This is a very unique take on a somewhat uncommon trope. I’ve read historical romances with a woman hiding as a man before, but author Bethany Bennett has presented her version in a clever and engaging way. I love how strong Phee is - she’s a heroine that has survived by her wits alone for over a decade. She truly is the most intelligent character in the whole book. Emma drove me absolutely bonkers, but I suppose that was necessary to showcase her growth. I look forward to reading her story next.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

When we meet our heroine, she's dressed as a man... hiding from a no-good-greedy-probably-murderous uncle, impersonating her deceased, beloved brother. AND she's working for an impossibly handsome Earl. Sooo, we already know this ruse is on a limited time schedule... sure enough... the Earl's eyes are opened (this part is just too funny--no spoilers, so I'll just reference a ... pocket. Perfect writing!!!!) Anyway, now, Cal is really aware of Phee, who's been his good friend all this time. I loved reading about how they navigate their friendship as it changes into more. Add in some danger and this is a marvelous read. Loved their story!!! I realized after reading it that this is book 2 in a series. Well, now I am headed to read book 1.

Ophelia has been spent over a decade living as her twin brother Adam to hide from her evil uncle who tried to marry her off at 13 to a 70 year old. The last 2 years she's been working, befriending and secretly/quietly lusting over Cal, the Earl of Carlyle.
Cal believes his friend who he calls Puppy is a man until one night after "he's" been badly beaten and he discovers otherwise. He went from entirely in the dark to complete instalust which was a bit to quick for my liking but the whiplash from that was one of the only things that annoyed me about this story. The other irritation was minor in the abrupt/convenient way one of the side storied was tied up, so no big deal.
I've never seen a disguise story that maintained the disguise for so long or so well before, the author did a fantastic job explaining how Ophelia took over Adam's identity and maintained it for so long, and the way events unfolded after the reveal to a few key characters was amazing, I was so thrilled with the way the author really followed through with this story.

Thank you for the ARC book. I read the first book in the series and really liked it. This book is even better. The main character Phee, is a great surprise. I adore her. I need to reread the first book to see how she is written.
The development of the romance is wonderful and steamy. This is one of may favorite new authors.

Well this book was a lot of fun!

I love a good historical romance where ladies don trousers and this one did not disappoint. I love the friendship dynamic between Cal and Phee and the transition from friends to lovers that just made sense. Such a sweet, swoony book with cursing and masculine heroine that I was cheering on from page one.

Bethany Bennett has a great writing style that made this a really intriguing read! Having read a crap ton of historical romance, I can pretty much guess what is going to happen in every book I read (which, I 100% don’t mind at all hahaha) but about 70% through I was blindsided and pleasantly spent the rest of the book trying to figure out WTF was going to happen!

Props to the author for getting one past me and creating such a great read! I definitely recommend this one for anyone who loves a good historical romance.

This book was gifted to me by the publisher, review is my own.

West End Earl is the first book I have read by Bethany Bennett, but it will not be the last.

Ophelia Hardwick has been living as her twin brother Adam to escape an odious uncle who treated her terribly and wanted to marry her off to an elderly man when she was thirteen. Living by her wits since then, she is currently in the employ of the Earl of Carlyle. She will soon inherit the money left to her from her parents, but until then her life and secret identity may be in danger.

Calvin, Earl of Carlyle, is an earl with a heart of gold. He tries to juggle too much by solving everyone else’s problems. His father gets into scandal after scandal that Cal has to bail him out of and his sister’s debut season finds her seeking the company of all the wrong sorts. Yet when Cal finds his “right hand man”, Adam Hardwick, savagely beaten, his priorities shift.

As Ophelia’s disguise falls apart, the attraction between these former confidants turns passionate.

There are twists and turns that keep this story interesting and it is an original twist on the character in disguise trope. Ophelia stands by the idea that people only see what you tell them to see or what they want to see.

I will go back and read the first in the Misfits of Mayfair series and look forward to the next, All Rogues Lead to London, which will be Calvin’s sister Emma’s HEA.

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

“He’d changed everything. Or perhaps he’d merely been present for the change.”

What You’ll Find:
✔️Historical Romance
✔️Hidden Identity
✔️Secret Crush
✔️Friends to Lovers
✔️Dual, Third Person POV

West End Earl is the story of Calvin ‘Cal’ and Ophelia ‘Phee’. Phee has been masquerading as her dead twin brother Adam for years. She’s been Cal’s right hand man for two years, when the secret is finally exposed. And when Cal finds out his friends secret, he protects her identity. It doesn’t take long for Cal to see her in a new light and feelings to form. But will they risk their safety?

I really enjoyed Cal in Any Rogue Will Do, and was looking forward to his story. I find secret identity to be so fun in a historical romance and this was no exception. Both characters were just so likeable. Phee was such a strong, self reliant heroine... which was refreshing. And Cal, just so sweet. I loved how he just openly accepted her and wanted to protect her, without trying to change her. Their relationship was fun, filled with banter and sweetness... while still having the steam factor too.

I’m not sure how I felt about the conflict in the end, but I suspect it aids in setting up the next story. Which should be noted, there are great side characters in this one. It was nice to see Lottie & Ethan especially carry over into this story. Emma’s story will sure be interesting next... I’m curious, will it be a redemption story? I’d personally enjoy that. But either way, I’m looking forward to reading it!

*Thank you to Forever Publishing for this eARC via NetGalley for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

4.5 stars out of 5

Let me begin by saying that although this is the second novel in the Misfits of Mayfair series, you do not need to have read the first in order to understand this one, as aside from the occasional mention of other character's, there is nothing brought up in the first book that carries over into this one.

I had a couple of big problems with this one that I want to get out of the way first so I can talk about all the things I enjoyed about this novel (because trust me what I like far outweighs my complaints, but I strive to always be honest with those who read my reviews) so here we go.

First, how was Phee able to convince EVERYONE in London, the man she worked closely with every day, and even her own uncle, that she was her dead brother? Maybe when she was younger, but I can't see a full-grown adult woman being able to pull that off as successfully as she did for as long as she did without the use of hormones.

The second big problem I had with this one was the fact that Phee and Emma

***SPOILER ALERT***

Not only enter into a sham marriage for the sake of protecting Emma's reputation, but then commit insurance fraud when they then fake "Adam's" death to collect the insurance policy Phee's uncle had taken out. In spite of the fact that Adam had been dead the entire time, and even though I know that money went to help Emma have a respectable life with her child as a "widow", it still didn't sit right with me. What would happen if the truth was ever found out? Does she really think showing up in London dressed as a women and pretending to be a "long-lost cousin" NO ONE will spot the fact that she looks identical to "Adam"?

***END SPOILER ALERT***

A smaller grievance is for me is the insta-love between Cal and Phee. This is a personal peeve of mine, that I was thankfully mostly able to overlook due to the fact that they had been close friends for over two years before the truth came out. I also wish Phee would have taken the time to

Now that I've gotten that out of the way. Together? I ABSOLUTELY ADORED Ophelia and Calvin. I LOVED their banter (a couple examples from the story are when she tells him that her favorite walking path follows the edge of a cliff so if he's not careful, she'll push him over, or when she accidentally walks in on him naked and she tells him that she didn't mean to, but it was hard, and he replied that it wasn't but if would be soon if she kept staring at him). THAT is the kind of thing I enjoy, being made to laugh out loud at the antics of the characters, and feeling like they DO have a connection.

Separately, I wish Ophelia was a little less stubborn in asking for help, and that Cal had been a little more stubborn in not cleaning up after his wastrel of a father. I feel as though perhaps if he hadn't been cleaning up his father's messes his entire life one of the main plot points wouldn't have been necessary, thus eliminating some drama from an already drama filled narrative.

All in all, I would definitely recommend this novel to fans of historical romance novels that are filled with interesting characters, witty dialogue, and more than enough drama to keep things moving and keep the reader interested. I would read more from this author (and am fact very much looking forward to the third novel in this series).

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

Ophelia Hardwick has spent the last ten years posing as a man. Her deceased brother Adam to be exact. It got her away from her cruel uncle. Who was ready to marry her off at twelve. With the help of the local vicar, Opelia becomes Adam and enjoys the freedom of being a man. Eventually, this leads to her working for Calvin, the Earl of Carlyle. His only focus at the moment is getting his sister married with Adam's help. If only Adam would agree to marry his sister.

When Cal is notified about Adam being attacked he rushes to his friend's side to make sure he is alright and discovers Adam's secret. They also discover that Adam's uncle is behind the attack and won't be easily stopped. So for her safety, Cal convinces Phee to move in with him. But now Cal can't help noticing how attractive Phee is and wonders why he never noticed her before.

Lots of funny moments. I did not want to put this book down. I was convinced they would be caught
I can't wait for Emma's book.

Thanks so much to Forever, the author, and NetGalley for this ARC to review.

This is the second book in the misfits of Mayfair series. However, it can be read as good stand alone too.

I really loved the plot of this one. Ophelia has been disguising herself as her late brother Adam. She’s been working for Cal (an earl) for two years and has become his best friend. She has feelings for him she can’t disclose due to her secret identity. Then one night her identity is relieved to Cal.

I really liked these characters, they had such a good friendship and chemistry. This book had so many twists, romance and a lot of steam. I loved it so much!

I really liked Emma and I can’t wait to read her book!

Thanks to NetGalley for this e-ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read West End Girl

To be honest, after quite enjoying the first book in the series, I was a bit disappointed with this one . The whole she’s disguised as a man because she’s hiding from her uncle story just didn’t work for me and as much as I liked Cal’s character in the first book, both characters were bit flat for my liking. 🤷‍♀️ but looks like there will be a third book in the series and I’d probably give that one a chance once it comes out

2.5 ⭐️

The premise of the story had me interested from the start, There was a lot of potential and while it lived up to some of it, the ista-love and the need to completely suspend one's belief in several aspects of the plot, was a bit disappointing.

Cal, the Earl of Carlyle, was for the most part a great catch. Given how much he cared for others and had a good gauge on shady characters, I was surprised in his major flaw in being so weak when it came to standing up to his father.

Ophelia Hardwick has so much going on with her story that I wish more focus was placed on her background. It seemed to be more interesting than the business dealing portion.

I liked the friends to lovers storyline, especially with the twist this one offered. Overall all there were some definite hits and a few misses.

This book is the 2nd book of the Misfits Of Mayfair. Characters are mentioned and present from the first book but works as a standalone. But to get the best experience I recommend you start with book 1.

I adored West End Earl! The main characters "Cal and Puppy" were very likable. They both are strong willed, and have great personalities. I loved that there was a plot twist! Heroine disguised as a man is one of my favorite tropes! So it was a plus for me and Puppy is a female! Their love story is unique and different which only makes it more interesting.

Puppy aka Adam is really Ophelia "phee" took on her twin brother's identity after his death to escape her cruel uncle, she has been masquerading as a man for 11 years. It's sad but she has to keep this up until she reaches the age of 25, to rightfully inherit her inheritance. Cal is a problem solver, the back bone to his family. Cal's dad is irresponsible and very immature so he takes on the role of a responsible provider, and parent to his sister Emma.

Emma is pregnant and worried. And here comes another twist. They go away, Phee marries Emma and they solve their own problems by helping eachother. Later on in the book Adam's character is finally put to rest. Emma is now a widow and free to do as she pleases. Phee's new character comes back as a woman and she is now Fiona.

There's alot to this story. You must read it to understand. The first time Cal sees phee dressed as a woman, and reading his private thoughts (lol). This book is a slow burn but when the love scenes come to life, its fire and he is so sweet. They make love in a body of water because he's experienced and she's not. He wanted it to be special. Something that will be a first for the both of them, so hot love making in the lake it was. Alot of things happen before Cal and Phee are finally able to get their happily ever after but it's worth the wait. I can't wait to read more of Bennett's work, and heck yes I recommend this book.

THIS book blew me away! I really don't find myself to be that picky of a reader, but I try to reserve 5 stars for books that just hit all of my favorite things. Like romance that makes my heart pound, dialogue that makes my heart race, and moments that hit me in my feelings. West End Earl did all of those things.

I think part of why my reaction was so intense was because I am a weirdo. I knew I wanted to read this book as soon as I read Any Rogue Will Do, because I loved Cal's sense of self deprecating and sarcastic humor and that intrigued me enough. But what did it was that I never read the synopsis. So I went in blind as a bat. And it was EVERYTHING.

I did NOT expect the heroine Ophelia to be one that has been masquerading as a man, so that was a delightful surprise. But what sold it for me was just the lengths she went to, why she hid away her sex, and then the natural progression of her and Cal going from being friends, and him under the assumption that she is really a he, to the reveal and their relationship changing dynamics.

It was just so natural between them, and I think that's because we got to see their actual friendship. It wasn't a status change based on just appearance, these two deeply felt for one another. Counted on each other. And fell in love. And it had me deeply in my feels.

And let's not forget the heat. These two are absolutely wicked together. Whenever these two were within each others sights my stomach was in chaos. The attraction between them is palpable but not gratuitous. Again, I was not left wanting in any of these departments.

West End Earl is such a rich story about having bravery and courage and doing what is best for you and not expectations and friendship and love and family. Such a beautiful story that has really changed what I previously knew about girls in breeches trope. And let's not get started on how I am DYING for Emma, Cal's sister's, story. Her integration into this book and her situation playing out alongside Phee and Cal's was just so heartbreaking and that is one HEA I am most excited for.

Calvin, Earl of Carlyle, is tired of cleaning up his father's messes. Be it debts, seeing his sister successfully come out in society, and dealing with the man's many infidelities, Calvin is at least grateful to have the best land steward at his side: Adam Hardwick, whom he affectionately calls 'Puppy'. Only Adam will be able to help him navigate the newest mess, which--if things go his father's way--will see Calvin married much sooner than he'd like. As the settlement for yet another debt.

Except... Adam's hiding a secret. A rather large one. Namely, Adam is not Adam, and he is actually a she: Ophelia "Fee" Hardwick, to be precise. After an accident claimed her twin brother's life, Ophelia took his identity in order to get out from their cruel uncle's thumb and gain her rightful inheritance. She has only a few months left until her birthday, and then she can finally put Adam to rest and live as a woman. Even though that will mean leaving Calvin behind...

When a series of incidents spell trouble for Fee, her secret is discovered and Calvin is... well. He wasn't expecting this. Or for him to suddenly feel things for his steward that he hadn't before. Can Fee and Calvin find their happily ever after?

An amazing follow up to "Any Rogue Will Do" sees the return of many great characters and addicting drama and romance. Assassins, secret identities, clandestine relationships, and scandals galore await, all mixed in with a sweet, tender romance, some rather steamy encounters, and good-natured banter.

Ophelia (Phee) is masquerading as her deceased brother Adam. It allows her to be educated and currently employed by Cal the Earl of Carlyle. Cal calls her "Puppy", enjoys fencing with Adam and trusts him with errands and to help manage his affairs. After an incident Cal learns of the deception and chooses to help continue it. Of course there is now attraction and how to manage the consequences.

I enjoyed the story and it was a nice way to pass the evening. I was surprised how early Cal learns of Phee's situation. Phee's character has a modern feel, partly because she has been educated and not restricted by the society norms. Cal is a fixer, wanting to solve everyone's problems. The romance to me is average. Phee may have been pining for Cal for two years but Cal's interest is very instant. There isn't a long term plan or conversation before they become involved. The resolution works but also seems clunky. A lot has to happen to get to a HEA.

This is the second in the Misfits of Mayfair series but the story can be read on its own. Cal was a side character in Any Rogue Will Do, the first in the series, which I enjoyed. Thank you to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review. (3.5 stars)

Will he see in time what counts most ...

Once again Mrs Bethany Bennett astonished me.
Just the opening scene reminded me why I loved the author’s first novel, it is a masterpiece of witty cleverness and barbed shrewdness.
I loved Cal and Phee, they were so easy to love, multi layered complex characters, so much I imagined them walking alongside me while I turned the pages and devoured the words.
At a time, I was also upset at them, such I would have shaken them, him for being too patronizing and she for not giving him the time to explain.

In the first novel in this series, Cal and the Puppy immediately drew my attention, there was something about them which called me.

Cal is fun, and even if it is a facade, his witty banters and clever retorts are what rises him above the others. He is a sort of peacemaker, he tries to atone for his family’s past and present outrageous behaviors. Yet by being the one always redeeming his kin’s faults, he lost a part of himself on the way. He is a like a father’s figure for his sire, always smoothing things behind his wake, when he should let him stew in his own juice as his father never seems to learn his lesson. Same with his sister, she refuses to listen to reason, yet by going behind her back, he is no better than those people he dislikes.
Why when he decides to help Phee, he takes matter in charge as it is his habits, instead of really working alongside her.
Adam/Ophelia/Phee has lived under a secret identity for nearly half of her life. And for the era, it is quite a feat! And at no time, it appears as exaggerated. The author having well thought her character.
Impersonating her late twin brother Adam, saved Phee’s life, yet she bears the weight of it. Never able to be herself, lost in the magnitude of her past pain and the threat still hovering over her life. But for once, she has a friend, someone who cares and wants more for her even if he believes she is a he. So when her secret is revealed, they are at loss of how to reinstate their previous relationship. The friendship is still there but the switch of gender built a wall between them, as while it modified Cal’s view of her, it also changed his attitude toward herself.

I loved how they faced the changes the significance of her secret identity coming to light bring into their life, it did not erase their years of friendship, they just have to set a new path. Sure Cal’s regard of Phee as a desirable woman could appear as much sudden, but their intense companionship prior her uncovering can be seen as one step ahead in its natural course.

And while this book can be perfectly read as a standalone, it is nice to see again the couple from the first book.
It also introduce Emma, Cal’s spoiled sister. I can’t say I liked her much until the last quarter. Yet, I am much curious about the woman she will become in the third book from the pampered selfish brat she was in this story.
A big fat 5 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen detailed lovemaking scenes.

I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

This book definitely breaks the mold of romance heroes and heroines. Cal and Phee don't fit in any bucket or precisely within any trope - and that is really what strengthens this book.

There is a Cat Sebastian book that has a similar premise - but in that case the heroine is non-binary and has no desire to live as a woman. In this case, Phee/Adam doesn't want to live as a man - she was forced in to the situation as an escape from a very bad situation. Phee is an extremely strong, smart woman. She knows herself extremely well and has made it through ten years of keeping a secret that if known would destroy her. She's a fascinating character and exists somewhat out-of-time for women of the era.

But for me, Cal is what this book is all about. He is a complete and total swoonworthy book boyfriend. He spend most of the book trying to fix everything for others - and not asking for help himself. It is clear that Cal is a fixer and not used to asking anyone for anything. His family relationships are just hideous. As a result he's gathered some chosen family around him - his best friend Amesbury and his wife. And Adam his estate manager/secretary/friend. He is devoted to helping all of them. I think this true friendship he offers all of them - and the true love for his sister and father (in the face of everything each of those people hands to him) makes some of this book so emotionally difficult.

The book as a whole is great - it will definitely give you all the emotions - from laugh out loud moments to tears. That being said, I have three major quibbles with the book that just really kept me from giving this the full amount of love others have given it:

(1) I totally didn't get the title...can someone explain it to me? I know its a play on West End Girls by the Pet Shop Boys - and I guess there is a part of the song that is supposed to refer to "rough boys getting a little posh" but I am still not sure I get it. Its a good title - I just don't see how it connects to the story.

(2) At around the 70% mark the heroine just acts totally irrationally and out of character. Her reaction to hearing a closed door conversation just was totally off the mark for her as a person - and the drama really wasn't needed as part of the arc of the book. Also - I am just not sure why her mind even went there. She was fully aware of the situation - she just didn't bother to trust Cal.

(3) Phee didn't want to live as a man - but I'm not sure living as a woman was really going to cut it for her. She wanted to be a hostess and be her true self - but she also wanted to be a part of Cal's business dealings and be treated as an equal. Not out of the realm of possibility with Cal - but as a woman of the time. Perhaps not so much. I guess I worry that despite happy endings in romance, that Phee was never going to be satisfied with her life as a woman. No matter how forward thinking or openminded Cal was. The rest of the world wasn't going to support her.

Overall - if you can get past the unnecessary drama between Cal and Phee - I think this is well worth a read. I give it a very solid 3.5 stars. Bethany Bennett is a talented and creative author and I see great things ahead for her! Some readers may not be in love with the more modern turns of phrase used throughout the book either - but they worked for me in the moment.

I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.

Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review

Steam: 🌶🌶🌶/5 (slow burn but some very very steamy scenes halfway and on in the book)
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 Stars

Wow I loved this book!!!!! So much action plot twists and romance. I stayed up till 2 am finishing this book.

This is the second book in the misfits of Mayfair series! However it reads as a good stand alone too. This is my first book I’ve read by this author and I understood everything.

I really loved the plot of this one. Without spoilers: Ophelia has been disguising herself as her late brother Adam. She’s been working for Cal (an earl) for two years and has become his best friend. She has feelings for him she can’t disclose due to her secret identity. One night her identity is relieved to Cal.

I really liked both of these characters. They had such a good friendship and chemistry. I also liked that when Cal learns Ophelias secrect, he is in awe of her hard work and determination, and helps to keep her secret.

This plot makes for such a good read! Nothing like any historical romance that I’ve ever read before. There were many scenes where I laughed in this book.

This book had so much action, twists, romance and tons of steam. I loved it so much! I highly recommend this to any reader that loves historical romance.

I really liked Emma and I can’t wait to read her book next year!

I highly recommend picking this one up!

Thanks to Netgalley and
Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for providing the digital arc in exchange for my honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed the first 70% of this. Was there instalove? Yes. But I'm always more forgiving of it when it's a friends to lovers situation. Was there an unplanned pregnancy? Yes. But it was a secondary plot line about someone else, so, again, I could forgive it. The real kicker was how fast the main character misinterpreted what the love interest was saying. It was just so blatant an attempt on adding conflict in the last quarter of the book, and it came out of left field. There wasn't even a plot line about our main character being insecure about something, that when she overhears something, her worst fear is brought out. It's a sentence she hears and it basically feels like she makes an active choice to misunderstand the situation.