I had been wondering about Caroline and Stuart's story since reading 12 Drummers Drumming. The events in this story do overlap with the events in that story, but (obviously) told from a different POV. This is another entry in this series by Ms. Murdoch that I liked but did not love. Caroline and Stuart are in love and lust and are on track to be married until Stuart's great-uncle dies, leaving Stuart an unexpected earldom. Stuart devolves into something of a whiny mama's boy, seemingly unable to make his own choices or stand up for the woman he supposedly loves. Caroline herself stands by rather weakly for much of the book, merely waiting for Stuart to make his choice, rather than asserting her own wishes for their future. Even after the couple fully consummate their relationship, these roles persist. I almost wanted to stand up and cheer by the time that Caroline declares that she is worth more than an earldom and wants to be with someone who actually knows and acknowledged her true worth.

Of course, the coup[e does eventually come back together. As seems to be the norm for this series so far, the ending feels more like a HFN versus a HEA. Given that all three books thus far end in this abrupt manner, I am assuming it is deliberate - perhaps to try and persuade readers to continue on through the other books in the series? I will continue reading - I like Ms. Murdoch's writing style and, despite the lacklusterness of the stories taken individually, the series has managed to snare my interest and I want to know more about the Fitzroy family. I also need Caroline's step-father to give me investing advice.

A solid 3 stars. Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade for an ARC of this book. The opinions herein are my own.

After meeting Caroline and Stuart in book 1, I was curious how their story would go. Some of the same events were replayed in this book, but from Caroline's viewpoint instead of Jemima.

Since many of the events were known, the focus really was on the characters. Caroline and Stuart both seemed to be a bit weak minded. Caroline comes off whiny and isn't what I would call a strong woman. Stuart seems like he mostly wants the physical aspect of things and really takes awhile to stand up for what he wants. He is going to be an Earl and seemed to let his mom tell him what to do. The romance is hot and heavy, but it was harder to like the characters.

I'm ready for book 4 and am hoping for the return of some stronger and more opinionated characters.

Thank you to Dragonblade and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.

Caroline has a beau, Stuart, whom she loves dearly. When she is asked to marry him she is over the moon with joy. When Stuart realizes he has suddenly inherited a debt ridden Earldom he rethinks his desire to marry Caroline. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for my honest review.

Romance, Pledges, Family:
We first meet Caroline when she and Stewart are in deep throes of passion. There is intent of marriage coming but oh my what a difficult time they will have before reaching any kind of a possible marriage actually
happening is unsure to say the least. A couple of shocking obstacles
are now in their way. Tough lifechanging decisions ahead.
Will they be able to conquer the ultimatums set before them?
It was interesting the way the author brought into the story of the ten
lords leaping.
I liked Eleven Pipers Piping much better.
Rating 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars
Adult Advisory:
Cover: 5 stars

This is an amazing story that will captivate you from beginning to end. The chemistry between them is off the charts hot. Ten Lords a Leaping is a holiday romance to die for.