I normally love Jenny Holiday's work but this latest in her Earl's Trip trilogy just misses for me. From the title to the content I felt as if it was an experience with Regency era childhood trauma and I just couldn't get to the point where I appreciated any humor or romance. I've looked forward to the furtherance of the series so I am sorry I just couldn't like this one.

I receive a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

I absolutely enjoyed Manic Pixie Dream Earl and rated it five stars. This charming and witty romance delivers heartfelt emotion alongside clever humor and delightful twists. Edward and Julianna’s connection is both tender and engaging with their mistaken identity adding a unique spark to the story. Jenny Holiday blends Regency charm with modern romantic tension in a way that feels fresh and satisfying. A wonderfully fun and romantic read.

I expected Manic Pixie Dream Earl to be another fun but somewhat shallow Regency-ish romance from Jenny Holiday. And it was fun, but this book was far from shallow. Effie and Julianna are two characters with a fair amount of depth and SO MUCH going on in their story. Perhaps too much, in fact; I would have liked a bit more focus on the Earls Trip conceit like we got in the first novel. I enjoyed Julianna’s take-charge approach to things and Effie’s ability to figure out how to live the life he wants, as well as the fact that once the two of them meet they’re together—neither one wonders if the other is actually interested. The challenge is how they can reshape their lives to accommodate an unexpected significant other. From the beaches of Brighton to the print shops of London, Manic Pixie Dream Earl is an enjoyable tale!

What a delight this book was! The second in book in the Earl’s Trip series, this series has quickly become a favorite. Centering around 3 earls who take an annual bros trip, the first book saw Archie fall in love. This book focuses on dear Edward as he navigates the crush he has on magazine editor, Julianna.

What’s fun about this book is Julianna and Edward are essentially penpals who’ve been corresponding for years. Edward knows exactly who Julianna is and has fallen hopelessly in love. The problem is twofold — not only is Julianna not a member of society, she also has zero clue who he is. She thinks he is a she named Euphemia, and considers her a best friend. Things get rather interesting when Julianna, smart as she is, manages to parse out where the “Euphemia” will be spending her holiday and shows up on a whim. As expected, hilarity ensues.

This series and these earls have captured my whole heart from the beginning. Not only does Holiday fill her stories with such humor and heart, she also manages to explore social themes that affect each character. In this book, classism is an obstacle that Edward and Julianna have to face. Edward, being titled, is expected to marry of equal rank, or at least marry someone who’s in society. Julianna as a working gal most certainly isn’t part of regency society and most certainly wouldn’t be looked upon as an equal for Edward. The road to love isn’t an easy one between the two, but that won’t stop either one on their road to an HEA.

All told, I adored this one and look forward to the next in the series. Definitely pick this up if you’re a fan of:

⇢ Hidden/secret identity
⇢ Exploration of class
⇢ Friends-to-lovers
⇢ Regency romcoms
⇢ Found family
⇢ Historical romance with a modern twist

Delightful! Holiday has a gift for seamlessly incorporating characters with modern attitudes into authentic-feeling historical settings — nothing cringey or anachronistic here to jerk you out of the story. I love that it’s the male character who’s a manic pixie dream for once, but also that both characters actually change and grow over the course of the book. This one hit me in the feels in the best way, with angst that felt earned, not manipulative, and a satisfying HEA.

This was a cute historical romance with some flipped tropes (he's the virgin, she's working, etc). The humor was clever but overall I needed a little more external conflict I think. The writing was solid and the plot was too - the third act break up was believable. The pacing was a bit off - it dragged some in the middle and then took off in the last quarter or so. 3.5 stars.

This book has an airy feel to it. Effie and Julianna have their differences; Julianna's overwhelmingly practical nature and Effie's tendency towards absentmindedness. What is so cool about this pairing, however, is how willing both Julianna and Effie are to learn from each other.

.Julianna and Effie are both artistic. Both are comfortable with their individuality; their interactions are infused with this softness and wonder. This series explores complex topics such as sexuality and women's rights in a thoughtful and authentic way. Effie, in particular, is a unique protagonist for the historical romance genre. His openness to romance, the way he embraces his identity, and his great emotional depth and vulnerability were refreshing. It is exciting to see a romantic hero who breaks from the mold. Julianna is unique as well. Characters like her are more common in this genre - independent, ambitious, and capable. Something I have not often come across in this genre, however, is a woman who is older than her partner as well as more experienced. The way Julianna interacted with the world was intriguing, and I connected with her so deeply as she was navigating through times of uncertainty.

There are a lot of similarities between this story and Archie/Clementine's story. There is depth to the characters that I really admire. The strong sense of friendship is central to everything (I am especially looking forward to Simon's story). Archie and Simon are such good friends, and they care so much about Effie; it is a beautiful portrayal of friendship.

This will not be for everyone. It is slow-paced, and everything unfolds very languidly. Effie and Julianna are not typical protagonists - they are oddballs. They are creatives in every sense of the word. I did feel my interest start to wane about halfway, but the last third of the book was remarkable. There was a moment where Effie really comes into his own, and it's heartwrenching, but I was so invested and proud of him

Harry Frost did an outstanding job narrating - he portrayed Effie's temperament brilliantly.

Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Books for the copy in exchange for an honest review!

Great book, charming, witty, spicy, well written. This is the second book in the series. I did not read the first book but still enjoyed this one.

DISCLAIMER: This review is based off of the review of the ALC. I had requested the ARC copy of this title first, and then became aware of the ALC copy. I requested them both, unsure of which I would be approved of and ended up getting approved for both copies! OOOPS!


05/30/2025 || Earl's Trip #2 - Manic Pixie Dream Earl by Jenny Holiday || #ManicPixieDreamEarl #NetGalley #HistoricalFiction

Thank you NetGalley, Jenny Holiday, and Kensington Publishing | Kensington for making this ARC available!


Please note: This review may not be reproduced or quoted, in whole or in part, without explicit consent from the author and myself.
All of my thoughts are my own~

5 Stars
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐


What worked for me:
Jenny Holiday has done it again!

For this second installment of the Earl's Trip series/trilogy? Holiday is focused on (my personal favorite) Effie!

Effie, or Edward Astley, Viscount Featherfinch, is a poet, writer, artist, and over all gentle soul who HAS to be gender non-conforming to a degree (in my opinion). He is also described on page as to be both demisexual and pansexual, although those terms are not exclusively used, their definitions were. Effie has been corresponding with a Miss Julianna "Jules" Evans, a magazine owner and writer, for some time now and if you've read the first book, is the primary subject of a specific topic held by Effie and another character. Miss Evans is either pansexual or bisexual herself, which makes this book officially queer!!! And as a queer person who loves their queer stories, I feel this one was very well done and really spoke to those who are in the closet and/or not sure how to exactly come out. I felt their queerness was handled well and while I am not a historian by any means, I felt Manic Pixie Dream Earl showed how queerness was handled by the different sexes and classes alike.

Manic Pixie Dream Earl felt like the best installment yet, and will probably remain my favorite forever. I really enjoyed getting to know Effie better and really wished the book had spent even more time focusing on Jules, as I truly fell in love with her too! I wanted to know more about her, her magazine, her family life, more and more and more! Although I fully understand these are the Earl's Trip books, and the focus of the story really remains and focuses in on the men, I need Holiday to make some little novellas about the female main and side characters STAT, along with some more detailed happily ever afters for our beloveds? Hint hint wink wink Jenny Holiday!

I digress - I really enjoyed this book a lot. Trauma and emotional health and emotional intelligence being the main focus for this book was the perfect timing for me personally. I really liked how the book explored both sides for both Effie and Jules and how childhood trauma shapes who we grow up into being (for better or for worse) but that is not who and what you have to stay as neither. Exploring childhood trauma and emotional/mental health in this book was a knock out and there was very important messages to be read from this book. I really appreciate Holiday holding this conversation and so artfully wrapping a story with beloved characters around it.

I truly look forward to Simon's book next!

I truly loved this installment so much! It took me 8 days to complete, but I probably would have finished it up faster if I did not have, yanno, life obligations and sleep. Silly things in the way of a good read if you asked me! (joking of course)


What did not work for me:

I honestly don't have many issues. My main issue and concern is I feel like I don't know enough about Simon anymore than I did while reading the first
Earl's Trip installment. I love a good surprise and all, but I rather liked the build up of getting to know Effie so well in book 1 then anticipating his book that I feel a little anxious of what to expect for Simon's installment.

My other issue was I felt like the book/story needed to be longer. I needed more information, more backstory on both Julianna and Effie (and of course needed more on all the other characters as well).
I believe this installment could have easily been double in size to fully explore more of their childhood trauma, emotional health, and even though I HATE 3rd act break ups and I was so happy when it ended, I feel like their breakup could have been a tad longer to get more emotional and mental health focus going for the both of them. I am NOT complaining that they "didn't suffer" enough, but realistically speaking, it would have been more preferred to see a bit more emotional and mental growth and AHA moments for them on page. I also would have loved to have seen more of that growth together on page after their make-up was official.

I also wanted more of Effie and his family and their interactions and healing to be on page. There is a lot left up to the reader to glean and imagine and I really would have love to see Holiday cover all of those subjects! Maybe one day she will create some novellas or additional content to be read and enjoyed! (Again, hint hint wink wink!)

Overall, these are personal "what did not work for me" tid-bits and are in no way hindering my rating and are personal complaints and desires for more content to be made by Holiday of my now beloved series!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
I thoroughly enjoyed Effie and his supportive friend group. I loved their annual trip and the advice they gave each other. Everyone needs a friend group like that. Our FMC is a badass and I loved her independence.

as always with jenny holiday, this book was phenomenal. this series is one I am particularly fond of, as it is a very non traditional take on historical romance. While effie was still a whimsical man, he was also portrayed as emotionally strong despite all of thr set backs from his early life. I am desperate for Simons book and maybeeee... possibly olive and kenver?

Manic Pixie Dream Earl by Jenny Holiday is the second book in the Early Trip series. It follows Edward and Julianna as they go from pen pals and colleagues to actual friends, conquering class barriers in the process. I struggled to get into this read, which was disappointing since I do love the author. It was cute, just not for me.

It could only be a histrom that could make me an advocate of the manic pixie dream girl. Sorry, Earl*. I always thought they weren't for me, but perhaps the problem was that they weren't aristocracy of the 1800's with a thriving bromance. Jenny Holiday as a new author for me, and she brings a fun, lighthearted story of two pen pals who find their soul twin and acceptance.

Julianna is a busy woman whose life revolves around her work running a ladies magazine. She makes time for her bff pen pal Effie, whom she's never met in person but assumes to be a like-minded woman. Effie is actually Edward, an Earl lacking in direction, but rich in friends and heart. He's whimsical, flighty, slightly flamboyant, and sweet...a manic pixie dream Earl. When Julianna surprises Effie with a visit, she is surprised (but not unhappy) herself. Our MCs then embark on a journey of romance and discovery.

I really enjoyed the reversal of conventional gender roles throughout. She's older, hes a young virgin, he likes heels and pretty clothes, she values work above all else, he communicates openly and honestly, she's emotionally repressed. It's a lovely, fresh take on the traditional histrom dynamics. I actually also loved the third act breakup, it was so calm, logical, and honest. Bravo Effie for breaking gender conventions and advocating for himself. Considering this is what I would consider a somewhat "cozy" romance, it packed in some great and heart-warming character development.

This was a cute, fun read, with a character premise which I enjoyed more than I expected to (I am not usually a fan of manic pixie dream girls - I'm looking at you Jess from New Girl). I'm interested to come back into this world and find out what shenanigans the boys will get up to on their next Earl's trip.

Edward "Effie" Astley is an eligible young lord. All of London knows it. In fact, women are throwing themselves at him. He mostly spends his life writing and trying to avoid his father. At least he has his yearly Earl's Trip to look forward to. Except, he sort of forgot. Again. But his friends know him well and are prepared for this eventuality.
One of the people that Effie has been corresponding with is Juliana Evans. She does not know that Effie is a man but she is about to uncover that truth.
I was really expecting this book to be more like the first, with a clear throughline with points of both heaviness and levity. This book took longer to get through as there seemed to be a lot more meandering and even plodding at points. I also didn't completely believe that the end would be an HEA because I'm not sure that their relationship grew in this book as much as Effie did as a person.

Three stars
This book comes out May 27, 2025
Follows Earl's Trip
ARC kindly provided by Kensington Books and NetGalley
Opinions are my own

Thank you to NetGalley and publishers for the opportunity to read this novel.

I really loved Earls Trip so I was excited to read the next and honestly it’s good.

Effie and Julianna were fun in the beginning but the third act break up is crazy. I just felt like it was a bit all over place and the actual trip took the back seat in this one.

I will be reading Simon’s when it comes out and I HOPE there’s more shenanigans with the boys.

Love this book and its queer rep for both MCs! It was the perfect balance of spicy, quirky, and deep. I do think Effie should have taken the money as reparations for all the shit he went through at the hands of his father. And a scene of someone standing up to Jules’ step brother was def needed

This series is such a good idea of hangover-inspired group travels. Exited for the next book in the series!

I received a free ARC via NetGalley for my honest opinion and here it is 🤗

I just didn't care enough about the MCs to finish it. There is nothing that I hated but didn't love anything about the characters or their romance. It is all very disappointing because I generally enjoy Jenny Holiday's writing. Some of her contemporaries are among my favourites, Canadian Boyfriend comes to mind. In the end, I think I will stick to her contemporaries for now.

I loved the writing style and the characters

This story was riveting and provided real life context that was beautifully written.

Cant wait to see what’s next for this author

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Jenny Holiday for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Manic Pixie Dream Earl coming out May 27, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I haven’t read the first book in the series. I thought it would be a little more whimsical and fun based on the title. It felt a lot like other books I’ve read. I’ve read a ton in this genre. I liked the story, but I was hoping for something else. I would check out other books by this author!

It took me a little bit to get into it but I must say I was drawn in by the Ted Lasso meets Bridgerton premise.

There are some really cute things in this story with the theme of found family, crossing socioeconomic divides, doing this counterculture. I thought I'd be doing a little more laughing or giggling which I felt like it was just ok and not super giggly banter. I did appreciate seeing the Earl's trip and male camraderie especially in a world where you don't see as many deep male bonds portrayed. Yay for healthy same gender relationships! I also appreciated the gender biases that are addressed as well as some surprises!

Spoiler alerts:
I thought it was cute that Effie was the inexperienced one and trying to learn his way with his friends' help!
I was like good job Effie for standing up for yourself and setting boundaries to protect your heart!
People of other genders can be good friends, good job Olive and Effie!
Jules, way to take your fate into your own hands, once you realized what you wanted!

Overall a cute read, and leaves you in a happy state - maybe that's the Ted Lasso effect :)