Emmagene Stitch, is a self=professed spinster and has a sharp tongue. Henry Eldrick, the Earl of Huntly, is arrogant and rude. They have both been invited to the wedding of Honora Davenport, Emmagene's cousin, and the Earl of Southwell, Henry's best friend. Since neither are well liked by the Ton, they are basically thrown together during the wedding party celebrations. What could possibly happen with a situation like that? This is a funny and sad story, but since there is a wedding there will also be love and romance.

This was a great book of two hurt people meeting and falling in love.I loved the banter between the couple a fun read.

Thrusting Emmagene and Huntly together was just genius! They had the best chemistry! Both of their pasts have left them sour on love and grumpy in love. They find themselves in an "I love to hate you" relationship and the passion is too hot to handle. While Emmagene can't deny he is attractive, Huntly can't stop lusting after her! While exchanging hilarious barbs with each other (he even throws a pea at her across the room at dinner one night), they both let down their guards and find that maybe they are perfect for each other. And I agree! I can just see them in the back of every ballroom, sharing judgements and barbs about the people in attendance!

The Heroine
Emmagene Stitch carries pain from a past romance when she thought she was in love, but the jerk left her without a word, letting her find out by his marriage announcement in the paper. Her broken heart and spirit has left her with a horrible view of men and marriage; she is determined to be a grumpy spinster. Until she is forced to interact with Huntly, who rubs her the wrong way, but

The Hero
Henry Eldrick, the Earl of Huntly, is a rude, wealthy, grumpy rake who lusts after Emmagene almost immediately. In his youth, he was treated poorly by his parents, being the second son and being constantly compared to his perfect older brother. When his older brother dies and he is trust into the roll of Earl, he has no idea what he is doing or how to behave without the chip on his shoulder. Women overlook his façade because of his title and wealth, but, outside of the bedroom, he has no use for a woman. However, he slowly finds himself liking being in Emmagene's company, even going so far as to feeling lonely when she's not there. He is just a big, bad bear that needed the right woman to soften his surly attitude!

The Steam
They had the best chemistry; they would insult each other one minute and then couldn't keep their hands off each other the next! Since she is no maiden, their steam is hot right from the start!

Tropes
Historical Romance, Victorian Era, House Party, Country Life, Alpha Hero, Grumpy Hero, Titled Hero, Wealthy Hero, Experienced Heroine, Spinster Heroine, Damaged Heroine, Carriage Steam, Outdoor Steam, Enemies to Lovers, Forced Proximity

These two…it’s hard to know what to say about two such unlikable yet thoroughly likable characters. Emmagene and Huntley have each built up so much emotional scar tissue surrounding their hearts, it just doesn’t seem like anything will get through. And yet little by little they wear each other down. He’s a grump, taught from an early age he’s unlovable. She’s a shrew who’s learned no one could want a spinster such as her. Thrown together at a house party they are a disaster in the making. I really liked how these two were written. Each so difficult on the outside, yet we get peeks of their vulnerability. Together they find bits and pieces that wear each other down in a bickering yet comical way that is enjoyable as they grow into their relationship. An enjoyable read. I received a complimentary copy of this book. This is my freely given, honest review.

Chasing the Earl was a very enjoyable read. Miss Emmagene Stitch and Henry Eldrick, Earl of Huntly are the main characters of our story and they are both very disagreeable individuals. The story takes place at a house party that neither Emmagene nor Henry wants to attend and they are being thrown together by their hostess that dislikes the both of them. Being constantly paired up causes them to eventually realize that they have more in common than they think, thus an unlikely friendship blossoms. I really loved this book and the characters just made the whole story for me. Emma and Henry were such lovable outcasts and I really loved that they were their authentic selves. They never allowed outside opinions to change who they were. Their story was so sweet Kathleen Ayers always does an amazing job at story telling. Anything she writes is always an automatic read for me. I can't wait for the next book in this series! I received an ARC through Net galley for an honest review.

Understanding that this is an enemies to lovers story, but still finding so many ways that this book surprised me. The heroine, whom you meet in the previous novel is not very likable, at all and neither is the hero though we all love a wounded, brooding titan. We soon learn that, like in real life, they are both just protecting themselves from the trauma of being hurt again. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and really didn't want to put it down. I cant wait to read the next one!

Wow, what a fantastic story. Emmagene and Huntly were such an unlikely couple, with both of them not holding back how they feel or think about others or each other. But when they are forced together at a house party/wedding, their dislike for each other turns to passion very quickly. And eventually love. There are a few very funny scenes in the story that had me laughing so hard. Very enjoyable story and I would definitely recommend to others.

This is the second installment to The Arrogant Earl's series, and I am loving it! I always enjoy picking up a book by Ms. Ayers and this one definitely did not disappoint. Though you can read this as a standalone, I think it is much more enjoyable if you've read the first book as this picks up where book 1 leaves off. This story of two unlikely characters falling in love was such fun to read. Emmagene has been hurt by a man before and thus has built up a steel wall. She is a self-proclaimed spinster who isn't afraid to speak her mind. Henry is standoffish with a gruff personality, but when they find themselves in each other's company at a house party neither wants to be in attendance at, they start to warm towards each other and form a bond. Henry begins to loosen up a bit with Emmagene, and show his softer side. It took many barbs and back and forths between them to realize they are exactly what the other needs. All that witty banter between them was so much fun to read and kept me smiling and laughing throughout. I really enjoyed seeing their relationship develop and grow. A thoroughly enchanting story that I am glad to have had the opportunity to read. Looking forward to the next one!
I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

Thank you NetGalley. Emmagene is on the shelf and she dresses like it. The Early of Huntly is rude and not that many people like him. They have to share a carriage going to a house party that is for her cousin and his good friend. The hostess keeps them together and away from the rest of the guests. Soon they find they can only think of each other. After the party is over and they are back in London they can only think about each other. Henry calls on Emmagene and they decide they are meant for each other.

We have two wonderful characters in this new story by Kathleen Ayers. Miss Emmagene Stitch is on her way to the wedding of her cousin, Honora, and is stunned when the carriage stops and picks up Henry, the Earl of Huntley. Emmagene is a self-proclaimed spinster who dislikes men, and Henry behaves badly as his adored older brother should have lived to be Earl.
There is wonderful back and forth banter between these two throughout the wedding party activities. There are several good laugh out loud moments.
I highly recommend this book for your enjoyment.

Chasing the Earl by Kathleen Ayers beings together two decidedly unpleasant people: Miss Emmagene Stitch and Henry, Earl of Huntly, in a carriage, both on their way to a wedding and house party in which they had absolutely no interest. Their journey together had been arranged by Lady Trent, who liked neither of them and that feeling was reciprocated. At dinner, they found themselves seated at a small table, off to the side, and even Henry knew he was behaving poorly, but he was hungry and thirsty and no one seemed to care. She finally gave up and went to her chamber. She ran into him again in the morning when she had been stomping around in the woods trying to walk out her bad temper. Instead she got caught in some brambles, and who was there to assist: Huntly. They ran into a skunk, something neither of them was familiar with as they had none (except this one) in England. He got sprayed and spent the rest of the day in vinegar baths. And it went on and on. But, they were drawn together. Lust or love? Neither knew, nor cared.

They were not really unpleasant, well, to some they were, mostly just opinionated. They fought at every turn. Except when they were kissing. This was an extremely entertaining story. Both of them brought out the worst in one another and they did not know each other well enough to modulate their behavior. He was trying to see how she felt about marriage. She heard that he was to marry and it would not be her. She had lived through that. She would not again. She was buttoned up, he was loosey-goosey. It was indeed a conundrum.

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

This was a hilarious story about two very rude and bitter people finding each other. Emmagene and Henry are both ill-tempered and make a point of presently themselves poorly within society. In Emmagene’s case she is trying to repel men to remain an unmarried spinster after getting her heart broken when she was younger. Henry on the other hand lets himself fall into the role that his hateful parents laid out for him, the ill-mannered and inappropriate son who would be a terrible earl. Emmagene presents herself to fit within the confines of society spitting fire with her insults whereas Henry is loud and brash and so outwardly rude. They made an absolutely hilarious pair.

They both attend the house party and wedding of their friends and end up being put on the outskirts of every dinner, put in the corner to keep away from the good society approved guests. This brings them together repeatedly and their constant trading of barbs, insults and banter quickly turns to more. Henry finds himself drawn to the prickly Emmagene right from the beginning and soon enough Emmagene can’t find it in herself to deny herself the chance to explore Henry. Once the connection is made old fears rise up and threaten to destroy their connection. After fear holds them back miscommunication occurs but it doesn’t last for long!

I loved every minute of this story. it is a quick easy funny read – it is quite short so ideal if you’re looking for something a bit lighter. I really enjoyed the banter and their relationship. The ending was perfect, and the pacing was great. Ayers’ brought to life two very difficult characters, and I love that she doesn’t change who they are, they stay rude and ill-mannered but make an effort to be kinder to each other. Her writing is compelling and witty and never ceases to entertain. Ayer’s is certainly an auto-buy author for me, and I am loving this new series. As always I couldn’t put this book down and read it in one sitting.

Chasing the Earl, by Kathleen Ayers. Who would have thought that such a short romantic story would be so naughty, seductive, and just unbelievably steamy. Kathleen showed a very wicked side to herself while writing the two main characters, Emmagene and Huntly. I absolutely loved everything about Huntly. I mean, come on the man knows what to say to woman when he wants her as he claims her in bed.
Talk about feeling dirty but in a good way when you have the strong masculine body of Huntly outstretched over you, doing all things that would make you scream his name and beg for more. I loved the storyline of Emmagene’s and Huntly romantic affair during the wedding party. Their story was a perfect fit for them. I was caught off guard by the language and the sharp and sometimes crude remarks that the two tossed at one another. But that was one of the many entertains things that sparks the beginning of them exposing themselves to other people.
I was pleased that Emmagene was created as a character with sterner stuff and thick skin. She didn’t faint by some of the direct cuts that was tossed at her. There where moments that I found Huntly’s character quite comical and endearing. Emagene’s and Huntly’s steamy and erotic dance between the sheets certainly fanned the flames of this book as being and entertaining read. But it was the passion for being loved by the two that showed the happiness of being loved that overshadowed the book.
I give this book two snaps and a, “Huntly, we are not taking Peony with us. I thought that you would have learned your lesson the first time. Until next time my fellow readers… read on!

This story is an absolute delight! What happens when a prickly, sharp tongued spinster is thrown into a carriage with a sloppy, boorish Earl? A great beginning to a house party for her cousin’s wedding to his best friend. The dialogue and clever banter between these two is just wonderful, and then when these two misfits embark on a passionate romance, you have a very entertaining story! Loved it!

Chasing the Earl is the second novel in The Arrogant Earls series, and a follow up to Honora’s and South’s beautiful love story—this new story takes places during their wedding—between the two most likely candidates, even written off by the ton, to find love:
Emmagene Stitch and the Earl of Huntley. The Earl of Huntley is an oversized, rude brute while Emmagene is a boorish, “sharp-tongued” spinster. Both have been hurt deeply in their past, and through being stuck together constantly in sitting arrangements within a house party, which they agree on being distasteful, they are able to dig deep into the wounds from the past and heal together, culminating in a beautiful romance.
Kathleen has done is again—unraveling complicated, unique characters, with tough exteriors meant to protect themselves.
An amazing read!
I have received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.

Emmie is a spinster and is going to her cousins wedding. Henry is going to Southwells wedding whether he likes it or not. It's not do much the wedding it's the houseparty. Seemingly paired with the worst person imaginable - Emmie and Henry find that opposites do attract.

This is such an AMAZING story! I just LOVE it 💞 I love how they get to know each other, and that their attraction is something that they didn't expect. Theres plenty of chemistry between them that becomes passionate and sensual. Told from dual POVs reveals intimately their thoughts, feelings and emotions as they explore their relationship. There's an epilogue and a HEA 💓

Spinster, Emmagene Stitch and Henry, the Earl of Huntly, end up sharing the carriage to the wedding house party for their respective cousins.' It's no holds barred on sharing their opinions of each other during the trip. (Be prepared to laugh out loud) Sabatoged by Lady Trent, the hostess, they end up on the outside of the circle of the other guests. Unexpected accidents keep happening that bring Emmie and Henry closer together in shared sympathy, but it's the passionate attraction between them that breaks down their barriers. This is one hot couple! One hilarious incident after another, their thoughts and verbal exchanges kept me in stitches (no pun intended).
Heat level 4
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Kathleen Ayers’s “Chasing the Earl” (The Arrogant Earls Book 2)

In this entertaining story we have two people, Emmagene, who swears off marriage after being let down in love and Huntly, who wears a mask of unpleasantness because he thinks it’s what expected of him. It took me a little bit to warm up to Hartley‘s character but once I did it once he let down his walls and opened up to Emmagene he became much easier to like. Once these to discover they had a thing or two in common and acknowledged the attraction between them I enjoyed their journey to their happily ever after. The chemistry was electrifying and passionate and finding that they were just what the other needed was inevitable.

I enjoyed this splendid story finding it quite entertaining. The dialogue was witty and snarky and the authors imagery was fantastic.

Thank you so much Ms. Ayers for this wonderful, fun love story.

4.5 ⭐️ 2🌶

Ok so this one was much better than the first book because it focused solely on the relationship between Henry and Emmagene and there was good character development.

Reading so much current day romances which are written in 1st person, it was a little hard at first to gel with the 3rd person narrative style again, and Kathleen used far too much names vs pronouns for my taste, but looking past that, I really loved the story.

It is a forced proximity, opposites attract love story and in the end they weren’t as different from each other than they thought.

Emmie is a shrewish spinster and Henry a boorish libertine. But it’s the reasons that they are they way that have them creating a common bond. The banter and honesty shared between them was entertaining and I thoroughly enjoyed the tension and lead up to their eventual coupling which was 🔥

There were bits of humor sprinkled in and the comparison of Emmie to Peony (the skunk) was on point. 😂

This book also brought a little more of Kathleen’s signature spice; something lacking in book one.

Of course there was small drama, but I liked how sure Henry was of his feelings and what he needed to do about it, he wasn’t going to keep sitting around letting her wallow in her pity party.

This is one of my favorite passage:

“He hadn’t come to this house party with any intention other than surviving it; certainly he hadn’t expected to find a woman who attracted him the way Emmagene Stitch did. Henry knew, in his heart, if he never saw Emmie again, he would be lonely the rest of his life.”

For such a short book, I was pleased at how well the relationship came together. Nothing felt rushed and I truly did feel how right these two were for each other. Part of me wishes it was longer because I was enjoying it and didn’t want it to be over so quickly, but in reality it didn’t need to be. ❤️

What do you get when you place two curmudgeons together? A battle of wit, snarky remarks and unrelenting love. No matter how much they wish to deny their feelings, neither Emmagene nor Huntley can keep away from the other. A fast-paced romance of intense emotion. Both of these characters are known for being rude, surly and obstinate, yet together they find an acceptance and a reason to change the negative habits they have hidden behind all these years. Soured by past experiences of romantic or familial rejection, they have used a sour demeanour to hide behind and protect their hearts from pain. But avoidance of pain also causes one to avoid all the blissful effects of love, Now they have a chance to bloom from the love they quickly share. Of course, this doesn’t mean no bickering or insults as this can be another expression of affection, and all the better to make up from. Whether anger, passion or love, both Emmagene & Huntley are fierce in their emotions. The bickering and banter of these two is what sold their story, as true passion is enflamed until combustible. I truly enjoyed reading all the sparks and ignition of their flaming love!