This is one of those books where I feel like I'm under-rating because everything was good but I just feel like the emotional component was lacking a bit. Still, I had a good time with this and zipped right through in one day.

Not feeling like doing a typical review, so here are some bullet points of what I liked about <i>Enchanting the Earl</i>.
- The heroine is three years older than her love interest.
- The hero is an amputee; his leg was amputated during the war.
- Related, the hero has PTSD, though obvs they do not know what that is.
- His emotional journey is basically learning to have better mental health and not repress things.
- The non-romance part of the plot features <spoiler>a woman who murdered her abusive husband getting away with her crime</i>.
- At the end, when it looks like serious melodrama is about to happen, it doesn't, and people communicate instead.

What was missing, then? Well, there's that magical feeling of connection when I am super invested in the romance and I can barely remember the world outside the book, and I didn't have that. I like the ship, but I wasn't all aflail. Also, the secondary characters are pretty flat. I could maybe tell you one fact about each one, but that would be a stretch even.

It was good enough that I'm going to try the next book in the series, because I am intrigued by the fact that the novels/novellas for this series include f/f and m/m, which you don't see too often.

I love a book with flawed protagonists. My heart broke for Theo with all that he suffered but I was so excited he was matched with a spirited woman like Annabel. Although her life was full of people who left and failed her, she was always the optimist with a determined spirit. Annabel easily won over Theo's family and was the perfect one to break through the fortress around Theo's heart.

Loved this book and can't wait for more in this series!

So Lily Maxton is a new to me author and I was pleasantly surprised. Her writing is beautiful and the story was excellent. I loved the MC's and loved their story of hope and healing. I will definitely be reading more of this author.

What a beautiful story! From the title, I had no idea that this historical romance novel would be so complex, deep, and emotionally compelling. Theo Townsend is one of the best wounded heroes I’ve ever read. The PTSD he suffers from, as a result of his physical and mental wounds from serving as a soldier in the war, is 100% believable and relatable today. It was presented in such a heartfelt way that I was enthralled and filled with empathy. I love that the author gave us a back story/wound for the hero that I’ve never seen in a historical romance novel, and a heroine who not only deserved this wonderful but tortured man, but was up to helping him heal.

Annabel Lockhart is a great heroine: strong and an independent thinker, willing to risk her heart and her dignity to go after what she wants. She’s also wounded, in a different way than Theo. She grew and changed a bit in the story, although not as profoundly as Theo and with far less angst. I found it a bit unbelievable that despite being a virgin, she became so sexually adventurous and so skilled at it so quickly, but it made for a fun read. The love scenes are sexy and spicy. The supporting characters are intriguing and I look forward to their stories in future books in this series.

I love that even though I knew there’d be a HEA ending, the story wasn’t ever predictable, with plot twists taking us in many unexpected directions. I enjoyed the descriptions of the Scottish Highlands, but wished there’d been more. The writing style is elegant, the dialogue always believable, and the story so lovely that I’d like to go back and reread the entire novel again. I’m grateful to Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this novel, and for introducing me to a new favorite author.

n my humble opinion, few genres offer the kind of escape from reality like historical fiction does. Nothing beats a good bodice ripper when you want to just get a away from it all. Dashing men, quick-witted, independent women, some intrigue and danger...Yep, I'm flying through that kind of story.

Enchanting the Earl is a great example of historical romance. Annabelle Lockett is used to living her life in the remote Llynmore Castle free from society's judging eyes. The medieval castle offers places to explore and discover. In a time where women weren't given the freedom to find themselves, Annabelle's spirit is given the chance to fly free. That is, until Lord Arden arrives at the castle to take over the earldom he just inherited. Lord Arden isn't what you would expect of someone titled. He isn't pompous or entitled. He's unsure of himself and doesn't want anyone to get too close as they may be able to see the very tenuous grasp he has on himself and his emotions. His newly inherited earldom is exactly the kind of solitude he craves. Imagine his surprise when he meets Annabelle and finds someone who loves the castle and its lands as much as he is growing to. With an attraction that cannot be avoided and life-changing decisions looming, will Annabelle and Lord Arden find the only thing that no castle can provide?

A quick enjoyable historical romance that doesn't disappoint, Enchanting the Earl is a great example.

Theo Townsend has returned from war a broken man. He’s happy to find out that he’s inherited a secluded castle in the wilds of Scotland. He loves the idea of being far away from people while being able to provide a home for his siblings. When they arrive, they find Annabel Lockhart, who’s been living there with her aunt. Now Theo must figure out how to get rid of her as quick as possible.
This was a pretty straight-forward story. I liked both main characters immensely. I liked the way the author explored PTSD in a time period where it would’ve been unheard of. I also liked the supporting characters in the book and look forward to reading about each of them. I recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

Theo was wounded in the war and seeks sanctuary in the secluded castle he inherited. When he arrives, he learns Annabel has already taken up residence there. He can't throw her out and she won't leave quietly. Is it possible there could be more than mutual dislike between them?

I really enjoyed this story. Theo isn't your typical hero even for historical romance and it was nice to see the diversity that comes with an injured hero. Annabel is so spunky! Her antics to get Theo to leave were funny at times and it was interesting to see how far she would go. I really liked being able to see the relationship between these two grow and change. I'd highly recommend to any historical and/or romance lovers out there.

I LOVED this story! We have Annabel who is a little broken inside because of how her family has treated her, able to see the beyond the exterior that Theo shows the rest of the world. She is able to see the hurt that he carries from the war and is able to get him to release some of the burden of it.

I just loved the emotional connection that Annabel and Theo had and thought that Maxton did a superb job with this story!

I can't wait to read more about the Townsend siblings!

There is an historical romance that I love immensely, one of my favourite, and I read and read again all the time, and every time I do it, I adore it more. And this is a Lily Maxton's novel, The Improper Bride.

And so I waited, and waited, for another story from the author and now, habemus librum.



The story is great! I loved it. The author is obviously talented, her characters are remarkable, so well portrayed, and their personalities are even better.

Maxton is certainly very capable when it comes to create wrenching emotions and complicated relationships, with tortured heroes and their deeply moving feelings.



The protagonists, Theo and Annabel, are perfection together and their relationship gives both characters a another light, their strength is as a couple.

Involuntarily however I found myself comparing this novel to The Improper Bride and, although I undoubtedly liked this novel, I did not love the heroine here as much as the heroine in the previous one. It is obviously personal taste, indeed I could not find any objective fault in her personality and neither in her presentation.

There is also another aspect that I would have preferred more deepened, and this is Theo's post traumatic issues; they are the main reason why he keeps Annabel distant, and I personally think that, considering their gravity, a more developed analysis of how he manages to tackle them and keep them at bay might have been better.

This said, I cannot find a real lack in anything and overall also these few aspects did not undermine the story, which, again I found great.

You should really read this novel and everything else you can find by Lily Maxton, whose novel are certainly among those I crave to read.


The other characters, mainly the hero's siblings, are charming as well, and I am looking very much forward to their stories, and more Theo and Annabel.

Lily Maxton gets her new series The Townsends off to a great start with the first book, Enchanting the Earl, a sweetly sensual character-driven romance set in a remote castle in the Scottish Highlands in 1812. It’s a short but charming enemies-to-lovers story in which the author skilfully balances the angst of the damaged hero with gentle humour and loving, familial relationships and brings a real depth to the characterisation of the principals and secondary cast.

A former soldier, Theo Townsend never expected to inherit an earldom or an ancestral pile in Scotland. Returned from fighting on the Peninsula damaged both mentally and physically, the newly minted Earl of Arden decides that the remoteness of Llynmore Castle will suit him admirably, affording him the opportunity to live in quiet solitude for the foreseeable future. To his annoyance however, his brother and sisters have other ideas, and insist on accompanying him to see their new home which, Theo reflects, is at least big enough for him to be able to keep to himself and out of their way.

On arrival, Theo is further annoyed to discover that the castle is not, as he’d been led to believe, uninhabited. In the courtyard, a striking but dishevelled young woman who is attempting to rescue a cat from a tree, introduces herself as Annabel Lockhart, and informs them that she resides there with her aunt, the widow of the previous earl’s brother.

Theo makes it immediately clear that he expects the ladies to leave, and says that he will have his solicitor find them somewhere else to live at the earliest opportunity. Annabel is furious at his arrogant high-handedness and dismayed at the prospect of having to leave the only real home and family she has ever known. Orphaned as a child, she had been passed from relative to relative, most of whom took little notice of her and put her to work until one day she decided to seek out the scandalous aunt she had heard of over the years. Travelling to Llynmore Castle, Annabel expected another rejection – but it never came. Her aunt accepted her just as she was and the two of them have lived there contentedly ever since.

The sudden appearance of Theo and his family is a problem for more reasons than one, however. Not long before the Townsends show up, Annabel’s sister, Fiona arrived unexpectedly with her four-year-old daughter, having run away from her abusive husband. Annabel daren’t let anyone know her sister is there, and with four complete strangers in the castle, it’s imperative Fiona and Mary stay well hidden. Annabel doesn’t think it will be too difficult to get rid of the earl and his family, but has to change her mind quite soon when it becomes clear that Theo has no intention of leaving, and her various strategems (some quite funny and others downright silly) fail to work.

Theo and Annabel strike sparks off each other from the get-go, even though they dislike each other intensely. She thinks he’s arrogant (but handsome); he thinks she’s a hoyden who will be a bad influence on his sisters, and yet can’t fail to admire – and perhaps even envy – her zest for life and her outgoing, fearless nature.

As the days pass, Annabel begins to realise that Theo is not quite as cold and arrogant as she had thought. She has already noticed that he’s an attractive man and has been annoyed at herself for feeling a strong, visceral pull towards him; but as they begin to unbend a little towards one another it’s clear to them both that they are in the grip of a strong mutual attraction. The author does a fabulous job of building the romantic tension between Annabel and Theo; their first kiss is electrifying and the longing they feel for each other is palpable.

Annabel is easy to warm to, a generous free spirit who has at last found somewhere she feels loved and valued. I loved how honest she was with Theo and that she was prepared to give him her trust – something that doesn’t come easily to her – and ask for his help when she needs it. And Theo doesn’t disappoint, showing the honourable, loving man that lies beneath the scars and the gruff exterior. But even though he has fallen hard for Annabel, he is guarded and closed off, fearful of allowing anyone to get close to him because he knows he’s broken; he’s not always certain of his sanity and is terrified of infecting those closest to him with the ugliness of his memories. His siblings adore him, and realise he’s trying to push them away, but they don’t know how to reach or help him.

Theo lost a leg and much of himself during the war, and while he copes well physically, mentally he’s a mess. Ms. Maxton details his PTSD with insight and understanding; his nightmares, his almost crippling reaction to loud noises or to things that trigger bad memories, and his belief that he has nothing to offer and is not worthy of love. And because she understands that particular insecurity all too well, Annabel knows that the only person who can convince Theo to accept the love she offers him is himself.

Enchanting the Earl is a beautifully written love story between two people who haven’t had it easy. Annabel has been able to (mostly) overcome her insecurities thanks to the love and acceptance she found with her aunt whereas Theo has yet to allow himself those things and to realise that he does deserve healing and happiness. The fact that Annabel is wise enough to see that he has to want to get better is key, and I applaud Ms. Maxton for showing that. It’s so easy, in these types of stories, to have the damaged character redeemed by love, but it doesn’t necessarily work that way, and in any case, I never feel as though as change for someone else is going to be a permanent one. Change always has to come from within.

The secondary plotline concerning Annabel’s sister is well-executed and, sadly, quite believable, and while Theo’s brothers and sisters only play supporting roles, they are likeable and the familial relationships are very well written. Enchanting the Earl is highly recommended and I’ll definitely be looking out for the other books in the series.

I loved this story. There's elements of classical Regency romance though the conflict is a bit lighter than usual. I'd have liked a bit more drama about Fiona and Mary tossed in or even something with the other siblings to feed more into the idea of a series. But the scars Theo carries are so very real and Annabel is a wondrous heroine for the most part.

A wonderful historical romance from Lily Maxton that I really enjoyed reading!It has a really great story with wounded but beautiful characters.
Theo has returned from war and is both physically and mentally damaged.When he learns that he has inherited the position of an earl and is the new lord of Lynmore Castle, he is relieved to have finally found a place to be left alone.Except his siblings wont let him go off alone!
And when they arrive they find that the castle is already inhabited by two guests, who are just as surprised to see him.
Annabel hasnt had an easy life.Orphaned at a young age and passed on from family to another, she has never known a home like the Lynmore castle.But the grouchy, new lord can't wait to send her and her aunt packing.And now that Annabel's sister is back, looking more defeated than ever before, Annabel is determined to stay there and make sure the earl doesn't have a reason to come there.
So each character sets off with their own agenda and preconceived notions.But as they spend more time together they might very well find out that the thing they've been looking for along could be in each other!
Annabel was perfect for Theo!WIth her fun,playful side she brought out the best in the usually stoic Theo.Theo has his own demons to deal with and I loved how determined he was.There is also a secondary plotline with a murder and many other things.Theo's siblings and Annabel's sister Fiona were wonderful additions to the story.
Can't wait to read more from this series!

Such a good story!

I really liked both Theo and Annabel--he was more than a little prickly, but it was easy to see why once you knew more about him. Annabel was just delightful from start to finish; I loved how she was always so aware of Theo and his reactions to things even before they became involved. It also broke my heart just a little that she'd been such a throwaway child for much of her life--shuffled off from family member to family member until she came to live with her aunt. That Theo became determined that she'd never feel that way again (eventually--he was a bit on the slow side)? Definitely added to the sigh-worthiness of the story :)

I was a bit bummed that we didn't witness Theo as he finally wrestled his demons into something like submission--we find out about it after with Annabel--but knowing that he did and that she inspired him to makes up for the lack. Mostly.

Theo's brother and sisters were just delightful--I can't wait to get to their stories!

Rating: 4 stars /A-

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

I love Lily Maxton, and Enchanting the Earl was just a delightful read. Theo and Annabel relationship was so fiery, but sweet and passionate. I really enjoy them together, and I was fully invested in their journey to falling in love. I think what I love so much is just how different and unexpected they were to me, and also to each other. It was also wonderfully written and paced just right. Eagerly waiting for book 2

I absolutely adored this story! It had a very Beauty and the Beast feel to it, which is my favorite fairy tale of all time. Annabel will do or try just about anything to keep from being put out of the security of the only real home she has ever had. Theo is a man who can't fathom anyone seeing beyond his injury and his "war demons" to the man inside who wants and needs love despite what he thinks.

This was a classic tale of two wounded souls finding their everlasting solace in each other. It is beautifully-written with vivid descriptions of the characters and scenery. I loved "spending time" in this old castle and getting to know the people within.


*I received a complimentary ARC of this book from NetGalley & Entangled Publishing, LLC in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.

Wow a definite buy book! From the first to the last chapter you will be captivated and entertained! I must say this book has every single element that makes it a fantastic read. Passion, characters that are complex, side stories that make you want to read their stories. The book is well paced and keeps you wanting more. An absolutely wonderful story with fantastic characters. A love story that has a hostile beginning but changes over time. One where each page and each word captures your imagination and makes you want more immediately. I was definitely enthralled by the author and look forward to reading more as fast as possible from her! I was given this arc in return for an honest review. Anna

Publisher's Description:
Llynmore Castle is the only place Annabel Lockhart has ever considered home. For years, she’s been able to live as she wished, freely roaming the wild moors. Now there’s a new earl, as arrogant as he is handsome, and he wants her out. But if he thinks she’ll go quietly, he’s in for a surprise.

Theo Townsend returned from war a changed man. After unexpectedly inheriting an earldom and a secluded castle in the Scottish Highlands to go with it, he thinks he’s found the perfect place to hide from the world—until he arrives to find a spirited, beautiful woman already in residence. He can’t just throw her out, but surely there's a way to get her to leave on her own. The sooner she's gone, the better, especially when he realizes there’s more than just mutual dislike between them.

My Thoughts:
This is my first time reading this author's work and the first book in a new series.
There were parts of this book I totally enjoyed and other parts that made me want to pull my hair out.
The hero and heroine both have moments when I could have just grabbed and shaken them.

They start out simply not liking each other and trying to drive each other away.
Come on who threatens to toss out an otherwise homeless person along with her homeless relatives.
And what lady actually thinks to scare away the gentleman who is now the owner of the roof over her head so she can again claim the holding as her own?
How could Theo or Annabel possibly want to stay in this ramshackle castle that is nearly falling down around their ears?
This book has such an inauspicious beginning and it makes you almost sure it will have a bad ending for these two adversaries.
You will need to decide for yourself how you think this story will end.
I gave this book 3.75 of 5 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 3 of 5 flames.
I was provided a complimentary digital copy of this book to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I have voluntarily reviewed.

Adversaries at first sight to a passionate, steamy kiss near 50%, Annabel and Theo go from wanting the other long gone to, well, longing for each other to stay. Theo wants the reclusiveness, peace and quiet of the medieval castle his new, unexpected inheritance has just handed him, and Annabel wants to hold onto the only feeling of home she’s ever known. Throw in an unexpected life and death situation for a loved one, and we’ve got these two unlikely soul mates working together for a common cause.

Theo, the wounded warrior/hardened heart on the outside, but teddy bear heart on the inside, does seem to protest too much when it comes to Annabel. You see, he seems resolved at first to be completely rid of her, only to find her own steely resolve and his reluctant growing attraction for her getting in the way.

When some white lies with a touch of silly deception fail to get the job done, Annabel decides to try and change his mind with some sweetness on her part. This more English speaking than Scottish lass has strong reasons why she refuses to leave and it’s not just for her sake.

I can’t exactly pinpoint it, but eventually Theo’s medical condition/constant insistence why he will never marry, even after their occasional intimate encounters, I started to feel less engaged and just wanted the story to end. It was likely around 80% into it, when she had just left his room after a smexy scene, and he mentally once again reflects on the fact he will be sending her away, sooner rather than later. How’s that for romance, folks? Pretty much from then on, I grew weary of him and the direction the plot was headed. The writing simply lost its appeal.

Here’s to hoping it was just me, my fellow romance book loving friends. Maybe I’m still a little put out this Scottish lass felt mostly English. Other than mentioning how she would get windswept hair and a muddy gown from her walks, she felt mostly prim and proper. A fiery, spitfire Scottish lass would have found a second use for Theo's walking stick (like a good whack across his stubborn noggin every time he mentioned how he was going to send her away or never marry her after getting smexy with her).

Title: Enchanting the Earl, Series: The Townsends (Book 1), Author: Lily Maxton, Pages: 240, 4/17/17, virgin hero, PTSD hero injured in war, slightly older heroine, family drama, adversaries to lovers, a few very smexy scenes, no cheating, no OW/OM drama, no love triangle, hurtful at times hero, drawn out ending.

(This review is based on an advanced reader copy distributed via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased, fair opinion. No compensation was provided to this reviewer, nor is there any affiliation between the reviewer and author/publisher/NetGalley. It will be posted on Amazon, Goodreads, NetGalley, and Barnes and Noble.)

This was a fascinating story with beautiful descriptive writing that whisked me back to the 1800's in the Scottish Highlands. This captivating, sweet historical romance was well written, with great complex, characters that are damaged due to their past and who have been living their life without the prospect of ever finding someone to love and care for them.
Theo Townsend has returned from the war a changed man, physically as well as mentally. When he inherits an Earldom with a secluded castle in the Scottish Highlands he is looking forward to the peace and quiet as well as a place to isolate himself and hide from society. It will be like a beacon of light in his dark existence. But when his siblings force him to let them come along he hopes that the size of the castle will afford him some space away from them.
Annabel Lockhart is a free spirited, passionate, woman who doesn't follow the rules of polite society. For years she and her Aunt have considered the Llynmore castle home thanks to the charity of the previous Earl of Arden. She thrives on doing whatever she wants with no one to answer to and enjoying the solitude in the moors. And she is not about to give up her home without a fight.
Theo finds himself unwillingly fascinated by her passion, how alive she is, and by her wicked and triumphant mouth. But he also has thoughts about touching and tasting her as well as some strong unwelcome lust he has for Annabel beyond all reason and good sense. Annabel is having thoughts of her own in regard to the too handsome Earl. But with the push and pull between them
as well as their witty and facetious banter their sizzling attraction ignites into a sizzling Kiss.
When danger darkens their door will the Earl protect Annabel's secret or will he send her away as he wanted in the beginning? Will these two overcome their past to find a future together? You will need to read this to find out!

I received a copy through the publisher via NetGalley and I voluntarily wrote an honest review.

This book was a great reading! I loved both Theo and Anabelle. Love pace and plot as well as the setting of an old Scottish castle. I can't wait to read the next book of Mrs. Maxton!!