It’s difficult not to love Zane, whose personal motto is: “Rules are enjoyable only if you are breaking them.” Despite the sense of mystery around Brina and why she is unable to forgive herself, the infraction she committed is something that harmed no one but herself. When she finally admits it to Zane, he handles it with the sensitivity and compassion that he has demonstrated over and over throughout the story. He is initially portrayed as a rake, but he is, in fact, a caring person of integrity. He just doesn’t happen to subscribe to society’s notions of proper behavior. Sometimes I think part of the reason I like historical romances so much is because they remind me of how far we have come (as women and as a society).

I received an ARC from Netgalley and usually those books are very well edited prior to release to advance readers. This one was badly in need of attention, and I hope it received that attention prior to publication. The story is enjoyable and I liked the characters but I never felt an emotional connection to them. The emotions depicted were believable, but not transferable, at least, to me.

My favorite part of the book was the plot. It was unusual and the resolution was wholly unexpected and delightful. I really did not see it coming. At all. Though perhaps I should have. Overall, the book was not a masterpiece of exquisite writing, but it was enjoyable and I’d recommend it.

Brina is very much a lady who walks between the lines while Zane does anything but. Two more opposites would be hard to find and yet the author brings them together for a delightful story where each challenges the other and becoming a better version of themselves. A slow but delightful regency romp. 
Zane far down the succession lives a hedonistic life style until he is unexpected recalled to England as the new Earl. On his travels he encountered Brina on a night when she wanted to color outside the lines and has never forgotten her.  When he finds her a respectable lady well beloved of the ton he determines to make her his wife and leverage her to gain respectability and to be a better head of his family. 
Of course his solution to courting her is to place a bet in whites and go knocking on her door. She does one better by betting him that he can't give up all the gentlemanly pleasures of gambling, and drinking. The game is on with Zane being determined to court her and get under her defenses while meeting the terms of her bet. There in starts a slow unexpected romance as he coaxes her deepest darkest secrets out of her and offers her a true partnership with a man who truly understands her. 
As the bets escalate, someone has a lot riding on them not coming together and apparently they have no compunction about killing to win if necessary. This adds a nice touch of suspense to what might have otherwise become a tad boring and slow story.  All in a all a great end to the series.

Great story with characters that are well written and a storyline that has such a dramatic opening that grabs you from the beginning. This story will definitely give you a break from real life and keep you entertained.

Zane is a rake enjoying himself when he unexpectedly becomes an Earl. Brina is a young widow still in mourning after 5 years. They have a very interesting first meeting as she rescues him from being tied to a chair with a woman's scarf. The story progresses from there through a couple of public bets, but it seems to drag between the big scenes.

What a fun, romantic new book from Amelia Grey! The heroine, Brina, is a widow who is content with her life as is and has no need a of a man, However, she cant resist Zane, the Earl Of Blacknight who has his sights set on our fiery widow! There was a fun back and forth between this couple and I wouldn't wait to see how it played out! Recommend and cant wait to read more from Amelia Grey.
I received an ARC for my honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher!

I really enjoyed the plot of this story! It’s so fun, sweet, and well written! Our heroine Brina is a young widow who doesn’t want to marry again. She’s lost her husband to the sea. So one night Brina goes to a ball in Paris & let’s “her hair down” for the evening. She ends up finding a man bounded up…once released the share a kiss. We find out later it’s Zane the Earl of Blacknight. Whom doesn’t actually want the title. He wants to enjoy life, not a desk. These two have some serious chemistry! Well a bets made…Zane will marry Brina by the end of the season & Brina says Zane must give up being a rake if she is to marry him. This is the best! Brina also helps Zane with being a titled gentleman. I really adored these two’s banter and learning about one another as the fell toward their HEA! I really loved that the characters seem real and are complex! And who doesn’t love a rake who falls in love!*swoon* All in all a wonderful read!

I want to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

I have mixed impressions and reactions regarding the way this story unfolded. Here are the things I loved:
- a mature heroine, who has her own resources and doesn't need self-validation courtesy of the hero.
- a non-traditional hero who grew up as a commoner and doesn't have the conditioning, or the inclination, to act like a typical member of the nobility.

Here are the things I wasn't crazy about:
- the main characters seemed one-dimensional.
- the vehicle of conflict within the plot seemed contrived.

This story focuses on widowed Brina and the relationship that develops between she and Zane. Zane initiates a bet that he can win the hand of the fair Brina as part of his mission to reform his ways. How they navigate their growing attraction and the pressure from family and friends was intriguing to watch.

Brina is a widow whose husband lost his life at sea while heroically saving others. She has dedicated her life to good works (and is friends with the protagonists of books 1 and 2 or this series). She meets Zane in some unusual circumstances, and when he next sees her, he is the Earl of Blacknight, and he immediately decides she is the one he will marry.

To get Brina's attention, Zane publicly wagers that she will accept his proposal by midnight at the last ball of the season. Brina is determined not to marry, but she also really likes Zane, and she helps teach him how to be more proper, since he never expected or trained for the Earldom.

I liked watching their relationship develop, and I really liked seeing how they both gained something from each other. A special shout-out to the Epilogue!

I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an advance reader copy of this story.

How To Train You Earl gives us a female lead with a super case of PTSD. Brina is a widow who has so many feelings coursing through her that she's trying to escape rather than face and work through them. She thinks she's come to a point in her struggle that lets her breathe and sleep at night. Enter Zane, the new Earl of Blacknight. Zane doesn't want to be earl, hasn't trained for it. It's an ugly twist of fate & he's floundering. He's chasing Brina and uses a trick to get close to her. In the beginning he's not serious but Brina has a way with Zane, making him into a better man and earl. As book three of a series it brings closure to our three widows and leaves each with an HEA. I wish I had been able to be more involved in the story but it was a hard sell for me.

They met while at a party held at a French chateau. Brina ran into what she thought was an unoccupied room. The room was very much occupied by Zane, the Earl of Blacknight and oddly enough he was tied to a chair. Even under these most unusual circumstances an attraction developed and continued after both returned to London. Zane was a rake and a rogue and he excelled in behaving badly. Since he became an Earl, a position he didn't want, he needed to clean up his act. He decided Brina was the woman to help him, but her conditions were challenging. Could Zane adhere to her rules?

This delightful story is witty, charming and filled with passion. The well developed characters are believable and their banter is lively. The story moves quickly and is a pleasure to read. Highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin's through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I enjoyed the first two books in this series, “The Earl Next Door”, and “Gone with the Rogue”, but the third book, “How to Train Your Earl” was a miss for me.

Brina is still mourning her husband, and keeping herself busy with good works She has her friends, and her projects, and no interest in remarrying. Zane, Earl of Blacknight meets Brina in a chance encounter in Paris, and when he sees her again in London, decides that she will be the solution to his aggravating life as a newly belted Earl.

I was unconvinced by either of their motivations, but I’m always ready to overlook that in a swoony romance novel. The problem with this book was in the love scenes. They actually made me cringe. Brina’s reaction to Zane’s love-making was an odd mix of passion and awkwardness, and the descriptions of her physical sensations left me skipping over pages to get back to the out-of-bed action.

I’m usually an Amelia Grey fan, so I’ll be looking forward to her next series!

As the second book of this series I've reviewed, I consider this an addition that fits perfectly within a similar romantic feel and flow as book 1. Different main couple, of course. Each is a loosely connected stand-alone with an intriguing, sweet promise of forever romance, but with a daring, lips and hands on, steamy at times, "will they or won't they" backdrop.

For being a recent rogue, I was quite impressed with Zane's steely determination and never waivering desire to win Brina's hand and heart. Sure, he had an ulterior motive at first, but this expert gambler knew a good hand when he saw one. She immediately seemed to make him want to be a better man, and he was smart enough to realize that was a good thing.

She took more convincing, folks. Selfless to a point she came across saintly, Brina was still strong and sassy in her comebacks and character. Wishy-washy and uncertainty seemed to be her only set-backs. Well, you might throw in gullible, too, since a relative of hers sure had her snowed.

Slow paced and uneventful in parts are factors that stretched out my reading time more than I had expected. Too much verbiage in general occasionally bogged down the writing to the point I skimmed here and there, mostly in the second half and during sporadic, graphic, intimate scenes. Can't help but think those could use a little more polish. However, I did feel this pair of lovebirds did need and should wind up together, my fellow romance book loving friends. They did complete one another.

Title: How to Train Your Earl, Series: First Comes Love (Book 3), Author: Amelia Grey, Pages: 352, pub date: 4/27/21, former rogue to responsible Earl, beautiful, helps others widow heroine, some steamy scenes, determined, never waivers hero, instant attraction, laser like focus for her, wishy-washy heroine, instant attraction, romance safe for me, no cheating, no love triangle, no OW/OM drama.

Book 1 - The Earl Next Door
Book 2 - Gone With the Rogue
Book 3 - How to Train Your Earl

(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not compensated in any form for this review. There is no relationship or affiliation between this reviewer and the author, publisher, NetGalley, or any PR firm.)

I have made it my mission to find every rake, rogue and scoundrel there is because good boys have just never been my thing. No offense to the straight and narrow hero. I mean there are a few that have slipped past my obvious bias, but nonetheless a man that goes against the propriety of society is usually the kind of man I want to read about. 

Zane, the Earl of Blacknight, is one of those types of men.

He is a man that spends his time gaming, drinking, and aquatinting himself with the female population. A charming rogue with a penchant for going against the expectations of his newly acquired title and finding fun when he can. So after meeting our heroine, Brina, a young widow who has no desire to shed her widow weeds and be pursued, what could go wrong when he hedges a bet that he will get her to accept his proposal of marriage by the end of the season ball? Well unfortunately for him, Brina while being a saint of a woman, is not as meek and pious as she seems. Brina wages that Zane will only win her hand if he forgoes gambling, drinking, swearing, and women until the ball. What could possibly go wrong? 

With this premise, I was so excited to see how Zane would be struggling to go against the baser parts of his nature. They do say that reformed rakes make the best husbands. But I was more excited to see how Brina could keep her heart on lock when Zane uses his charm and improper courting excursions to get to the heart of her. 

But unfortunately I am only rating this 3 stars because while the premise had so much potential, a few issues made this fall flat for me. The biggest is that as much time as we see with Brina and Zane it was overshadowed by all these other plot points. The biggest being Zane navigating his new role as Earl. While I do appreciate the depth in which we see Zane struggle from being a charming rakehell into a man that has a duty to his family and title, it just felt like it dragged on and took precedence over the story when all I wanted was to read of some more romantic moments and conversations between Zane and Brina. And then finally when they have a true moment of passion, it was explained to how they felt, instead of actually showing us. It's not I think sex needs to be graphic in books to be effective, but this was one instance in seeing them give in to each other would have done a great service to their romance and why they felt the way they did towards each other. Don't tell me about passion, show me. 

I also had issue with Brina and her reasonings for why she wanted to remain a widow. I was expecting some sort of a bombshell that would explain why she never wants to marry again and yet when it was revealed it was disappointing. 

But despite my issues, I did enjoy learning about crimping, as this is not something I have really come across in other historical romance novels. I will take it as a win, that I learned something new even if it wasn't what I was originally aiming for when I picked this up. 

Thank you St. Martin's Press for the ARC!

Brina Feld has started the school for girls who lost a family member in the ship wreck where they lost a family member. Brina Meets Zane at a masked ball in Paris. He is tied to a chair. She releases him and suddenly they meet again in London. He has become the Earl of Blacknight and has a family of relatives to take care of. They each remember the other. He makes a wager that they will marry at the end of the season. Brina has no plans to marry anyone so she makes some rules of her own that she is sure he cannot meet in the time allotted. Will she join her married friends in wedded bliss?

I love author Amelia Grey's books. HOW TO TRAIN YOUR EARL is a perfect read for anytime of the year. Highly recommend it to historical romance fans.

This is the 3rd book in the First Comes Love series by Amelia Grey and I really enjoyed it! I have been enjoying this whole series so much and this was a wonderful addition to the series.

In this book we have a young widow, Brina Feld who puts others before herself. She gets talked into going to a ball and letting go of her mourning for one night. She stumbles on a tied up man.. and later finds out that he is Zane the Earl of Blacknight! I love how they met. It was unique and honestly hilarious.

Zane falls for Brina pretty quickly.. most would say it was a bit insta-love-y.. but I liked that. I like that he was the one that fell first. I like that he didn't fight it. I was a little annoyed at how long it took Brina to give up her vow to stay unmarried but overall I really enjoyed their love story.

Thank you to the publisher for my copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

How to Train Your Earl by Amelia Grey is the third book from the First Comes Love series. This was a good story from this series and can be read as a stand-alone book if you have not read others in this book series. This was a well written story entertaining story that involves Zane and Brina. These two had an instant attraction and chemistry that was fun to read. I love this author’s writing style and this book will not disappoint you.
Thank you NetGalley for providing this book to me for my honest review.

A lovely end to a fantastic series. While this is the third book, it could definitely stand on it own - however, to fully enjoy the back-story & minor characters, I recommend starting with the first book.

Brina sparked my interest from the beginning - you could tell there was something more to her story besides being one of the widows of the Salty Dove. Her relationship with Zane, the reluctant Earl of Blacknight, starts off scandalously and proceeds to become more and more so with every interaction. Their relationship is delicious, and I fully enjoyed every second of them getting to know each other. Zane is a reformed rake - and everyone knows they make the best husbands.

The story wasn't anything new, but the dialogue and wonderful characters made it an enjoyable ride. I strongly recommend this book (and series).

How to Train Your Earl is the third book in Amelia Grey’s series First Comes Love and it is both the first book of the series I have read and a first book from this author. I was able to enjoy this book without reading the others of the series but I admit I am curious about the other two, I will likely circle back for them.

This is the story of a reluctant Earl and an intriguing widow who captures his eye and his interest. Zane Howard Veldon Dormer Browning, has become the eighth Earl of Blacknight, and his life has to change. Simply speaking he must let go of his rakish ways and secure his earldom by finding a wife, begetting an heir and a spare, and learn to behave in the ways of a gentleman. His family and The Ton will accept no less. He must learn he is no longer “just Zane” and his actions or lack there of, impact not only himself but his very extended family. He knows everyone expects him to fail. He doesn’t believe in rules unless it’s to see how fun they are to break. He LIVES to gamble, drink, and enjoy the pleasures of women. He enjoyed being a man and everything it afforded him.

“Why work so hard to become the standard bearer for gentlemen when just being a man came so naturally? And was infinitely more enjoyable.”

One thing is for sure though and that will never change, when Zane play’s a game, he play’s to win. It is with that mindset he takes to finding a bride, and when he see’s the alluring Lady —-he previously met by a chance encounter—- walking down the street in London, he decides to let the game of love begin. He decides to court the widow Mrs. Brina Feld and he is not about to let her get away! A quick stop by the local gaming house and the deed is done, he will get Brina Feld to agree to marry him by midnight at the last event of the season. With the decision made he now not has to let Brina know her fate.

Brina is not sure how she should feel being so boldly pursued by the rakish Earl of Blacknight-on one hand she is put off by his scoundrel like behaviors and yet on the other hand she finds him infuriatingly attractive, her stomach quivers when he is near, and she wouldn’t mind a repeat of the kiss they shared during their first meeting. Maybe even more. She did know for sure she never wanted to marry again. When Earl Blacknight calls on Brina to inform her of his plans it doesn’t go quite like either hope.

“My uncles are convinced that a suitable bride would go a long way toward helping change me into the respectable head of the family I need to be and settling down all the strained nerves of the Blacknight lineage. I knew if anyone could do that for me, it would be you.”

“Me?” Her voice remained calm, though she was certain she wasn’t. “You can’t be serious.”

“Wholly serious. I wagered that you would accept my proposal of marriage and we’d announce our engagement by midnight at the last ball of the Season.”

A light-headedness flashed through her. Brina had no idea if she could believe he had actually done such a thing. “What nonsense you speak of.” She smiled, and then laughed a little, even though all traces of humor had left his face. He was sober, his eyes were steady and clear. Still, she added, “That’s preposterous, my lord.”

“Presumptuous, I’ll admit to. Why would you think it preposterous I’d want to marry you?” he asked with soft intensity to his tone and his expression.”

Zane continues on in his explanation to Brina when she finally has enough—

“Perhaps what you don’t know is that I am quite content in my unwed state. I don’t know why you would do something so wild and reckless as to make a wager such as this. It’s most extraordinary. Why not be prudent and simply pick from any number of young ladies who entered the marriage mart last week and would be more than willing to marry you?”

“I’m not a sensible person, Mrs. Feld.” He paused and took a step closer to her. “But I never make a bet I don’t intend to win.”
“You have all the qualities of a good person that I don’t have,” he continued in the same calm tone. “We are a perfect match.”

“What?” Brina bristled and stood her ground. “How can you say such a false statement so innocently? We are not a perfect anything.”

“I believe we are.”

“No,” she argued forcibly, as her arms stiffened at her sides. “We’re complete opposites.”

“Which will make for a very stimulating life between us.
“I am the blackguard of the ton, and you are an impeccable, saintly widow who’s loved by all.”

It could be said that Earl Blacknight does not follow societies social etiquette rules and also he wrote the book on “How Not to Propose Marriage” — but we wouldn’t want Zane any other way! One would also think Brina would just tell the vexing Earl Blacknight a firm, No. However, Blacknight makes it very clear to Brina that he enjoys cat and mouse games, so saying “No” could make him more determined.

“I want you, Mrs. Feld. I’d much rather win your hand after a hard-fought battle than as an easy coup. I am a gambling man. The bet holds and I plan to win.”

“It’s been a long time since I’ve had to pursue a lady, Mrs. Feld. I’m looking forward to it, but don’t be mistaken. I intend to go after you rigorously and win your hand. I’ll see you at the grand ball Saturday evening.”

Brina was worried. She didn’t want to marry but what could she do? Leave it to the scheming, planning (all for the greater good, of course)and encouragements from her friends. It is decide the only way to survive The Season AND remain unmarried is to throw down the gauntlet, call Blacknight’s bet, and make it impossible for him to win. After all what rakish devil who thrived in debauchary could survive 4-weeks without gambling, swearing, drinking, or women. None. So, she would agree to his courtship and even agree to marry the vexing fool ONLY if he was able to behave like a true gentleman and avoid all of his vices: Gambling, Swearing, Drinking, and of course Women.

That would show him! He would lose his bet. He would fail to gain the respect of The Ton. He would lose any chance with her. She would be able to remain in her widow’s weeds, avoid marriage, continue to help those in need, and blessedly she wouldn’t have to deal with Zane’s madness. She preferred to be alone. It was safer alone.

So, as you can imagine the book get’s going and things heat up. There are some off-page encounters that really crank up the unresolved sexual tension. If only we got to read those encounters a little bit more...I am sure Zane knows how to take control in the bedroom! I mean the kissing scenes were pretty hot!

Overall, I really enjoyed this story. I loved Zane - his character is well portrayed. Brina, she got on my nerves a little bit - but in the end she redeemed herself. I think you will enjoy this story especially if you like to root for the slightly misunderstood bad-boy and watch him win the girl! I only wish the epilogue was further in the future - would have been fun to see bad-boy turned father.

Do you believe in love at first sight? I find it kinda hard to believe especially in historical romance. I just don't think that it can be love. There are no conversations so you do not know if there is chemistry with each other. It's important to have chemistry. It makes falling in love so much better and enjoyable. No one wants a loveless marriage or relationship. That's why I don't understand how Zane can fall in love at first sight. Like c'mon buddy. You are a player around the women. That's what really bugged me as I read How to Train Your Earl. I was struggling to understand. I could not get past it.