It's always a wild time with the Wynchesters and I really enjoyed reading how Elizabeth found her HEA. I was a bit meh on her previously but totally came to her side in this book. I enjoyed Stephen and felt he balanced her out very well.

Regarding the plot, all you need to know is that hijinks ensue with one of the most fun families I have ever read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the ARC!

A berserker and a tinker make an unlikely love match while thwarting the efforts of a power-hungry, demented neighbour.

I loved Elizabeth’s unabashed appreciation of Stephen’s physical form and his reciprocal feelings of admiration. Elizabeth took charge of the situation and Stephen, and he was happy to let her. All he wanted was to work on his inventions and for the world to leave him alone. And then, for Elizabeth to be a part of it all. They were definitely two unusual personalities, but they fit together so well.

The Wynchester’s devious scheming and obvious enthusiasm were very catching, and I felt completely immersed in their efforts and exuberance. As usual, I enjoyed every moment of this farcical battle and the way the family banded together. This is not your garden-variety historical, that’s for sure.

I look forward to Jacob’s story, even though that will probably be the end of this wildly entertaining series. This is the book for you if you like steamy historical romance with over-the-top characters, and can to suspend disbelief for a moment.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is a fun Regency romp, with over-the-top lead characters: Beth the Berserker; Stephen the brilliant “tinker.” They’re very different from each other, but their immediate chemistry makes a lot of sense, since they are both used to being outsiders. You’ll have to suspend your disbelief a little—or a lot—to accept that Stephen could quickly design amazing contraptions in a matter of hours, or that Elizabeth’s sword skills could rival Inigo Montoya’s, but if you’ve read other Wild Wynchesters books, you’re probably prepared for such fantasy elements.

On the other hand, Elizabeth’s disability, which causes chronic joint pain, is described in realistic detail. The book does a good job of showing how she’s adjusted her daily life in response to painful flare-ups that may come when least expected. I suspect many readers will relate to Elizabeth’s memories of her birth family doubting her pain, since the same thing happens today.

Fans of the previous books in the Wild Wynchesters series will naturally want to read this newest addition, but the book has a standalone central plot, so it’s accessible to new readers, too.

Disclaimer: I received a free digital ARC from the publisher through NetGalley, but this represents my unbiased opinion.

This is the long awaited tale of Elizabeth, the berserker! When she met Stephen, the mad tinker/inventor, she met her match! Two eccentrics make perfect! Their interactions are witty, bloodthirsty and so hilarious it was hard to put this book down! I so love this series I hope they will make these books into a tv show.

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley and leaving my review voluntarily.

This is book #5 in the Wild Wynchester's series but it can be read as a standalone. I had not read any other books in the series before this one. This follows Elizabeth Wynchester, she is a bold, curvy, sword wielding heroine. The Wynchester family is hired for a new case and Elizabeth heads to the Earl of Densmore's castle on her own. When she arrives she expects to find the Earl of Densmore but instead she finds the Earl's cousin and inventor, Stephen Lennox holed up inside the castle. An enemy attacks the castle and they must work together to defend it so that it gets into the hands of the rightful owner.

This book made me laugh out loud so many times while reading. I enjoyed the bit of mystery and action in it. I loved Elizabeth, she was unapologetically herself but could also be vulnerable at times with those she trusts. Stephen is a cinnamon roll hero, I thought it was a unique aspect that he was an inventor. I enjoyed the inclusion of his inventions and thought it was such a fun aspect to the book. The immediate chemistry between Elizabeth and Stephen was amazing. However, I enjoyed how the book showed that both characters felt the need to safeguard their hearts from others since they both had been let down by loved ones before. I loved that the book included chronic pain representation in it as well.

Tropes: Opposite's Attract, Forced Proximity

4.5/5 Stars

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. Thank you, Forever (Grand Central Publishing) and NetGalley for this eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Hot Earl Summer by Erica Ridley was such a fun regency romance!
Amusing, charming and so sweet! Loved it! I love regency romance and fun storylines that are entertaining and filled with lovable characters and Ridley writes the absolute best!

This was a really fun read! I loved the banter between Elizabeth and Stephen throughout their stay at Densmore Castle. I love it when FMCs are independent and not afraid to fight for what they believe in.
Elizabeth has such a fun personality. Even though she has difficulty dealing with what seems to be an autoimmune disorder, she doesn't let that stop her from helping others. The whole Wynchester family is an exciting bunch. I couldn't have asked for a better ending for Elizabeth!!

⭐️: 4
🌶️: 2

⚔️ regency
🏰 forced proximity
⚔️ booby traps
🏰 sword fighting
⚔️ chronic pain representation

A fun, quick read for lovers of historical romance. The characters were lovable but silly- Elizabeth is a sword wielding badass and Stephen is a recluse tinker with deep pockets. The antics they got up to kept me on my toes and needing to see what happened next!

This is book number 5 in The Wild Wynchesters series but can easily be read as a standalone (I did, unintentionally).

🌶️🌶️ = open door, minimal detail


♥︎ Many thanks to Forever Publishing and Erica Ridley for the eARC of Hot Earl Summer!

Hot Earl Summer is the fifth book in Erica Ridley's fantastic Wild Wynchesters series. I adore that these books are part romance and part adventure book. Elizabeth is set on a mission to bring in the elusive Earl of Densmore. At his country home she discovers his cousin Stephen is impersonating him. Thinking he was doing a favor for a few days Stephen has found himself now stuck there for months. Elizabeth and Stephen join forces to discover the secrets of the house and quickly find themselves drawn to each other. The characters in this series are great. There is really good disability representation. It is also very hot! I can't wait for the next installment.

Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Normally, with the romance, I’ll say it’s very spicy, but this book is very stabby. The main character is quite obsessed with her sword and the desire to stab people! It’s part of the quirkiness of this book. Basically a very wacky book, but also kind of slow at times. I’m a huge fan of historical romance and Erica Ridley. This is part of the series but can also be read as a standalone.

Thank you #netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was so hoping I would enjoy this book but it was just not for me. The pace was very slow and confusing. The humor felt forced and was too slap-stick. This did not feel like I was reading an "historical" romance, it felt like I was reading a contemporary where they dressed in 19th century clothes and rode in carriages. I did not care for Elizabeth at all. I found her character to be very selfish, conceited and cruel to children. Her aversion to children was immediately off putting. Although I didn't mind Stephen, I just thought he was dull. This is just not the book for me.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. This is my honest review.

Elizabeth’s bloodlust and desire to stab someone with her sword constantly got old by the second chapter. She doesn’t seem to have any personality beyond that trait.

With the popularity (or maybe infamy) of the Wynchester family at an all-time high, the siblings have more cases than they can handle as a team. So, when they get a case to find a missing will and claim the castle from the Earl of Densmore (that may or may not have been lost to the Wynchester’s archenemy, Viscount Reddington), it is determined that Elizabeth, (sword-wielding, pain-ridden Wynchester) will have to take this case on her own. She leaves for Castle Harbrook, intent on confronting her client’s nephew, the Earl of Densmore and demanding the deed to the castle to be given to his aunt as his mother wanted, so she can open an orphanage that they had planned for years. But instead of the earl, she finds the earl’s very handsome cousin, Stephen Lenox. After being refused entry, Elizabeth goes “Beth the Berserker” on the front door. When she finally gets in, she finds the castle filled with boobytraps and odd inventions, all thanks to Stephen, but he has no idea where the earl is and has been trying to keep Reddington from claiming the castle. With a only the late countess’s letters to provide vague clues to the will’s hiding place, Elizabeth sets out to solve this mystery and maybe even enjoy a tryst with Stephen.

Stephen Lenox, heir presumptive to his cousin the Earl of Densmore, is a reclusive inventor, who normally wouldn’t leave his estate, but felt obliged to help his cousin, one the few people to ever stick up for him. His cousin asked him to stay at the castle for a “few days” and make Reddington think that Stephen was him, but his cousin has been missing for weeks. In the time Densmore has been missing, Stephen has improved the earldom and reinforced the security of the castle. Until Elizabeth arrived, Stephen felt like a prisoner, but now leaving is the last thing on his mind, but it is clear that while Elizabeth is attracted to Stephen and would be open to an affair, it would seem that her plans for the future do not include him. But the more time he spends with her, the more he wants forever.

I thought I was going to like this book a lot more than I did. It was just too much – too wacky, too modern, too annoying, too wordy, too slow moving and too over-the-top. Additionally, I found Elizabeth hard to like, she is just too vicious and blood-thirsty to be truly likable, her aversion to children was also off-putting and she came across as very self-centered. I did find the fact that she battled chronic pain to be a fascinating plot point but sadly it seemed to get lost in the bizarreness of the story. I liked Stephen, but he too was a bit much. This entire series is just not my cuppa – it is silly, slap-stick humor, mixed with 21st century morals and ideals, thrown into a 19th century setting with no fear of consequence. I know there are a lot of readers who don’t mind that in historicals, and those readers might well enjoy this book series, but I am not in that group.
2.5 stars
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own. *

Erica Ridley knocked it out of the park again! I truly love this whole family and each of their stories. Elizabeth's is no exception. I love her tenacity and her boldness. At times this is a mask for her, a strong front so no one sees her struggle, but it is also just her personality. She loves a challenge, and taking on this case herself forces her to hone skills other than fighting. I also appreciated her discussion of her disability and how she takes account of how she is feeling and manages it. I also adore Stephen, a tinker who is pretending to be his cousin Lord Densmore to cover for him after he accidentally gambled away the family castle that was meant for his aunt. Stephen loves math statistics and building contraptions. After breaking down the castle door (almost literally) Elizabeth and Stephen agree to help each other out by solving the clues left behind by the Earl's late mother to find the will gifting the property to the aunt. I really enjoyed their relationship, at first it is based on physical attraction but slowly they begin to learn and appreciate each other's quirks. Although they are initially physically attracted to each other, their romance is a little on the slower side, which I appreciated. They have a couple of disagreements, but I really loved that they took a breather and then came back to communicate with each other. Not only is the romance very cute, it is also fun! The rest of the story is also really fun as we deal with strange clues left behind, murderous booby traps, and the wild neighbor who won the castle in the wager and also believes that he has embodied the energy of Wellington. Truly another excellent installment in the Wild Wynchesters series!

Family by choice and not by blood, the Wynchesters come to the rescue once again in this fast-paced and witty romance. The comedy in this novel leans towards being slapstick and the author definitely shows creativity in resolving predicaments. Characters from previous books in this series appear in this one as well, but the plot is nevertheless a standalone and comes to a happy conclusion. I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

I bulldozed through this book. I absolutely loved it!! Which surprises me a bit because, TBH, Elizabeth was not my favorite Wynchester. In fact, she made me roll my eyes a lot in the other books. BUT……the more I learned about her back story and why she is the way she is, I just fell in love with her.

The whole book is juts funny and cooky. Stephen and Elizabeth’s interactions are hilarious! Watching those two fall in love was an complete delight!!

Love, love, love! I give all the stars!!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Erica Ridley for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Hot Earl Summer coming out August 6, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I really enjoyed the series. I love that each book is about a different family member. The castle setting was perfect. I loved that Elizabeth was a self declared spinster who knew how to use a sword. I think the writing is fun. I thought the relationship was done well. It’s nice to see Elizabeth had some freedoms to express herself. Stephen is also a fun character. It’s definitely a little modern, but I enjoy this series. I’m excited to read more books in this series.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys regency romances!

Hot Earl Summer was a quirky, fun farce that kept me smiling. Although it's the fifth in a series, you absolutely don't have to have read any of the previous books to enjoy it. Previous characters do make appearances, but I had no trouble figuring out who they were and they didn't overwhelm the story or the MCs of this book.

Things I loved:
- Elizabeth, the FMC, is curvy and stabby. Her favorite thing in life is getting a chance to use her custom made sword, which she keeps concealed in her cane. Her thoughts are both charming and unapolagetically violent.
- Elizabeth also lives with chronic pain that is realistically portrayed. It doesn't take over the story or the romance, but it is definitely a factor in shaping her life and her personality.
- The Wynchesters are a wonderful found family that are close and completely supportive of each other's quirks.
- Stephen, the MMC, is clearly neurodivergent to some degree, and is a sweet, hot, nerdy cinnamon roll hero.
- Elizabeth and Stephen were both so accepting and supportive of each other's differences and it was clear that they were perfect for each other.

I can't think of anything I didn't like in this book. Even for a Regency romance, the historical aspects are pretty much nonexistent, and the plot was a bit thin but this is meant to be a farce, not to be taken seriously, so lack of historical verisimilitude didn't bother me at all. Now I really want to go back and read the previous books in this series. My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

3/5 Stars

Thank you to Forever for providing me with an arc to read.

I recently read book 1 in the wynchester series which I enjoyed so I was excited for this one and I did enjoy it overall but not as much as book 1. I was really excited for this one since it has chronic pain representation and that was okay but not the best I have read. This one was fun and had the chaos I expect from the wynchester books but there were some things that got repetitive during this book and brought down my enjoyment.

Elizabeth Wynchester cares about bringing justice to those who need it with the help of her handy sword even though others don’t think she should be capable due to her gender and body. So when her next mission lands her at the Earl of Dunsmore’s Castle she is prepared to duel, not get locked inside with a handsome rogue who is guarding it. Stephen Lenox agreed to impersonate his cousin for a few days but he didn’t expect his cousin to disappear completely. Nor was he prepared for a woman to show up swinging a sword and threatening to break down the door if he didn’t let her in. But as more enemies threaten the castle they team up to settle everything once and for all.

I liked Elizabeth and Stephen together and enjoyed their relationship. Stephen very much felt neurodivergent of some flavor which was for me more relatable than Elizabeth. Elizabeth’s chronic pain did piss me off at times as someone who has had chronic pain for over a decade. I understand that this is set in a period where medicine ain’t what it is now but her chronic pain felt very vague at times with at some points her joints were talked about a lot in ways that felt like hypermobility and other times it wasn’t at all connected to that so it overall felt so vague. I know that chronic pain isn’t always specific but this felt so vague that it felt sometimes inconsistent with what chronic pain meant for her.

Overall this book was fun but it wasn’t what I fully was hoping for. I do want to continue finishing this series as I have skipped around a bit. I liked the family elements in book 1 which I think is why this one fell a tiny bit flat for me as there isn’t a lot of family time in this one. If you like historical romance this may be great for you, I just am still learning what I like in historical romance novels.

I just finished Erica Ridley’s newest installment in her Wynchesters series, Hot Earl Summer. And I cannot recommend it highly enough! Five starrs, an utter delight!

This book is perfect for historical romance girlies, but you know who else I think will love it? Fantasy romance girlies! This book features a Victorian setting that honestly just reads more like a vaguely described fantasy setting. It’s full of modern sensibilities with characters who dance to the beat of their own drum in spite of the classism and patriarchy around them. Plus, it’s set almost entirely in a crumbling castle filled with booby traps. We’ve got a stabby FMC, an oddball found family, and a brilliant MMC inventor who falls hard. And the romance has all the feels, full of depth and growth in the characters as they find healing together. And did I mention chronic illness rep and likely neurodivergent rep (the term isn’t used)?

This is the fifth book in the Wild Wynchesters series. It features a family of orphans adopted by an eccentric nobleman. Each sibling has unique skills and they band together to fight injustice and oppression in Victorian England wherever they find it, finding love along the way. In Hot Earl Summer, sword-wielding Elizabeth has to team up with reclusive inventor Stephen to find a missing will while defending a castle against a neighboring nobleman.

If you haven’t read any other books in this romance series, you can start with this one. I’ve actually only read the one before this, My Rogue to Ruin, and this one. And I enjoyed them both immensely. But I do think there are some things I’d enjoy even more if I’d read them in order and I do plan to go back and read the rest of the series.