I was just drawn into this wonderful story and I just couldn’t get enough of it. It was just so easy to get lost in this great story. I just didn’t want it to end. I just lost myself in and I just couldn’t get enough of these interesting characters. I can’t wait to see what’s next from this author.

This was my first book about the Wynchesters and also my first historical romance. It took me at least half of the book to understand what was going on and a little longer to figure out if it interested me. Just about then is when I decided I needed to know how the book ended.

Hot Earl Summer is amusing and cute with one spicy scene. Most of the book includes few characters, until the rest of the Wynchesters are introduced at the end. Despite the few characters, I found the book to not be very compelling or engaging. It is silly, which kept me going!

Advance reader copy provided by Forever Publishing and NetGalley but all opinions are my own.

The books in this series keep getting better and better! I love the Wynchesters and every new member that joins so much. I read this in one sitting just because I did not want to stop the good time.

My elevator pitch for this book would be:

If you want a "super fun, low angst, silly, kind of campy, two quirky nerds with a lot heart and chemistry, put a smile on your face mood" book, add this to you tbr!

But silliness and Inspector Gadget castle aside, both of these characters were both so unapologetically weird and authentic. And watching them realize how they did not have to change a thing about themselves in order for the other person to love them is always wonderful to read and this series does that so well!

There was a lot to enjoy about Hot Earl Summer, the characters were especially a lot of fun, but it definitely felt like you had to read the books that came before it in the series to really get a good handle on what was going on - at least in the beginning.

The Wynchesters are all absolutely bonkers, and I love it. Bloodthirsty, sword wielding Elizabeth has met her match in reclusive inventor Stephen (whose abs are best admired sans shirt). I loved seeing Elizabeth branch out on her own to save the day, but I was thrilled when the whole family arrived to help. They truly are better together.

If you have not read any of this series, you really owe it to yourself to do so. This whole series is wonderful, a whole family of misfits, taken in by a very wealthy Baron. He gave them not only a home but unquestionable love and family. Now they carry on his legacy by helping others who can’t afford help. The five siblings and their husbands and wives plus the unmarried brother use all their talents to right wrongs. This story is about Elizabeth who was unloved and unwanted as a child, due to having chronic pain in her joints. She is a master with knives, fencing, anything with a sharp blade. She has always taken a back sit helping her family with cases. Now all are busy and she is in charge! She must help Miss Oak claim the Castle that her sister left her to open an orphanage and school. Only she does not have the deed or her will. Her sister like puzzles so she left clues in the castle for her husband but died before anyone could find them. The Earl of Densmore is a rogue and talks his cousin Stephen Lenox, an inventor and reclusive who happens to look like him into impersonating her for a week. That week turns into months! Our villain is a Richard Reddington who also wants the Castle. As Elizabeth and Stephen try to solve the puzzle of where the will and deed are hidden and also keep Richard from sieging the Castle. Both find something neither has ever had. Someone who thinks like them and understands the other! Neither can stop the attraction and longing for the other. The sweetest line in this story is when Elizabeth thinks of Stephan as “the handsomest, kindest, cleverest, sweetest, quirkiest person she has ever known”. What a story, this is a fast-paced Book with lots going on. Many twists and turns, you will run thru every emotion you know while reading this one. Its beyond wonderful. Quick grab a copy and plan to be totally lost to other time and place with such crazy wonderful couple and family. I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.

This book was so hilarious and entertaining.
It had wonderful characters, and the chemistry was fantastic between Stephen and Elizabeth as they tried to find the will and the deed to the castle.
Elizabeth's family, the quirky Wynchesters as usual make for a fun and interesting read.
This is the fifth book in the series but, can be read as a stand-alone.

Hot Earl Summer was an original and captivating plot. I loved the new take on forced proximity and Stephen was a sweet and caring MMC. He had a few boundary issues with Elizabeth but it was always from a place of trying to help her and he would listen when she communicated the boundaries in a clearer manner. I found Elizabeth a really neat character as well but very quick to anger and very slow to forgive even though she was not innocent in all things. Also how she treats Stephen towards the end was not my favourite part to read.

The machines Stephen builds and the way Elizabeth supports him in defending the castle was really fun to read. All the while they are searching for a will that will allow the castle to become an orphanage and keep it out of the hands of a spoiled aristocrat. Elizabeth’s prowess with a sword and the way she became Stephen’s bodyguard was really affirming for women in historical fiction. I loved the theme of self acceptance quirks and all. A wonderful read that I finished in a matter of days.

I’m not sure why, but I didn’t connect with this book as much as I expected to. Part of this is probably because this is the fifth book in a series, which I didn’t realize when I started reading! A fast-paced romance and engaging main couple.

Two misfits, Elizabeth and Stephen, are thrown together to solve a mystery. After spending time together they realize there is someone for everyone. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Forever for my honest review.

I can't believe that I haven't been reading this series! I loved the strong characters and the fact that it moved so fast. The inventions were amazing . I believe in this story opposites definitely attract. Such a enjoyable and entertaining book.

It’s Elizabeth’s turn to take the lead on a case, putting her in the countryside to look for the missing will of a countess in an earl’s castle. Instead of finding the earl there, she finds his tinkering cousin, Stephen. We get a grumpy-grumpy romance in this one with both Elizabeth and Stephen preferring solitude to company. It’s fun to see them work together to try to find the missing will, plus I liked seeing Elizabeth being appreciative of Stephen’s inventions instead of disparaging his oddness. There’s a common annoying villain around who believes he won the castle in a card game, but once they find the will, it’ll be clear the property wouldn’t be his. Plus, we get a full family of Wynchester showing up for the big confrontation.

This was good, but not a favorite of mine. Elizabeth and Stephen had sizzling chemistry, but I wanted there to be more spice, but there was only a few scenes.
I also didn’t really vibe with Elizabeth at first, because she just acted rude for no real reason. Stephen was, and always had been fantastic. It was cute, and funny, but it just didn’t do enough for me on the romance parts.
The chaotic family was a nice touch, they were pretty funny, and I enjoyed that part of the story.
I enjoyed the castle siege aspect of the book, and loved the royalty aspect of the book as well, I just wanted more spice.

Thank you to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for the ARC.

4.5⭐️

How to describe Hot Earl Summer… think historical romance meets The Princess Bride and Home Alone. Yes, I know this sounds bananas, but just go with it. This book was bonkers in the very best way!

Erica Ridley’s latest release has it all: hilarious banter, the most lovable characters, and some utterly ridiculous moments that will have you laughing out loud. I think I highlighted about 70% of the book because the exchanges between Elizabeth and Stephen were so flipping funny while also incredibly tender and heartfelt - who knew talking about chain mail, sword wielding, probabilities, and operating machinery could be so flirty.

Elizabeth and Stephen were such tender hearts and kindred spirits and understood each other in a way that no one else around them could. Even though they were different in how Elizabeth was more bold and Stephen preferred the safety of solitude, they felt they had to hide behind their weapons and machines to make themselves more palatable or to conceal their weaknesses. It was such a moving experience seeing them be able to live as their true selves without the burden of having to mask the parts of themselves the others had deemed “too much” or “too eccentric.” And their communication was wonderful! They clearly articulated what they needed from each other in order to be better understood, to avoid potential misunderstandings, and to be a safe place where truths could be shared! We love to see healthy communication!

I felt so seen by Elizabeth’s lived experience with chronic pain and I appreciated how Ridley authentically wrote what it is like to navigate life and relationships when living with chronic pain and the ever present possibility of a flare up.

I had such a lovely, delightful time reading this and can’t wait to go back and read the previous books and am excited for Jacob’s story next year!

Elizabeth Wynchester – aka Beth the Berserker – meets a most unexpected match in Hot Earl Summer. The most brash and impulsive of the Wynchester siblings always hoped to find love with a dashing warrior but it’s a brilliant tinker with unexpectedly delicious ab muscles who claims her heart.

Elizabeth swings her sword first and asks questions later. When she’s sent on a mission to find a will and prevent a villain from taking over a castle meant to be an orphanage, she’s ready to battle her way to victory. But the Earl of Densmore she comes to demand aid from is actually the man’s cousin, inventor Stephen Lenox. Stephen’s cousin had asked him to impersonate him for a few days but instead he finds himself trapped for months, fending off the enemy with clever traps. When Elizabeth arrives and decides to be his bodyguard, Stephen can’t help but fall for the beautiful warrior.

Over the course of the series I admit Elizabeth has been my least favorite Wynchester; she was just a bit too over the top for me. Erica Ridley changed my opinion on Elizabeth in this book – I loved seeing beneath the surface to what made Elizabeth tick. She’s bold and likes to charge headfirst into battle, yes. But there’s much more to her than “Beth the Berserker.” Ridley does a solid job of creating a heroine with chronic pain and a disability that can knock even the strongest warrior down. Elizabeth is a warrior at all times and I liked that she set boundaries and acknowledged what she needed, taking the time to rest and recover. Elizabeth isn’t perfect and she does make mistakes, but it makes her an interesting heroine. Stephen is a recluse more at home among his extravagant inventions than people, but he’s swept off his feet by Elizabeth. I loved how sweet and kind he is and how he practically swoons over how brave and strong Elizabeth is. The two of them have a lovely dynamic that’s fun, sweet, and sensual.

It wouldn’t be a Wild Wynchesters story without the entire family but I liked that Ridley kept the focus on Elizabeth and Stephen. The Wynchesters all play a part, never fear, and their unique talents along with how they all come together plays a part in Hot Earl Summer. You don’t have to have read the previous four books in order to enjoy this one, but it’s fun to check in with past protagonists. All in all, Hot Earl Summer is a charming romp with bold and clever characters, a very dramatic villain who must be defeated, and a sweet happily ever after.

A joy from start to finish. Elizabeth is a brilliant, singular heroine — a sword-wielding warrior living with chronic pain. She's the perfect foil, no pun intended, to Stephen, who needs a brave weirdo to break through his isolation and introduce him to the chosen family who will love him for who he is. Bonus points for a childfree HEA, as both characters have no interest in becoming parents!

This is just such an amazing and inclusive series. Each different sibling is unique and their journey to finding love is always just a joy to go on. I truly appreciate that Elizabeth is honest in her truth. Knowing and expressing to the reader where she is physically for the day is just such a lovely way to represent hidden disabilities. Having that representation and showing how she struggles with it yet can use it to also overcome is beautiful. I also enjoy that Stephen is probably not neurotypical either. That these two find ways to become one whole is just lovely. They see each other for who they are and accept and embrace that person fully.
Thank you so much to Forever Gran Central Publishing and Netgalley for allowing me to read an advance copy of this title. I can’t wait to see what happens with the last sibling.

Hot Earl Summer is the fifth installment of The Wild Wynchesters series, where each novel follows one of the charming Wynchester siblings as they embark on an adventure and find love in the process. Hot Earl Summer centers on charismatic, outgoing Elizabeth Wynchester as she assigns herself to be the personal bodyguard of inventor Stephen Lenox. Despite Elizabeth originally preparing for battle, she finds herself softening under the compassionate gaze of the self-proclaimed recluse.

I absolutely loved the individuals in this book. It was clear Erica put extensive thought into the creation of these characters, and I couldn’t help but relate to most of them in some way. In addition, Erica included the impact of severe chronic pain on Elizabeth’s life. Her struggles and triumphs with/against her own body were both heartbreaking and heartwarming to read. I had yet to read a book with a main character who has chronic pain, and I think Erica handled the topic beautifully.

Despite loving the characters, the plot itself fell a little flat for me. Certain aspects were very repetitive, and I found I had no real interest in the story unfolding. My favorite parts of the novel were the scenes either when we learned more about the characters individually or when we gained glimpses of their dynamics together. Hot Earl Summer earns a 3/5 stars from me! I enjoyed the reading experience, but it hasn’t convinced me to pick up any other novels from the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for this ARC of Hot Earl Summer!

I grabbed an ARC of Hot Earl Summer while it was on Read Now on Netgalley. I had never read Erica Ridley before, and thought that this was a good opportunity to check out her books.
The premise of this book, while sounding fun and innovative and something that hasn't been done before, I found out while reading that it wasn't my jam. One thing that I love in a historical romance is the sense of forbidden and secrecy attached to those times. The yearning that automatically comes with, when there are society rules to respect, and what you want makes you want to break those rules.
The Wynchesters are .. not that. They live by their own rules, defy society, are quirky. I did laugh out loud several times because of Elizabeth's antics and obsession over her swords and whatnot, however I keep finding this aspect warring with what I know from typical historical romances.
This is mostly a me issue.

Thank you to the publisher for the ARC via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

I'll say this one thing, this was interesting. Overall would I recommend this? Yes. Would I read it again? No.

I thought the premise was very entertaining. The banter was there and it was so interesting. I just don't know what didn't click for me.

I got an e-arc of this book on NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.