Book review: Edward and Amelia by Karen Thornell
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I received an eARC via NetGally. This review is based on my own opinions.
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This book was enjoyable from start to finish (especially the finish 😉). I was happy that I read How to Marry an Earl first because it gave some background to Edward and set up this book really well. Although, I think this book can be enjoyed on its own as well. Can I just say how much I love a forced marriage!? I am not entirely sure why, but I just adore it. This one was so different. In fact, I think this might be one of my favorites. There are pasta and secrets that keep these two apart despite growing affection. The missing details of these pasts and secrets didn’t add confusion, but made the story more intriguing. Also, as a side note, the pet names were hilarious! The villain of the story, sheesh, that was a good villain. In the end I thought this book really shows how change and redemption is possible. Truth and forgiveness can take away past hurts and allow love to grow.
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My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Content: very sweet and clean

I really wanted to love this book. The overall storyline I found enjoyable. I love the forced marriage regency trope. There was some great banter and teasing (I thought the nicknames that Edward came up with for Ameila were a hoot) but I found myself frustrated with the two main characters more than I like. It took too long for them to overcome the many miscommunications that caused problems between them. I also wished their had been more romantic moments between them.
The villain of the story was so well written. Oh I hated them in the best way. I couldn’t wait to see them get it and I loved how she ended it. Everything concluded in a satisfying way.
Thanks to Netgalley and Covenant Communications for sending me a copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

I enjoyed this unique approach to a sweet Regency Romance! I was pleasantly surprised with the story line and I love when books do that! I hope you enjoy this story as much as I did.

I received an ARC through Netgalley and all opinions are my own.

Edward and Amelia by Karen Thornell, 309 pages. Covenant Communications, 2022. $17.
Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: G
BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Missing the freedom of being left in their country home, Lady Amelia (19yo) decides to go for a quick walk by herself without a maid in the middle of London. And then gets lost. Edward, recognizing a damsel in distress, offers to help and accidentally startles Amelia, causing her to fall in a lake. Rumors of scandal surround the couple and they are forced to marry, each wondering if they can find happiness in such circumstances.
I like the concept of the characters choosing to make their marriage work and choosing to find happiness together because those decisions are lacking in our current society. However, Amelia and Edward suffer from lack of communication, despite their efforts and desires to communicate. They kept getting interrupted at key moments, and each interruption was more eye-roll inducing than the last.
The characters are English and implied White. The mature content rating is for implications of scandals, innuendo, and alcohol use.
Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Reading Edward and Amelia by Karen Thornell took me on an emotional roller coaster that I enjoyed riding! My heart skipped a beat, raced with suspense and anticipation, my heart broke into a million pieces, and then soared at the happily ever after they deserved and earned! I really fell in love with Edward and Amelia as I watched them fall in love with eachother!!!!

After years of being a supposed rake, Edward wants to find a wife and end his loneliness. Amelia just wants a walk outside to escape her unhappy situation at home. When an unfortunate incident happens at a lake and Edward steps in to help, their fate is sealed. They must marry.

Used to ladies throwing themselves at him, Edward thinks it will be easy to win Amelia’s heart, but Amelia is not like other ladies! It’s hard to fall in love when two people are guarding their hearts from past and present scars, fear and hurt. Mix in misunderstandings, drama, and many interruptions. Edward makes such a muddle of things and let me tell you it is hilarious! The journey to their happily ever after is entertaining for sure. I loved their teasing, witty banter and the slow burn romance that slowly melted my heart!

Edward Drayton the Earl of Norwich is handsome, witty, and has a great sense of humor. He made me laugh! Amelia Kennington is fiery, kind, beautiful and witty. Both are in need of love.

👒Memorable moments included a bonnet, a garden rose, piano, apple tarts, and a dinner.
👒There are multiple swoony kisses, flirty hilarious teasing and banter, and sweet chemistry. Amelia and Edward are seriously the cutest!
👒 I loved the writing style and was drawn into the story immediately.
👒There is so much character growth that happens in this story and I loved watching it unfold.
👒 I loved two characters in this story that reminded me of fairy godmothers. This story also has the meanest characters that reminded me of wicked step sisters.

This is a story about healing, loving and being loved. This book made me feel an array of emotions, and the end gave me butterflies! I really enjoyed this book!

✨Releases June 6th!✨

Thank you Covenant Communications and Netgalley for an arc copy. All opinions are my own.

Will they see the mistakes of their path in time …

This was an unexpected angsty tale.
But I think it was more myself who were upset at the characters and all the turns and twists they took to finally reach their happily ever after.
How they made a middle of everything and dug their own grave.

There are books you struggle to review because you have few things to say about. For this one, it was the opposite.
It is not about the flaw of the story but how I would have loved to shake the heroes. Because some missteps are okay, but so many, it was like they did it on purpose.

Edward has sowed his wild oats like they said, yet now he has reached a moment in his life that the fun of it has lost its entertainment, but he is left with a reputation that make him not the best catch of the season, even with his title.

Amelia has been bullied by her elder sister and made feel guilty for a past tragedy from no fault of herself except her good will thus she is seeing herself as unmarriable.
And while she is furious for her change of circumstances, finding herself unexpectedly and unwillingly engaged. She is the maker of her own misery.

Why I was upset at Amelia, as while she vents her anger at Edward, she is the one who took risks with her reputation, she could have also tried to get to know him a little instead of shutting everyone out.
Edward appears so lost and awkward with his new bride, like a puppy’s first time out of his litter. He is clumsy in his attempts to get to know and woo his wife, but he tries. Yet he has everything wrong, never once doing the right thing and it is not for lack of trying.
When she is hurtful and rejecting of him, never giving him the chance of a day.

For all his Devil-may-care attitude, he is a kind considerate man, for example, his relationship with his servants, they are more friends than employees.
But he is not without responsibility of the state of their marriage, as he never really changed his Rythm’n of life, not really adapting his agenda to accommodate his spouse in it, he kind of like just added her to it, she is a case he must do with and court the way he thinks it is to be.

How they come to be bickering like two hungry birds fighting over a scrap of bread for anything.
Each keeping their trouble to themselves, never sharing their pain, wounds or doubts.

And the villain, I believe in my books they should get their right comeuppance and Edith got it too easy, moreover when you consider the length she went to ruin her sister, the harm she did and the duration of her bullying. Not even apologizing nor seing the wrongness of her acts.
Still for all this above, the author crafted a great story you can not read idly, this is one story which will have you on edge, ready to throw things or bash some heads.
4 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 kiss

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

Book review:
2 ⭐️’s

I tried so hard to like this book but in the end it just was such a frustrating read. I was really looking forward to a historical regency romance with forced marriage but this was such a convoluted story line that I couldn’t pay attention properly. To start, there was little to no chemistry between the characters. In fact they didn’t even kiss until well after 60% into the book. And that is the most you will get from them. It didn’t feel like a slow burn because there was never any tension between them. And it felt like the author tried to hard to keep them apart. After one misunderstanding there would be another and then another. And to top it off, it was wholly unrealistic according to history and society at that time.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgally for a copy of this in exchange for my honest opinion, unfortunately this story was not for me.

Good Reads t:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4676532974

This was good, really good in fact. I haven’t read but one other of Karen Thornell’s books and I knew I would enjoy this but she exceeded my expectations. This one is going into my favorites clean romance list. Great writing with engaging scenes made up of beautiful life struggles that cement their love to each other.
Things I loved:
• how they met
• Edward
• their laughter
• the kisses
• HEA
I was smiling and gave this book a big hug when I finished. Wonderful, satisfying read. I highly recommend this one.
Thanks Covenant Communications via NetGalley.

When Amelia Kennington is forced to marry Edward Drayton, the Earl of Norwich, after their encounter along the Serpentine, in London. Whilst Edward was planning to marry this season, he had not planned on Amelia. He is soon captivated by her, finding ways in which to win her over, yet her disdain for him seems to flare up for no real reason, leaving Edward to try and salvage his pride. Slowly, the couple begin to form a fragile friendship, which Edward hopes will turn into a real marriage. However, there a several factors thwarting their every attempt.
Every time I thought that Edward had won Amelia over, her confidence was threated by the actions of her evil sister, Edith. The complexity of both Edward and Amelia made this such a fascinating read. I so enjoyed seeing the kindness of Edward and his sincerity revealed to Amelia, as he is a character so maligned, yet so inherently good. I found Amelia’s character so interesting, particularly her relationship with her family, and their perception of one another.
This was such a great read! I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley and Covenant Communications. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Welp. That book was amazing. Amazing. Capital A. I just think that Karen is so incredibly talented and I am starting to feel like every one of her books should always jump to the top of my nonexistent reading list. If it's an option, it should be the option.

I was so happy to see Kate again, she was so very lovely. Edward was a great example of growth and Amelia! Amelia, I am so proud of you.

If you like marriage of convenience, secrets, scandals, a Cinderella- esque type vibe, piano scenes, kissing and just happiness, you should read this book.

Edward & Amelia is a delightful Regency romance from author Karen Thornell.

I loved the witty dialogue that flew back and forth between these characters. Right from the outset, neither seemed unable to stop themselves from speaking their minds. But they also did not clarify themselves when the truth was desperately needed. A recipe for disaster in any relationship. Both had secrets, and the longer they kept them, the worse things got.

Unfortunately for me, it was easy to see who was pulling the strings throughout the book. It would have been better if this had been a bit less obvious, as the book held no surprises for me. Also, while it is a clean read, it is not a Christian book, for God was never mentioned. However, if you like witty dialogue and charming romance, you may enjoy this book.

I received a review copy from Covenant Communications through NetGalley for my honest opinion.

If you enjoy:
* Unexpected dips into the Serpentine
* Ruined reputations and forced marriages
* Jealous sister
* A fake romance turning into the real deal
Then this is the book for you!
I had the chance to read Edward and Amelia by Karen Thornell recently. It was SO beautifully written. I loved it!
Edward and Amelia's marriage obviously didn't start the traditional way. Add some pride and hurt feelings, things are a bit rough in the beginning. Slowly as they get to know each other, they let their guards down and allow each other to see them for who they really are.
This slow burning love is a must read! The characters are lovable, and you are just rooting for them until the end. Sometimes I wanted them to be real so I could just talk some sense into them so they didn't have to go through so much hurt.
This book deserves all the stars!

Having an understanding of the standards and background of English Society during this time period, this was an enjoyable read. Being able to follow along and see the true personalities of Amelia and Edward come to life helped make the story move and engages the reader. These two characters had a bumpy road to get to the end of their story, and every time they seemed to get past one obstacle, another hurdle would appear. Thornell successfully created a witty and dramatic romance and incorporated the English society well.

One of my favorite tropes to read is arranged marriage as well as forced proximity. There is something rewarding about seeing two characters go from hating each other or being so uncomfortable around each other, to loving one another. To have one written by Karen just makes it even better.

I enjoyed knowing that there were secrets that needed to be revealed, and I loved how they were brought out to one another. Amelia is this tender hearted young woman that needs to be shown more outward expressions of love. Her sister is a nightmare and I wanted to strangle her and her friend. I deeply loved Amelia's father by the end of the book. His character arc, as a side character, was quite perfect to witness.

Edward was a character that confused me at first. After seeing his "rake" side with no other character build up/tear down in To Marry an Earl, I was immensely curious to know where Karen would take him. And to be honest, I was unsure at first. However, I was pleasantly happy to see the whole of him. I could get a good read of him by the first chapter from his POV. His relationship with his valet is special and it doesn't give you the opportunity to NOT see his goodness right off.

Karen Thornell is an author that humanizes these fictional characters. She gives them nuances that make them believable people, not just something found in a book. Her ability to weave her characters lives together is beautiful. I am excited to see where she continues in her writing.

Rating: 4.5 stars

Oh Edward and Amelia! Karen Thornall does not disappoint in the this book. Her writing is excellent, her characters are relatable and the side characters are a great support. I really enjoyed this romance, it was so sweet watching the two of them figure it all out. I love historical romance and highly recommend this one!

Edward has acquired quite a reputation over the years, and he's enjoyed the freedom it's given him from matchmaking mamas. But now he's decided it's time to marry and settle down. One bride escapes him, but when he almost accidentally lands another, he realises it will be uphill work to make his marriage into the kind he wants. Ever since an accident left her scarred, Amelia has always felt unwanted and inferior. When circumstances force her into a marriage, she has no intention of laying herself open to more hurt by falling in love - but though most of the time her husband seems the shallow, unscrupulous womaniser his reputation paints him, there are moments where he seems to lift a mask and show his true self. Can these two take the dangerous step of total honesty and open themselves up to love? And can each overlook the other's secrets?

I've enjoyed books from this author before, so I had high expectations. Well, I wasn't disappointed. Edward admittedly starts off unconsciously arrogant and blithely ignorant of how to show true care for others, but because the reader can see that he's trying, it left me feeling sorry for him and hoping he can work things out rather than just wanting to slap him into next week. Amelia had me rooting for her from the start for her own reasons - not least because she refuses to accept his fake charm. The pair have a long way to go to get to a good relationship, including needing to work out what exactly a good relationship actually looks like, but I really enjoyed the journey and would highly recommend the book to others looking for a clean, well-written Regency story. Looking forward to more by the author!

Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.

Thornell's best so far! I genuinely love being an observer as an author grows and becomes better at their craft and I've been blessed to have a front row seat to Karen Thornell's career. I love seeing her personality on the pages and becoming better acquainted with the characters she creates. Amelia is caught in a compromising situation with a renowned rake, Lord Norwich, and they are forced to wed. For a known take, Lord Norwich is really quite clueless in how to woo and court a woman and that creates some pretty humorous situations. Amelia is so tucked inside her own shell that it's challenging to get to know her until a bit later in the book, but once her personality comes out, she truly shines. As they try to navigate the scandal surrounding them, the hints of attraction growing between them, and the secrets in their pasta, the relationship they build is both sweet and satisfying!

Thank you to NetGalley and Covenant Communications for my e-arc of this book. All opinions in this review are my own.

Wonderful! I couldn’t put it down. Ms Thornell has woven a sweet regency romance filled with misunderstandings, jealousy, and unconventional love.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255.

I loved this arranged marriage and enemies to lovers story!

The MMC (male main character), Edward, is the Earl of Norwich, and is known by everyone as a rake. He has finally decided to marry after many seasons of scandal.

When he is forced to marry Amelia, he plans on making her fall in love with him and not devoloping feelings for her. 🤔That never seems to work out in books.😂He tries to woo her but his efforts are kind of cringey. Poor guy! 😂

One of my favorite things in a romance novel is the banter and sarcastic comments between the two main characters. This book had a bunch of that and I loved it!

I loved Amelia's character and how much she couldn't help but try and help those in need! She was such a strong woman who dealt with so much pain and suffering throughout her life but didn't hesitate when someone needed help.

There's a couple characters that I really didn't like and I hope they get their redemption story! They need it!

If you enjoy regency romance books with amazing characters, witty banter and a story of redemption I definitely recommend Edward and Amelia! This is book two in a series (To Marry an Earl is book one) but these books can be read out of order.

Thanks to Netgalley and Karen Thornell for allowing me to read an early copy! This book releases on June 6th! Preorder now on Amazon! ❤️

I loved this book so much! Karen Thornell does such a great job writing her characters, and her plots. Her books always leave me wanting more.

Amelia…I loved the way she was. She simply wanted to avoid having her sisters and her father censure her for every little thing she did wrong. And she did a lot of things she shouldn’t do. But that wasn’t her fault, not completely. Her family had left her alone much of her growing up years. She felt unseen and uncared for. And her sisters, wow, they were not nice to her. At. All.

Edward was such a complicated character. He appears to be a scoundrel, ruining young women almost as fast as he can. But his care for his valet and his valet’s family make that seem wrong. I loved the way he and Amelia meet. And are compromised so they must marry.

For much of the book, Edward and Amelia are married. And the reader gets to see their love story. I loved the gradual way they grew to care for each other. They had so many ups and downs, misunderstandings and others trying to mess up their relationship. I loved every bit of it!

This is one you really need to read!

I was sent an e-copy of Edward and Amelia as a gift from the publisher. All opinions are my own.