I recieved a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
First off the steamy scenes that were promised aren't anything beyond most romance novels.
Honora was more rounded than the average woman on the marriage mart. After a cruel wager, she is forced to marry a man she dislikes. Once she is widowed she is bent on revenge on the people who humiliated her. But she still feels a connection with Southwell.
Honestly the revenge plot seemed pretty nonexistent and the majority of the book focused on Honora and Southwell getting to know one another.
This is a decent romance but nothing exceptional.

4.25 Stars
Honora Drevenport is a young, awkward, plump, barely acceptable young lady when she first meets the dashing Earl of Southwell and falls hopelessly in love. But after suffering a terrible humiliation at the hands of Southwell’s friends, Honora’s family forces her to marry Mr Culpepper. Years later, Honora is no longer unhappily wed but a stunning widow and the toast of London. A woman who has never forgotten the Earl of Southwell or what happened that terrible night. Honora’s plan is simple; make Southwell fall in love with her and exact her revenge.
A new author to me & I thoroughly enjoyed this captivating romance. I loved Honora the ugly duckling turned into a swan, I also loved Gideon the explorer earl who had been gored. A delightful mix of revenge & second chance but there are hateful characters out to spike the pairs’ boats. I did feel two characters didn't get much of a comeuppance & deserved far worse. There were also delightful secondary characters who I hope we meet in later books as they deserve their HEAs. I did feel the ending was a bit rushed & would have preferred a longer book.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋

Very good read, my first from this author.
Suppose to be in the steamy side, but it wasn’t too bad tbh.

Great characters and storyline that keep you entertained and love the secondary characters who I hope at least one or two will see their own stories told.

It was fun and very enjoyable start to finish.
No complaints here.

I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review

I received a free copy from NetGalley and this is my freely given opinion.

Honora Drevenport doesn't have a lot going for her when she has her debut. She isn't like her mother or married older sister; she is short, plump, and has a poor complexion (hey - most of us have been there, right? Heck, thanks to COVID, I am reliving that awkward part of my teen years again - stupid maskne!). She is also an intelligent bluestocking with a love for geography/archeology, and comes from a less than noble background as her father is wealthy from copper mines. She has a tendency to correct people when they are wrong - which does not endear her to some members of the Ton. You know, because the Haute Ton is known to be so warm, open, and welcoming to begin with.

Gideon, the Earl of Southwell, is a young, wealthy, handsome Earl, socially popular and a vaunted adventurer, well liked and a popular speaker on his various travels throughout the world. Honora, amongst other debs, has a huge tendre for him after hearing him speak at a charity event. They meet at a ball one night, and she is persuaded to meet and dance with him. They have a lovely dance, and he seems genuinely interested in speaking with her about their mutual interest in his travels and exploration of other cultures. But she is crushed afterwards when it turns out that he and others were part of a conspiracy to engage her in a malicious wager where he is supposed to dance with whomever is presented to him as the most unattractive girl at the ball.

Honora is humiliated, and because of the social ruin, ends up wedding her only remaining choice, Mr. Dalward Culpepper. The marriage is unhappy, with Honora being generally maltreated by her husband, who married her for her father's wealth and mines, and his awful mother. Luckily for Honora, Culpepper chokes to death at dinner one night, leaving her a wealthy widow. Unfortunately a wealthy widow with a barnacle of a nasty mother in law who refuses to leave her house. In the meantime, she was a caterpillar who became a butterfly over the years. After her mourning period, she decides to seek revenge against those who acted to humiliate her that one night.

One of those she targets is Southwell. Unknown to her, he was not part of the plan to publicly humiliate her, and has been out of the country for several years. During that time, he suffers severe injuries during his adventures, and returns to London with debilitating scars. Many others do not recognize the sultry Widow Culpepper as drab, plump Miss Drevenport, but Southwell, who never really forgot about her and their connection through their interests, does recognize her as the girl he danced with.

This is an ugly duckling to swan, and a bit of an enemies to lovers story, which I quite enjoyed. I felt it was a bit too short in that some bits of the story got a bit of short shrift, such as the relationship between Honora and her family (the mother and sister seem rather terrible, in that they wash their hands of Honora, and she is abandoned to a terrible marriage, but want to reconnect when she becomes a countess?). But I loved the portrayal of Southwell as a Regency Indiana Jones, and the reversal of their roles too. Honora starts out as the self-doubting, socially awkward bluestocking outcast wallflower, and Southwell, the popular jock type, and later on, he comes back in a rather similar role, in that he is no longer a perfect specimen, lost some of his glamour, now has a limp, and the ton speculating about how injured he is (gasp - is he injured and incapable of functioning *there*?), and she is the popular widow. I like his self reflection as well, of his involvement with her and how it may show that he is hopefully not as shallow as his ex-friends.

This was quite enjoyable as a story on it's own, but now I am looking forward to where this is going as a series.

4 stars out of 5.

Honora is a plump, pimply bluestocking and finds Gideon, Earl of Southwell and intrepid explorer, to be quite amazing. Unfortunately, Gideon accepts a mean spirited bet to dance with “the ugliest girl at the ball.” When all is revealed, Honora is humiliated. Flash forward almost 6 years—Honora is a widow, having been forced to marry elderly Mr. Culpepper by her family—her only option after her humiliation at that fateful ball. Her unpleasant marriage had one upside—she lost weight and is now a knockout.

Gideon is hiding at his country estate after a caiman attack in the Amazon maimed his leg. Convinced to come to a ball by his friend Monteith, he recognizes that the siren in the red dress is none other than the intriguing bluestocking from years ago.

Although there are a few revenge plots brewing, the rest of the book is the story of Honora and Gideon finding their way to HEA. The book is steamy, so if you prefer clean romance, this one isn’t for you. I like both characters, and I am hoping that Honora’s friend Emmie finds Monteith in a future book—there’s definitely potential there. This is a second chance ugly duckling romance, with more depth than expected for its length. Although it’s not described as the first of a series, I hope there are more coming.

I received a review copy of this book and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Kathleen Ayers new series, Arrogant Earls, has started off with “Forgetting the Earl” an emotional enemies to lovers, second chances, historical romance. This story starts with an emotional, heart-breaking, and traumatic event that leaves the female MC, Honora, looking for vengeance. However when she sees Gideon Lawrence, Earl of Southwell, again after several years she can’t decide if she wants revenge or if she wants a second chance at happiness.

I enjoyed the story and thought the MCs were both believable and easily relatable. I found the villains of the story to be despicable and thought they got off to easy. I enjoyed the second chance aspect of the story and Gideon’s wooing of Honora. ❤️😉

I felt the story to be lacking in substance during the resolution of the conflict. It just felt too quickly resolved. I would have enjoyed more emotional content from both MCs POV as these two work through the hurtful past.

Overall 4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 5 Flames 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I am ready for the next story in the series!!

📚I received an ARC from Dragonblade Publishing and chose to leave this review. 📚

Revenge is sweet. Or is letting go and getting what you always wanted better?

I don't want to say too much and give away what happens,but....Oh how my heart broke for Honora at the beginning of this book! To be treated so poorly, and by so many people! But Honora could never forget Southwell. And he didn't forget her and his part in her humiliation. I thought Southwell was a bit of a coward, both in the past and now. Honora forgave him and I guess that is all that matters LOL

This is a really good book and we met some interesting people in it. I can't wait to see if Emmagene gets a book. She's a tough one and I'd love to see her fall in love

3.5⭐️ 1.5🌶

Kathleen Ayers is one of my go to Historical romance authors. I loved both the Wickeds and Beautiful Barrington series.

I liked the overall story. A take of the ugly duckling turning into a swan, with a side of revenge. Both Honora and Gideon are likable MCs and the connection between the two was believable and quite sweet. There is a lot going on I. This book. A revenge plot and an evil ex-MIL and quite frankly I though her cousin was going to turn rogue, she seemed to be out for revenge more than the h.

I think my biggest issue is that the development of the story was stuck between a novella and a full novel. I think there is too much here to have kept it as a true novella but to really have flushed out the plot and characters this needed to be a full length book. I understand where the author was going it was glossed over too quickly. For every subplot or every new character introduced I was just itching for a little bit more. I also missed some of spice from her previous books.

However, if you are looking for a quick read with a good plot and low angst, give this a try❤️

*I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review

I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Honora Drevenport is too plump, knows too much information, and corrects people all too often. She corrects the wrong man, Lord Tarrington, and he humiliates her in front of everyone causing her forced marriage to a man she doesn't want to marry. Honora vows revenge on the people who hurt her, including the Earl of Southwell, who she had always held a tender for. Years later, Honora is no longer the girl she was before, and she is ready to take her revenge on the people she believes ruined her life. Will she be able to ruin the one man she ever truly cared about?

I always love Kathleen Ayer's books, but I was immediately turned off in the beginning. I know it was necessary for us to see Honora like that, but it was rough hearing her talk about herself the way she did or how people bullied her. It almost made me feel uncomfortable. After that, the story found a good stride and I started to really enjoy it once we got onto better footing. I enjoyed that Gideon and Honora had shared interests and their love of history and adventure that brought them together. I loved how he treated her like an equal. I could have gone without the misunderstanding at the end or him running away without hearing her out because that just makes me a little crazy. I wish she had made him beg a little for forgiveness because I love when Kathleen writes a grovel. Oh well. I'm excited to see who will be next in this new series!

Another winner of a book from Kathleen Ayers. The main characters are strong and caring, it is easy to like/love them. It also very very satisfying when the antagonists get their comeuppance, even if they say to dig two graves when taking revenge. So, perhaps I will call it justice instead.

A very enjoyable story. Honora has a crush on Gideon, Earl of Southwell. Unfortunately, he accepts a malicious wager from an acquaintance and breaks Honora's young heart. Several years later, he and Honora meet again and she plans revenge on the earl. This was a very fast, entertaining read. I liked the chemistry between Honora and Gideon. I look forward to more books in the series.

This is a story of cruelty, despair, forgiveness and love. Honora Drevenport had been mistreated from a young age to her larger size than other young females by her parents and sister. The hurt that caused the most damage was by a so called friend, Lady Anabeth Wadsworth, Lord Gideon, the Earl of Southwell and Lord Tarrington and all over a wager that Honora knew nothing about. After this, Honora is basically forced to marry Mr. Culpepper since he is the only one who asked. Dalward Culpepper did not ask out of love, but out of the desire to have Honora's copper mines. Dalward constantly berated her about her size and the fact that she did not bear him an heir. Fortunately for Honora, he died after only two years of marriage. Honora is free to live life how she wants it and now that her size is considerably less, she plans her revenge on the three who do so much damage to her. Her only friend is her cousin, Emmagene Stitch and she knows all the pain that Honora has gone through and encourages her to put her plans in motion. How will Honora's plans for revenge go? Will she find the happiness that has so long escaped her. Read this book to discover these answers and more.

I really enjoy Kathleen Ayers and was very pleased to see a new series (though, I hope this does not mean the Haddons Hellions series isn't happening!!). We meet Honora at a ball where she is 17 and rather awkward. She's also totally enamoured with Gideon, the Earl of Southwell who is an explorer. They dance on an evening that leads to an embarrassment for her and her eventual marriage. Cut forward a few years and Gideon is back from the Amazon, and Honora is now a beautiful widow, intent on making sure those involved in her misery years ago get their come uppance.

I enjoyed this book - it was well written and engaging. I guess a few of the secondary characters (there were many) will appear in later books in this series. Sometimes with a book 1 in a series all the names thrown around does feel somewhat in service to later books but there was enough here to pique my interest without any really obvious sign posts to who will be the focus of book 2! I recommend.

Honora has never forgotten the day that Gideon, the Earl of Southwell, humiliated her in front of the ton. Yet six years later, after she was forced to wed Culpepper to avoid the whispers of the ton, she emerges as the Widow Culpepper, rumoured to have seduced many men. So seducing the Earl of Southwell seems the perfect revenge, until she meets him again. Gideon has returned from his travels, with injuries that have changed him in many ways. When he is introduced to Honora, he instantly recognises her as Miss Drevenport, the woman he embarrassed many years ago, but who sparked his interest from her discussions on his travels. Yet their only chance at happiness hinges on Honora forgiving Gideon.
A delightful story with only one problem, in that I didn’t want it to end. Honora and Gideon are two people who have a connection that is apparent from their first meeting. However, Gideon is leaving England and in many ways, driven by his travels. Honora is too clever for those around her, but not savvy enough to understand the machinations of society. In many ways, they are both wounded, and their characters oozed such sadness, that I was enthralled to see them come alive together. A great novella, that manages to pack a lot into, and with tremendous intensity.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you NetGalley. Honora has a terrible prank pulled on her when she is in her first season. She is heavy and her complexion is not very nice. The man she idolizes asks her to dance. It is a bet with his friend. Bad rumors are told about her and she is pushed into marriage with a man who is after her father's copper mines. Her husband dies choking on a chicken bone after five years of treating her badly. After her mourning time she comes back into society with a thinner body and a better complexion. There is Lord Southwell. She thinks he does not recognize her but he has been thinking about her these years he was away and she suffered. There is a spark that was there from the start. They just need to find it again.

Honora is the plump blue stocking who gets humiliated at a ball over a silly bet. Gideon feels guilty about it, but he still skips town for his exploration in South America. Many years later, Gideon is back in town, scarred after a near death experience. Honora is now an unrecognizable and attractive widow who is intent on revenge. This book moved pretty quickly with Gideon’s attraction to Honora; he even recognizes her when she didn’t expect him to. The revenge plot gets abandoned pretty quickly when she realizes she still has feelings for the guy.

Miss Honora Drevenport is an awkward young lady with few prospects and a big crush on Gideon, Earl of Southwell. Gideon is pulled into a wager, accidentally humiliating Honora and forcing her into an unwanted marriage. Six years later, now a confident widow, Honora vows revenge on those that hurt her.

This is the first book in The Arrogant Earls series. This was a quick, easy read, but the characters frustrated me a bit. Honora was rightfully bitter about her past, but decided to match spite with spite. Gideon always enjoyed Honora's company, so I thought his actions at the end were a bit out of character. What I did enjoy was that the couple connected through their common interests and dialog. There was more to their journey than just a physical attraction.

Tropes: Ugly Duckling, Secret Crush, Widow, Revenge

Steam: 2

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