Starring Lady Phoebe Francesca Maitland and Hugh Winthrop, the future Earl of Albury. Marriage of Convenience trope.

I never wanted this beautiful book to end. So many wonderful ugly cry AF moments. Hugh and Phoebe pushed all my love buttons... I absolutely adore them.

Phoebe is my favorite kind of heroine. She’s vulnerable but she’s headstrong and tenacious. She goes after what she wants... and she breaks down Hugh’s emotional walls one hug at a time. I love that she also provided a beam of sunshine for the Winthrop family and offered her love without judgement. She’s totally amazing.

I am so in love with Hugh. I love that he had a physical limitation, but it didn’t make him limited. For a person who didn’t want anything to do with love, he was so attentive and romantic where Phoebe is concerned. There were so many thoughtful things that he did for Phoebe that made me smile while bawling. He’s an Alpha hero with a Beta’s heart... absolutely swoonlicious!!

Stacy Reid did it again... another story worth treasuring. Honestly, I will read anything she writes. She creates characters worth cheering for... and she always makes me ugly cry AF with all the giddy feely-feels. I am a blubbering mess even before I read “The End”. This is why she is one of my All Time Fave Authors.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily review it and the comments are 100% my own.

My star rating: 5 stars x 100
Ugly cried AF. Major book hangover. Characters and storyline were freaken amazeballs. Made me wanna hug the author for writing a book that gave me all the feels!! Will definitely be reading this story over and over and over again!!

This book was good in places but most of it was pretty slow for me. I could never really understand Hugh’s reluctance to build a life with Phoebe even though her married her knowing her secret and was obviously attracted to her.

When the Earl Met His Match
By Stacy Reid
4.5/5
I’m a sucker for a historical romance. Absolute trash for them. This one was no exception. As soon as I was approved I started reading and was hooked soon after. Phoebe, the daughter of a haughty duke, finds herself compromised. She was persuaded she was in love with a man beneath her station and soon to be engaged to an Earl who was older than her father. Hugh, soon to be An Earl, posts an advert in the paper seeking a wife. Phoebe finds this reprehensible and yet silly. She decides to write, not to offer herself, but to admonish him. Thus begins their unexpected epistolary relationship. When troubles at home force Phoebe to take her future into her own hands, she decides to make her own engagement-to the mysterious penpal seeking a bride.

My love of this story is from pure enjoyment of a good love story. It isn’t perfect. I’m hoping that is an editing problem that will be sorted before the final publication because the sheer confusion of the number of different titles was out of control. Countess, marchioness. Earl, marquess. Just make it clear. If he’s the Earl then where is the marquess/marchioness coming from?? Anyhow I hope that’s just a result of it being an advanced proof (along with a few errors regarding pronouns and the like).

As to the story, I absolute love the characters. Phoebe is feisty and opinionated. Hugh is strong and reserved but has a clear depth of feeling that he suppresses.
This book deals a lot with perceived disadvantages in society although it doesn’t explore them too closely—Hugh is mute, he is likely not his father’s biological son, and he and his siblings have kept far from society for a long time with their father after their mother abandoned them to pursue her scandalous affairs; Phoebe has been compromised and finds herself repeatedly maneuvered like a pawn by the various members of her family. These familial issues never seem to be resolved fully and the actual effect the various “disadvantages” as I’ve called them have had on them in terms of society are likewise unexplored. So the main thrust ;) of the story is about the relationship between Phoebe and Hugh. And I’m okay with that. I don’t need all my books to engage so critically with society and what society at the time thought. Sometimes, a girl just wants a good romance with a dash of drama for good measure. That’s what this books delivers—A moving and sweet romance of a couple well suited to each other. The sweet awkwardness of trying to communicate with one’s spouse when one of them is mute was fully explored in terms of cuteness. They were adorable. Their efforts to converse were adorable. I could giggle the day away reading about their exploits—in fact, I did! The inherent sweetness and tenderness so clearly conveyed by Reid makes her an author I am always eager to read and this boom perfectly emulates that emotion and reflects her skill.

I haven’t read the other books in this series but I definitely want to now! I could tell there were references to other stories within this work but did not feel disadvantaged by not having read them before. I highly recommend this to anyone who loves a determined and devoted couple seeking their happily ever after.
Will be posted to social media and commercial sites closer to or on publication date as sites allow.

Lady Phoebe Francesca Maitland read an advertisement of a man looking for a wife. She could not believe what she read and found that he was not a gentleman It would cause a scandal. So she wrote to him, several times.
She thought she was in love with George Hastings, her music teacher. He was coming today to ask for her hand.
She had been compromised. The duke, her father, paid him off and sent him on his way.
Hugh Winthrope, the future Earl of Albury, was busy being nagged about finding a wife. His father is very sick and believed to be dying. He lost so much weight. He wanted to see his son settled before that came to be. His secret is he can't speak. He uses sign language. But he is still ruthless and takes nothing for granted.
Every book I have read of this author has never disappointed. This one included, Phoebe and Hugh have some very rough spots to make it through. The characters are fun, endearing, and witty. The storyline is entertaining and covers all the questions you might have about the book. I loved the book and was glad I could read it.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.

I have received this book from NetGalley in return for an honest review. Once I started reading, I was absolutely taken it. It was lovely, the characters were wonderful and for once in romantic fiction, they were actually honest. It was lovely and refreshing. For about four chapters. It was all downhill from there and I cannot start to express my disappointment because the author could obviously do so much better. This book reminded me of a very popular meme with the drawing of the horse, a small part done flawlessly and then looking like a three year old finished it. The characters seemed to be either bi-polar because there was absolutely no consistency. And I am not talking about evolution, just plain non congruence. I will not talk about the absolute cheesy feeling of some of the episodes because this is romantic fiction so it is expected but the lanterns felt like too much and too modern .I honestly think the author should just take it back and re do it, putting in the effort (and probably time) that went into the first chapters. It's a very big shame it was done so hastily and inconsiderately, At one point the heroine asks herself where is the man she married and I was wondering where both of them are and who they are because honestly the people at the beginning were wonderful - flawed but still wonderful. At times the way the action was moved forward felt as if told by a four year old - then they did than and then that and that happened and now we are at the point I was trying to get to. It could have been an amazing book but to me it seemed just a rushed mess. There were also a lot of mistakes in my ARC which I ranted about initially but then edited the review because hopefully they will get corrected and they are not why I'm giving this book two stars.

It has only been a year or so since I first read one of Stacy Reid’s stories and then immediately gobbled up every title available with her name on it. She has quickly become one of those authors, that I rarely bother reading the story synopsis for before buying the latest title and I’ve never regretted it.
When the Earl Met His Match only made me love her work more!
Hugh Winthrop, the future Earl of Albury is in need of a wife to fulfill a loved ones dying wish, but with a family secret that is not so secret and a disability holding him back from a traditional pursuit, he places an advertisement that a certain young lady quickly takes exception to.
Lady Phoebe Maitland has the heart of a romantic and is in love with a young man she hopes to marry when she reads a curiously cold description of marriage in a newspaper and immediately writes to the anonymous gentleman to read him the riot act, hardly expecting to get an immediate reply.
The letters back and forth are still flying furiously when Phoebe’s ideals of romantic love are shattered and she quickly finds herself in need of a husband, so it’s a good thing she just happens to know a particular gentleman who is in desperate need of a wife.
When Phoebe unexpectedly shows up on Hugh’s doorstep sparks immediately fly as identities are revealed, the heroine’s scandalous plight uncovered and the most obvious of the hero’s secrets is exposed. What should be a sure recipe for disaster is handled beautifully and the story only gets better from there.
The pace in which this couple’s romance blossoms is absolutely perfect, with plenty of smiles and tears of sadness (and joy) along the way. I seriously wanted to go back to page one and read this one all over again immediately when I finished but will wait until the next book in the Wedded by Scandal series arrives to “refresh my memory”. 😊

4.5 Stars!

The scandals continue! In book three, we experienced the love story of a disgraced son, Richard Maitland, and his best friend’s sister, Evie Chesterfield. Now in book four, we are presented with the scandal of Richard’s little sister, Pheobe.

Phoebe believed in love and all the trappings when she saw an add for a wife in the local paper. Hugh Winthorp, the future Earl of Albury and current Viscount of Huxley, knew what he needed so why not place an add in the London paper. Phoebe and Hugh anonymously send several letters back and forth each enjoying their sparring on paper. When Phoebe’s dreams of love are crushed and she finds herself in a scandalous situation, she leaves London to find Hugh to ask for a marriage of convenience.

There are several secrets both Phoebe and Hugh are hiding from the world, but end up confiding in each other. I wish I could tell you, but I think they are major spoilers. You need to read this to find out!

I loved Phoebe from the moment this novel began. Even after her heartbreak and the enormous courage it took for her to seek out Hugh, she keeps her lively spirit and kind nature. Hugh was also loved in an instant. While his ideas about love have been drilled into him by his father since his mother left, he is able to let Phoebe into his heart.

Reid also created some fantastic secondary characters that haven’t been seen in the series so far. A large dog named Wolf plays an interesting part in the pair’s love story. Hugh’s younger sister, Caroline, finds an instant companion in Phoebe. Even Hugh and Caroline’s curmudgeon of a father brightens the story even in the darkest moments.

Once again, Reid has given us another whirlwind romance with two dynamic and complex characters. There is always room for more stories in this universe and I will be reading every one.

I received When the Earl Met His Match (Wedded by Scandal, #4) for free. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

An unusual correspondence leads duke's daughter Lady Phoebe Maitland to Scotland to meet and marry Hugh Winthrop, Viscount Huxley and future Earl of Albury. Both have secrets that make a marriage of convenience necessary.

This is the fourth book in the Wedded by Scandal series, but it can be read alone. I have not read the others in the series and didn't feel I was missing anything. Without offering plot spoilers, these are two vulnerable main characters! Phoebe needs the protection of Hugh's name, and Hugh needs Phoebe's connections and standing in society. She is spirited and warm, and he desperately craves that affection even though he's been taught not to aspire to or count on love. I empathized with these characters and enjoyed this story.

* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #WhenTheEarlMetHisMatch #NetGalley

This story of a marriage of convenience is the second of Stacy Reid’s books that I read. I read less than a month ago when someone recommended her to me and what I liked the most about it is how sweet it was, how heartwarming… I mean, the main characters went through some struggles and they had to do whatever it took in order to find their happiness together, but they never stopped being actual cinnamon rolls themselves. And it is the same here. Hugh and Phoebe never had it easy, not before meeting each other nor after. Hugh is a man with a serious disability, he can’t speak. He’s an earl, and I don’t mean the privileged side of the situation, but the position he must take in life, he must be heard in the House of Lords just to give an example. And Phoebe is disgraced, she is so young (both of them are) and she knows what it is being pregnant, being scared, being alone, being betrayed and being heartbroken. Both Hugh and Phoebe have every right to be bitter and dark and angry at life and society… and they’re not! They are sweet and tender both of them. Even if Hugh would like to present himself as some the cynic and skeptical sort of man: “I don’t believe in love, I acknowledge its existence but not in my life (because my mother left me behind)”. Actually in the beginning Phoebe is naïve and romantic and Hugh is the opposite. But the events that happen right before they meet make them kind of exchange their roles.

Another feature of the book that I want to remark are the letters they write each other. They speak volumes about the characters. In fact, the characterization in the novel is quite remarkable, it’s so well done that you get a clear picture of all of the characters right from the start. Hugh and Phoebe, yes, but Sarah, the duke and the duchess (I hated her), the earl… the dog!

I also loved the fact that both Hugh and Phoebe are nearly inexperienced in bed matters. Phoebe having had sex just once and Hugh having had a couple of lovers if any. So for both of them it feels like wonder the way they feel such an electric attraction towards each other. That their bodies seem to connect like they were made of the same material so they match like pieces of a puzzle. This is written in a very natural and sweet, yet hot, way. It is quite difficult to write two people’s intimacy and not making it sound weird or artificial or cringe-y.

But this book is not without flaws. I thoroughly enjoyed the story of Hugh and Phoebe and cried and smiled a lot throughout the book. Still, it has a couple of historical and geographical inaccuracies, they are not bothersome and I understand that most people will not detect them easily, but I did. There’s also a little confusion of titles, we have earls that are suddenly addressed as marquesses, countesses become marchionesses and vice versa… it feels a bit arbitrary and one wonders if the writer knows how titles work. Of course a man or a woman could hold more than one title, but that was never specified in the novel. Lastly, the plot feels sometimes a bit rushed, it uses formulas such as “A month had passed’ or ‘a couple of weeks after…’ and while it is not wrong to use those formulas from time to time they happen so often that I couldn’t help feeling that the writer wanted to cover too much time in too few pages.

On the other hand, the depiction of that thing called The Society and of the relationship between money, power, and influence is quite remarkable. Not only because it is so well done and well documented but because it is relevant. We, as a Society, are still the same. More than two hundred years later we are still the same or worse. Will we ever change?

*SIX STARS*

I am very upset that Goodreads doesn't have a six stars option that you can give to one book a year. Because it would go to this soul breaking historical fiction that left me in pieces.

Stacy Reid, queen goddess of historical fiction, how did I not know your name? I now know what I am doing for the next month. Reading every book you have ever written.

This was my first Stacy Reid book and it was an experience. I will always remember the first time I read a Colleen Hoover book or the first time I read Alyssa Cole. And now I will always remember the first time I read a Stacy Reid book.

This is the 4th book in the Wedded by Scandal series. You do not have to have read any of the previous books to read this one. It follows Phoebe who has been ruined and looking for a place to call her own and Hugh, a mute Earl who has promised his father to marry before he dies. I really don't want to talk too much about the plot of this book because I feel like it is an experience the reader needs to go on. From chapter one, none of the usual cues in a historical novel were there. It felt fresh and new, and like I was falling in love for the first time through the eyes of our heroine and hero.

Enjoy Stacy Reid's new book and add it to your instant buy cart now. But then beg your public library to buy her back catalog because she has written a lot and you will be obsessed.

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

I don’t know why but I’ve been on a historical romance kick lately, so when I saw that this was up for request I jumped at the chance to try an author I’ve heard pretty good things about. Though this is the fourth book in a series it can be read as a standalone but now I want to read the previous books on the series to know the backstory of some of the secondary characters that were on this one (though I was not the biggest fan of some of his actions so I hope his book can redeem him).

I loved both Phoebe and Hugh and their growth but, though I can understand his reasons, I would’ve prefer Hugh to be not so emotionally stunted. I also appreciate they’re not your typical wallflower/rake pairing and the inclusion of Hugh’s disability as it adds another layer to their relation ship. My only ‘but’ is that I would’ve like more Wolf in the story because, as everybody knows, a dog always makes a story ten times better.

Though this is my first Stacy Reid, it certainly won’t be my last.

3.5 ⭐️

An entertaining and well written regency romance. Good plot and character development. I highly recommend this book. Loved Love it I received an advance ebook from the publisher and this is my unbiased review.

When you read a lot of books, especially romance, it's always refreshing to find something new. And Stacy Reid delivers just that. Phoebe's parents have certain expectations of her with regards to marriage and the man she believes herself in love with doesn't meet those. A desperate situation and a future that looks dire causes Phoebe to make the decision to run away from London. Her decision brings her to the home of Hugh. Hugh has been looking for an aristocratic wife and, through correspondence, has gotten to know Phoebe a bit without knowing who she was. Needless to say he's surprised when she shows up looking for a way out of her situation back in London. Neither is aware of the secrets each are keeping.

I really liked this book. Phoebe's independent and strong nature was admirable. And Hugh is just good, and handsome, and, due to his troubled past, you can't help feeling for him. I loved the letters they wrote to one another as well as the banter they had when in person. I enjoyed the premise of this book and, while I've read books with a marriage of convenience, Reid wrote something different here that I found both intriguing and so likeable. I could tell while reading that this book was part of a larger series but nothing was lost for not having read the others. I would say if you are a lover of historical romance then this book is for you. I look forward to more from this author.

I loved this story <3 We meet our heroine, Lady Phoebe, as she is picking up a stray-looking-wolf-dog in the woods of Scotland. We meet our hero, Hugh, and learn he is mute.... and searching for a wife (in name only, mind you). Little do we know how much we will come to love them and root for their union. The story is so well-written with twists and turns to get us from a don't-even-think-about-it-no-love-allowed to an HEA ending. Amazing story! I did not realize this was a series--it's book 4. I enjoyed it immensely and now plan to go back and read the rest. I love how the characters are imperfect and so lovable--inspiring for their inner strength to allow love a 2nd chance to overcome obstacles in their path. I like the dog too... Wolf. Believable, feel-good, and nice, slow burn of a story--Don't miss it!

I love the author Stacy Reid and her books. I had a difficult time with this series though because the previous book, the story of Richard and Evie, did not make sense at all. I had decided to forget about this series but then this book came along. The characters are amazing. Phoebe is so strong, courageous and lovely that you cannot but follow her story with a bit of curiosity, because even though we are heading to a happy ending, it is quite stressful how we are gonna get to this.
Along with Phoebe, Hugh is magnificent. Even if he is emotionaly restraint, you cannot miss the kindness and the love that is underneath the cold facade. They are an awesome couple.
All in all, welcome back "Wedded by Scandal" series, I can't wait to read the next book.

received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

If you enjoy historical fiction you’ll enjoy this book. I couldn’t put it down I had to keep reading to see how things were going to work out . The characters were intriguing and engaging the storyline was amazing well written and captivating you could almost see it playing out as you read.

Luck has truly been on my side these past few days. I have received such engaging novels through NetGalley, and Stacy Reid's When the Earl Met His Match is one to be shelved as such. My goodness, the emotional journey I experienced was one that I will never forget.

While I have been experiencing the pleasures of luck, Lady Phoebe Maitland has experienced a series of unfortunate events in her life. Her only true hope is to marry for love, but fate has other plans as the man she trusted betrays her. She decided to take her destiny into her own hands, and into the arms of one mysterious Earl of Albury.

Hugh Winthrop, the future Earl of Albury, takes it upon himself to write an advertisement for a wife due to a familial emergency. Unbeknownst to him, an anonymous lady responds to his advert, but not in the way that he had expected. He has finally met his match in wit. Little does he know that he is in store for a great surprise when she shows up at his doorstep, proposing a marriage of convenience.

Stacy Reid has truly outdone herself with this novel. With engaging language using natural dialogue alongside satisfying character development, the novel continued to grab my attention.

Phoebe is the type of heroine that I adore. Although her familial situation was one with little to no independence, she still maintained a fiery spirit. Her determination was her guiding light to freedom. Yes, she was desperate in part due to her circumstances, but that did not deter her from seeking out the future she wanted for herself. Even though she could not trust herself from time to time, she eventually grew into her own.

If there is one thing I can expect from a Stacy Reid novel, it is that there will be a hero that I will cherish. By cause of his ancestry and disability, Hugh has grown to become frigid and cautious towards those around him. However, he is not coarse to others, which makes it easier to support him and his growth throughout the story. His wit and ingenuity allow him to hold himself high when some try to diminish him. The way Reid handles Hugh's muteness is something to be celebrated. He is treated as an individual rather than a burden on his family. He has a support system that works with him instead of for him.

My favorite part of the novel was the relationship between Phoebe and Hugh. From their banter provided in their letter exchanges to them meeting for the first time in person, I knew that they were perfect for each other. I was tearing up in various moments because their love for each other was so realistic. Their dedication and adoration made my heart grow.

In conclusion, this novel is worth reading more than once. It is a literary experience that others should have.

Great story! A serendipitous premise and a lovely execution of this unusual romance. The characters are very engaging and the exchange of letters throughout the story tell much about their feelings and outlooks. Hugh and Phoebe’s HEA is hard won, but what a fabulous journey we enjoy along the way!

I recieved a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Overall I really liked this book. There isn't really a major conflict in this book but the focus on the relationship is great.
Pheobe is desperate to get married in order to protect her unborn child out of wedlock. Hugh does not believe in love after the pain it caused his father when Hugh's mother ran off with her lover.
Pheobe and Hugh's realtionship is sweet. Pheobe is determine to learn how to sign so she can communicate with Hugh and Hugh is just all around sweet. For being willing to give his name to a child that is not his own to the the way he takes care of Phoebe.
Hugh's determination to never fall in love went on a little to long and the hurt he cause by his actions sucked but I did like his grand romantic gesture at then.

A desperate Phoebe finds herself in an intolerable position and runs away from home. She runs to Hugh, a man she’s never met but to whom she has been corresponding to in letters. They arrange a marriage of convenience. Can Hugh overcome his fear of love and being abandoned to accept the love Phoebe has found with him? I received an ARC from NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for my honest review.