What a fun historical romance that was deliciously spicy! I read this based on cover and blurb alone and it did NOT disappoint! The description of "Ted Lasso meets Bridgerton for a 19th-century spin on The Hangover" immediately roped me in. I love a good mistaken identity trope and Jenny knocked this one out of the park. If you love regency rom-com with a touch of bisexual mistaken identity, then you have to read this.

It was very easy to get into the book. Edward, or “Effie, as his friends call him, is a poet, a gentle soul and he loves his friends, a woman he doesn’t know and maybe even his parrot, Leander. The story starts when he and his friends start for their annual Earls Trip to Brighton in a bit of a chaos which was fun to read. I also liked the friendgroup of Effie, Simon and Archie a lot. The three of them have such a healthy friendship, loving each other unconditionally and accepting each other the way they are. They tell each other everything which is exactly what Effie does: he tells them about the editor of a magazine he loves despite never having met her in person.
But lo and behold, they actually do meet, just a day later in Brighton to where Julianna followed him, thinking he is her best friend (a woman) and because things in her life don’t go according to plan, she spontaneously takes a trip. Their first meeting was both kind of cute and kind of awkward which basically set the tone for the rest of the book.

Unfortunately most of Effie and Julianna’s interactions were both cute and awkward. They’re already bonded by a deep friendship though they soon notice that knowing someone’s soul doesn’t necessarily mean knowing everything about each other. It is clear to everyone but Julianna that they’re both deeply in love and honestly, it was a bit exhausting to read. I do understand why Julianna is so averse to marriage but since she knows – or should know – Effie so well, they way she treats him felt just wrong. On the other hand Effie is struggling with his own problems but contrary to Julianna, he actually talks to her about his feelings, both about his problems and his feelings towards her even though not very clearly.

I expected some drama and funny moments in Manic Pixie Dream Earl, like their first meeting being a huge surprise for both, maybe followed by an argument, maybe some secret trysts,… but literally nothing happened but niceties. Especially Effie was just so good and so nice it bordered on boring. Their whole relationship was a bit boring to me. There was no drama whatsoever and I was always waiting for something to happen – but even the twist in the story was just proving again how good Effie is. Don’t get me wrong, I do like a fictional man who is good from the bottom of his soul but this was just a bit too much for me.

I did enjoy reading Effie’s chapters and how he sees the world and the people around him. I liked him as a character but couldn’t really grasp Julianna. She was somehow just there. I liked some of the scenes of them together and how Effie describes his surroundings from both a painter and poet’s point of view, that was very lovely to read! Julianna and her characterization were unfortunately pale compared to this vivid picture the author painted of Effie. I did enjoy Manic Pixie Dream Earl but I just wish there was happing a bit more, especially plot wise.
I’ll definitely read book 3 in the series because it does promise some conflicts and probably a more interesting dynamic between the main couple.

This was the most lighthearted regency romance I have read. The LGBTQIA representation was nice to see. I am used to the MMC being guarded rake and Edward was the complete opposite making it a refreshing read. He was quirky and emotionally mature, not afraid to ask questions or talk about his emotions. The way he lit up when talking or seeing Juliana made me smile. I loved his friend group and how they supported one another and were willing to adjust their plans to what the group needed at the time. It was not your typical regency romance making it unpredictable.

Thank you @hambrightpr for the gifted copy.

The title of this book perfectly defines the main character. I loved Effie in Earl’s Trip, and getting to dive into him as a main character was even better than I could have hoped. The acceptance, heart, and love between all of these characters follows through from that book to this.

I found the beginning to have a lot of ‘romance reasons’ to get the main characters together, and it was a bit slower. That said, Jenny Holiday has a gift for writing interactions between characters. Found families, how these Earl’s have come together, and the people who have become important to them along the way are the crux of this series. The way these characters support and care about each other could be unbelievable or insincere, but because of the way the author guides the characters and readers, it is beautiful and heartwarming. By the end I didn’t want to put it down.

Big picture commentaries about society are woven into the main character plots, without ever feeling like a history lesson. This context really adds to our love and understanding of the characters. Both Julianna and Effie are wonderfully individual, and I loved the quirks and perspectives that made them who they are. I would definitely recommend it BUT I would recommend reading Earl’s Trip first. The context given there to all of the characters definitely enhances this read.

I don’t normally find myself highlighting full paragraphs of a book, but this had me highlighting at least a full paragraph in almost every single chapter. I absolutely fell in love with Effie in Earl’s Trip, and I’m so glad to see his story done so extremely well. This is also the most realistic depiction of bisexuality that I’ve ever read in a book. I don’t often talk about my own bisexuality, but the way that the bisexual character(s) in this novel discuss their sexuality is something that I found so real and left me feeling so emotional.
Julianna is also such an interesting female main character. It’s not often that an age-gap romance has an older woman, and especially in a historical fiction novel. I found that I couldn’t get enough of Effie’s pining and sensitivity, and when contrasted with Julianna’s no-nonsense and ‘get shit done’ personality, it was a real treat.
I think my favorite thing about this novel has to be the way that Effie’s eccentricities are accepted so readily by Archie, Simon, and Julianna, and especially how that plays into the storyline regarding Effie’s family. It’s not often that romance novels feature a sensitive, emotional, artistic male main character, but Jenny Holiday absolutely crushed this. I found myself feeling Effie’s emotions right alongside him, and absolutely fell in love with his character. While his story is heartbreaking, it also is an excellent reminder to be yourself, regardless of who gets it, and that the right people will find you. I was crying both tears of sympathy and tears of joy for this character, and I can’t think of the last time I connected to a character in the way that I felt connected to Effie.
I absolutely cannot wait to read Simon’s story, whenever it finds it’s way to the page, and I’m so extremely grateful for this gifted copy of Manic Pixie Dream Earl. I can’t recommend this novel enough, and it was a perfect story to end my Pride month. I highly suggest that everyone read this novel as soon as they can get their hands on it, because it is WELL worth it. Thank you, so very much, to Jenny Holiday and Kensington Books for this gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.

Once again, the characters in this universe won me over. To be quite honest, I found this book to be a bit slow-paced, and it seemed to take forever for Effie and Jules to meet in person. Yet, Effie and his friends had me staying engaged. They are the best.

When it comes to that first in-person meeting between Jules and Effie…chef’s kiss! It was fantastic. I fell in love with this couple in that moment. When they were allowed to be themselves, their chemistry came out, and I loved it. Yet, there was too much suppression for me to get overly attached to them. I wanted them to give me something to fight for, but neither was fighting for themselves. I understand they were trying to respect each other’s limits, wants, and needs, and I guess the fact that Effie is “too nice” is kind of the point, but something was missing at times.

Once their time in Brighton was over, Effie had a few discoveries that were life-changing. I found them interesting, but felt that whole bit seemed unresolved. It actually was resolved, but it felt unresolved. Like I was missing something.

I adore how Effie’s sexuality was explained. Even more, I appreciate that Effie did not fear discussing it with Simon and Archie. I’m telling you, this friend group is THE. BEST. When Jules discussed her past experiences, Effie didn’t blink an eye. There is so much about sexuality, sex, gender norms, etc. that this book tackles with aplomb. It’s all organic to the story and informative in a way that doesn’t feel preachy.

You can see this story had its ups and downs for me. There was really a whole lot to love about the book. I wish the pacing had been better so the great parts would have shone brighter.

Giving total Sanditon vibes in the best way. I’m not usually one for the whimsical side of romance, but this one tickled a part of my brain I didn’t know I needed. Just the right kind of delightful chaos.

Edward’s cinnamon roll energy paired with Julianna’s sharp spark made for such a fun ride.
I loved the mix of mistaken identity, heartfelt letters, and that cross-class tension that added just the right amount of drama.
The banter was great, the pacing was solid, and even though some parts were a little out there, I was fully along for the ride.

If you’re after a regency romance that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still brings the feels, this one’s got you.
A true wholesome read


Thank you to Hambright PR and Kensington for the ALC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book is just delightful. A sequel to Earl's trip, (and eagerly awaiting the 3rd book)
Viscount Featherfinch, or Effie as we know him, the Goth poet from Earl's trip, is in love with a woman with whom he has only corresponded . She is a magazine editor who has published his poetry. So, not only is she a working women, she is also a decade older than his 28 years. In addition, Miss Evans believes Effie is a woman.
How the author cleverly brings about proceeds to upend the usual trope of Regency/Georgian Romance i so worth a read. Found families, supportive friends, bisexuality, soul mates, terrible father, a trip to Brighton and so much more.
Juliana Evans does not want to get married because she has seen what happens to a woman's property. Her mother inherited the magazine which was owned by her father and which she ran until his death. When her mother remarried, the magazine became the property of her husband, who "allowed " Juliana to run it. However, when he died and his son became the owner, Juliana was demoted. She continued to run it, but her step brother took all the credit and profits, paying her a pittance.
When Effie writes to Juliana he is going to
she decides to go meet her there, with no plan. But somehow when Effie sees a woman there, he recognizes his soulmate.
I love that Juliana accepts that Effie is a man, and the plot ensues.
Thanks to NetGalley and the Between the covers bookclub for the EARC. I received it late, but here is my honest review at last.

Manic Pixie Dream Earl is Holiday's second novel in the Earls Trip series. I gave the first book in the series 5 stars, so I came in with very high expectations. The second novel was a little bit of a let-down. What I love about this series in that the story focuses mainly on a core group of male friends who talk honestly about their emotions to each other and hold space for each other. I felt like in the first book there was a healthy balance between the male friendship scenes and the romance scenes. However, for some reason in this book the romance plot kind of disappears.

The main MMC of Manic Pixie Dream Earl is Effie, the heir to an earldom and a poet. What this book does fantastically is that it features a male protagonist which isn't your typical alpha male romantic hero trope. Effie is more sensitive and gentle in his approach. He's also demisexual-pansexual (although he's never described with those exact terms) and Julianna is bisexual. So often in Regency romances the MMC are rakes who sleep around constantly before they fall in love with the FMC. And trust me that trope has gotten OLD. I personally wish more MMC were demi (they need an emotional connection with their partner before they feel sexual desire).

And while Effie was memorable, the FMC really disappears in the background. I finished this book a week ago and already I'm struggling to remember Julianna and what her plot was. To be honest with you the MMC of the first book in the series, Archie, made more of an impression on me in Manic Pixie Dream Earl than Julianna. And I just want it on the record that Archie is the best cinnamon roll character and I'm obsessed with him, and his actions towards Effie in this book were perfect.

Overall I think this book is a 3.5 stars out of 5 for me. I'm rounding it up to 4 stars because I liked what Holiday was doing bringing a fresh intrepretation of the stereotypical Regency male hero. And I look forward to reading the 3rd book in the series.

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington for sending me a copy of this ARC!

This story was so cute and fun! And the premise was what intrigued me the most. I feel like typically in cases of mistaken identity in romance gender Isn’t usually involved, but I was very pleased with how that plot progressed! I really felt the author did a good job of balancing some heavier topics along with the witty banter and steamy romance. I also particularly enjoyed the found family aspect of this series and I’m excited for the next installment!

This was a delightful romp that nonetheless tugged at the heartstrings. Does it even vaguely resemble a "traditional" Regency romance? No, not in the least, and that's why it was so much fun to read.

Effie, Viscount Featherfinch, is somewhat genderfluid with long hair, and flamboyent clothing. He never received any kind of care or love from his own parents, with his father dismissing him as useless and too sensitive, so his best friends from school, Archie and Simon, have become his main family. As the book opens, the three of them are once again setting off on their yearly Earl's trip, this time to Brighton to check out the King's pavilion there.

What his friends don't know is that Effie is head-over-heels in love with Juliana, the publisher of the magazine that features not only his poetry but also a column in which he dispenses advice to the mostly female readership. There are several obstacles to Effie's love, first, Juliana is working class and 10 yrs older than him, second, they've never actually met in person, and third, she thinks he's a woman named Euphemia. When Juliana decides to crash his vacation in Brighton, they are both in for the surprise of their lives.

This was so sweet and heartfelt. Effie is a wonderful character. He wears his heart on his sleeve, isn't afraid to show his emotions, and no matter how hard he tries, he just cannot fit into the standard societal norms. Juliana is older and more practical but she needs someone like Effie to open up her bruised heart and show her how to enjoy life, not just exist in it. I haven't read the first book in this series, but I'm definitely going to go back and pick it up. My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.

This was advertised as Ted Lasso meets Bridgerton and I signed up immediately 😂 it was such a cute, lighthearted, easy read! The friendship between Effie, Simon and Archie is so endearing! The friends to lovers situation between Effie and Julianna was so smooth but with its hiccups of course! The characters are so likable and relatable, it made it so easy to read! If you’re looking for something sweet and lighthearted for the summer, definitely pick this one up!

This is a review for the audiobook, as I was granted an audio ARC several weeks before I was granted the ebook here.

<b>3.5 stars</b>
Thanks to Jenny Holiday, Netgalley and Tantor Audio for this ARC. My opinion is my own.

Edward "Effie" Astley, Viscount Featherfinch, is a poet and a terrible disappointment to his father. Thankfully, he's about to set off on the annual "Earl's trip" with his two best friends, who support him come what may. So they don't ask any questions when Effie asks them to help him store a broken printing press, nor why he's so preoccupied with letters from a Miss Evans. Effie doesn't really want to confess to having become infatuated with a non-aristocratic lady, who coincidentally thinks he's a woman too, called Euphemia.

Miss Julianna Evans loves the magazine she publishes, but hates that her odious brother insists on weekly editorial meetings and keeps questioning every decision she makes, constantly cutting her budget. Normally, she's far too busy to ever consider taking a brief holiday, but when there is a delay at her printers, and the alternative is waiting impatiently at her sister's house, generally just being in the way, she impulsively decides that she's going to spend some of her hard-earned savings to go to Brighton to meet her best friend Euphemia, who she knows will be staying there with her friends.

Brighton isn't a big enough place for Effie and Julianna to avoid each other for very long (nor would this be a particularly effective romance novel if they did). Considering Effie has been lying about his identity to Julianna for the past five years, she gets over the deceit remarkably quickly. Effie's two best buds also take it in their stride that their slightly unorthodox bestie is in love with a magazine publisher who is quite a few years his elder.

The publisher claims that this book is <i>Ted Lasso</i> meets <i>Bridgerton</i> meets <i>The Hangover</i>. I have complained in the past that absolutely everything set in the Regency era is now marketed towards "fans of <i>Bridgerton</i>", and I can only surmise that the <i>Ted Lasso</i> comparison is made because this book features non-toxic male friendships and guys who support each other in wholesome ways, while <i>The Hangover</i> is thrown in there because it's the most famous dudes on a road trip story out there, even now, sixteen years later. I despair at these sales pitches.

There is a lot to like here. Effie is bisexual and has no problem admitting this to his friends, although his friends seem to have suspected him to be gay and/or asexual before he reveals his feelings for Julianna. There's the aforementioned non-toxic male friendships. We have an age gap, where the heroine is about a decade older than the hero (Effie is in his late twenties, Julianna is in her late thirties). Most of the book takes place in Brighton rather than London, and the more unusual location made for a nice change.

Harry Frost does a good job with the narration of the book, but I find that about a month after finishing the story, I don't remember too much of the overall plot. While I've liked several of Jenny Holiday's contemporary romances, I'm not sure I liked her rather unusual take on the historical genre. Nevertheless, I already own <i>Earls Trip</i>, the first book in the series, so I'll probably get round to reading it at some point. I also hope she gets round to writing about Effie's friend Olive in some future instalment, she was the most interesting supporting character here.

<b>Judging a book by its cover:</b> This cover is rather busy, and features a number of people in various situations, not all of which take place in the actual story, unless my memory entirely fails me. I think there are too many things going on here.

The novel follows Edward Astley, Viscount Featherfinch, a gentle, eccentric poet hiding from high society, his cruel father, and the pressure of his title. Under the pseudonym “Euphemia,” he’s been secretly publishing poetry through a women’s magazine edited by Julianna Evans—his pen pal of many years and the woman he’s quietly fallen for. The only problem? Julianna thinks “Euphemia” is a woman.

When Julianna decides to meet her mysterious contributor in person, she discovers the truth in spectacular fashion. The reveal sets off a beautifully complex story of class differences, personal trauma, identity, and the risks we take for love. Edward is a standout hero—sweet, strange, and deeply lovable. His voice is so strong that his chapters shine particularly brightly. While Julianna is admirable in her ambition and determination, her actions during the third-act breakup may divide readers.

Despite moments where the story slows (especially when side characters take center stage), the romance remains compelling and emotionally sincere. Their connection, built through years of letter-writing, gives the relationship a rare emotional foundation that makes the eventual romance feel earned and believable.

Manic Pixie Dream Earl is a refreshingly original Regency romance that blends humor, emotional depth, and a clever twist on the epistolary trope. The author delivers a story that’s both heartwarming and offbeat, with characters who feel both modern and grounded in their historical setting. The author handles difficult themes such as childhood trauma, grief, and emotional abuse with sensitivity, adding weight to what could have been a purely light-hearted romance.

“I am getting a woman who can give me everything. I am getting a woman who changed the color of the sky…I am getting a woman on a beach under a chartreuse sky.” (freaking made me tear up 🤧)

I had a really fun time reading this historical romance. I loved the relationship the MMC had with his friends as well as the slow burn romance he developed with the FMC. I also loved how the MMC and FMC communicated via letters. I can’t explain why exactly I loved it so much but I just did.

I did find the book’s pacing to be a bit slow. I felt like the book could have done better with some more action or least a few plot twists.

Thank you so much Hambright PR for the gifted book!

I will never get over the absolute perfection of this book's title. The book itself comes close to living up to it: Effie is delightfully flighty while also utterly devoted to both Julianna and his earlfriends. The scene where Effie consults his friends before visiting Julianna's room is so heartwarming and sweet.

I had not read the first book in the series before starting this one, but the first chapter only posed a slight barrier to entry; it took me a few pages to catch up and be able to tell the three earlfriends apart (who has a printing press? Who has a wife?). But by the time they got on the road, I was rolling along with them. I enjoyed Julianna's insistence on her independence, as well as the plot reveals that led to a happy ending. I plan to look up the first book in the series and to watch for the next one.

I received an advance copy of this book for my honest review. Thank you to the author and NetGalley.

This one had such a fun premise—mistaken identity, secret pen pals, and a surprise meeting—but it just didn’t land for me. Edward and Julianna had all the ingredients for a swoony romance, but the spark between them felt… missing. Their connection on paper didn’t quite translate in person, and the story dragged in places. I really wanted to love it, but it ended up feeling kind of bland. That said, if you’re into slow, quiet romances with a bit of mistaken identity chaos, it might still be worth a try.

Manic Pixie Dream Earl is the delightful second book in the Earls Trip Regency romance series by Jenny Holiday.

I ate this book up. I had a ball with the first book and was so pleasantly pleased by the second in the series! I don't think you need to read this series in order; it holds up as a standalone. There are some references to the first book, but not knowing the specifics shouldn't detract from your enjoyment of this one.

I followed along in my physical review copy while listening to the ALC. The audiobook narrator does a *phenomenal* job. All character voices are distinct, and he even did a bang-up job with all of the femme characters throughout the book. I *loved* how he read the lines for Effie's new pet bird. That bird steals the scene so many times, I was chuffed.

The chapters are all titled and some of them made me laugh out loud. I am so charmed by Holiday's prose, and I really need to try a contemporary romance from her. I'm also such a fan of the bromance between our three earls. Like the publisher blurb mentions, they are truly ride-or-die for one another. The beach setting of this installment was also lovely, and the cover artist did a fantastic job.

Representation is great: both of our main characters are bi- or pansexual, and in discussion with his besties Effie also mentions that he's demisexual. Obviously none of those terms are actually used, but it's practically spelled out in his own words. There's also a reverse age gap--Julianna is 38 while Effie is 28.

I loved the pairing of Effie and Julianna. I really bought their chemistry and they seemed to have similar outlooks on life.

I can't wait for the next book in the series! Simon is due for love and he truly deserves it. The hints about him turning into a bit of a book nerd have been lovely.

I received this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I read Earls Trip and enjoyed the premise and the plot. The stars were the hilarious men with their antics, so I am excited to see their stories continue, especially after the last one with the fun ending scenes of them together at night. This was a fun follow up!

I read the dedication and then immediately went to Google manic pixie. I had no idea this was a thing, but it made instantly realize that I was going to love this book too. I couldn't ask for a better follow up to the first book in this series! The main reason I didn't love this one quite as much as the first is simply because I will be hard pressed to find another couple I love as much as I love Archie and Clementine. But don't get me wrong, Edward and Julianna (the two MC in this book) are a delight too. I love that their story got started anonymously and loved that Julianna took Edward's secret in stride. Most author's would have made that a deal-breaker and I'm glad that wasn't the case here. Julianna is kind and understanding and I really appreciated that about her. This book also took place during the annual Earl's Trip. And again we see the special brotherhood that these three friends have. There is nothing as touching as when Edward compares their found family to salt, strawberries, a leg of lamb and cream. :) It's just the sweetest thing!