she could concentrate on her scholarly studies. Luckily, she is sponsored by her godfather, the Duke of Pendleton, who enables her love of archeology and is having her organize an Antiquarian festival on his behalf. However, she has found out that one of her childhood friends may have become a target of claims of treason, and she has determined that she will do what she can to help him.

Conall Hunter, the Earl of Northwyck, was also part of Percy's childhood companion, and another godchild of the Duke. But he is different from the shy boy she used to know, and is now a charming rake, and they meet up again at a house party related to the Festival. Unknown to Percy, Conall is acting the part of a spy, in search of the traitor who betrayed British troop secrets leading to the death of soldiers. However, because of Percy's suspicious and clandestine actions to find evidence to clear her friend's name, Conall wonders what secrets she is hiding, and if she is involved in betraying her country.

I found this to be an engaging story with likeable characters, including the other Cinderella's, the name given to other goddaughters of the Duke of Pendleton. It sounds like he encourages their individual talents, even when they are unconventional and defy Societal norms. It sounds also like the hero, Conall, is a man who appreciates the intelligence and strength of the heroine, and there is a good balance between both Conall and Percy both being the heros of the story and saving each other. It was an enjoyable adventure/intrigue story as well as romance. I enjoyed the interplay between Conall and Percy, but also between the other characters. A good start to a series.

3.75 stars out of 5.

This is the first book of A Cinderella Society and what a delightful start to the series! It is also my first book by Ms. Harvey and I was not disappointed. I am always looking for new authors in this genre and I am happy to say I am definitely adding Ms. Harvey to my list!
Persephone is a bluestocking and allowed herself to be ruined so she could live her life in peace away from societal demands and expectations. She is intelligent, independent, loyal and just such a lovely person. She is determined to help her friend Henry find the traitor that is framing him for passing information to the French during the war. The story was interesting and engaging and pulled me in from the start and kept my interest till the end. Lots of fun moments as well that had me smiling and giggling. Henry and Persephone were well-developed characters and I enjoyed seeing them together and there was no question as to how strong their chemistry was. A very well-written story and great start to what looks to be a very entertaining series!

I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Persephone Blackwell prefers digging in the dirt for old bones to anything the Ton might offer, so she knowingly ruins herself to avoid the marriage mart. Her godfather, the Duke of Pendleton, asks her to help him to organize a antiquaries festival, which she uses to help save her oldest friend, Lord Henry Talbot, from being framed for treason. He sent evidence of the real traitor home in Egyptian forgeries and she is searching for the evidence. She runs into Conall Hunter, the Earl of Northwyck. Like Percy, the Duke is Conall's godfather, so they knew each other growing up. Young Conall was shy and serious, but he's grown up into a reported rake and now the rumor is he's wife hunting. In reality, Conall was hired by the British government to find the traitor and Percy is one of his suspects.

This book was a delight! It wasn't at all the typical plot I expected which made it more fun. There are times the descriptions of antiques and other things get a bit long, so that is the only reason it's a solid 4 instead of a 5 for me.

I just reviewed How to Marry an Earl by Alyxandra Harvey in exchange for receiving a free copy of the ARC. #HowtoMarryanEarl #NetGalley

This is my first book by this author but will not be the last. I enjoyed the interaction between the main characters and many of the secondary characters who were great and i can't wait for their stories. I also enjoyed the mystery which makes this a refreshing change from a lot of standard romances that can start to bore after you have read lots of similar one's. The antiquaries made a nice side story too. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own..

Who's the Tratior or is he looking for a wife?
Persephone Blackwell and Earl of Northwyck tend to find out. Persephone love finding artifacts. She's also determined to help prove that her friend Harvey isn't the Tratior. Her godfather the Duke of Pendleton gave her freedom and support. Conall helped her out of a hole and sparks started flying. With a grandmother and a Duke in the mix not only will they find a traitor but maybe each other? This book is so delightful and entertaining. The author did an amazing job. This is such a fun read. You won't regret it

How to Marry an Earl by Alyxandra Harvey is an entertaining story involving old friends, an accused spy, a government agent, and an antiquarian who would rather dig for history than not. Persephone Blackwell is the kind of woman who assured she was ruined so she could forget this marriage nonsense and get on with things. Her parents were now dead but they had been livid. She is the goddaughter of the Duke of Pendleton and he approved of everything she did, especially the antiquarian fair she was now organizing on his property and in the village. He owned many of the artifacts that would be on display but many others were being shipped in. There would also me lectures and other activities. She had fallen in a hole that had not been dug to her specifications when Lord Conall, Earl of Northwyck. He helped her out of the hole without laughing. Then, things cot complicated.

Percy was different, of that there was no doubt. As one of 11 goddaughters of the duke, she held a special place in society. One she didn't particularly want. She was happy with her treasures. She didn't need a husband. She did need her best friend, Henry, though. He very late in returning from the war and had sent some odd letters. She had to figure out what was going on. She was not one to ignore a question. This book made my laugh and brought me to the edge of tears. Percy was so likable, but not so much to the ladies of the ton. It would have been near impossible to live through that, but Percy had found a way. Now here was Conall, a handsome rake who could make her feel things she had never felt before. But he would be a marquis. She could never be a marchioness. It was breaking her heart, and mine.

I was invited to read How to Marry An Earl by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #dragonblade #alyxandraharvey #howtomarryanearl

This entertaining romance has a mystery to be solved, a traitor to be exposed and artifacts to be put on display. Persephone Blackwell, Percy to her friends, is an antiquarian and she lives for every moment she can spend digging in the dirt in a historically rich area of England. However, the flurry of interest in antiques from Egypt makes this novel particularly interesting as enthusiasts grapple to get their hands on artifacts by fair means or foul. As the Antiquaries Fair hosted by her Godfather approaches, there is more to be concerned about than ensuring that the historic finds are safely stored until it is time to put them on display. There is also the matter of seeking out proof of treasonous acts sent by her good friend Henry Talbot, hidden inside one or more of the artifacts. The Earl of Northwyck's arrival on the scene complicates matters and quickly becomes a hindrance to Percy's search. They are both holding their cards so close to their chests, that it takes time for them to discover that they are in fact on the same mission. An attraction that goes all the way back to their youth, flares up once again, as Connall and Percy find themselves in the same space at the same time. Throw a mischievous grandmother and an indulgent Duke into the mix and one has a delightful novel with a very good plot. I am looking forward to reading future books in this series, having been introduced to some of the characters in this first of the series. I received a copy of this romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

What a band of young ladies Cinderella Society has developed into. They are so full of life and enjoy pursuing their hobbies instead of husbands. Not all the time but most of it. Persephone Blackwell loved to dig in the dirt. Looking for artifacts from civilizations before her time. Luckily, she has the Duke of Pendleton as her godfather, which allows her to do as she pleases. Even if she falls into holes she digs. What a plot for a story and it gets deeper as she tries to help her friend, Henry Talbot, who is accused of treason. However, the Earl of Northwyck, Conall Hunter, returns from the war on a mission to find a wife. That is what the gossip says, but that is not the truth. He is hunting a traitor and not a bride. Now the plot thickens, and the story takes a turn. I enjoyed the book and cannot wait until the next one of the series is available.

Persephone Blackwell prefers digging in the dirt for old bones and secret treasure to anything Society might have to offer. When her godfather, the Duke of Pendleton, decides to host a Festival of Antiquaries, she jumps at the chance to take part-especially since it’s the best way to save her oldest friend, Henry Talbot, who is being framed for treason. She has not yet found the evidence that he has sent home hidden inside Egyptian forgeries---but she does find something else: Conall Hunter, the Earl of Northwyck. The Conall she knew before the war was shy and serious, but this new Conall is a celebrated rake with a practiced charm and a dangerous grin.
A new author & a new series & not your usual historical romance. I really enjoyed it, the humour had me laughing & giggling. The characters were well portrayed & had depth, the story flowed well & I loved the relationship between Conall & Percy & I loved the mix of romance & mystery. I look forward to reading more from the author
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

She's determined to help her friend Henry who has been accused of being a traitor. A bit of a bluestocking, lover of bones and digging in the dirt, Persephone (love that name) knows she can help when her godfather, host a festival of antiquities.

Connal, who knew Percy when they were younger is also looking for a traitor and when he sees her, he hopes to find some answers.

But as often happens, they find much more and hopefully solve the mystery!

Great start to this new series and looking forward to more!

A charming and mysterious delight! A perfect blend of mystery and romance. The intrigue keeps you guessing throughout the entire story to a thrilling conclusion that keeps you on the edge of your seat. A great mix of angst, intrigue, love & friendship. The unselfish bond of Persephone and Henry is pure throughout, even though we do not actually meet Henry til the end. Alyxandra Harvey paints the picture of their friendship so well that we are deeply invested in his freedom. The characters are all written splendidly and I can see a deep-seated need to read every tale of The Cinderella Society. We already have a strong love of these girls. Their relationship with the Duke is one of my favorite parts of this story. Despite his status, they are given carte blanche to treat their Godfather with the love and banter that they excel at. The love story beneath the mystery shines brightest of all. Connall’s deep affection is revealed to us early on, but watching the way he cares for her was truly beautiful and deserving. Persephone would naturally suffer self-esteem issues after being mistreated by society for so long, but her strength of will and outstanding character makes her a match like no other. I truly enjoyed the emphasis on strong female characters who despite the search for love are fiercely independent and rely more on each other than any man. A beautiful story.

Persephone (Percy) Blackwell is an expert in artifacts, particularly from Egypt. Her childhood friend, Henry, is accused of being a traitor passing information of British troops to the French during the war. Where is Henry? He knows the identity of the real traitor and is sending information to Percy in letters hidden in Egyptian forgeries Conall Hunter, the Earl of Northwyck, is working for the War Office. He is looking for the traitor. Returning to Barrow for The Little Barrow Antiquarian Festival is where his information leads him. He watches everyone, but his eyes keep going back to Percy. Someone wants to kill Percy. Conall's protective instincts are to keep her close and protected. Unexpected is their physical attraction.
A little too much insignificant local digging, even though I get why Harvey went in that direction. Love the interaction between Conall and Percy. Great ending. 🔥🔥🔥
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

I enjoyed this book by new-to-me author Alyxandra Harvey. Percy is a woman who is an expert in antiquities. When her old childhood friend Conall comes to a fair in her town she finds him much more serious since returning from the war. After several attempts to kill Percy, Conall decides that the traitor he is looking for and the person trying to kill Percy most be one in the same. Spending time together sparks flames that neither can deny. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.