I really enjoyed this!! I hope we see even more historical romance published once the new season of Bridgerton comes out. Not that many people are reading historical romance anymore book but this book is so fresh and fun.

Edward Astley, Viscount Featherfinch, known as Effie to his friends, is madly in love with Julianna Evans. Unfortunately, there are a few issues: she's 38 to his 28 (a big deal in the 19th century), she's a commoner and he's an aristocrat, they've never met and only corresponded by letter, and Julianna thinks Effie is a woman.

I absolutely loved Manic Pixie Dream Earl. It's even better than the first book in the series. The romance is really lovely, and Effie and Julianna are both wonderful characters. They both grow a lot over the course of the story, and how they get to their happy ending is really well done. Although it's hard to put labels on characters that wouldn't have used those labels in their time, both Julianna and Effie are bi and Effie is demisexual (he only feels attraction to people he knows well and cares about (hence his love for Julianna, with who he's had a soul-baring correspondence). They're both people who don't fit into the boxes society puts them in. Julianna works for a living, running a women's magazine, and Effie is a gentle soul who loves beauty and is not at all his father's idea of a proper heir to an earldom.

Something I really enjoyed about this book is Effie's close bond with his two friends, Archie and Simon. Their bond and their understanding are really lovely, and they help Simon navigate through his burgeoning romance with Julianna and his long suppressed childhood memories. Every year, they take a trip together, and even when Julianna inadvertently crashes their trip to Brighton, they welcome her because they see how important she is to Effie.

I listened to the audiobook, and Harry Frost is a terrific narrator. He does an excellent job with Julianna's voice, which I really appreciated as I often feel that male narrators make female characters' voices too high. Frost's voice has the perfect cadence and it's really nice to listen to.

For those of you who didn't know (or had forgotten) Ann Landers was the name of an advice columnist back in the day, and apparently her real name was "Eppie" which I suspect is not a coincidence. When "Mrs. Landers" was first mentioned I laughed.

This title is so very accurate, and everything was handled so well, I was amazed. The characters deserve good things but still have to make growth to get those good things, and I'm so interested in the cast that not only am I looking forward to the next book, but I am getting around to reading book one (which I have been meaning to read since it came out.) If you like tropes turned on their heads, you will adore this book.

I was so happy to receive an ARC of Manic Pixie Dream Earl in audiobook form. The narrator, Harry Frost, did a fantastic job, and this book was delightful. I am a huge Jenny Holiday fan, have read all of her recent works, and have been waiting months to read (or listen to) this book. Effie, Simon, and Archie are back on the road for their latest earl’s trip, and this year they are headed to Brighton to view the Crystal Palace. Like last year, their trip is interrupted most pleasantly by a female visitor who is also Effie’s longtime correspondent and love interest. I greatly enjoyed getting an update on the lives of all three male main characters as well as Effie’s love story.

I have truly loved this series so far. Earl’s Trip, the first book in the series, is charming and full of quirky and charming characters. The books in the series are some of the best Historical Romances I’ve read this year. This year’s trip is full of adventures such as sea bathing, visiting the interior of the Crystal Palace under disguise, getting to know Effie’s love, fishing, and horseback riding. Their time in Brighton was just as magical as their trip to Cumbria the year prior.

The author, Jenny Holiday, builds up tension as the characters all head to Brighton early in the novel, including Effie’s correspondent and love interest Juliana, who is determined to try to meet Effie. Juliana and Effie have been corresponding for years. They meet by happenstance in Brighton and recognize each other without saying a word, which is remarkable since Juliana was under the impression that Effie is a woman. The group proceeds to spend a lovely week together, and they invite Juliana to stay with them under the guise of being Effie’s sister. The other earls enjoy getting to know Juliana, and both Juliana and Effie are smitten. I loved how kind and respectful the earls all were to Juliana, and how protective they were of Effie. Their relationship grows deeper and more intimate, even while both Effie and Juliana know they have no future together when they return to their real lives in London.

As in Earl’s Trip, I found the friendship between the earls to be wonderful. They have heartfelt, serious conversations about personal issues they’re grappling with. Everyone would be lucky to have a supportive group of friends like these who choose to spend two weeks together each year on a getaway from real life. This book is also full of humor, from the chapter titles, to the banter between the characters, to the comical situations they end up in. Ms. Holiday writes the chemistry and yearning between the main characters so well. The reader is captivated by the connection between Effie and Juliana and desperately hopes they will find their happy ending.

After they return to London, Effie commits to soul searching and making a concrete plan for his future. Through dreams, and discussions with others, the path ahead becomes clear, and he and Juliana both realize what their true priorities in life are. It takes them a while to get there, but all ends well as the book concludes. The personal growth both Effie and Juliana experience in this novel is just as interesting and fulfilling as their love story. I can’t wait to read Simon’s book! I’m hoping that Miss Brown plays an important role too in the next Earl’s Trip novel.

Thank you to Jenny Holiday, Kensington Books, Tantor Media, Harry Frost and NetGalley for an advance copy of this audio book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I am sorry to say I did not like Harry Frost as a narrator. To me he sounded almost comical, like he was doing a parody of English aristocrats instead of portraying the complex characters they are. The narration made it hard to take the characters seriously and unfortunately easy to tune out. Thank you for the opportunity!

HAPPY PUB DAY <3
I loved the story between Julianna and Ephie. The Earl's trip this year ends up connecting these two characters and the story follows their story and complexities. I really liked the characters in this story, their growth and journey and LGBTQ representation. This is such a fun series that Jenny has written and although I can't speak to how authentic this may be to the time period, it did feel like it was (or at least how it is shown in moves:)) Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced listener copy. I loved the narrator and how each character was portrayed!!

This one caught my eye on title alone and it did not disappoint! A delightful and surprisingly meaningful listen set in Regency era England. Manic Pixie Dream Earl is an obvious play on the term Manic Pixie Dream Girl but with a fun gender swap. The whimsical, lighthearted, desired by many main character here is not the woman but an aristocratic man. An Earl.

This story starts out with a fun Earls Trip, showing us the sweetest kind of nontoxic male friendships that you can only hope actually existed for any men at any point in history ever lol, and then from there, some very well written themes of mistaken identify, gender inequality (obv), societal expectations for both men and women and how two people could possibly try to make it work when they’re fitting in to zero acceptable boxes for the era but love each other so thoroughly. The MFC runs her own magazine and the Earl is one of her writers who submits monthly poetry, and an advice column that he runs as a sage, old woman. There are declarations of love via gifted printing press and accidental ones via unhinged pet parrot. It’s super fun and the main characters are so well rounded and complex. It’s out today and I definitely recommend!

Oh! And the narration on this one is 10/10, so well done and fun to listen to!

4.5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

Manic Pixie Dream Earl is a charmingly offbeat historical romance that blends modern themes with a Regency setting. Jenny Holiday delivers a witty, emotionally intelligent story about two people from very different worlds — Edward "Effie" Astley, Viscount Featherfinch, the poetic and unexpectedly sheltered heir to an earldom, and Julianna Evans, a working-class magazine editor who has unknowingly been corresponding with him for years under the belief that he is a woman named Euphemia.

While their correspondence lays the groundwork for their connection, the heart of the story unfolds in Brighton, where the mistaken identity is revealed. The age gap (Effie is ten years younger) and the perceived stark social divide add real tension, giving weight to their growing relationship.

Effie is a virgin hero — earnest, gentle, and completely smitten — and his bond with his two fellow earls is a highlight, full of warmth, humour, and easy acceptance. Queer representation is handled with care: Julianna is bisexual, and Effie is likely demisexual and bi or pan. Their identities are never questioned — only supported.

Harry Frost’s narration is excellent, with a refined English accent that complements the wit and tone of the story. The comedic elements — including a scene-stealing parrot — are pitch-perfect. A final quiet note on choosing a childfree future brings their journey full circle. Some plot elements stretch plausibility, but this is an enjoyable, thoughtful, and quietly subversive romance that is a satisfying listen. A modern story in historical dress.

Thanks to NetGalley and Tantor Audio for the ALC. This is my honest opinion.

Readers, trust the title, this is an aptly named book!

An enjoyable, character focused, historical romance about Effie, the heir to an earldom who is deeply in love with Julianna, a magazine editor who Will Never Marry. I jumped in not having read the first book in the series and that did not at all detract from my enjoyment. 

Manic Pixie Dream Earl was equal parts delightful and bittersweet. I enjoyed that everything felt period accurate but with contemporary sensibilities, including a very hilarious moment where Effie wonders whether a map to the clitoris might not be needed. I died. While not a high heat book, this bit really gives a sense of the overall tone, which I appreciated and enjoyed. 

However MPDE is also very much for readers who love a character focused story, and I found it overall a bit meandery.  

The audiobook is narrated by Henry Frost, and he did a great job of giving distinct voices to all of the characters, including the very silly macaw Leander.

I listened to the Audio version of this book. This is a single Narrator book, although I do feel like the Narrator had a good Range of voices that you could differentiate the characters throughout. I was hoping for humor and a good Laugh, but I am not sure it hit that mark for me. Was the story line interesting yes. I did not giggle and kick my feet like I can with others. I think the pace was good, and felt it worked well with the story line. I think maybe this would be a good immersive read or maybe just a Read.

Bravo to the Narrator and to the Author for bringing to life the Book.

I was absolutely elated to get approved for this audiobook. I wish that excitement continued throughout my listen, but I cannot tell a lie.

Although this book had promise and I was getting into it in the beginning, it fell flat for me when I got deeper and deeper. Maybe it’s me, but it was truly boring. A regency era novel is usually a bore for me and the films are my favorite.

The narrator, Harry Frost, was lovely as usual. I’ve heard him narrate more than a few audios.

The one saving grace was that Effie and Julianna were a sweet couple. And that was beautiful to witness.

Thank you for the ALC!

Genuinely one of the sweetest romance stories I’ve read, yeah it’s far from perfect but I loved the characters and I thought their love story was one of the most genuine ones I’ve come across in recent years.

I am such a fan of this series so far and love the friendship between Earls and their circle, I hope it broadens out to not just be the Earl's stories but more

I enjoyed this, it was a fun read. I really enjoyed the narrator I thought his voice was very charming and really added to the story. The story was engaging and the romance was fun but I wish I had more of the getting to know each other. We learn early on they have been corresponding via letters/poems as Effie is a secret poet and Julianna is an editor but something is not as it seems. Effie is a man and due to their correspondence Julianna thinks Effie is a woman and so the story begins. We get to watch them puzzle through their identities as well as their class struggles. I really enjoyed the representation with both of our main characters being bisexual. I was not expecting steam but we got it. I highly recommend picking this one up or listening to the audiobook!

A cute follow up story to Earl’s Trip - pen pals with a confused gendering due to a name (he goes by Effie), leads to a close friendship and many secrets shared that would not otherwise have been spilled in these regency times… between a viscount and commoner.

Juliana is an unwed 38 year old. Effie (Andrew) is heir to an earldom he doesn’t want, and also confused about the feelings he has towards his pen pal and editor of the magazine he contributes stories and “Dear Anne Landers” letter replies to. He has been feeling feelings towards both genders, but not sure he actually feels them. Juliana has had a couple liaisons in her past, a woman and a man, but has no plans to ever wed - especially at her age. She is happy with running her father’s newspaper (magazine), for ladies… his legacy he left to her - but under her step-brother’s thumb, and living with her younger sister’s family.

When our pair finally meets, they are a unique match made in heaven - demi, bisexual, though of course being a regency romance, the terms aren’t exactly used. They are both unusual but so perfectly suited, and after such a great pen pal relationship, they both know, but don’t know, each other. They enjoy an excellent escape during the earl’s trip until it’s time to part for real life again.

A really sweet story and I enjoyed the extension from the first book. Can’t wait for Simon, next!

Narrator Harry Frost does a great job - he also did book one.

I received an early listen copy from NetGalley and Tantor Audio, and this is my honest opinion.

Another really great (and fun) Earls Trip Regency romance that sees bluestocking Julianna Evans, an editor and her advice columnist/poet who she knows as Euphemia but who is actually Edward Astley, the virgin Viscount Featherfinch who has also been her correspondent and friend for years.

When Julianna tracks Ephie down on his annual trip with his friends the two finally get a chance to meet in real life. I loved how the author writes queer characters so beautifully and realistically (he's demisexual and she's bisexual) as well as two characters who want to defy societal conventions (ie marriage and children).

Jenny Holiday puts a new spin on classic tropes with this dual POV, reverse age gap, virgin hero, mistaken identity love story and I was here for it! Excellent on audio with the BEST found family and bromance vibes and highly recommended for fans of authors like Joanna Lowell, Cat Sebastian or Alexis Hall.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and audio copy in exchange for my honest review! I can't wait to see what happens in the next book of the series!!

Title: Manic Pixie Dream Girl
Author: Jenny Holiday
Rating: ★★★★★ 5/5
Format: ALC via NetGalley
Narrator: Harry Frost – once I adjusted to the accent, I loved his performance!

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and author for this advanced listeners copy in exchange for my honest review.

Manic Pixie Dream Earl was my first regency romance—and now I get it. I’m fully converted.

I didn’t read the first book in the series (Earl’s Trip), so it took me a little while to get my bearings—maybe 30 minutes to figure out who was who and how the voices fit together—but once I did, I was all in. From the second chapter on, I was totally hooked.

Effie and Julianna are an absolute delight. Effie has golden retriever energy in the best way: he’s excitable, warm, and full of color. Jules is more reserved, composed, and emotionally buttoned-up, making her a perfect foil. The dynamic feels like a fresh take on grumpy/sunshine—more like guarded/sunburst—and I was shipping them by chapter two.

There’s pansexual rep across the board, and Holiday does a great job of including queer characters without it being a “queer romance”. And Archie and Simon! Oh! These soft, sensitive male friends aren’t sidelined or stereotyped and truly care for Effie, and Jules since Effie cares so much for her. I also really loved the “fake marriage” trope and, of course, the pillow fight that made me giggle. They’re so cute. Oh, and she’s older! And if you’re into the “he falls first” trope? This one nails it. I’m surprised that Holiday managed to fit so many cute tropes into the book without making it feel forced; it just felt fun.

The regency setting is classic, but the story itself feels modern and emotionally relevant. Jenny Holiday balances historical charm with today’s emotional intelligence in a way that just works.

Audiobook Notes:
Narrator Harry Frost is fantastic—there was an initial adjustment period with his accent and tone (since I’m American). This might be the case for you too, especially if you’re new to regency, but his performance adds so charm once you adjust.

Final Thoughts:
This was such a fun, flirty, and full-hearted read that I immediately bought the audiobook of Earl’s Trip after finishing. Fingers crossed Simon gets his own book next—he deserves it.

I really enjoyed this author’s contemporary romance novels so I thought I’d give this one a go. It wasn’t bad per se, but it was quite boring.

I enjoyed the acceptance and camaraderie between the Earls. The had a truly special friendship. However, I felt like the Juliana character fell a bit flat for me. At times she felt more like a feminist stereotype than a fully flushed out character.

The chaos continues with this year’s earls trip. Best guy friends Effie, Simon, and Archie are on their way to the annual holiday and Effie is all sorts of flagellating because he’ll be gone for two weeks and might miss his letters from his penpal/magazine editor Julianna. Meanwhile, she’s at a loss for work with a printing delay and decides she’ll crash her penpal friend Effie’s vacation. Except that she thinks that Effie is a woman, and not a viscount and heir to an earl that he really is. They do actually finally meet in the seaside town of Brighton and they get along as fabulously in person as they do in writing. But see, Julianna is the closed-off no-nonsense person in the relationship, and it sets up our soft-hearted Effie for heartbreak. Loved seeing the demisexual representation from Effie, the strong support from his friends, and the bisexual representation from Julianna. As chaotic as Effie seemed to be with his interests, the emotional depth will make you feel all the feels.

Not my favorite Jenny Holiday book.
As with the first book in the series, if you want the book to be historically accurate, skip this book. If you want a whimsical, fun, entertaining story set in the 1800’s, then this book is for you. So many things I love about this book. My biggest love is for the open minds that all the characters have and it is astonishingly amazing. I wish people back then were more like these characters, I wish more people now were this open minded and accepting. It is refreshing to read that. The magazine and printing press bits were interesting. So why did I only rate it three stars? -Well the dead dads giving messages through dreams, in my opinion, took away from the story. -The miscommunication and then the doll analogy drove me crazy. -Even though I totally agree Effie had to put his foot down on the relationship, I just wanted it to come sooner and wasn’t a fan of how he worded it. -I didn’t like that Effie was the one who went back, and forgave so easily. -I was so confused with the switching places with his brother and being an earl in name only; it just wasn’t flushed out properly. -I don’t know if it’s just me, but 38 year olds can have babies. Was it ideal to do that back then, no, but possible, yes.
Overall I loved reading Effie’s story, and I look forward to the next earl to meet his match.