This book was ok. I was hoping the plot would pick up but overall it was very slow. I don't think I ever felt the chemistry between the H and h. I plan on trying the next book in the series to see if it gets better.

Honora is forced to wed after suffering humiliation at the hands of Lord Southwell, a man she secretly loves, and his friends. Years later, Honora is now a widow and the toast of the Ton. She enacts a plan of revenge against Lord Southwell. However, pesky feelings get involved. Great Read!
Thank you Kathleen Ayers, Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback.

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

After being humiliated great in her first season, Honora Drevenport was forced to marry. Now a widow, she is hellbent on getting revenge, particularly on the handsome Earl of Southwell. Her plan - make him fall in love with her, and humiliate him in front of the entire ton. But Honora forgets that in doing so, she risks her own heart, and her plan may just go haywire.

I didn't love this book, but didn't hate it either. I think one of the best parts of it was how quick it was, but that also meant that there wasn't as much development as they could've been. Honora and Southwell were an alright couple, and I appreciated how much they understood each other, and could see the hurt in each other's actions. The series title of The Arrogant Earls is definitely right, and the three Earls in the series - Southwell, Huntly and Monteith - are some of the most arrogant heroes I've ever read. An okay book, but I have some reservations.

Miss Honora Drevenport is awkward,bookish and plump when she meets and falls for Gideon Lawrence,Earl of Southwell.He ignorantly breaks her heart and then leaves England.I think he does get his comeuppance for how he treated her.Honora marries unhappily to escape scandal and as a widow,vows revenge on Southwell after his return.I love everything Kathleen Ayers has written in full length novels.But this being a novella felt rushed to me.The writing on it own was great as always but the story didn’t hold my interest as her other books have.I finished this one quickly(a slow reader) and I understand that publishing books independently and with a publishing house can alter writing styles.
This book is 2 🔥 steamy.
I requested an e-arc of this book from Netgalley,thank you for providing it and the above opinion is my own.

I loved Kathleen Ayers as an author. All of her books are just automatic reads ever since I started reading her books. I felt so bad for Honora Drevenport the heroine of this book, she went through so much unnecessary cruelness at the hands of the ton just because she wasn't up to their standards of beauty. This book follows the enemies to lovers trope. Honora and Gideon Lawrence, Earl of Southwell our hero meet during Honora's first season and a prank was pulled on her the night of a ball . This causes her to be pushed into a marriage she didn't want, but had to accept because there were so many rumors circulating about her. That same night not knowing what he left Honora to face Gideon leaves London. Fast forward a couple years later and Honora grows into her beauty and Gideon has returned from his travels. This is where their romance picks up. When Gideon returns Honora thinks that he doesn't recognize her so she swears revenge on him for humiliating her. Little does she know he remembers her fondly, and he actually wants to court her seriously. I really enjoyed this book and I cant wait for the next in the Arrogant Earls series. Thank you Net galley for the Arc.

Forgetting the Earl by Kathleen Ayers is the first in a new series, The Arrogant Earls. Shouldn't be too tough to find plenty of stories there. Miss Honora Drevenport was very young, overweight, and had adolescent pimple on her face. She was at a ball she didn't really want to be at, she never wanted to be at a ball, she much preferred lectures and museums, when Lady Anabeth Wadsworth dragged her from behind the plant she had been hiding behind, ostensibly to introduce her to Lord Southwell who was a documented world traveler and lecturer. She succeeded in her goal and the earl was taken with her as their interests intersected. She had a lovely time dancing with him until Anabeth and Tarrington had their revenge for Honora correcting Tarrington some weeks in the past. She was a bet. Southwell would dance with the ugliest creature Anabeth could find. Southwell didn't know and ended his friendship with the two of them at that moment. He left for South America two days later. Honora, in her embarrassment married a man named Culpepper who hated her and made her life a misery for the years until he died. She was so miserable she couldn't eat and hormones took care of her complexion. When he did die, she became the most beautiful widow in London. Lord Tarrington made another bet: she would be his mistress before the night was out. Not only did that not happen, but she did it in public, loudly. Southwell was back in London and enchanted.

This is a well-done ugly duckling story with several twists. Southwell had never forgotten Honora and although she looked different now, her eyes were the same and he knew them well. Her life had been a misery and it really was fun to watch her torture her mother-in-law who was a shrew. She laughed and told stories of her many affairs, all of which were made up, just to get back at the woman. She had never gotten over Southwell and the hurt was palpable. She also didn't really believe her beauty, like many ugly ducklings, that hurt was buried too deeply. She was over the moon when she discovered he felt the same way . . . then disaster struck . . . gossip, aimed at her, repeated to the Earl of Southwell and her dream was over before it had gotten started. It was a well-done piece of writing, appealing to many women who have lived some, or all, of this nightmare.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of Forgetting the Earl by Dragonblade, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #dragonblade #kathleenayers #forgettingtheearl

Very nice story. It's an ugly duckling theme with revenge in mind years later. Except things go wrong when Honora's feelings become involved.

Forgetting the Earl is a quick, fun, and steamy read. A great palate cleanser!

Ugly Duckling and awkward debutante, Honora. meets Gideon the Earl of Southwell during her first season. Despite a cruel bet, the two connect over their love of archeology and history. When Gideon returns 6 years later, he's immediately drawn to the widow and now gorgeous Honora. Returning to society after a terrible marriage, Honora decides to get her revenge on the men who were mean to her during her first season but finds herself falling in love with Gideon all over again.

I loved how quickly Honora abandons her revenge plot for Gideon. And Gideon feels remorse for not standing up for her 6 years earlier. I also loved that they had an intellectual connection, it brought a lot of depth to the story. Kathleen Ayers is a great storyteller and her books never disappoint.

The first book in the Arrogant Earls series a well written story that grabbed my interest from the start. This series is part of Dragonblade's Flame line. Honora Drevenport and Gideon the Earl of Southwell's story of forgiveness and redemption. I want to read the next book. I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

I Loved It, what a fantastic start to a new series! From the first page to the last you will spellbound by Forgetting the Earl. Kathleen Ayers has given readers a book that is well-written, full of suspenseful twist and turns, filled it with great cast of characters that come off the pages and pull you into this emotional ride that keeps you involved until the very end, and with a strong plot that bring this read together perfectly! Ahhh...the game of love can be a tangled web of feelings and uncertainties as Honora fights her ugly duckling insecurities and the painful memories of the past. As Gideon Lawrence, Earl of Southwell made a wager to dance with the most unattractive girl at the ball little did he know what the cost to him would be. After being away from London for years Gideon sees Honora at a ball and can't believe the change in her. Can Gideon heal the hurt he and his friends did to Honora? Honora and Gideon find themselves on a journey filled with drama, heartache, hope, amazing passion, and finding the secret to a happy ever after.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.".


Forgetting the Earl was such a good read fell in love with storyline. A fun and enjoyable read 5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟



Thanks Netgalley for a arc copy of this book for a honest review

Happy Reading Lisa 📚

A quick and fun read by Ms Kathleen Ayers. Usually her books are more detailed with plenty of mystery and angst and character development and finally denouement.
Although short certainly just as appealing to her fans.

The intro to a very young Honora Drevenport is certainly a refreshing change to the usual. The short and rotund young gal with a headful of both hair and brains is mocked and left in the dust and this is detailed thoroughly. No mincing of emotions, just a brutal attack on a young non peer gal who had to pick up the pieces after one brutal ball.

She comes back swinging after a few years of growing up and slimming down, however she is that intelligent loving gal. Now she is back in London, a A widow and living with a vicious mother in law (after suffering an 5 year brutal and demeaning marriage). But a very supportive father m, formidable friend who would end being perhaps the heroine of an upcoming book in the series. The hero, the widely travelled Earl, of Southwell. Honora adored his stories of his adventures and her fascination for history and archeology she was not the typical debutante. Well after things turn nasty and now she back also a injured Southwell and quickly they meet and how they eventually are freed of their past forms the rest of the story. Definitely we are introduced to the next two hero earls each with their own singular personalities.

Honora is inadvertently used in a betting by two callous peers and plays right into the hands of the famously handsome explorer Earl Gideon Southwell.

The story takes up after 6 years when lot has changed in both Honora and Gideon’s lives. How they each face their past and reconcile is narrated in a fun and nuanced way. Nothing too complicated here just a fun narrative.

I have read a lot books by Kathleen. This is the first book in her new series. The Arrogant Earls. If this is what the rest are going to be like I can't wait for the next book.
Miss Honora Drevenport is everything a young Lady in London 1836 shouldn't be. She is plump, forced to wear dresses made for only thin woman. She is a bluestocking, and on top of all this is very intelligent too.
She is not interested in fashion, sewing or playing the piano. She loves to read stories of adventure, far away exotic places she will never be able to visit. Instead, is in awe of the Earl of Southwell, Gideon who is an explorer and speaker.
He is everything she would dream of in a man, he is handsome as sin, tall, wealthy and every woman in the ton is after him. Someone like him would never look at someone like her. When at a ball her mother forced her to attend, she is
used as a cruel joke and made a laughing stock by Gideon and his school mate. She is crushed, and marries the older mean man her mother's wants her to. Gideon had no idea what an old school mate of his was really up to when he took the wager. Upset he was part of hurting a truly special lady he leaves for Amazon.
Six years later Honora is a different woman. Most people in the ton don't even know who she really is or was. The years have been very good to her if hard. She is beautiful, and much in demand. Now that her husband is gone and she can do what she wants, she wants Revenge on those who made fun of her for their own sport.
The same six years had not been as good to Gideon. He was almost killed on one of his trips and is a much different person. When these two meet again in the same ball room it all started neither would guess the outcome.
There is revenge against some mean evil people who should get what is coming to them.
Most of the story is about Gideon and Honora and their attraction and feeling. Overcoming secrets, past wrongs
and if they can trust again when other work to keep them apart. This is a fast-paced book and very steamy just so you know. Beware once you get started you will cry, want to shoot some people, and laugh some too. It's great.
I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.

Which Will Win, Love or Revenge?

A wager changed the course of Honora’s life, and now, she plotted revenge against those who wronged her. However, she did not know all the facts. What happened when Honora set the trap for the Earl of Southwell? Could she go through with her plan of revenge, or could she find something far more rewarding than vengeance?

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It is a delightful historical romance about love, hope, redemption, and second chances. Sometimes, you can find justice without seeking revenge. This is my first book by this author, and I look forward to reading more.

Miss Honora Drevenport was the daughter of a wealthy owner of copper mines but was rather plump. She was however yet pretty and was well read so that when she had a chance to meet Gideon the Earl of Southwell he very much enjoyed some intellectual conversation with her. As a renowned world explorer he listened with interest to Honora appreciating her knowledge of his interest. Alas, others intervened spoiling everything by alluding to her rotundity so that Southwell urged her to go to another area. She was deeply disappointed. Her parents heard and forced her to marry a fellow she didn't like but a few years later after he passed Honora had transformed herself into a stunning beauty. Intent upon vengeance she returns. Some heated steaminess keeps one's interest level high. The writing is clear and concisely descriptive. Received this ARC and have voluntarily reviewed.

This is the first book of a spicy, steamy new series, The Arrogant Earl's, and it is off to a brilliant start! Honora is far from the toast of the ton and her crush on the Earl of Southwell, Gideon, leads her straight into a mean-spirited prank at the hands of Southwell's friends, leaving her completely humiliated. To add insult to injury, her family forces her to marry a man who makes her life miserable. Years later, Honora is back, widowed and now a beautiful and stunning woman, and she is determined to get her revenge on Gideon for humiliating her all those years ago. But in carrying out her revenge, she may be at risk of losing her heart to him.
Although a revenge romance, this story was crafted carefully and thoughtfully, and brought so many emotions to surface. It was a heartbreakingly beautiful story of forgiveness and redemption. As all Ms Ayers stories do, it captured my attention from the very start pulling me in and keeping me glued till the end. A unique and exceptionally entertaining story, and I can't wait to see what comes next!

I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

This is such a delightful story with a great message. Our lovely heroine, Honora starts out as the ugly duckling of the ballroom, a chubby girl in a flouncy dress with pimples on her face. She is also a well read bluestocking that is totally besotted by the Earl of Southwell, a brilliant explorer and lecturer. But when he and his “ friends” totally humiliate her at a ball she is beyond devastated and vows revenge. Flash forward six years later, she is now the gorgeous swan and a lot sought after Merry Widow. Nothing can stop her from exacting the revenge she seeks, until…..,that girlhood infatuation turns into love

London

My heart went out to Honora, the heroine of this story, and the beginning was painful. I think most of us have felt self conscious for different reasons, but her humiliation from the man she admired, Gideon, was so hard, but even worse his friend Tarrington.

Honora ended up married to a man who only wanted her for her father's money, and six years later, a widow, she reenters society. Oh, but has she changed and she wants revenge. What is entertaining is that nobody recognizes her, but her heart cannot help but still have feelings for Gideon.

Such an incredible, emotional and satisfying story as Honora and Gideon come together, each with their wounded hearts to find love may just be possible!!

This book had a lot going on as it developed. We started out with the Ugly Duckling story, led into bullying, and ended up with a second chance romance. It was funny, it was sad, and it was a complicated plot in a compact story. As always, Ms Ayers writes complex characters that have a great deal of depth to them. She really makes the characters come alive and has the reader feeling their emotions with every word. I was in this to the very end, but felt like the final resolution was just a little too easy. In a just two sentences everything was fine again. It just seemed. like we should have had to work at it a little harder for as painful as it was to get there. All in all a good read. I received a complimentary copy of this book. This is my freely given, honest review.

Gideon and Honora were fantastic. I want to say thank you to the writer for giving us a book about women who are body shamed, but with that pain they take it and cultivate it into empowerment. To reach into themselves in show those around them that what they say doesn’t define the person who they perceive them to be. Again, I say that I was so excited that Honora came back to the ball room and commanded everyone’s attention without saying a word. She gave all who were against her a set down.
Gideon couldn’t have been more proud. I was wowed by the sultry, sexual tension and romance between Gideon and Honora. Yes, plus-size girls can tame a man from the wild jungles too. I thought the details and descriptions offered realism to the entertainment of the story. The story was easy to read and definitely a page turner.