A shy spinster. An officer for the crown. A threatening industrialist. A plot to murder Charles Darwin. Curled Up with an Earl had all of these ingredients, plus plenty of sweetness, steam, and intrigue to go along with them.

I really enjoyed the first installment of this series, and so I was excited to curl up with (lol) Curled Up with an Earl. And I wasn't disappointed. Lucy and Will are a sparkling leading couple, with crackling chemistry from the first moment that they meet. I loved seeing Lucy come out of her shell and Will learn to trust. Their interactions are equally tender and steamy, and I appreciated that the reveal of Will's true identity enhanced rather than derailed their relationship.

The background plot of murder and intrigue was also well-executed. There was just enough tension - was Sir Oswald involved? was he innocent? what was up with Monty? - to make things interesting, and to allow this plot thread to stand up to the strong central romance. I did expect a slightly more climactic final confrontation with the villain, but I wasn't terribly disappointed by the way things played out.

My complains are few. There were a few moments of awkward dialogue, and I did occasionally want a bit more depth to Will's backstory, but all in all, a very enjoyable read with plenty of satisfying romance and action.

4.25/5

I really really liked this, just as I loved book one! Curled Up with an Earl was cozy and soft and perfect for midnight reading. Will and Lucy were perfectly matched and the little things they did for each other throughout the book made my heart so happy. (Also the warm milk cracked me up.)

I think the only thing I have issues with is the complete abruptness and 180° of the ending and certain characters. I’m in my revenge era and so I thought some things were handled a bit too prettily.

But even then, I loved their relationship, the mistaken (intentional on his part) identity, and the plot as a whole. He was also just a vibe. That brogue is gonna take me out in the audiobook. The sex scenes were good and hot and Will had one quote that was just so out-of-the-blue perfect?? (Hint: cats)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 🌶🌶🌶.25/5

Just make me the charter member of the Amy Rose Bennet fan club. This books was great, socially awkward heroine, slimy bad suitor, brawny Scotsman, identity changes, poisons. It was great. Even her swear words made Lucy adorable. This series has so far been a delight. ,