I started reading this book without having read the other books in the series, but it did not hinder my enjoyment one bit. Hugh Winthrop was looking for a wife in the most unconventional way and found Phoebe, who was not looking for a husband at first. But after she was betrayed by the man she loves, she is forced into making decisions she otherwise wouldn’t have taken. As both of them require something from the other, Hugh and Phoebe decide on a marriage of convenience which stays that way for an extremely short time. What I enjoyed the most was the couple’s growing attachment for each other. I liked that they actually spent time getting to know each other.

Phoebe and Hugh’s characters were refreshing to read as they both had a silent strength to their personalities which they showed in different ways. This stayed true till the end. When I thought Phoebe would end up becoming a passive heroine waiting for the hero to make a decision, without giving too much away, I am happy to say that she remained a true feisty heroine fighting for what she deserves rather than just waiting around for things to happen. While there were a few issues I had, the story was enjoyable enough for me to ignore them.

Stacy Reid’s writing is amazing. She weaves the plot at the right pace making it both entertaining and engrossing, that before the reader knows it, they are totally immersed in the story.

To please his dying father, Hugh Winthrop, Viscount Huxley and future Earl of Albury, agrees to marry. Due to rumors that he and his siblings aren’t true offspring of the Earl, the Winthrops have avoided society for many years, so Hugh decides the most expedient option is to advertise anonymously for a wife in a London paper. He doesn’t expect to receive anonymous replies from a woman, nor for those replies to reveal a lady who is as jaded and unbelieving in love as he is. When this mystery woman arrives on his doorstep in rather desperate circumstances, Hugh is surprised to find himself offering to protect her with a marriage of convenience.

Lady Phoebe Maitland had dreams of marrying for love, but her father, a powerful duke, wasn’t pleased with her choice of a lowly music instructor and the man she’d entrusted with her heart was all too easily paid to go away. Desperate and ruined, she seeks shelter with Hugh and agrees to a polite but distant union without love. But the more time they spend together, the more Phoebe’s feelings turn to love. Just as Hugh’s shell begins to crack, Phoebe’s past causes problems that may prove insurmountable to the delicate bond they were only just forming.

I wanted to like this book so much and it started off so strong. Unfortunately, this story rapidly deteriorated for me. I loved Phoebe’s loyalty to Hugh, but his surly, self-imposed distance was drawn out way too long and seemed very odd as far as pacing was concerned given how sweet and endearing he was for the first half of the book. The interference from Phoebe’s family also went on too long and was just annoying for me, as well as the fact that they still didn’t listen to her or respect her in the end. This made the story drag for me in several places and I lost my investment in the characters after their inconsistencies. I know I’ve read much better from this author, who is one of my favorites. This was an okay read for me, but not quite up to par and I don’t think I’d reread it though I will continue the series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Oh la lá! Get ready for all kinds of inappropriate fun and some seriously sweet romance with When the Earl Met His Match.

There’s a lot that goes on in this story that isn’t mentioned in the blurb so I can’t say much about it without ruining the surprises. But, I will wholeheartedly recommend this read if you’re in the mood for a fluffy and warm historical.

Phoebe was all passion and heart, and when she saw what her parents wanted for her (or more accurately for themselves and the family name) she went all out to escape that fate. Unfortunately, not everything worked out exactly as she planned, and that is how she finds herself at Hugh’s door offering a marriage of convenience.

I loved how she was willing to risk everything to fight for what she felt was right. She was sweet, a bit sassy and completely improper.

Hugh was the sweetest guy ever. Marked by his past and circumstances, he was closed off, and although it was understandable, it kind of drove me crazy a little bit at times.

Their chemistry together was off the charts hot and witnessing their relationship bloom was a joy. The pace felt a bit slow at times but they were so good together I could totally ignore it.

With some intrigue, a lot of heart and some seriously scorching shenanigans, When the Earl Met His Match hit just the right spot!

Lady Phoebe Maitland, 18, is the daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Salop. She is intrigued by an unnamed gentleman who had advertised for a wife with specific qualities. It turns out he is Hugh Winthrop, the future Earl of Albury. She thinks he is appalling to place such an advertisement and sends him a letter telling him so. Thus begins correspondence of her chastising him for his advertisement and he responds putting her down for her comments.

Phoebe's mother wants her to marry the Earl of Dumont, but Phoebe is in love with her long-time piano teacher, Mr. George Hastings. When she confesses her love for George to her parents, they are outraged and George agrees to a large sum of money to leave. Phoebe is shocked and hurt.

Hugh’s father is dying from a weak heart and he wants Hugh to marry and prepare to take his place as Earl. Hugh is mute and he uses sign language to converse with his family. Hugh is intrigued by the young woman he had been corresponding with and would like to meet her.

One day she arrives at his home with his long-lost dog that she had found and rescued. She then asks Hugh to marry her with a marriage of convenience. He is enchanted by her and agrees. They marry right away. Now, they are taking things slowly as they get to know one another. She wants him to teach her sign language.

Stacy Reid is so clever when creating her plots. They are difficult from the “usual.” I really loved Hugh and Phoebe together. Their’s is a true love story. Stacy never fails to write a swoon-worthy story for readers to enjoy. Well done, Stacy!

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

Lady Phoebe, a duke’s daughter, is in love with a man who doesn’t live up to her lofty father’s expectations.  He’s a commoner, and that just won’t do.  When Phoebe is betrayed by her love, she’s devastated, but makes a plan to resolve her issues.

Hugh is an Earl and has written an advertisement for a wife.  He describes what he’s looking for and he is quite succinct in the ad that this marriage will have nothing to do with love.  Phoebe is outraged and write’s this anonymous man to tell him her feelings about his ad.  They start a correspondence that while still vaguely about the ad, becomes a bit of a friendship and they both look forward to the letters.

After her love’s betrayal (and other reasons) Phoebe heads to Hugh’s and offers a marriage of convenience.  He’s shocked that this woman has shown up to be his wife, as he hadn’t made a decision about who he would pick of the women who had answered the ad.  Hugh is honest with himself that he’s not totally mad/sad that Phoebe is there as he has enjoyed her letters immensely.  They also each have issues that are not necessarily accepted in society and Hugh decides to go through with it. Phoebe is shocked when she realizes that Hugh is mute, but quickly decides it doesn’t matter.

Despite getting married, Hugh is determined to nip love in the bud before it can begin.  His mother took off with her lover when Hugh was young and he doesn’t want his heart on the line if Phoebe decides to leave as well. Can Phoebe get him to see that love is something they should strive for rather than avoid?

I enjoyed this book. One of the reasons was Hugh and his wonderful attitude towards life.  He accepted Phoebe for who she was, and all her issues.  He didn’t let the fact that he was mute stop him from living and I loved that.  He was so good to Phoebe for the most part and I really enjoyed them together.  I also really liked Phoebe and her determination to live her life the way she wanted to, and not the way her parents and brother thought she should live it.

Phoebe was the other reason this book was good.  She made some mistakes in her life but for the most part she had such a good heart.  I loved her vibrancy!  At one point in the book she takes a poor woman and her children into the carriage and takes them home because it’s raining.  How many women of the nobility would do that?? Not only that but she gives her jewelry she can sell to buy food. Hugh then goes a step further and tells her that money and help finding a job will be available to her the next day.  Good people!

That said, I have a bit of an issue with one aspect of Reid’s heroes (and this happened in all of the Reid books I’ve read).  It seems that the heroes, at some point, are angry at the heroines or trying to push them away because they’re trying to deny that they love the women. When this happens, they are purposely cruel to the heroines and say some of the rudest, meanest things to them!  I hate that!  Surely their feelings can be expressed without being cruel. Anyway, that’s a pet peeve I have with Reid’s heroes. They can be amazing, but they can also be complete bastards.

Anyway, despite my love of Hugh and Phoebe the story dragged in a few places, which was disappointing.  Still a good book, but it brought my rating down a bit.  I still recommend this book, as I definitely think it one that needs to be read.

Rating: 3.75 out of 5

I think this one is by far my favorite of the series. Phoebe was such a strong character... especially for the time period. All she wanted to do was control her own life and not have it be decided for her. I admire that. She is desperate and responds to an ad for a wife. Hugh didn't want love but needed a wife. So he put an ad for one in the paper. I really enjoyed seeing these two characters grow together and I loved watching their feelings develop.

This whole series has been alot of fun to read and I highly recommend if you are a fan of historical romances with scandal and fierce women.

Thank you netgalley for my early copy!

Stacy Reid delivers a hot passionate read mixed with tender compassion, haute ton influence, and the hazards of love in a beautiful Scottish setting. Hugh takes a different approach to finding a wife: writing a letting in the paper seeking a lady, Lady Phoebe in turn responds to chastise him. What starts as a fun communication soon turns into Lady Phoebe's last resort. As her life takes an unforeseen turn she realizes she is truly happy but can she convince Hugh that love is worth the risk?

100% recommend this read. You have a tender yet jaded hero with a reckless yet loyal heroine- read it!

Stacy Reid's historicals are a delightful. She writes with some evocative and imaginative language. Her writing style and imagery reminds me of the sweeping tales from old school romance writers like Virginia Henley but without the craziness and cringe-worthy plots. When The Earl Met His Match is a complex story. Phoebe, the heroine, is headstrong and sometimes acts without thinking, which ends her in trouble and on the doorstep of Hugh, the hero. Hugh is mute and a soon to be Earl who needs to marry. He has been writing with Phoebe but is in for a shock when she shows up unannounced with a serious issue that requires his help and hand in marriage. I'm a fan of marriage stories where the heroine and hero have to work out their issues and attraction to each other while already being bond. Hugh doesn't want to fall in love and the passionate Phoebe is a risk to that desire. Both are seriously influenced by their past and need to work to overcome that. But when they do give in to their passion and eventual love, it is so beautiful and enduring!

I really liked Hugh and Phoebe as main characters. I appreciated how she took charge of her life and left her family because she knew she wanted to keep her baby, Sure, her decisions were reckless at first, but she always meant well. Hugh was a compelling male lead. I liked that you really get to see him grow and open up as the novel progresses. I have read epistolary novels with more sparkling banter in the letters, but still, you root for this couple. Also, the portrayal of Hugh's muteness was interesting. I'm not sure that it's realistic that Phoebe could learn how to sign so quickly, but I appreciated the attempt so show a romantic lead with a disability. I recommend!

Stacy Reid has been at the top of my list for writing scorching historical romances but lookout for what she can do with a slow burner!

Close to losing his father, Hugh Winthrop knows he will soon be the Earl of Albury. He needs a countess of impeccable character to guide him and his siblings back into the Ton’s favor. Time is of the essence so he places an advert to pick his wife.

Lady Phoebe Maitland is compelled to reply, if only to let the future Earl know of her distaste for his methods. As fate would have it, however, Phoebe finds herself hopeful Hugh will choose her in his quest for a wife.

Hugh may be cynical when it comes to love which should be just fine with Phoebe, who was recently burned by the sentiment. What will happen to their marriage if either stops playing by the rules? Pure magic!

This review cannot be complete without thanking those who have taken on the role of being a step-parent. As one who was blessed to be loved as much as subsequent siblings born of the marriage, I truly know the treasure of a purposeful parent. My fairytale was having a Dad who chose me to be his daughter.

An emotional, yet remarkably beautiful, story!

WOW oh WOW!!! This was absolutely captivating! I truly have never read a book with a mute character and I wanted to read this till my eyes rolled back in my head. I was just so glued to this story, I could have easily read a few hundred more pages. This was so heartwarming, sexy, enduring, funny, etc..... I need to read more from this author.

A witty, sometimes snarky correspondence begins with an advertisement in the newspaper for a wife for A Gentleman of Distinction and Wealth. Lady Phoebe, A Curious Lady, answers the ad with the intention of scolding his audacity. They exchange several letters, the last an appeal from Phoebe for Hugh to marry her. Phoebe has been betrayed by her parents and the man she thought loved her. Pregnant and desperate, she finds her way to Hugh. He wants a marriage of convenience, but will he be able to accept her child?

This is a wonderful story. The characters are amazing. Hugh comes from a quite unusual family. He is intelligent and strong and handles the estates for his father who is in poor health. He is also mute. Phoebe is impulsive, but is good hearted and kind. She takes Hugh’s inability to speak in stride, and quickly learns his (sign) language. There is most definitely some sizzling chemistry between them. I love Sarah, Caroline, and the Old Earl (Hugh’s father), each watchful and caring. Then there’s Wolf, Hugh’s and, for a while, Phoebe’s dog. Large and loveable, he is a special part of the story. This is a love story, but there is other excitement as well, including a kidnapping, revenge for the kidnapping, a rescue, and a waltz. This is a great read. I had trouble putting it down, and it definitely goes on my reread list.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

While this is the 4th book of this series, it can be read as a stand-alone. I will be reading the 3rd book as it is Lady Phoebe Maitland's brother, Richard. From what I have read of him and his story, I am definitely intrigued.

This story is a wonderful one that is told in a dual POV format. That is a favorite of mine. Getting that glimpse into the characters' thoughts really makes them more human than character.

Lady Phoebe Maitland is in love with her boy-hood friend, George. Unfortunately Phoebe is the daughter of a duke. George is NOT of high social ranking status. Phoebe is crushed and dismayed when he takes the 20,000 pounds that her parents offer to get rid of him. Unbeknownst to anyone at the time, Phoebe is pregnant. Phoebe has been corresponding with a man who seeks a Lady of the realm for a wife. The man does not seek a marriage for love and Phoebe decides to go to him once her pregnancy is discovered.

Hugh Winthrop, the future Earl of Albury, is in need for a wife. His father is dying and wants Hugh married. Hugh is mute (which leads a fair amount of frustration in communication between the two at the beginning.) Hugh also has a secret.

This story is so well written, I was enchanted with these two characters. I really hated to put it down. The scenes flowed and the characters were wonderful.

Now to go back and read the third book of this series.

Hugh has decided it is time to get a wife. He decides to put an ad in the newspaper listing the qualities that he is looking for. He receives an intriguing letter from an anonymous woman who disagrees with his whole process to getting a wife. They continue to write and Hugh is smitten just from the bantering words they exchange.

Phoebe has always thought to marry for love. That is until the man she loved betrayed her. Now compromised and pregnant, she needs a plan to save the baby that her mother would see given away. Having been corresponding with Hugh for months, she decides to offer him the marriage of convenience that he wants. It will solve both of their issues.

But once they get married, will a marriage of convenience be enough for Hugh and Phoebe?

I absolutely adored Hugh and Phoebe! They were so perfect for one another! I loved the bantering between these two when they were writing back and forth and then the compassion they post shared for what the other had/was experiencing.

While this is part of a series, you can definitely read it as a standalone. One of my favorites of the year!!

Ever since I finished the last Wedded by Scandal book, How to Marry a Marquess, I’ve been eagerly anticipating Phoebe Maitland’s story. Stacy Reid did not disappoint. I was swept away by When the Earl Met His Match from the very first page, losing track of time until I looked up upon finishing the book. Ms. Reid’s writing is just that addictive.

Phoebe may come from wealth and power, but that doesn’t equal freedom. She’s had to bank the inner fire in her to be the dutiful daughter. But when she risked everything for love, it blew up in her face as the man she wanted to marry betrayed her. Though her heart has been bruised and her faith in love shaken, Phoebe makes one last desperate gamble in order to escape the horrible fate her mother has planned for her: she proposes marriage to a man she has only known through letters. I loved Phoebe’s spirit and determination, how she picked herself up from heartbreak and was determined to make a new life. She has a big heart and a sunny nature that even the storms she weathers can’t tamp down. Quite simply, I adored her.

And Hugh… *sigh* The future Earl of Albury might just be my favorite of Ms. Reid’s heroes to date. Hugh has been badly hurt in the past and he’s had it drilled into him never to risk opening his heart to his future wife. But Hugh has also been raised to be a man of honor and said honor shines through and makes him an utterly irresistible hero. He’s protective, kind, and sexy as sin. Hugh is also determined to honor his father’s wishes and take his place in London society. To do so, he needs a wife with connections and no scandal to her name. Given his circumstances (which I won’t spoil), he advertises for a wife in the newspaper. When Phoebe takes umbrage to his ad and writes a scathing letter in reply, it’s only the beginning for them. Their back-and-forths made me grin and I loved watching their friendship form before they even meet in person. When they do, the mutual attraction sizzles and despite logic saying Phoebe isn’t a proper match for him, Hugh agrees to a marriage of convenience.

The chemistry between Phoebe and Hugh is top-notch. I loved watching their friendship deepen into love, especially since the sexual tension constantly simmering was utterly delicious. Both have secrets in the beginning of the story that I won’t spoil, so I will have to be a bit vague. There are things about Hugh and Phoebe that so-called polite society would love to gossip and make cutting remarks about. But it’s those things that show their true strengths of character as they adapt and support one another. Their love story is both sweet and passionate, which is the best combination. There are some truly special moments in this book that I smile just thinking about. Is it a smooth road to happily ever after? No. Old wounds and outside obstacles threaten to hinder their romance, but I was rooting for them every step of the way.

Hugh’s family adds further life to When the Earl Met His Match and I hope to see Caroline Winthrop get a book of her own. All in all, I loved Hugh and Phoebe’s story from beginning to end. It has heat, humor, and heart – a truly potent combination.

This book was a beautiful surprise. Is the first book I´ve read from this author, but it wouldn´t be the last one.
Hugh Winthrop, the future Earl of Albury, needs a wife, so he decides to advertise for one in the London paper. Lady Phoebe Maitland expected to marry for love and nothing else, until the man she gave her trust betrayed her. Desperate to scape her family control, she shows up on Hugh´s doorstep offering a marriage of convenience in exchange for his protection.
But they shall be strong together to fight Phoebe’s past threats, Hugh´s long-held secrets and most of all their own fears and believes.
For me, the best part of this book is the hero. He is sweet, strong, protective and considerate. I fell in love with him from the beginning, even though he could be too stubborn sometimes. Phoebe is a strong woman, and his match in every possible way. I highly recommend this book.

This was such a great read! Two very engaging characters in Phoebe and Hugh. Hugh has his problems and his views were very influenced by his father. Phoebe has very controlling parents and were not any help to her when she needed them. There was just so much to enjoy about this book, how they felt about each other and whether they could come to terms with this. I’ve always enjoyed Stacey’s books and this was no exception. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I am giving this three generous stars, well 3 just because I did finish it. I have read a couple of Stacy's books and they were fantastic. This one just seemed so rushed, so thrown together, and not finished. Where were her BETA readers? Where was her publisher? Did no one check this for her? Did no one care? Stacy is very talented, and I know this could have been so much more. The first part of the book was going so well, but then it just all went down hill. I did finish the book, so there's that I guess. I did some skimming, it was a struggle to stay focused on it, and this just breaks my heart that I did. I won't stop reading her stuff, but this one was a miss for me.

Forced to flee!

A marriage of convenience trope that has a few interesting twists. Hugh Winthrop, the future Earl of Albury responds to his father's prompting to find a wife. He advertises in the newspaper, and a bantering conversation opens up between him and anonymous lady sender.
Lady Phoebe Maitland is doing all she can to avoid an arranged marriage. I must say I totally disliked Phoebe's parents. Phoebe is sister to Richard the Marquess Westfall, whom we met in the very enjoyable "How to Marry a Marquess." Phoebe is forced to flee to her correspondent, Hugo, seeking safety and marriage under his terms. Mind you he doesn't expect her to arrive on his doorstep! We find out why Hugh eschews society. Playing into this, I loved the serendipity around Phoebe gaining a dog and how that played out. Nicely done! Of course their budding relationship leads to all sorts challenges, with more than heavy breathing. This after all is a marriage--with a slow burn.
I was really struck by the flute inclusion. An amazing vignette that showed Hugh's ability to look for alternative methods of communication. And I can't even begin to tell you my delight by the pictures painted in my imagination with the lanterns.
Another super chapter in the Wedded by Scandal series from Stacy Reid.
An engaging read!

An Entangled Publishing, LLC ARC via NetGalley
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

MY HEART. Oh my goodness, my heart. I love a marriage-of-convenience, and this one was done in such a delightful and unique way that I was hooked from page one. I don't read regency novels nearly as much as I should, but I am so so glad I read this one.

Phoebe was headstrong, full of love, full of fire, and one of the most incredible souls I've ever come across. All this girl wanted was to live a life that would bring her joy and happiness and wasn't dictated by her family. I loved Phoebe something fierce, and appreciated the gumption with which she lived her life.

Hugh was another delightful twist! I loved him, I truly did. He was a stubborn a*hole sometimes, but I really did love him (the dumb fool). His relationship with Phoebe was delightful and watching them go through this marriage-of-convenience and see it turn into something more was just wondrous. And the steam level?! Holy moly. Off the charts.

With twists, and turns, and bits I didn't see coming but absolutely should have, I really enjoyed this book and am so glad to have read it. It was my first Stacy Reid, but it certainly won't be my last.