I have... a lot to say.

Firstly, the language was inconsistent. Using words like mayhap and 'twould, but then using very American phrases like 'darn it' does not add up. 'Twould be unlikely that 18th Century Brits would say darn it. Also referring to trousers as pants, but then specifically saying arse instead of ass? These are just a couple of examples, but the lack of consistency in the language was quite annoying. The small slip ups made it glaringly obvious that the author is American, which is fine but... not really something you want to pick up on when reading a historical romance set in England.

There was also a lot of unnecessary dialogue and just... boring segments honestly. I skimmed over a lot of it and mostly read the 'spicy' sections, which were entertaining... but not in the way you want from a romance novel. I actually found myself laughing at various points throughout the book at things like "I wish to come inside your sweet channel" and "the round helmeted head".

It's giving wattpad porn with historical fiction thrown in there. Oh, and a HORSE kink?????????????????????

The continuous comparison to animals during sex scenes was INCREDIBLY off-putting. The female MC watches her cousin have sex with his wife, which was bad enough, but she then compares it to HORSES MATING???????????!!!!!!! And THEN describes how turned on she was. That is absolutely foul, NOT kinky.

"...although horses would not reach around and grab the mare's breasts as he did."

NOOOOPE.

Horse fetishes aside, a lot of the writing just made me cringe. But I possibly could've overlooked this and end enjoyed it a bit more if it wasn't for the horse stuff. Oh, and him repeatedly bringing up the fact that he can't read and women are vicious made him incredibly unlikeable. He's incredibly insecure but not in an "aww I feel sorry for him" way, so I could not connect with him as a love interest at all. I couldn't particularly connect with Sophia either, again, because she seems to be inappropriately obsessed with horses.

If you're into misogynistic, insecure men, spanking and a sprinkle of bestiality, MAYHAP this book will appeal to you but for me, it's an absolute no. I'm not sure about anyone else, but I don't particularly want to read about horses mating when I'm reading about sex. Maybe that's just me.

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

Sophia is an intelligent young woman, recently brought to London, for a Season sponsored by her cousin, the Earl of Suffolk, and his wife. She recently lost her father, and was given a bit of an unconventional upbringing. He managed a country estate for his cousin, the Earl, and was the local vet. Sophia grew up learning his knowledge, and he also enjoyed speaking with her about current events and news, so she is quite intelligent, knowledgeable about animals, and loves the country. She does not want to be a burden to her cousins, and hopes to be able to marry, with the modest goal of marrying a gentleman with a country estate, with whom she can have a comfortable partnership, including helping with her knowledge of animals.

Edward recently inherited his title as Earl of Peterborough. He was a second son engaged in the business of breeding and training horses, and never expecting to inherit the title, and the responsibilities that go with it. He had a traumatic upbringing as he has a reading disability and was frequently punished by switching for his inability to read by his governess, and when he went away to school. He had learned different ways to compensate for his inability to read, sometimes with the help of his brother, and friend, the Earl of Suffolk. Later, as an adult, he learned to derive sexual pleasure and stress relief from being the giver of punishments, rather than receiving it.

However, with the inheritance of the Earldom, he would be expected to take his place in the House of Lords, and be knowledgeable about the politics of the day - very daunting when it takes him so much effort and time to even read a page of the newspaper. He is very fearful of his disability being discovered and being mocked, and rejected by his peers. He knows he must provide an heir as well, but because of his experiences, is even more distrustful of women and how he would be treated if his secrets were discovered. He also did not want to give up his favourite method of stress relief either, and could not fathom that a wife would tolerate his sexual proclivities.

Neither Edward or Sophia thought love was in their futures. Sophia thinks it is better to not love, as everyone she has loved has left her... her best friend, her parents through death. Edward does not trust women and thinks that any woman who finds out about his faults and desires would despise him. But they are very attracted to each other. They learn about the School of Enlightenment from Nicholas and his wife.

This was a steamy romance that has a heavy spanking element in the storyline. I was a bit conflicted because of Edward's sense of distrust of women almost felt like it bordered on mysogyny and how that could conflict with his relationship and discipline with Sophia. It did not feel right that there would be inherent distrust when she is trusting him to not ultimately do her harm, but he did not trust her not to betray him - get what I mean? Also, he was quite overbearing with her with regards to the animals. I could understand in the beginning, not knowing her, and seeing her with his stallion, but until almost the end, he did not listen to her and try to find out what she was capable of in terms of her knowledge of animals. Perhaps she earned more of his distrust too by having to go behind his back to do some things, but that was also because he held back many things from her, and prevented her from doing what she loved and found purpose in. She seemed like she could truly be a partner to him in his life, as a spouse and helpmate, both with his politics, and his horses, but he did not give her a chance until near the end, and that did not sit right with me, especially when she demonstrated her knowledge and also her trust in him through allowing his discipline.

3.5 stars out of 5.

This was a cute little book, that was honestly very lovely. I'm a sucker for historical romance and this book really hit the mark. I look forward to reading more by this author.

Orphaned at eighteen, Sophia Wilkinson has learned love means loss. Now she must leave her country home to navigate the opulence of the London Season, although she has no desire for romance or a husband.
Edward Morduant, the newest Earl of Peterborough, is struggling with the business of his family estate. He has shunned marriage due to a shameful secret, but with his title comes the need for heirs.
Despite their misgivings, Sophia and Edward cannot resist their attraction. When she accidentally discovers his penchant for spankings, her curiosity is her undoing. A clandestine meeting risks a scandal. Only marriage to a reluctant bridegroom can save her reputation. But perhaps the School of Enlightenment can give her an education in love.
This is a pretty good story. He has a penchant for spankings and she does too.
I received a complimentary copy from the author. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

This story was poorly written, the characters had no substance and the plot was, in places, ridiculous. Though I’m sure someone out there would enjoy this read, it wasn’t for me.

My full review will be posted on www.Instagram.com/teeandbooks

Thanks to Netgalley for the copy!

The idea of "schooling" is new to me having read a few HR type of books. I liked Edward (he's too reluctantly cute) and Sophia (her aim to please and her independence) for their personalities respectively. I guess this book is not just for me.

I read this book in just two days, and I must admit it was spirited and provocative. The attraction between Sophia and Edward was intense, and their romance blossomed despite their personal challenges. The narrative was smooth, and the dialogue flowed naturally. I found myself cheering for their HEA! It was very much a red-hot romance, and I hope to read the next book in the series when it is released.

A thank you to NetGalley, The Wild Rose Press, and Maggie Sims for the DRC!

Sophia father died. After her mourning she goes to live with a distant cousin who is an earl. She must attend the season to find a husband. Her cousin’s best friend agrees to escort her. He compromised her. He agrees to marry her. He tells and shows her if she doesn’t follow the rules she will be punished by spanking. He has secrets. He craves to teach her different types of sexual pleasure. The book was well written. I looking forward to the next book in the series.

Sophia’s Schooling pulled me in for a full day. I couldn’t put the book down.. I loved every encounter she and Edward had. Back in those days, you didn’t have lots of entertainment. Sophia was never bored but she wanted to find love. I love her and Edwards quirkiness and playfulness. Thank you for the ARC of this and looking forward to reading more books by Maggie Sims.