This is the 3rd and fi al book in the First Comes Love series.
The series was about 3 woman, ladies of the ton, who have lost their husbands in a shipwreck and come together to help the families of those who also suffered loss in the shipwreck.
This is Brina's story.
I thought the opening chapter was a great meet- greet. It caught your attention and you couldn't wait to see how Brina and Zane would meet up again.
She is a widowed lady with a sterling reputation, who has vowed never to marry.
He is a gamester and scoundrel who has just unexpectedly inherited an earldom and needs to marry.
Two opposites who are very much attracted to one another.
The story centers around a bet Zane makes at Whites. He puts it in the book that Brina will be accepting his proposal by seasons end. So he has 4 weeks to woo her and prove tu o her that he is worthy of her.
She tries to make it so hard on him by putting her own demands on the bet. No gaming no drinking, no cursing, no women.
This story takes many twists and turns. It was flowing and kept me interested from the beginning.
The epilogue brought me to tears. It was so touching.
I loved the book and give it 5 stars.
A great conclusion to a great series.
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I want to thank Netgalley for the chance to review this book.

What a lovable rogue Zane, Earl of Blacknight was! Zane found himself in the unwanted position of being the earl. Having met Brina in exceptional circumstances, he has decided that she is the one for him. Brina, had been a widow for five years and had no intention of marrying again and instead spent time with charity work. I enjoyed the way Zane kept surprising Brina, although he had met his match with her. Zane also has interference from his two uncles and this story has a very satisfying ending. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed the story and loved Zane's character. Brina, I started out really liking, but midway through it was almost as if she lost her worldly knowledge. At the beginning she was strong willed and in charge of her life. After her cousin became involved in the story, suddenly she wasn't very smart. She suddenly became almost childlike in her actions and thoughts. Also, Zane's uncles seemed pushing almost to point of being obnoxious in their actions with trying to manage Zane. His sister at times seemed like a loving sister and at others seemed a snob. All this made the story almost more of a 3 1/2 stars instead of a 4. Thank you for the advanced copy!

How To Train Your Earl is a Regency Romance.

Widow, Brina Feld unties a mystery man at a masquerade ball in Paris. He kisses her before disappearing. Back in London, she meets the man again and he wants to marry her. Only, she doesn't want another husband therefore when the scoundrel places a wager with his intent to marry her, she sets him impossible tasks, sure he will fail. However, she underestimates his determination...

When Zane Browning, Earl of Blacknight sees a woman walking along the street in London, he instantly recognises her as the one who untied him in Paris… someone who has occupied his mind ever since. So, he places a wager and announces his plan to propose marriage by the end of the season. However, Mrs Feld adds conditions to his attempt to court her...as a betting man, he embraces the challenge and encounters unexpected hurdles.

This is the first time I've read a novel by Amelia Grey and enjoyed this light-hearted romance. Both the protagonists are fun characters and I enjoyed the entertaining antics during their courtship. The narrative kept my attention all the time when Brina and Zane were the focus, but some of the side plots were a bit dry sometimes. Also, the hero's name didn't fit the setting of the novel; too contemporary. Additionally, gorge would have been a better word to use than canyon when describing English countryside.

Overall, I'd recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys historical romances set in the late Regency period and meanwhile, I'm going to catch up with Brina's friends in their novels.
3.5 stars

***arc generously received courtesy of St Martin's Press via NetGalley***

This is the third book in the First Come Love series by Amelia Grey. I liked the previous two books and I thoroughly enjoyed this story and the characters. All in all, a wonderful series!

This was a well-written, entertaining book. Brina is a widow and has devoted her life to helping others. Zane was not expecting to inherit an earldom, and now needs to reform his ways. What happens when a proper widow and a former rake encounter each other? This book was fun to read. It held my interest and I didn't want to put it down. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.

Oh these two... I knew before I opened this book I’d love it. I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again. Amelia Grey has a way with words. There’s a beauty and magical quality to the words she strings together and the stories she creates. I get excited each time she releases a new book because I know whatever story is coming my way is going to move me. “How To Train Your Earl” did just that.

After losing her husband five years ago when the Salty Dove sank, Brina Feld has been the perfect example of what a widowed lady should be. Devoted to the memory of her husband and kind to those in need, she is adored by many. But when she attends a masked ball in Paris at the urging of a relative she comes face to face with the Eighth Earl of Blacknight. And when she comes to his rescue, his scandalous behavior leaves her shocked and exhilarated at the same time.

I adored watching these two fall in love. They were simply brilliant together. There was something special about the connection between them and I felt like I had a personal stake in the fate of their relationship. Witty and charming, full of angst and sizzling chemistry, this is a story that you do not want to miss.

Widow Brina Field is content to help others and has no intention of ever marrying again. The new Earl of Blacknight had never thought he'd inherit, so Zane had lived it up as a rogue. Now that he needs to be respectable and care for an earldom, he enlists Brina's help to coach him. He'd already bet he'd win her hand, however, and she's determined to remain single. The chase is on...

This is the third book of the First Comes Love trilogy, after The Earl Next Door and Gone With the Rogue. Somehow, even with Zane acting in such an imperious manner, it doesn't come across as mean. Perhaps because he told Brina immediately after making the bet at White's, and accepted all of her anger as just. He never once said she wasn't entitled to the anger she felt, and offered her the chance to talk with him at every turn. He accepted that he would have to earn her trust and regard, and actively worked to do so. That is pretty much what every romance hero must do, and he does it cheerfully, making sure that Brina doesn't feel too uncomfortable with his advances.

Thankfully, the requisite problem that temporarily separates our hero and heroine is not a miscommunication that would have been easily fixed if they just talked with each other. Zane absolutely knew what he was doing, though he had an honorable reason for breaking his promise. It was revealed, saving the relationship, and Brina was clever enough to do it on her own terms. I really liked both of them in this and enjoyed seeing how they would come together when everyone was sure they were too different. It's part of the charm in Regency romance novels, and this one certainly won't disappoint.

What a wonderful way to end a great series. All the books can be read as stand-alone but so much better read in order...
After losing her husband when the Salty Dove sinks, Mrs. Brina Feld was lost. She had not been married long. She has run thru all kind of emotion during the last five years. Deciding she will never marry again and not letting any man close to her. All that changes when while trying to find a quiet place to hid at a masked ball she comes across a man in need. He is handsome, powerful and in need of help so he can hurry to save his cousin from ruining his life. After Brina decides, he is not going to hurt her she helps him and in return he gives her a kiss unlike any she has ever had... she is shocked !
Not so much by what he did as he was a rake, but how it made her feel . She never knew his name.
The last thing Zane Blacknight every thought would befall him was for the long line of men in his family to all die and make him the Earl. He is the black sheep of the family and he loves it. He can do whatever he wants, show up when he likes, gamble, drink and have all the women he wants. Till now, he needs to learn to be a proper Earl for the family, it just may kill him.
Then he re-meets the lady from the masked ball. He has not been able to forget her or the kiss.
She is a very proper widow who the whole ton loves for her helping of the poor and needy.
After a bet is placed and he thinks to trap her she counters with her own rules and he is in big trouble.
This is such a fun story; the batter and witty word play between them is unheard of for regency romance but so right for these two. No one should have uncles like Zane's, old fashion set in their way always in his business.. ugh I wanted to slap them.
While Zane tries to do all, he is supposed to and Brina keeps hoping he will fail makes a very fast paced story. You might want to read this book in a room by yourself because you will be laughing out loud a lot, talking back to his family mostly the uncles and will cry some too.
Underlining the attraction and feelings between them is something evil is a foot. Both feel it and neither knows what it is.. till it almost too late.
The ending is full of surprises, and amazing.. just what was needed.
I hope you will give this great book a chance, once you read the first chapter you will be hooked.
I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it. Don't miss this one, it one I know I will be reading this whole series again.

This is book three in the First Comes Love series, but the first I've read. I had no problem following along. I was entranced with Zane and Brina. And the story was fun and interesting. I enjoyed this book very much.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor.

A chance encounter at a masquerade in Paris leaves recurring memories of a kiss. Zane Browning has returned to London as the new Earl of Blacknight. He neither wants to be the earl nor change his enjoyment of drinking, gambling, wagering and women. Family has a way of pressuring a new earl to change his ways. One is acquiring a wife. When Zane sees Brina Feld in London, he recognizes her from Paris. She doesn't look anything like she did in Paris. She's a respectable widow with no hint of scandal to her name. Zane sets his eyes on Brina as his wife and he know just how to get her attention. Place a wager at White's that she'll say yes to his proposal of marriage at midnight at the last ball of the Season. Brina doesn't want to get married and counters his wager with her own terms. It's a game of who can hold out the longest to win the game. A laugh out loud, can't help rooting for Zane all the way through the book. A very entertaining series! I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Title: How to Train Your Earl
Author: Amelia Grey
Genre: Romance
Rating: 4 out of 5

Brina Feld has settled into a life devoted to helping others since the sinking of the Salty Dove left her widowed. She has no need for a man in her contented life. But when the notorious and handsome Lord Blacknight returns and awakens her desires, her peace and serenity vanish. If she agrees to an alliance with him, she knows she will have to battle her heart to keep from being snared under his spell.

Zane, the Earl of Blacknight, was never supposed to inherit the earldom, so he didn’t much care to lead a respectable life before then. Fistfights, card games, and drinking are the order of the day. Now he’s determined to change his rakish ways and he knows the proper lady who can help him. There’s just one problem: He's already bet he’ll win her hand before the Season is over. With her resolve to out-scheme him, how can he show her that his love is true?

This was a solid, if unexceptional, read. I thought Zane’s out-of-nowhere wager was a bit contrived, but I went with it. I liked the characters and enjoyed the read, but it was standard romance fare, not a standout.

Amelia Grey lives in Florida. How to Train Your Earl is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of St. Martin’s Press in exchange for an honest review.)

I read the previous book in this series last year and didn't have a strong impression of it. Unfortunately, this book is not any better. The entire plot is based on a wager that Zane Browning, the Earl of Blacknight, made at the gentleman's club that he would win Mrs. Brina Feld's hand in marriage by the end of the Season, to prove to his family that he could settle down and take on the responsibilities toward his newly attained earldom. After losing her husband during a ship wreck, Brina vowed not to marry again, and has maintained her widow weeds for the past 5 years. Determined to make him lose his own bet, she demanded he give up gaming, drinking, cursing, and women for the duration of the wager. If he could fulfill her demands, she would accept his marriage proposal...

The story is quite dragging without many events taking place. I feel like the author lost focus of the main love story, instead she went into elaborate descriptions of sceneries that didn't really help the plot. The texts had a lot of repetitions, and I found myself skimming through them (which I rarely do) because I just got bored. The couple didn't spend enough time together, and when they did, Brina would reprimand Zane for his improper behaviors (but she secretly loved it!) There was not much chemistry between them, even their lovemaking was just the one time that flew by in a brief note! The secondary characters (Zane's family) were quite annoying, and the subplot involving their cousins was just bland. Overall, I just didn't think it was a very good read. After a string of good books I've read lately, this is a major letdown.

*Special thanks to St. Martin's Press for sending me this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.*

Release date: April 27, 2021.

Brina Feld has chosen to remain a widow and no man will move her from her decision… until a chance encounter with the rakish new Earl of Blacknight and a bet puts all she thought she wanted in question.

Zane decides the intriguing and very respectable widow Brina is the woman he wants to be his countess and to get her attention he pleases a wager in Whites netting books that she will accept his proposal by the end of the season.

This sets of a series of events that help our staid widow come out of her 2 year mourning period and see that she deserves love, fun and happiness and can have that along with her good deeds and service.

I loved seeing our reforming rake Zane work so hard to win Brina’s affections. These two were definitely meant for each other and brought out each others better selves. This book was a lot of fun and ended this series on a high note!

A enjoyable read that can easily be read as a standalone.

How to Train Your Earl by Amelia Grey is scheduled to release April 27th, 2021.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin’s through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#HowToTrainYourEarl #AmeliaGrey #Netgalley #pinkcowlandreads

3.5 stars

You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.

This was a fun and flirty Historical Fiction Romance.

Brina Feld is a young widow who has settled into her life devoting her time to helping others. She has no time for romance and has vowed to never get married again. Zane is the rakish younger son of an Earl who is used to having no responsibilities and leading a carefree, reckless life. When his father and eldest brother is killed in an accident, he must return home to become the Earl of Blacknight - a task he is dreading. His uncles chastise him and urge him to settle down, get married and become respectable so he can care for their family. In one last act of rebellion, Zane makes a bet that he will win the hand of widow Brina before the season ends. She vows to make his life hell before turning him down.

This was a cute, quick read. The basic storyline is one we've seen a hundred times, but I liked Brina. Zane's character was a bit inconsistent - he's supposed to be a notorious rake and scoundrel, but he trots after Brina like a love-sick puppy dog and acts nobly throughout the book. This was a disconnect that I found hard to ignore. The book is an entertaining read, but I probably won't go back and read the previous books in the series.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press. All opinions are my own.

This is the third book in a series but the first I have read from this author.
I would say this is a solid 3/5 stars. The premise is interesting but the execution leaves the reader wanting more.
The story’s pacing is very slow and takes a long time for events to happen. The characters are good but again not much was given for them to do. The writing itself is good.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the arc. This in no way effected my opinion or review.

I like nothing more than reading about reformed rakes and the women that steal their hearts and Zane Browning, the Earl of Blacknight is a rake of the first order. The duties of being Earl have fell upon him due to a terrible family accident and he is sweating at the list of duties that is required of him. But that’s the least of his troubles. He has spotted the woman that captured his attention in Paris by getting him out of a delicate situation and he has a plan to return the favor. He loves a challenge, but will it backfire on him?

Mrs. Brina Feld is a well-respected widow who is devoted to her charity work in London and helping with the local boarding school for girls. The last thing she expected when she was in Paris was to untie a handsome man from a chair locked away in a bedroom. But that wasn’t what she remembered most. It was the kiss he planted on her for helping him get free. And now that man, a gambler and the black sheep of the Blacknight family, is offering her a very public wager that she will marry him by midnight on the last ball of the Season. He needs to be taught a lesson.

I love the fact that Zane is so passionate and sure of his feelings for Brina. They make such a good pair. His self-assuredness and confidence that he will win are tempered a bit when she brashly wagers (in front of several onlookers at the latest ball no less) that he cannot drink, gamble, swear or be with any woman during the same time period. And the bets are on.

Brina plays the good widow willing to teach him manners and proper etiquette as an Earl, but she reveals a very ardent and enticing streak of her own when it comes to enjoying Zanes kisses and encouraging him to race recklessly through the streets of London to avoid being followed. Her unfounded guilt from the loss of her husband is strong so she tries to atone by refusing to marry again, but fate has something to say about that. And may I say, her gesture at the last ball of the Season is magnificent!

Zane’s persistent charm and “enchanting devilment” are delicious and his gentleness and thoughtfulness with Brina are lovely. What I like most about him is that he maintains his integrity and refuses to become the pompous nobility that his family expects of him. He also proves to be a caring and respectable man with his concern for his cousin Robert as he sacrifices his happiness to help him.

The characters are very likable and I look forward to reading the other two books in this series to learn about Adeline’s and Julia’s stories.

I recommend this enchanting historical romance for those who love a fun and challenging wager in the game of love.

Thank you to Ms. Grey, St. Martin’s Press, and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

This is the final story in this series. Brina is the the final unwed widow. She has struggled the hardest and decided she doesn’t want to remarry. Zane is a gambler and a rake. When he becomes the Earl he realizes he needs to change his lifestyle. He sets his sights on Brina and the great bet begins. The story is filled with witty banter as Brina and Zane try to outsmart each other. It is a good story that shows how a person can change as they find the one and fall in love.

Zane is so sweet. He is the black sheep of the family and a rake, but now he is an earl and responsible for the family. Brina is a widow and everyone tells Zane that she is too good for him. He knows it, but he can't help but want her. He made a wager that he would marry her by the end of the Season. She does not want marry anyone ever again, so she makes another wager with Zane. She will marry him but he has to give up gambling, drinking and women. Since he really wants to marry Brina, he agrees. It isn't easy, but he will try it. As he courts her, she comes to see another side of Zane. Can they make a go of it? Will he go back on his word?

Brina Feld has settled into a life devoted to helping others since the sinking of the Salty Dove left her widowed. She has no need for a man in her contented life. But whilst visiting Paris she goes to a masquerade ball & fleeing a drunkard enters a room to find a man tied to a chair, she frees him & he kisses her before leaving. Zane Dormer the Earl of Blacknight, was never supposed to inherit the earldom, so he didn’t much care to lead a respectable life before then. Fistfights, card games, and drinking are the order of the day. Now he’s determined to change his rakish ways and he knows the proper lady who can help him. There’s just one problem: He's already bet he’ll win her hand before the Season is over.
This is the third & final book in the series & is easily read on its own. A well written book that flowed well. I loved Zane who was outspoken, with a devil may care attitude & he found it hard to come to terms with being the Earl but he was aided & abetted by two uncles. I loved how he'd set his sights on Brina & how he was willing to agree to all of her conditions for her agreeing to marry him. I liked Brina but found her a bit too good to be true until a curricle ride changed my opinion of her. I did love how they fell in love & enjoyed the road to their HEA
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read