Full review appeared at Reader's Edyn on 05/02/20

Adeline is finally a free woman – to a point. She is still controlled to some extent by her brother-in-law, but upon her husband’s death, she gained the freedom she so desperately craved. She thought she was marrying a man who truly wanted her but instead, she was tied to a man who cared nothing for her and only her ability to give him an heir. And she failed at that despite his rigorous remedies and tonics. Given the tragic way in which her husband – and hundreds of other men – perished, she is united with a couple of widows who become her best friends. As a way to pay tribute to those who lost their lives and provide aid to some of the young girls who lost their fathers, the three women begin a school for girls. Everything is coming along nicely until an encounter with her neighbor, Lyon, who gets things started on the wrong foot. And every moment from there is an effort to battle back from that awful misstep. It doesn’t help that Adeline is dangerously attracted to him, but as a widow, she now has a chance to experience the passion that has, up until now, been constantly elusive to her. But indulging in that desire might have more consequence than she ever dreamed – and what Lyon is asking for is more than she is willing to surrender.

Lord Lyonwood – has always known that if he ever settled down, it would be for love. Up until he meets the lovely Lady Wake, living conveniently next door, he never even came close to making that connection he so deeply desired. Now that he’s found it, he’s got to find a way to hold on to it because Adeline is the definition of resistance. Not to their blazing passion, but definitely to his proposal of marriage. Her list for rebuffing him is long and until he can get to the bottom of her fears and assuage them, he won’t be getting what he desperately wants – Adeline as his wife. But fate has a way of intervening and before too long, there might be a glimmer of hope on the horizon. Between his sexy smolder and his continual actions of kindness towards the girls in Adeline’s school, he intends on wearing her down until she gives in and admits their love is something to cherish.

This book was so freaking good! Admittedly, I have had quite a bit of success with books by Ms. Grey. She has a talent for HR that always sucks me in and leaves me feeling bound to the characters, always bereft at the conclusion of each book. I never want them to end…but they inevitably do. I eventually recover, and then it’s on to the next read. But it’s always good to find an author you can trust to bring about such strong feelings. It was no different with this book. Ms. Grey pulled me in immediately again and never let go until the very end. As a first in series, it was a fantastic beginning. Every single character was such a joy getting to know and I cannot wait to be able to revisit with those who return as the series progresses. I absolutely adored Marksworth, Lyon’s father. He was a gem. He comes off a bit pompous initially, but then he throws out these amazingly insightful and supportive comments that make him ridiculously likable. Even his love/hate relationship with Cordelia, Lyon’s Aunt, is nothing short of hilarious. Contentious to observers, yet entertaining in a satisfying way. I also appreciated how glaringly different each of the three widows is. United in tragedy, these three come together to do good within their community despite riding the line of controversy within the ton. Adeline, Julia, and Brina may be very different personalities, but their friendship is one of strength that will last a lifetime. Together, they decide to help bring about a means for the girls left fatherless to learn valuable skills that will help them support themselves in the future. They also each had very different marriages so they also have different outlooks on what moving forward following their proper mourning should look like. I definitely look forward to seeing how things play out for Julia and Brina when their stories come about. You guys! There is even a nosy neighbor across the street with a looking glass! LMAO – what mischief that could bring about…not unlike a pair of crimson stays and a case of mistaken identity…but you’ll have to get to the bottom of that mystery yourself.

For Lyon, this is a story of knowing what you want and going after it, even if the gratification isn’t immediate. After all, those things most worth having, aren’t immediately obtained. Or so they say. He also has to step outside his box a bit in learning to appreciate Adeline’s passionate nature and the girls she is trying to help. Once he embraces all of her, he sees their future with clarity. Adeline has a much different path. Stuck in the horror of her marriage and fooled by her husband’s phony affection, she doesn’t entirely trust herself. Heart-broken over being barren and not wanting to force such a burden on Lyon, she balks. In her journey to provide a future for the girls, she finds a different possibility of a future for herself. But she has a lot to work through before that possibility even enters as the slightest hint of an idea. And of course, just as she is making progress, something rather alarming occurs that could crush her despite her fierce spirit. As their relationship grows, her trust in Lyon allows her to consider his advice in some startling situations which benefit her ability to create some rather brilliant solutions to the issues at hand. It’s truly lovely to see the progression of Lyon and Adeline’s relationship as it evolves from one end of the spectrum to the other – reluctant neighbors, tolerance, friendship, passionate longing, lovers, trusted confidantes, completely in love.

This book has everything a historical romance should. I am thrilled to have experienced yet another book by Ms. Grey and look forward to diving into the rest of this series. As a story, the overall plot is fairly predictable, but even knowing what would come next in some cases, I remained engaged with the book and the characters. The passion is given in the perfect amount. The sexual content descriptive, but not raunchy. And not overly done, either. Just a couple of scenes in which anything actually takes place. Also included is the most adorable epilogue, which made me fall in love with Marksworth all over again. I sort of wish he had a book, but since we already know his story…OH! Maybe a novella explaining his current “situation” and how that came about since it sort of came out of nowhere. I would one hundred percent be on board for that! Having had a chance to get to know Julia and Brina a bit as well, I am more than ready to see what is in store for one of them next. I am thrilled to know that my love of Ms. Grey’s work extends beyond the RAKES OF ST. JAMES trilogy as those have been my only previous reads. Given that validation, I stand firm in my statement that anyone who loves HR and has yet to experience Ms. Grey should remedy that tragedy straightaway. She quickly fast-tracked to a must-read author for me. I’m sure it will be the same for many others as well. And what better way to check compatibility than to read this wonderful introduction to the FIRST COMES LOVE series?

Kindle version provided by NetGalley/St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.

Enjoyed the interaction of the main characters. Author kept using different events to keep them on getting together.
Also loved the 3 friends and their strong bond!!

This book gives me hope that no matter how many romance novels I read, there are still stories that reads refreshingly new! Adeline makes a brilliant heroine and reads more like a true free-spirit of many ladies nowadays. Lyon is such an amazing and loving hero for Adeline! I recommend this book for all readers of romance!

Finally, Adeline gets the life she should have had when her husband was alive but for her disastrous marriage and his love for another. In spite of everything that her deceased husband did to her while he was alive, she still has a compassionate heart to help others. So, when she goes to the docks to go through his belongings to verify he was on the ship she meets two other widows, Lady Kitson Fairbright and Mrs. Brina Feld. The three of them start a school to teach the young daughters of sailors who lost their lives on the ship.

What follows is an often times amusing story of the Lord Lyon trying to figure out what to do with the beautiful unconventional Adeline and the running screaming girls next door.

This story is a feel-good story. It shows how to take tragedy and turn it into something good. Along the way Adeline learns how to open her heart to the possibility that she can have the life she always thought she was getting with her marriage. Adeline works on her fears around men and to be honest she will surprise the reader with her solution to her feelings for Lord Lyon.

All of this adds up to a delightful plot earning it 5 STARS

What a great start to a book series. Excellent character building, scene setting, supporting characters (that we want more of)....Can't wait to read the next one.

I’m fairly sure this happens to every reader at some point: you read a story that contains just enough parallels to a current struggle you’re having, which causes you to catch some feelings.

I loved this story. Adeline, Dowager Countess of Wake, is a young widow, her husband perished on a sinking ship. As awful as it sounds, his death saved her. Her husband had been cold, controlling, abusive. To her husband, she was a tool to be used. Not a human to be appreciated, consulted or treated as anything other than an object possessed.

Sometimes, what those outside our lives view as a tragedy, is actually our own liberation.

That concept struck me, and stuck with me. Adeline found herself finally free of intrusive abuse, yet still silenced by the dramatic tragic. One shouldn’t speak ill of the dead, or even sick, no matter how awful the truth is.

Lyon, of course, is captivated by Adeline. Determined to scale the walls around her heart and claim her undying love. *fans self*

In response, Adeline offers him friends with benefits. I may have loved the heroine even more than the actual story.

I was really surprised how much I loved this story. We have Adeline, who is a young widow, she's not looking for another husband but wants to do something more with her life. So she opens up a school for young girls who lost their dad on the same voyage she lost her husband to. Her first husband was a horrible man and she doesn't want a repeat of that marriage. However, her next door neighbor has something to say about all the young girls running around the backyard. After a disastrous first meeting, things continue to have mishaps between Adeline and Lord Lyon. I loved their interactions between the two. I also loved the side characters, especially Lyon's dad and aunt. I thought this was great start to a new series.

*Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Earl Next Door is a sweet story of finding love when you thought it had slipped you by. The first encounter between Adeline and Lyon set the tone for these two, constantly surprising one another and making a blunder of things. From mistaken identities to unintended blunders, these two clash into each other and emotions run high. When that emotion turns into something electric, the shocking spark that lights between these two sets them on a path they can't escape from.

During a few parts of the story, I would have like a bit more development, especially Adeline's transformation and eventual love for Lyon. She has been through so much and at times I saw such a spark of passion and determination that I would have loved to see become so much more. Overall this is a pleasant start to the First Comes Love series. I'm intrigued to see what happens with Adeline's friends and how they find a chance at love after loss!

Ameila Grey is a great historical romance author. I always enjoy her books. I would recommend to others.

This book was okay. I did’t love it, but I didn’t hate it either..
I think there was something missing in the execution of this book and it felt kinda lackluster.
I was missing some sparks and some banter between the two main characters.
It as fun (at times) but nothing spectacular.

I enjoyed this read at the time but found it a bit forgettable, to be honest. I liked the idea of the school and the chaos that brings to the neighborhood and I liked the arc of the relationship, neighbors to lovers is always a good standby for an historical romance.

Lady Adeline Wake and Lord Lyon clash, but ultimately they give in to the lust between them. I enjoyed this twist on your standard regency romance. Lady Wake is a widow after her husband dies in a boating accident. With two other widows, she opens a school for the daughters of other men who died on the ship. Lord Lyon has been looking for the right woman for a while. Despite his father's desire for him to marry and produce an heir, he is waiting for love. He finds it with Lady Wake, but she is not interested in marriage after what she went through with her first husband when she was not able to give him an heir. There are a few side stories with the girls at the school and Lyon's father marrying again. Another plot point that wasn't really explored was Lady Wake's husband's child from his mistress who is dropped off at the school.

After Adeline's abusive husband passes away, she joins with friends to create a trade boarding school for girls and young women. Of course, there are misunderstandings and rumors, since there is many women are living together under the same roof. This sends the Earl to come over. I really enjoyed their relationship through the book and how Adeline was able to heal after her previous relationship. I would recommend to anyone who enjoys historical romance!

I really enjoyed this book, it has everything I would want from an historical romance. Independent Adeline who gives as good as she gets. A handsome Earl (Lyon) and a massive misunderstanding to start their relationship gives opportunity for some electric dialogue between them. The situations they find themselves in do not disappoint and the friction between them is delicious. The girls school adds an amusing interest and gives opportunities for seeing different sides to the Earl and other characters to play parts in their story. I would certainly recommend it to anyone who likes this genre and would more by this author.

I loved this book!! This is the second book I read from this author and loved! Historical Fiction is my favorite genre and this book is one reason why!!

The Earl Next Door by Amelia Grey
Subgenre: historical romance
Release date: 28 May 2019
Publisher: St Martin’s Press
Format: ebook and print
Length: 300 pages
RRP: $6.84 (ebook); $15.99 (print)
It will be her first appearance in Society since her mourning finished. And she makes an impact when all others thought she was meek, mild and unwell.
Adeline, Dowager Countess of Wake, has lived in the country since her marriage, and now that her husband is dead (when his ship sank), she is out of mourning, and wanting to re-enter society. She, and two of the other widows, have set up a school for the daughters of the other seaman on the ship, and it is right next door to the Earl of Lyonwood.
Adeline’s husband kept her in the country so that she could have his child. Well, he had to create the child first, and he tried all manner of vile methods to ensure she fell pregnant. He would brag that even his mistress could have his child. Adeline was made to feel a failure.
The earl is not particularly enamoured with the idea of girls shrieking near his window. He makes his point, but does show some empathy to what Adeline and her friends are trying to achieve. He also finds that he is very attracted to Adeline and makes it known to her that he wants to marry her. He does need to allow her the space to see the possibilities, even though he doesn’t want her to find another man. And they are lined up to meet her.
I liked reading this story. It has some interesting aspects and kept my interest as I wanted to see where the story would lead. I did know that they would end up together, there are predictable elements but sometimes that journey can be interesting. The idea of a school for underprivileged girls, to teach them to sew and read, in the middle of Mayfair and all the Lords and Ladies, was one such interesting aspect. Of course, Lyon finding the girls in his bathing chamber held a moment to make the reader smile.
I liked Lyon’s compassion for the girls and their situation. He could have had it removed from the area, but he allowed the school to continue. There are also many other times when his compassion showed, which really shows his character, and makes him an endearing lord and one you would want for yourself!
Reviewed by Heather
A review copy of this book was provided by the publisher.

The Earl Next Door is the first book in a new series by Amelia Grey. Adeline is the Dowager Countess of Wake – her husband recently died when the ship he was traveling on was destroyed at sea. Adeline’s marriage was terrible and she finally feels free. She befriends two women who were also widowed in the shipwreck and they decide to open a boarding school together for the children of those lost at sea.

Lord Lyonwood (whose actual first name we never learn) is her next door neighbor in London (so close neighbors, not neighboring estates) and is horrified by the idea – initially because he is under the impression that they are opening a brothel, not a school! Lyon, by the way is described as a Marquis, so it’s unclear why the title is the “Earl Next Door” (other than poor editing…). Lyon quickly falls for Adele, but her past experience with marriage makes her wary of remarrying and he must convince her to be with him for more than an affair.

The book was fine, but not incredibly compelling – I didn’t really feel an emotional connection to either of the characters and lot of their behavior was kind of childish (though that got better as the book continued). I also didn’t love the final resolution, but it was generally fine if you are looking for something to pass the time.

I received a copy of this book by the publisher via NetGalley for free in exchange for an honest review.

TGE EARL NEXT DOOR is a delightful change from the standard historical romance trope. With a female protagonist who speaks her mind and goes after what she wants and accepts no wishy-washy excuses. Both characters were quite relatable and enjoyable. 4.5 star read.

Entertaining, but some of the details didn't quite come together for me. Not a bad book, but not a great one either. I enjoyed the premise.

Amelia Grey has penned a delightful Regency romance! After the death of her husband, Adeline, the Countess of Wake looks forward to spending her life as she pleases, including taking lovers, ever so discreetly. That is, until her dashing next door neighbor, Lord Lyonwood sweeps into her life! She is perfectly willing to accept him as her lover, but he is not quite so willing to bow to her wishes. How will they ever work out this dilemma? Will they? I thoroughly enjoyed this novel, thank you to St. Martin's Paperbacks, the author and NetGalley for an ARC of this novel in exchange for my honest review. Enjoy!