This is the first of Amelia Grey's work I've read so I was not sure what to expect. However, the blurb caught my interest and the start was humorous with incorrect assumptions and barbs exchanged. Aside for the reason for Adeline's girl's school and her unhappy marriage, this is an overall lighthearted story with the hero and heroine fighting each other and then their attraction.
I liked that while Lyon and his father are of opposite opinions of what is appropriate behavior in a marriage, they still get along; This is something not often scene in this genre.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The hero & heroine are likeable characters, but for some reason I found it hard to stay focused on the story. It felt a little jumpy and didn’t flow well. The chemistry was weak and this is not a story that stayed with me.

Adeline, the Dowager Countess of Wake is suddenly a widow after two years of marriage. Now she with two of her friends who were also widowed when their husbands were all on the same ship that went down in a storm, are opening a boarding school for daughters of the crew members who were lost with the ship. Lyon, the only son of the Marquis of Marksworth, is not like her father who is a womanizer. He wishes to marry and be true and devoted only to his wife. When the two met, there was drama and misunderstandings. He walked in on her trying on a corset over her dress and thought he was walking into a brothel. To find out what happens next, read this story. Thank you to St. Martins Press and Netgalley for this free copy. This is my honest review.

First I would like to thank St. Martin’s paperbacks and Net galley for giving me an Arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

The Earl Next door is the first book in Amelia Grey’s First comes love series. I really enjoyed in this book. One of things I most enjoyed about this story was the chemistry between Adeline and Lyon. You can practically feel the attraction between these two characters off the pages.

One of the my favorites moments between them was their first meeting. Lyon barges into Adeline and accuses her of being madam and trying to open a brothel in the neighborhood. Despite his callous remarks we learn that Lyon on a mission from his Aunt and one of the neighborhood gossips Mrs. Feversham. Not only that he cares about the neighborhood and doesn’t want to see any unsavory element moving in there.

The thing I liked most about this scene was not so much the scene itself, though I was highly amused by the scene, but what the characters were feeling. I thought that Amelia Grey did an Amazing job in creating the hidden spark between these two characters.

Another thing that stood out to me about this story and found really refreshing was kind of the reversal between Adeline and Lyon. Usually it’s the woman that wants marriage and the man hesitating about if he wants that kind of commitment.

In story we learn that Adeline marriage was not a fairy tale for sure. He led her to believe when he married her that he loved her. In reality, the only reason he married her was because he thought that she would provide him with children. He became abusive both verbally and physically when Adeline didn’t get pregnant. He threw the fact that his mistress was pregnant in Adeline face. Adeline understandably doesn’t want to get back in that type of situation.

Lyon on the other hand has always been pressured by his father to marry so he can have a male heir to pass down the family name. Lyon has always resisted this because when he wants to marry he wants it to be for love. And he won’t settled for nothing less. Even when Adeline turned down his proposal and suggested they be lovers. Even though they had been intimate previously, Lyon thought that keeping her as lover would not only disrespect her, but disrespect their relationship as a whole and diminish it . In order to grow as a couple they needed to be in truly committed relationship that marriage would provide.

Some of the criticism i had towards the story really came at the end of the story. After understanding some of the character motivations for both Adeline and Lyon I was kind perplexed by the way they ended up together. Adeline has been having these fears that since she can’t get pregnant she will never make Lyon truly happy. So instead of disproving these theories and having Lyon marry her despite the fact that she won’t be able to give him children. Adeline miraculously ends up pregnant. So they would have to marry regardless. So that for me made the plot kind of self-defeating.

Then there was the introduction of Wade’s illegitimate daughter into the story. I guess I’m trying to figure out what she brought to the story? She was introduced at the end and Adeline’s view of her didn’t shed a good light on Adeline. She was all but forgotten when Adeline gave birth to her own child. I was kind of hoping that Adeline would take her guardianship of the little girl a little bit more seriously then just allowing her to attend the school.

Aside from these minor bumps in the road I really did enjoy the story and would recommend reading this book. I look forward to reading the next series in this book.

I was really excited for this one. There is something fun about a second love, if you could call it that. I mean, I fell in love as Adeline was twirling in the first few pages.

But I didn't connect to the characters in a way that I wanted. The relationship between Adeline and Lyon weren't sparking any fireworks, and it altered how I felt about them. And because I didn't connect, I didn't think that their relationship progressed in a natural manner.

Unfortunately, this wasn't for me.

*Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.*

Enjoyable Regency romance that was true to the time. Women were chosen as prospective brides due to their wealth in land or monetary value. Rare love matches occurred but the majority of the Ton married to produce an heir as occurred with Adeline. As a widow she has earned her freedom and cherished it. Lyon is an earl and in no hurry to marry as he chooses to marry for love. He's impressed by Adeline's fortitude. I enjoyed the story and the characters. I received a complementary copy of this book via Net Galley and chose to write a review. I look forward to reading future books by Ms. Grey.

This was a most entertaining read. The encounters between Adeline, Countess of Wake and Lyon Marksworth were very amusing. Even though they were attracted to each other Adeline’s experiences with her first marriage hindered her from entering into anything more meaningful. The addition of a school for needy girls provided an interesting extra. I enjoyed the meetings with her two friends, Julia and Brina. I’m sure their stories are to come and I look forward to reading them. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I don’t read Regency Romance as often as I once did, but I do have a go-to list of about a dozen authors who I will always pick up their books when given the chance – Amelia Grey is in the top tier of that list. And although I don’t normally mention it — that cover is so eye-catching, so kudos to the cover design team.

Although there is a bit of worldbuilding in THE EARL NEXT DOOR I didn’t find it overwhelming. We’ll get some of Adeline’s background, meet the other ladies who join her in opening the school for the daughters of the crew of a lost at sea ship and get a feel for how the series will continue. I liked and admired Adeline almost immediately. She’d been handed a rough life by her now deceased husband and she will never consider marriage again. She has her freedom to do as she pleases now and she is quite content with that. But that may change as Lyon comes barging into her life with his assumptions and complaints.

Lyon is set on a certain type of marriage for himself, he’s seen what can happen when a gentleman takes to excess and that is not the life for him. Yet his plans for a biddable future wife go up in sizzling smoke when he encounters Adeline the first time. He shouldn’t find this independent woman so compelling yet there are those sparks between them. He’s looking for a happy marriage, she’s looking for nothing more than an affair. Now Lyon has to convince his lady that they can have both for a lifetime.

I had a blast with THE EARL NEXT DOOR and now I’m officially hooked on this series. If you love a lively Regency Romance with likable characters, smoking hot sizzle and intriguing secondary characters then you’ll want to add this story to your need to read list.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

A new series from Amelia Grey and this book is a great start. I really enjoyed this one. Perfect beach read!

Many thanks to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for my ARC. All opinions are my own.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica – ☆☆☆☆
The Earl Next Door is the first in a brand-new series by Amelia Grey, which does an excellent job of introducing the characters while setting up future books.

Romance, especially historical romance is filled with novels featuring pretty young things, right on the cusp of womanhood, no longer a child yet not a full grown woman either, where they are easily manipulated by family, friends, and the hero – their only life purpose to get married, taught to lie, scheme, manipulate, and plot to get a husband. Those portrayed as the median age of the reader, are often times shown in a negative light. On a shelf by age 24, with the males always in their prime, no matter their ages. Generally, with a large age-gap, because the males had to sow their wild oats and grow up first.

Adeline is a different type of woman. Not shown as the on-the-shelf, out-of-date wallflower. While still young, she's a widow, and with that affords her respectability in her maturity. She knows how life works, because she's lived it, not because she's daydreamed and plotted about it with her mother and friends.

Adeline resonated with me as a heroine, because she wasn't impressionable, easily warped by the hero into who he wanted a wife to be. She was set in her ways, feisty and lively, but not in an over-the-top obnoxious fashion that is often used in this genre. While flawed, she accepts what she wants, and refuses to accept anything but what she sees for her future.

After losing her husband at sea, while there was no love lost between the two, Adeline uses her influence to open a school for girls who lost their guardians in a similar fashion, with her widow friends. Adeline and her new neighbor, Lyon, have a misunderstanding of a meet-cute, where he thinks she's doing something vastly different (don't want to spoil this, as it was cute yet infuriating yet hilarious).

Misunderstanding out of the way, Lyon is patient and kind, a man who also knows who and what he wants out of life, but is mature enough to coax it, not demand it. A bit of banter and tension, most of the time, the newly forming couple comes off as comfortable...

Adeline and Lyon did seem a bit boring, and I say that in a positive way, even if it doesn't sound like it. It was a more mature take on the mating dance and romance, where they were honest and didn't get in their own way. Readers who are looking for juvenile behaviors, while this brings excitement and keeps things angsty, the mature romance in The Earl Next Door is befitting of a widow and a grown man.

The main reason I didn't hand out a 5-star rating is the flow, the execution, and the meandering nature of too much inner monologue. Adeline and Lyon liked to explain their actions, reactions, and motivations, sometimes at ad nauseam. This affected the overall flow, making the novel feel longer than it was, slowing the pacing to a crawl, while pulling me from the storyline.

I look forward to future installments, intrigued by the stories for Adeline's widow friends. The premise of a series surrounding widows will have me coming back for more and more, looking for a more mature take on romance, especially in the Historical Romance genre. Highly recommend to fans of the author and the genre, and I can't wait to get my hands on more.

3.5 stars

THE EARL NEXT DOOR is definitely not your typical cookie cutter historical romance. I actually enjoyed the sub-plot more than the primary storyline as it shows that Adeline, Dowager Countess of Wake, along with her two friends have chose to outwardly express their individual sorrows constructively. They've created a school for girls. Fanny and Mathilda are adorable, albeit mischievous, and I really hope they are included in the rest of the series.
Adeline and Lord Lyon are very down-to-earth, delightful characters. She is a bit of a spitfire, and he NOT your typical rogue.
Overall it was an enjoyable read but I did feel the plot was a bit rushed. That being said, I do look forward to the rest of the series.

3.5 stars

Adeline, widowed Countess Wake, has not truly mourned her husband since his death two years ago. During their short marriage, he kept her away from society at his country home, and had no use for her other than providing him with an heir. As the months passed without a pregnancy, he became more insulting, even telling Adeline that one of his mistresses gave birth to his child. The earl’s death was actually a relief to Adeline, and she’s now ready to re-enter society, along with her two widowed friends. These three women lost their husbands in the same shipping tragedy, and have decided to open a boarding school for the daughters of the working class men also killed, hoping to give them the necessary skills which will lead them to a better life. The school is to be located in a small building behind Adeline’s new town home, and it’s almost ready for the girls to move in.

Lyon, the Earl of Lyonwood, was informed that his new neighbor must be opening a brothel, as there has been a steady supply of beds being delivered, along with numerous women coming and going at all hours of the day. It’s his duty to march over there and put a stop to it! He bursts in to Adeline’s home, uninvited, and confronts her with his accusations. Though Lyon certainly doesn’t act like a gentleman, Adeline acts even less the lady, and slaps him. Right off the bat, I have to say that this bothered me a lot. I never felt that a lady has the right to slap or strike anyone unless she’s physically defending herself. After sorting out the true situation, Lyon leaves, but their tenuous truce doesn’t last very long.

A sore head after a night of overindulgence causes Lyon to chastise the newly arrived girls for making too much noise while playing in the yard. Then Adeline bursts into his home, berating him and his guests because their carriages blocked her way. At this point, I was definitely not liking these two characters, finding them quick to judge the other, and overly hotheaded. Eventually, though, cooler heads prevail and apologies are offered. Adeline and Lyon realize that beneath their animosity is a strong attraction, and all those sparks flying are expressions of their passion.

Because she has embraced her widowhood and feels freer than she ever has, Adeline welcomes Lyon’s kisses and is more than willing to become his lover. Adeline feels joy and fulfillment she never found in her marriage, and Lyon feels satisfaction unlike any he’s ever known. It doesn’t take him long to realize that he wants Adeline for his wife forever, but Adeline is enjoying the heady rush of freedom, and is not ready to put herself back in a man’s power. Besides, it’s likely that she’s barren, and an earl will need an heir, something she may not be able to provide.

I liked Adeline and Lyon so much more once they got past their hostilities and childish behavior. It’s obvious that Adeline has a good heart by her actions in setting up the charitable school, and Lyon made amends for his churlish behavior. But now they’re at an impasse – Lyon doesn’t want to have to sneak around to meet Adeline. He wants her to be his wife, and he doesn’t care whether there are children. Adeline’s not willing to take a chance that Lyon will change his mind, and someday resent not having a son to carry on the title. To see his feelings change to scorn, like those of her deceased husband, would be too much to bear. It begins to look like love may not be enough for this couple, but fate is kind to them, although I honestly would have preferred a different resolution.

THE EARL NEXT DOOR is the first book of a new series, and will strongly appeal to those who love an enemies-to-lovers story, and enjoy a battle of wills between the hero and heroine. I have to add that Lyon’s father, the marquess, was a genuine rascal, but I adored him. There are some humorous moments to enjoy, especially with Lyon’s aunt and the nosy neighbor across the street. I’m also looking forward to the upcoming stories of Adeline’s two widowed friends in the FIRST COMES LOVE series.

Three widows who lost their husbands when their ship went down in a storm decide to start a boarding school for the daughters and sisters of the ship’s crew lost in the same tragedy. The girls will learn to read and write and gain the skills to find employment as seamstresses. When Lord Lyon, The Earl Next Door, returns to town he is led to believe the house next door (the school) is being set up as an exclusive ___brothel. Furious, he marches into the house to demand said brothel be closed, and encounters Adeline, Dowager Countess of Wake, who is not a madam, but the founder of the school. Sparks fly and fly…

The Duke Next Door is book one in the First Comes Love Series. It is an entertaining story filled with humor. The characters are great. The hero and heroine spar beautifully from the beginning, both confident and snarky. Adeline is bold, strong, feisty, caring. Lyon starts angry and works his way to confused and provides laugh-out-loud moments along the way. He is in fact absolutely loveable - honorable, patient, and protective. There are no big villains, just a nosy neighbor with a spyglass. The story is straightforward and moves along quickly, an enjoyable read. I recommend this one and look forward to the rest of the series.

The Earl Next Door
by Amelia Grey

Lady Adeline Wake is finally free of her tyrant of a husband, and she’s definitely not in a rush to find husband number two. After getting together with other fortunate women that were widows and not in any rush to marry, they open a boarding house for young women. The only catch is THE neighbour, he mistakenly thinks she’s opening a house of ill repute after he barges into her home, and catches her in a sexy red corset! Well sparks fly and things get heated! Adeline is feisty and no push over. Their romance starts of rocky but really they are meant for each other, it just took them a while to realize it.

I really enjoyed this and can’t wait for the next instalment in the series!
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This is my honest unbiased opinion.

Great start to a new series by Amelia Grey. Starts with 3 widows starting a school for girls that lost their father when a ship sinks. Love the boldness Adeline, The Earl next door is awesome. Very enjoyable read.

Thank you for St Martin and NetGalley for the copy to read and review.

Adeline, the dowager Countess of Wake is mistaken for a fallen angel, a lady of the night in her own home by the assumptive (and idiotic) Earl of Lyonwood, Lyon Markswood.
He treats her with absolutely no respect and assumes her home and school are a brothel.
Their meeting is not auspicious.

But, as they are neighbors, and he's an earl, and she's a countess, their paths cross frequently. And soon, she's tumbling into bed with the rake.
Adeline believes she's barren and determined not to be under a man's thumb and refuses to get married again.
Lyon does offer her marriage but when circumstances change for Adeline, will she surrender her independence?

A delightful romance filled with humor and two people who hold an attraction but are at cross purposes. Lady Adeline had become a widow at twenty two and after two years all she could think was the relief not to be married any long to her cruel husband. Meeting ladies who had also lost their husbands in the same way she had, a sinking ship, they decide to open a school for the children of the sailors from the incident.
Lord Lyon, her next door neighbor, mistakes what he sees with ladies coming and going and bringing in bedding for the school. Oh yes, he thought it was to be a brothel! So needless to say their first meeting was high drama! But the attraction was there and in the end he wanted to marry her.
Of course she wants none of that but as they spend time together, it is great to see how their desire ignites!
A wonderful start to a new series, this set the background and introduced secondary characters that will be seen in the coming books! Really enjoyed and looked forward to more!

Adeline,Dowager Countess of Wake is an amazing person. She is principled and will fight for what she believes is right. She doesn't feel like she needs people waiting on her hand and foot. Her two friends, who are also widows, feel the same way. Lord Lynwood, who is her next door neighbor, is being manipulated not only by his aunt but his father. He is a principled person and doesn't tell lies. He has an infinity for children and looks to the day that he actually finds the right person to settle down with. Adeline and Lynn keep clashing but underneath it all, both are fighting their feelings. The fates have their own idea how this will all turn out. .

I was a bit disappointed with this book. I couldn't connect with it after the first chapter, which I quite liked. I thought it lagged a bit in the first part and none of the characters were the least bit interesting or charming. The parts about the boarding school and its students were boring and just went nowhere. Aside from the first chapter, the protagonists' romance wasn't really interesting, I did not feel the attraction between them.
I was expecting a lot more, though towards the end it does get a bit better, enough to at least finish reading the novel. It's not a bad book, but I didn't feel as if there was anything special about it either.

4.5 stars - What an enchanting regency romance!! It’s a guy/girl next door story that finds the handsome earl next door enamored by his new neighbor. His neighbor happens to be a beautiful, fiery widow previously thought to be a sickly miss. She’s decidedly not. With each meeting, they both fall a little bit more for one another and the HEA is just what this reader ordered. I loved it!

I received an ARC of this book, from the publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.