There were so many moments of *pang* in this one. Turns of phrases that delighted or struck a chord with me. Lily Maxon's writing style was a delight to read.

Theo is wounded, both physically and mentally by war. Annabel's wounds are better hidden and healed. I loved them both, as well as the side characters (his brother and sisters and her aunt). The danger element was handled really well and I'm happy it went the way it did -- which is not the way I anticipated it going.

An easy 4 stars, perhaps even 4.5.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Theo Townsend has unexpectedly inheriting an earldom and secluded Llynmore Castle in the Scottish Highlands. Just the thing this war torn wounded soldier needs, some place quite away from people to hide from the world. Unfortunately Llynmore Castle is the only place Annabel Lockhart has ever considered home. Theo and his brother and sister’s arrive to Theo tell her she and her Aunt need to move, he can’t just throw her out so he tries to convince her to leave on her own. Annabel’s had a hard life and the castle is the only real home she’s ever known and there’s no way she’s leaving. The previous Earl said they could live there she loves the Highlands, it’s her home especially now that her sister and niece have showed up looking for sanctuary. Annabel is not quite what Theo expected she’s a spirited young woman that has sparked his interest. Annabel tries to change Theo’s mind, but he sees her as a hoyden and a bad influence around his sisters. Theo and Annabel have a connection that cannot be denied, it’s just trying to convince Theo that he is worthy, but he just keeps pushing her away. The descriptions of the scenery and the secondary characters helped to bring this romantic love story to life.
I received a complimentary of this book and this is my honest review.

Theo Townsend is the new Earl of Arden. He inherited the title from an uncle he knew nothing about. The entailed lands are in the highlands of Scotland, that makes them ideal for someone like him. Since getting back from the war he just wants to be left alone in peace. His siblings however insisted on accompanying him.
Annabel Lockhart and her aunt have lived in the castle for years. It´s their home and she will not give it up without a fight. She also has someone else she must protect.
Our hero is mentally and physically damaged from his war time experiences. Closing himself away is the only answer. Our heroine has not had a happy life and doesn't want to give up what she has.
A very emotional story that will tug on your heartstrings, and where you will easily fall in love with all the characters. This story is historical but could just as easily be contemporary. Coping with the after effects of battle and feeling unloved can happen to anyone.
I loved it.

'Enchanting the Earl' by Lily Maxton is book One in the "The Townsends" series. This is the story of Theo Townsend and Annabel Lockhart.
Theo is damaged from the war physically and mentally and when he hears he has inherited a of Earl and a castle in the highlands. Theo is happy about the castle thinking it would be a perfect place for him to be alone. But his brother and sisters have a different plan....they insist on coming with him to see the the Castle. Once they arrive there they find Annabel and her Aunt staying there. It appears that the old former Earl had allowed them to stay and they feel like it is their home.
Annabel is determined to not leave the castle not just because it has been her and her Aunt's home for a long time. But because she is hiding a secret there which is protecting someone. Leaving the castle could cause that person to be found and possible hurt again.
Theo and Annabel start butting heads from the start both set in their ways about what they want. This was a joy to read and watch how Theo and Annabel came together. I also fell in love with the brother and sisters and hope to see more of their stories in the future.
"My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
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A well written and engaging tale that deals quite realistically with the emotional fallout of trauma and its impact on intimacy. It's a pity that as a modern romance the obligatory graphic sex had to be included.

Both the hero and the heroine of “Enchanting the Earl” are likable, engaging characters who make you hope for a happy ending. Even the villain in this novel becomes a redeemable man before the end. I enjoyed this first in a series by Lily Maxton.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1961122545?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1

when theo townsend unexpectedly inherits a castle in the scottish highlands, it occurs to him that it might be the perfect place to hide from society while he gets used to the fact that he is an earl and that his life has been permanently altered by his time at war on the continent.

he doesn't expect to find annabel lockhart. but llynmore castle has been her home for as long as she can remember, and even though she has no rights to it, she's determined to keep it. enchanting the earl, introduces us to the townsend family. theo is the oldest and in some ways, the person around whom all things revolve. but not in a selfish way. he loves his siblings and supports them. but they know that his heart isn't whole. as much as he denies it, the war has changed him. he isn't the same brother who left to make a place for himself in the world.

and there are obvious reasons why he isn't the same person. and then there are the emotional scars that result from the trauma of war. and as much as annabel wants to push theo away, the more time she spends with him she realizes that he is as wounded as she is, if not more.

and the thing of it is, that it's possible that they might heal each other. as much as they fight their attraction. as infuriating as their confrontations can be. the reality is that being with one another reminds them that their hearts are capable of feeling. that they aren't alone in this world. that it is possible to find another soul who understands.

watching these two work out their problems is actually enjoyable. the chemistry and the spark of humor and the hints of sweet emotion make theo and annabel's relationship one to root for.

An Earl's PTSD.
A story about people whose souls have been wounded and coping with that pain. Theo carries the physical wounds of war and the psychological ones too. When he inherits a title from his maternal grandfather, his inheritance includes a remote Scottish castle. When he travels there hoping to find a bolthole he can hide in, accompanied by his younger siblings, he finds that it comes with sitting tenants, Annabel Lockhart and her aunt, Frances Blair. Annabel has had a painful past but has found peace living at the castle and is determined she won't be the one to leave. The stage is set for a battle of wills, that turns into something more but nothing can come of it whilst Theo feels he is unworthy of love. I enjoyed this story which while it deals with dark matter, is still at it's essence a light hearted Regency romance.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not compensated for my review, and I was not required to write a positive review. The opinion expressed here is my own.

It's a wonderful story with great characters. I loved bot Annabelle Lockhart and Theo Townsend. Anabelle is a free spirited woman, she can't adhere to the rules of polite society so when she got a chance to live with her Aunt at Llynmore Castle, it felt perfect. This old and dark castle is now her home. Away from people, she can finally be free and live a life she has always wanted. She can ride as much as she likes, come and go as she pleases. There is no one to observe and criticize her behavior.
When Lord of Llynmore Castle arrives to take residence, she is less than happy. Clearly new lord will send her aunt and her away, not only that now she also has to protect her sister. So simple solution is to "enchant" Theo Townsend. Then he might let them live there.
Theo finds Anabelle quite irritating. He can see that she will be a bad influence for his sisters. Besides he wants to live with quite and peace. Clearly, as long as Anabelle is around that's not going to happen. But should he send an old, sick aunt and her niece away? As he gets to know Anabelle her personality starts to grow on him. She is wild, and just perfect for him.
I loved this book. Story is amazing and there are enough surprises that it won't bore readers at all. Ending is perfect. I'm glad I got the chance to read this book. It was most definitely a delicious treat.

I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. This is a love story, that has a rocky start between a war scarred ex-soldier, Theo and a young woman, Annabel. He wants to be near her so bad but at the same time does not feel like he has anything to offer because of his disability. He finally comes to understand that Annabel does not see his disability as a problem. She simply loves the man that he is. There are others in the story, his siblings and her aunt, that add to the story. This is a well written love story.

Theo next in line, becomes an Earl, after the tragedies of war. He inherited an old Castle in Scotland, with three women, and a little girl living there. He has his two sisters and brother with him also. All he wants is to be left alone, in his misery. Anabelle, who has been living there for years with her Aunt, decides to run him out of the Castle. However, it backfired. If the book had realized he was an English Earl, it would have been better. If the writer, had not kept up his problem for so long, it would have been better. I recommend. Thanks!
carolintallahassee

A touching story about one man trying to adjust (albeit being dragged by a stubborn woman) to life after war. I liked how Theo’s anxiety was written in a way that did not glamorize but brought to life his emotional scars. The relationship between Annabel and Theo was tempestuous and leads to the realism of their eventual respect and love for each other. A great story that is a little dark but leaves you feeling hope.

Definitely looking forward to more Townsend stories.

Enchanting the Earl is the first novel in this Historical Fiction Romance. It portrays the post war trauma and its effects.

Theo is a casualty of the physical and psychological scars which linger, long after the traumatic events of a war.

Annabel lives with her aunt in a remote castle in the Highlands. She loves the outdoors and the freedom that goes with living away from it all.

Theo has just inherited the castle and this is when he meets Annabel for the first time. The realisation of what this inheritance means for Annabel and her aunt hits her like a ton of bricks. She is not easily dissuaded, though.

Leo carries a lot of baggage and he prefers his own company but even then, his siblings have accompanied him to his new residence. He cares about them. He doesn't intend to throw Annabel out on the streets but he doesn't want her to stay either. They are both stubborn and give the impression of this intense dislike for each other. As they get to know one another, they start to rethink their first impressions.

Annabel's life is complicated further by something that threatens her freedom but her loyalty to those she loves cannot be surpassed. She has been through her fair share of hardship before she came to live with her aunt and this has only made her stronger and better. When it comes to the crunch, will Theo assist her or take advantage of the situation?

This story is very well developed. The settings are vividly described as are the characters. There is love, passion, list and surprises. I like Theo's siblings who all make valuable contributions to this story. Annabel is a very strong character but very understanding and compassionate. My heart goes out to Theo for what he goes through. His reluctance to accept help is a little unnerving at times but then again who wouldn't be in his position?

It's an emotional story with some heartbreaking moments. There is an infusion of humour amongst all the uncertainties. It's a great start to this series and the Towsends are all interesting individuals. It will be interesting to see whose story comes next.

I was kindly issued with an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley and the views expressed are my personal opinion.

Though at times the story got bogged down, overall it was a sweet story of two lost souls who thought they had barricaded their hearts against a cruel world.

Really enjoyed this book. Wonderful but damaged hero, charming, but interesting heroine, and a lovely , caring family work together to bring us our HEA. The H is a veteran, suffering ill effects from battle both physically and spiritually. The h is a spinster who has suffered rejection from almost everyone since being orphaned young. Initially not liking one another, the romance develops gradually but well. The story is well written and the characters are well developed. It's a wonderful, sweet and tear inducing tale. Great book!

This is a beautiful story with wonderful characters. I loved the hero’s characterization and while reading I was delighted over and over with all the complexity and nuances Lily Maxton brings to this wounded and tortured man, Theo Townsend, who “lost a piece of his body and a piece of his soul in the war” and who “isn’t handsome in the typical sense” (quotes from ARC). Theo is surely one of the best wounded heroes I’ve read recently in historical romance.
The heroine, Annabel Lockhart, is also a great character, strong and not a classical beauty. Perhaps her personality and behaviour reflect more the patterns typical of contemporary societies than nineteenth-century ones.
The secondary characters are strong and believable too and I’m really curious about their future stories in this series (“The Townsends”).
And then there’s a dimension that brings so much richness into a story, the connection between characters and setting and/or landscape, so well done in “Enchanting the Earl” with its beautiful and heartfelt descriptions of the Scottish Highlands.
This leads to another important factor: the exquisite writing style, one in which you want to stop and savor the words and reread the scenes and the vivid dialogue.
I was enthralled throughout most of the book with the sheer greatness of the characters, the beautiful setting and the complex plot, unfolding with some unexpected and interesting twists.
By the end of the story I was feeling I would have liked a bit more of attention to details concerning the hero's characterization.

This was a good read for me. Characters were well developed and I found myself lost in a story of letting go if the past embracing your future and finding that love is worth all kinds of risks.

DNF @ 30%.

Sadly this just didn't hold my interest and needed to gather pace much quicker.

What a wonderful read for a promising new series. This is Book 1 of the Townsends Series and is a sweet historical romance that captures your attention and holds you tight all the way through to the end of the story. Enchanting the Earl by Lily Maxton is a story of overcoming one’s past, taking risks and finding your future. A lovely and recommended read.

Please note that an ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review of which this is both honest and completely voluntary.