4.25⭐
This was wonderful! Everything you want from an HR. Freddie and Emily were such likeable characters. Above all, the best thing was that this was short and sweet. The story didn't drag on needlessly.

My only minor issue was that the author kept repeating words and phrases too often. I feel like I'm nitpicking here, but I can only read "woolgathering" a certain number of times before it becomes annoying.

It's unfortunate that when I started this, I was coming out of an HR binge. However, after properly picking this up again, I could not put it down. Highly recommend it!

I thoroughly enjoyed this light read. Both MC's were full fleshed out. I enjoyed how Freddie finally confided his secret to Emily and her reaction, or non-reaction, was perfect. These two were made for each other.

The ongoing investigation into the other brother is intriguing and makes me want to continue the series to see what happened.

I loved meeting the Dashworth brothers who were brought together due to the death of a brother at the beginning of this book. They have such a fun dynamic which became interesting as the girl next door started to help them with the care of their niece. I really enjoyed the banter and slow burn of this book. I can’t wait to read the next book for the next Dashworth brother. Thank you to Ella Matthews and NetGalley for the ARC.

The Earl's Unlikely Bride is a historical romance featuring an enemies to lovers, marriage of convenience story, which are two of my favourite tropes. That said, when I first started reading, I really struggled as the author tried to build her world--it seemed like a harder edit would have been helpful. There was a lot of repetition about how carefree and superficial the hero, Freddie was, and how socially awkward and reserved the heroine Emily was, to the point that I actually thought the novel would be a DNF. Luckily I stuck it through the tired tropes of "she loves books, therefore she is solely an introvert!" to allow Ella Matthews peel back her characters layers and show their dimensions. I know I've been sucked in when I look into the author's previous novels, and look forward to seeing her write sequels for Freddie's brothers.

4.5 stars for the rough start.

An ARC was provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review; all opinions are my own.

Lord Frederick “Freddie” Dashworth and along with his two younger brothers are called to the home of their elder brother the Duke of Glanmore, to meet with a solicitor regarding their brother Sebastian who left England years ago for America. They are shocked to learn that Sebastian is dead and that he left behind a 3-year-old daughter, Charlotte. His will states that the brothers must all live together for 2 years and raise Charlotte, an heiress, at the end of the time, the solicitor will award guardianship to one of the brothers. If the brothers refuse to follow his instructions, Charlotte will be sent to live with their aunt – the woman that raised the brothers after their parents died. As the brothers are united in their hatred for their aunt, they agree to the terms – problem is none of them know anything about raising a child. When Freddie runs into his neighbor, Miss Emily Hawkins at the modiste, he is wary about asking for help, as they have been at odds all their lives, but since he caught her in the Duke’s garden, he is not above blackmailing her to help Charlotte. He just never expected to fall so hard for the one person who is completely immune to his charm.

Emily Hawkins is the youngest of three daughters and the only unmarried one, making her the sole focus of her overbearing mother. Emily strives to be the perfect debutante, but she hasn’t “taken” and her mother is relentless in her criticism of Emily. She escapes into the duke’s garden for a respite and is found by Freddie. She has always thought Freddie was lazy and entitled, but after seeing him with his niece and getting to know him better, she realizes how wrong she was about him. But when they are caught in a compromising situation, she worries that marriage to him may cost her more than her happiness.

As usual, Ms. Matthews delivers a well-written story with wonderful characters. I loved Freddie and Emily, they both have their own insecurities to overcome, but when they work together, they are a force to be reckoned with! The book is not quite the story I thought it was going to be, but I am hooked! I can’t wait to find out the mystery surrounding their brother Sebastian’s death and seeing the remaining brothers find the women who will help them heal from the trauma of their upbringing. Highly recommended!

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher/author. All opinions in this review are my own. *

The Earl’s Unlikely Bride is a sweet and incredibly romantic novel. This enemies to lovers, slow burn story will have you engaged the whole way through and kicking your feet by the end of it! The banter between Emily and Freddie is unmatched as we get to see them explore their relationship through different stages as they go from neighbours who cannot quite get along, to something a bit more akin to friends as Emily helps them navigate the difficulties of Freddie’s brother’s unfortunate demise and the responsibilities passed on because of it. We watch the love blossom between them throughout this beautifully written historical romance which only serves to make me incredibly excited to read about all the other Dashworth brothers.

London - 1819

Freddie Dashworth is one of 5 brothers, the eldest now being Tobian Dashworth, the Duke of Glanmore. The last duke was their older brother, Sebastian, who had moved to America to pursue some businesses but was killed along with his wife in an accident. They left behind a little daughter named Charlotte. She is now staying at Glanmore with her 4 uncles all of whom are totally smitten by her but have no idea how to care for her.

Next door is Miss Emily Hawkins who is an avid reader. She loves nothing more than to slip into the beautiful gardens of Glanmore with a book, settle down and read. However, Freddie always seems to tease her when he finds her which embarrasses and irritates her. But when he asks her to help with getting some new dresses together for Charlotte, she is happy to bring some from her nieces and promises to alter them for her. It’s amazing how Charlotte latches onto Emily and the duke invites her to come over anytime and enjoy their family’s massive library. With Emily at his home, Freddie finds himself falling for her but her mother seems to think the duke himself is perfect for her.

Tobias decides that Freddie should receive the title of Earl of Blackmore that had belonged to his brother Sebastian. But it is an incident shortly after that which occurs and seals the fate of Freddie and Emily.

This is a delightful book with well-written characters. I loved Freddie and his secret inability that he hides well. But he is otherwise very talented. Emily is a beautiful woman inside and out and she and Freddie make a wonderful couple. I’m so happy to find a new historical romance author and I look forward to reading more books by her. Enjoy!

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

She is most unlikely, indeed.

I really liked this book. It quite took me by surprise, as I usually do not like enemies to lovers, especially with a frivolous male lead. Freddie is the middle brother, who jokes and is frivolous. He doesn't know who he is, for which he puts the blame on his aunt who belittled him. Freddie isn't close to his four remaining brothers, but for two years, he has to live with them, as they just became guardians to their young niece.

Emily is smart, loves to read and is the good girl who has an overbearing mother. Freddie hated Emily at first sight since she was five and he was seven. She gets awkward around him and feels inferior so avoids him at all costs.

Freddie is that boy in school who pulls her pigtails to get Emily's attention. He knows he should avoid her but his body cannot leave her alone, so he does torment her mercilessly. Its only when he is introduced to his niece does he get the first clue he should do better.
Recommend.

It's said that opposites attract and while this is true, it's also true that within that difference is a commonality that most people miss. This author hasn't missed it, as both Freddie and Emily have a hidden commonality even though their behavior of it is opposite. We get a wonderful opportunity to see two young people who seemingly have never gotten along, see each other in a more positive manner due to circumstances beyond their normal control. A fantastic story, with some historical values but more character depth giving a bit of a twist to the general historical romance books we may normally lean towards.

Loooove this book. It's heartbreaking and heartwarming all in the same breath. A story of two people who hide behind their own masks and find someone who sees through it all.

A wonderful opposites-attract, enemies-to-lovers historical romance, The Earl’s Unlikely Bride follows antagonistic neighbors Emily and Freddie, a pair that always seems at odds. A bluestocking who prefers to hide in a crowd, Emily believes she has nothing in common with the charming and roguish Freddie. He is a man who drives her to distraction with his teasing and taunting, but though it seems like they share a mutual dislike of each other, much more bubbles beneath the surface.

Emily and Freddie have such a fantastic love story, and I enjoyed watching them break down each other’s walls. They have great banter, and their progression from enemies to romantic interests was positively swoon-worthy. I love that Freddie fell first and that everyone else seemed to know how the couple felt about each other long before they themselves did.

Some of the other relationships in the story were also interesting to read about. Freddie and his brothers, who have never been close, are adjusting to caring for their young niece, and their relationships are evolving. I liked seeing these men who were always pulled apart reconnecting and forging strong sibling bonds as adults. Emily’s relationship with her mother is also one that stood out, but not for positive reasons. Her mother puts so much pressure on her, and the barrage of criticisms she continually hurls at Emily made me hate her. Emily is so lovely and intelligent, and to see her berated by someone who should be lifting her up was heartbreaking. I like that Emily slowly started standing up for herself and how Freddie supported her and gave her the confidence to speak her truth.

I thought this was a great start to The Dashworth Brothers series, and after meeting Freddie’s endearing siblings (and niece!), I can’t wait to read each of their stories!

The Earl’s Unlikely Bride by Ella Matthews

I received an advance review copy for free thanks to Rachel's Random Resources and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Blurb

One summer to make her his…

After four failed seasons, Emily Hawkins is tired of following the rules. Aside from crossing swords with her lifelong enemy, Freddie Dashworth, she is an exemplary member of Society. But after all this time, she’s yet to find a husband and life with her over-bearing mother is becoming intolerable.

Freddie returns to his childhood home to help look after his orphaned niece. His neighbour, Emily, has been his nemesis for years. The infuriating miss is the only woman immune to his charms and there’s nothing he enjoys more than her disapproving glares. It’s a shame he can’t stop thinking about her, because she clearly despises him.

One minor indiscretion later and everything in Emily’s ordered world changes. The one person on her side appears to be Freddie but can she trust her former antagonist? And what will happen to her when she does?

My Opinion

The Earl’s Unlikely Bride is a sweet read. Ella Matthews has created some lovely characters and has written a delightful, slow-burn romance. I am not usually a fan of historical fiction, but with delights like The Earl’s Unlikely Bride is it difficult to see why. I cannot wait to see what Ella does next with this series.

Rating 4/5

How I love this book!!! THE DRAMA!!!!! Every single thing was perfect. It also had me bawling my eyes out. I love the development of both characters. I hope it will be published in paperback because I need this on my bookshelf. I cannot wait to read about the other brothers

Thank you to Netgalley and Ella Matthew’s for the ebook ARK of the book.

I don’t think I’ve ever fallen in love with two characters more than I have with Emily and Freddie. There chemistry was just so extraordinary and the way they speak about each other has my heart exploding 🥹 I can’t wait for the next book in the series and am excited to read the rest of the brothers books when they release! Also this book is an open door romance and has spice.

This book has promise, but the pace is too slow for me, and there are too many historical inaccuracies. DNF ~12%.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

Two amazing protagonists with self worth issues and one little neice, makes this such a delightful book to read. Freddie and Emily are at each other's throat, but really everybody but them know that they make the perfect pair. When forced to marry after a compromising situation, they start to peel layers of their characters and find a deep abiding love and compatibility. And boy do they support and prop each other so well.

This is my first book by the author and I cannot wait to read the other Fashworth brothers stories.
Well written, good dialogue, good plotline and just engaging overall.

#TheEarlsUnlikelyBride #NetGalley

4.5/5 rounded to 5/5

I had never read any of this author's work before but I ATE this book up in one day. Something about it really scratched that regency era romance itch for me. The writing was way better than many regency era romance books and I will definitely be on the lookout for the next books in this series!

My one wish is that the book had been a little longer with maybe some more developed scenes/interactions with some of the side characters. Thank you to NetGalley for providing this as an arc!

We have an enemies to lawfully wed couple! We have Freddie aka Lord Frederick Dashworth aka Earl of Blackmore! Freddie inherited the title along with his niece Charlotte after his brother Sebastian early demise! Sebastian passed under somewhat suspicious circumstances! I am sure the other brothers stories will definitely show those developments!
We have witty banter between Freddie and one Miss Emily Hawkins beautiful, kind and intelligent with a shrew of a mother! Her mother makes you want to lock her in a closet and loose the key!
When Freddie and Emily just start to lay aside their differences they are compromised! Mrs Hawkins screeching could be heard halfway to Scotland! Freddie is secretly thrilled but neither wants to trap the other!
While they figure out their relationship Mrs Hawkins let ugly rumors swell in the Ton! Freddie became MY hero when he put that shrew in her place! There is lots of love and laughter as they find their way and keep to the will involving Charlotte Freddie’s niece!
You won’t put this one down! I stayed up way past my bedtime! Can’t wait for the next brother to fall head over heels! Bravo well done!

Just finished and I couldn't wait to share!
A great pick for Historical Romance fans and a wonderful release from this talented author.

I ADORED both Freddie and Emily, through and through! They both had challenges (she, an overbearing mother that never saw her...he, an aunt that deserved solitude, as well as an unspoken one he struggled with on his own), but they came together (in a SPECTACULAR way!) to become the family they each always needed, the couple they didn't expect (because others saw it, just... not... them), and a beautiful example of love trumping all. Their connection felt genuine, their love fantastic, their time with the little girl was priceless (she's precious!), and the moments these two shared, whether snarking at one another or clashing in a more physical sense 😉, are not to be forgotten.

❤️ Can't wait for readers to get their hands on this one next week because trust me you won't want to miss it! I can't wait for the next one and am clearing a spot on my TBR to await its arrival! 🙌

Authors who write for Mills & Boon/Harlequin Historical know how to do the job no matter where they're publishing. Thank you to Ella Matthews and NetGalley for the ARC.

Frederick Dashworth and his brothers have never been close. But after his second-oldest brother dies, leaving behind a 3-year-old niece and a clause in his will that the remaining three brothers must live in their family's London home for two years as her guardians, they have no choice but to get along. Luckily, they are all smitten with their niece, Charlotte, and would do anything for her. Their neighbor, Emily Hawkins, has had a contentious relationship with Freddie since they were small children. They constantly pick at each other, and studious Emily is convinced Freddie is nothing but an unserious dilettante. That begins to change, however, as Emily watches Freddie with little Lotte and gets a chance to see behind his mask. Emily has to get married this year. She cannot spend another season under her abusive mother's thumb. But she and Freddie are too different to make it work, so she must look elsewhere—even though these two can't stay away from each other.

Ella Matthews knows how to write a book. She deployed one of my favorite tropes of all time in this novel and deployed it well. I am feral for “Man Becomes Guardian to Child He is Ill-Equipped to Raise,” and then Ella went ahead and raised the stakes by giving us four men, including a taciturn duke. Sign me up. These men are all tripping over themselves to be the best they can be for Charlotte—but don’t worry, romance readers who don’t love children in books. Lotte is mostly there to get Emily and Freddie alone.

I read this book in one sitting, and I think that’s because Ella Matthews built rich internal worlds for these characters. Freddie has dyslexia and has spent much of his life believing he is dumb, despite his other gifts. He has learned how to mask so well that no one knows what’s wrong. Emily has spent her life being belittled by her mother because she wasn’t the son her parents desperately longed for after two daughters. Both characters have fairly large self-esteem issues and spend this book believing the worst of themselves. This gave Ella Matthews a lot to work with in terms of the internal conflict in their relationship.

There is very little I love in this world more than a hero who shows the heroine on every page that he is obsessed with her. Freddie is so clearly gone for Emily from page one. His brothers know, the general public knows, the reader knows. The only people who don’t know are Emily and Freddie. This is some serious He Falls First stuff.

I loved this book. It was truly a mix of all the things I enjoy in historical romance. 5 stars.