The third book in the series & easily read on its own as I haven't read the other's. The characters were likeable and are well portrayed. with lots of witty banter from them as they disliked each other at first. This pace was good and kept me turning the pages. I also liked the mystery element although it did feel a bit rushed as it was settled very quickly. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Someone is using Collin Morgan’s in criminal activity. When Collin, Earl of Penderdale, is suspended from his job at the Home Office, he is determined to catch this imposter. He stops in Cambridge to talk to one of his professors and meets Elizabeth Essex, the professor’s daughter. Elizabeth is a bluestocking with opinions she doesn’t mind expressing. She also has a love of learning, and teaching. These two are quite attracted to each other. Their banter is amusing, and their chemistry sizzles. Can Collin track down his imposter and keep Elizabeth and her father safe? This is an enjoyable book with interesting characters, a mystery, a fun romance, and a happy ending. The surprise for Elizabeth at the end of the story is remarkable.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

"In the Eyes of the Earl" is the third installment in Kristin Vayden's Cambridge Brotherhood series, but certainly works as a standalone read. It is clean, clean, clean - there is not even a kiss until like 90% into the book. This may be a positive for some. It was not a positive for me - I like steam! But I did still enjoy the book. Collin and Elizabeth have great banter, and it is lovely to have a MMC who has absolutely zero issues with a woman being at least as smart if not even smarter than he. I don't love a love triangle, but this one was low drama and thus more acceptable than others I have read. I did find the smuggling/mystery plot a bit confusing, but freely admit that might be reader versus writer error. The other aspect I didn't love was the shame felt by Elizabeth about her clandestine teaching activities. Vayden presented it as expected and normal, and I didn't agree with this. Overall, though, one of the more enjoyable non-steamy romances I have read.

3.5 stars rounded to 4. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a complimentary ARC of this book. The opinions in this review are my own.

I was scared with this book, because sometimes i feel authors make their female characters too modern that feel out of space in HR, but idk if it's because i like the story but i think she manege it well.

they kiss once but i didn't need it because as i have said it before it's fine when authors write other aspects of romance and kisses are the culmination of it.

I had high hopes for ‘In the Eyes of the Earl’ but it didn’t hit the mark for me. I expected a suppressed educated women seeking ways to exert her knowledge within the boundaries placed on society. Initially I felt drawn in. A mystery being solved by Colin, the constant need for learning and teaching by Elizabeth and the side characters to add to the historical setting. But I felt this was a lot longer than necessary. There were large, prolonged lulls in the plot where nothing was being achieved. There were numerous points that could have been explored further.
1. The romance, which I understand respected the traditional societal expectations. The few interactions between the two were great and then they lost the sizzle and the back and forth.
2. Elizabeth living in the University where the faculty of men did not respect her attendance or attempt to learn more. There was so much potential here for Elizabeth to find a place she was accepted and encouraged to thrive in.
3. The random inclusion of Elizabeth in Colin’s investigation of his identity theft. I understand it was happenstance that she knew his friend’s sister Patricia and she couldn’t help herself but it felt very random at times.
4. There were long periods where the plot wasn’t really moving.

I would have enjoyed exploring Joan and Colin’s involvement in the War Office. I thought that had an interesting potential, especially that a woman had an involvement at that point in time.
I liked the characters and the intention of the plot. Thank you for the eARC!

This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was fun, fast-paced and included a mystery to be solved. I enjoyed this book and will look for more books by this author.

In the Eyes of the Earl by Kristin Vayden is a captivating historical romance that boasts intriguing characters and a compelling storyline.

In the Eyes of the Earl is the third book in The Cambridge Brotherhood series. This a standalone read and does not seem to have any references to the previous books. It is also the first one I have read in the series.

This one focuses on Collin Morgan, the Earl of Penderdale and Elizabeth Essex, daughter of a well-respected professor at Cambridge. Elizabeth has helped her father with his research and is very well educated as a result. Since women are not allowed in the hallowed halls where only men are deemed welcome, she has learned to become invisible. For this reason, Elizabeth secretly teaches women sharing what she has learned.

Prof. Essex introduces Collin, his former student, to his daughter. Fireworks flare as the two quickly engage in a battle of words and soon after realizing they care for one another. But Collin has unwittingly put Elizabeth in danger and sends her and her father to London to keep them safe while Collin tries to clear his name.

This was a very nice and entertaining story. It is a quick afternoon read. The characters are well written, and the plot was a welcome addition. I would be interested in reading the whole series from the beginning.

Collin Morgan, Earl of Penderdale, has a problem. Someone is committing crimes in his name, leaving him suspended from his work in the War office. Elizabeth Essex has a secret. She's the daughter of a well-respected professor at Cambridge University—and a professor herself. If anyone other than the few women she teaches found out, it could ruin her family's good name. Collin's travels to track his impersonator lead him to Cambridge, and to an old friend—Elizabeth's father. Forced into close proximity with each other, Collin and Elizabeth's first impressions are less than friendly. But when Elizabeth's secret comes to light and Morgan's confrontation with his adversaries reaches a fever pitch, they must work together.
The third book in the series & easily read on its own. The characters have depth & are well portrayed, the pace is also good. I really liked both Collin & Elizabeth & thoroughly enjoyed the witty banter between them, I also liked how their relationship changed & grew, they made quite a team. I also enjoyed the mystery. An enjoyable read which kept my interest all the way through
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

This was a pretty good book by one of my favorite authors. Ms Vayden writes a good story of mystery and romance that held my interest. The characters were fully developed with thoughts and feelings of their own. Even though this is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone. I really liked how Colin needed help in finding who was using his name to commit crimes. He searches for his old friend at Cambridge who is a professor and meets the fellow's daughter Elizabeth. She is a blue stocking who teaches women things that only men at this time were granted access in studies. She is a wonderful and talented person who knows her own mind.
Both Colin and Elizabeth have a few spats but there's also longing in the eyes of each that go though out the book. There is also a slow romance that builds and brings them closer.
It's a wonderful story of love and affection with a few stolen kisses and a happy ever after.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.

‘In the Eyes of the Earl’, the third book in the series ‘The Cambridge Brotherhood’ follows Collin Morgan, Earl of Penderdale, who is trying to uncover how is committing crimes in his name. Suspended from his role in the War office, he seeks help from an old friend, a professor at Cambridge, and inadvertedly, his daughter Elizabeth. Their initially impression of each other is not flattering but when it becomes public knowledge that Elizabeth has been teaching, they find themselves working together to uncover who is plotting against them.
A slow burn romance between two people who begin as enemies. There is plenty of mystery, intertwined between the romance, which kept me entertained. I enjoyed the witty banter between them which didn’t lead to much more than a kiss. A standalone book but the connections between the men within the brotherhood is clearly established.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I'm sorry to say, of all the books I've reviewed on Netgalley, this is probably the only one I could not finish. I hate not reading a book all the way thru. But I could not get into this book. I just did not feel the chemistry between the two main characters, Collin and Elizabeth. I love the author of this book. I have read almost all her books she's written so far. And have loved this series so far.
So while I can recommend the author, this book just wasn't for me.
I want to thank Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book.

He's bored and angry...

Collin is bored and angry. He lost his brother and has been in a funk. When some one is using his name to commit petty crimes, its off to Camrbidge to investigate. Elizabeth is smart and loves her bees. She has a secret, that she is a professor in her own right.
They clash at their initial meetings but things change...
Recommend.

Collin Morgan, Earl of Penderdale, his sister Joan who married his friend Professor
Rowles Haywind, now the Duke of Westmore, Collin and Joan work for the war office. After losing his twin brother in a fire Collin is at loose ends with how to go forward, Joan tries to help as well as a few others. He never expected to be the earl.

Miss Elizabeth Essex, her father is a professor at Christ's College in Cambridge, loves to learn and assists her father in research. She is keeping a secret from her father. Her best friend Miss Patricia Finch, secretly hopes her brother Michael Finch will end up marrying Elizabeth.

Collin gets word that the person using his name to commit petty crimes is in Cambridge. So, Roles lets Collins stay at his townhouse there. He consults with the magistrates offices and is referred to Michael as a good person for help in the investigation. After stopping by to say hello to his old professor, Essex, he meets Michael and the work on finding the person.

Elizabeth runs into Collins first at the college, then at the tea shop, and at the Finch resident. All three times it is a verbal battle of words and antagonism. Her part is she believes she has the superior knowledge and wisdom since he is a pampered noble peer. His is to get a rise out of her.

Collin slowly comes out of his depression and realizes it is because of Elizabeth. Which he soon learns Michael has a tender for. Patricia see what can be and also what is not going to be. This is both good and bad for her. Elizabeth finds her assumptions are wrong on a few things and is humbled by them.

Such a great telling of this story and how we view people are doing in a heartfelt candor. This is a new author for me and she gives a great perspective on life, perception, and how to admit when you are wrong. I loved the dynamics she gives her characters and the flaws. A great line in the book was ones told to me that I found a good philosophy to live by, "our flaws should be looked as opportunities for improving ourselves" ! So true! So come join the party and solve a mystery while improving you mind.

“The sparks that fly when we fight… are only the beginning. We, my dear, will someday burn everything down around us , and I, for one, cannot wait.”

Elizabeth Essex, gentleman’s daughter & Collin Morgan, Earl of Penderdale

Intelligent, observant, with a sharp mind and quick dry wit, she’s the daughter of a respected philosophy professor at Cambridge University, devoted beekeeper and a professor herself, secretly teaching women. A rather recluse and peaceful existence until London’s most infuriating earl starts ruffling her feathers.

He’s a bored and apathetic nobleman, numbed by personal tragedy. And now a band of criminals is besmirching his name. While benched by the War Office, he follows a lead to Cambridge and comes across the most vexing, entertaining and alluring bluestocking. They keep running into each other and he simply can’t resist teasing her.

📚 This book is a Gilmore Girls kind of fast, funny and fearless. Chemistry for days, sparks flying of the page, witty dialogue, plenty of danger and action, and an intriguing mystery keep you spellbound till the very end! Excellent writing. Didn’t even notice there was absolutely no steam, and I didn’t miss it. The story was just that good!
📚 Sweet romance, enemies to lovers, slow burn, fast-paced page-turner

Thank you to the author for this eARC! All opinions expressed are entirely my own.

he main character are Colin Morgan, Earl of Penderdale and Elizabeth Essex, bookish daughter of a Cambridge professor. I liked both main characters, especially Elizabeth. She’s a smart bluestocking that loves learning and teaching and she doesn’t let Colin get away with anything. Colin is trying to find out who is using his name for criminal acts and he needs all the help he can get. This was a cute book with interesting characters and a suspenseful story. I hate how women were not allowed to do anything in this era. Women deserved equal rights and I’m so thankful I live in this era since I’m pretty outspoken and wouldn’t have faired well back then.

4/5 stars
0/5 spice

I really loved this book with all its philosophical tidbits and quotes at the beginning of every chapter. It was very entertaining and a quick read.

Tropes:
Enemies to lovers
Intellectual FMC
Stoic MC
Close proximity
Crime solving
Intellectual banter
Dual POV

I really had fun with this one and laughed plenty of times. Both MCs were quick-witted and willing to self reflect whenever they were in the wrong. Their banter was so fun to read. I loved how Elizabeth challenged Collin at every turn, which just increased his interest in her. The romance did feel a bit rushed, and they fell in love quickly, but it was so a fun journey.

I felt like the story could have included more details at the end of maybe a longer epilogue, but that's just me loving these characters and not wanting the story to end.

This was a no spice/clean romance, but I didn't really notice it like I do in other stories I've read because the plot was entertaining and the chemistry/banter was top notch. There was definitely tension and fireworks when the MCs debated.

Overall, I highly recommend this book for lovers of Pride and Prejudice and light romantic suspense.

Thank you to Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Trigger/Content warnings:
Death of a parent (past tense), death of a sibling (past tense), mild depression, violence, sexism

Collin, an Earl who works for the War Office, travels to Cambridge where he tries to find who is using his name to commit crimes. He reacquaints himself with his old professor who has a daughter, Elizabeth, to whom he is immediately challenged by. Constantly arguing, they find themselves very attracted to each other. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for my honest review.

This one was okay. It was not the romantic historical fiction I thought it would be. They don't even kiss until the end of the book so just a warning. This is more about them getting together and a side plot of a tea smuggling ring, which was just okay also. The banter was fun between the main characters. So it was fine if you want a clean historical romance with a slight mystery attached.

-"You've already decided you don't care, and that is worse than not knowing, or not wanting to know. Not caring. Because it's beneath you or not important."

-He was in trouble. And it wasn't about the person stealing his name. It was with the woman who could easily be stealing his heart.

-"Just because someone disagrees with your application of the same methodology doesn't make them evil. It makes them mistaken."

Historical romance. Regency-era England. Book 3 of the Cambridge Brotherhood series. Collin is trying to investigate the criminals who have been using his name and it leads him back to the town of Cambridge. While there, he visits an old professor and meets the professor’s daughter Elizabeth, who is a scholarly bluestocking. As Collin and Elizabeth cross paths with mutual acquaintances, they end up arguing and bickering, and somehow this turns into attraction and passion. Their romance follows a relatively uncomplicated progression, while Collin’s investigation runs in the background. Nothing too twisty or turny here but still pleasant to see Elizabeth’s supportive father.