This was a fun twist of the typical regency romance! The action starts off with the annual "boys trip" of three close friends, but of course, hijinxs quickly ensue. While it is one of those novels that is very modern set in a historical time period, that will appeal to some readers. It's not only a sweet romance, but a nice tale of friendship between men, something we don't often see, and found family.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for an ARC copy of Earls Trip!

For the first ten percent of this book, I was iffy about if it was for me. I genuinely contemplated giving up and just trying to read it in between other books. Once the cast of characters arrive at the castle, however, Earls Trip takes a turn. It becomes absolutely amazing! I enjoyed the development of the characters and the slow burn romance between Clem and Archie. It was one of the best friends to lovers tropes that I have read in a while. Every character has their personal motivations, and feel like real people by the end of the novel. I truly enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading Effie's book next year!

Big thanks to Kensington books and netgalley for giving me early access to this title.

I absolutely adored this book. It is so vivid and well paced.

This story follow Archie who is about to embark on his yearly Earl's trip with his two best friends Simon and Effie. As they're leaving town they get flagged down by a messenger with an urgent message from one of Archie's father's friends saying that his daughter, Olive, has eloped and her sister, Clementine, has gone after her. The group of young Earl's decide it is their duty to find these two young women, whom Archie grew up with, and rescue them from scandal. After everyone is safe, Archie decides there's no reason why the Earl's trip shouldn't go on as normal, so they're now a group of five in a decrepit house, trying their best.

This romance has so many things that I love, forced proximity, friends to lovers, secrets, and mess. The characters, outside of Simon, were all really well fleshed out and were full people with wants, desires, and history. The pace of the romance was great, and the reveals of secrets were well timed. I was also really impressed with the depiction of Alzheimer's, as Archie's mother suffers from the disease and plays an important part in the story.

Overall this was a really well written book and a lot of fun. I would recommend it for fans of Bridgertons and the Regency Vows series. I believe that the intention is to turn this book into a series as well, and I really look forward to reading more about these characters. I also think that this would make an excellent film or series.

NetGalley ARC Review✨

Earls Trip
By Jenny Holiday
Pub Date: 04/23/24
My Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Earls Trip is a period piece about 3 gentlemen friends whose yearly trip is thrown off course when they are asked to rescue two sisters from ruination.

Archie and Clem are childhood friends and when Clem's sister, Olive, runs away to get married, Archie is asked to bring them back home. After the rescue, the girls join the gentlemen on their vacation and their childhood friendship is restored.

Clem is opposed to marriage and makes it known often. Archie wants to respect Clem's aversion and not find her trapped in a marriage she will hate. Will their friendship turn into more? Will Clem find the freeness she seeks?

Overall, this was a good read but I did find it slow at times.

This book was so fun!

I loved the concept of a boy's trip. It's definitely a twist on the typical historical romance plots. I also really loved the way Archie, Effie, and Simon support each other. Again I feel like the emotional conversations between men don't typically happen in this genre so it was really cool to see them actually talking about their problems and helping each other out.

The little side quest to save Clementine and Olive was such a fun addition. I will admit I was a little skeptical of whether I would like the female characters but I ended up loving both of them. They have such strong personalities and it was nice to see them work through their issues and become closer than ever.

Overall this was a cute, very entertaining read and I am definitely looking forward to the next one!

This book was such a delight!! For regency romance lovers, this had the perfect balance of romance, humor, and themes like found family. I found myself ready to jump into a (hopeful) sequel. For fans of the School for Scoundrels by Megan Frampton, you won't want to miss this.

An accessible Regency-era story that follows a group of friends who center around Archibal Fielding-Burton (Archie to his friends). This style of retelling is not something I would typically read as it has a spin similar to a movie about a bachelor party when a person goes missing and the opening quote refers to the highly acclaimed Ted Lasso and his "Diamond Dogs." While I do love Ted Lasso, it was hard to immerse myself in the world as told and/or edited by Jenny Holiday and team.

Thank you NetGalley and and Kensington Books for an advanced copy in exchanged for an unbiased review.

Earl’s trip was a quick and delightful read for lovers of a contemporary romance set in the regency era (rather loosely but we’re in it for the fun!) The characters are great, I loved the earl trio and their friendship. The book rather insists on being a found family, and it is, I just wish it didn’t push the idea so much. Also if we’re speaking tropes, the romance is childhood friends to lovers, which I always love. And there was some unexpected smut? Enjoy!

Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Books for this copy of Earls Trip!

4/5 Stars for this unexpectedly heartfelt Regency romance!

I got this book expecting a standard, light and fluffy Regency romance and was beyond pleasantly surprised to find the most sob-inducing book of 2024 so far. I talk often about loving books that have the extra depth and heart that bring them to life, and this book has heart in spades. I have been in a full-on slump with all other books since starting this one.

Earl's Trip is about a group of friends who take a two-week trip together every year. This year, the beginning of the trip makes a detour when our MMC is requested to help save his childhood bestie's sister from ruin, and also his bestie who has gone to save her sister as well. The girls agree to stay with the men on the trip and we get a deep dive into these friendships. (Was this group inspired by the Breakfast Club? We have all the standard characters IMO.)

Obviously, the (spoiler) childhood besties fall in love and don't realize it, but the scene where they express their love had me IN TATTERS. "Archibald, I've been waiting for years for you to marry Clementine Morgan." I AM STILL SOBBING.

This book was adorable and heart-warming and heart-wrenching and also incredibly compassionate and I LOVED IT.

I love historical romances, particularly regency ones. I struggle, however, with historical romances that feel too modern. Earls Trip, while cute and fun, seemed really modern in many ways to the point of distraction. Sure, I love a spunky heroine, but I just really struggled with the three men sitting around talking about love, found family, and vegetarianism.

Archie, Effie (a name that I had previously only heard because it belonged to my English grandmother-in-law), and Simon are about to embark on their annual Earls Trip (which they call it themselves, even if not all of them are earls) when Archie gets a letter out of the blue telling him he needs to rescue two women who were childhood friends: Olive and Clementine. The three men decide to rescue them (even if the women were on their way to rescuing themselves) and invite the young ladies to stay with them for the two-week long Earls Trip. There, Archie and Clementine renew their friendship and it starts to develop into something more.

Olive and Clementine are good sisters--they are different but complement each other. But Clementine seems a lot younger than 19, which was uncomfortable when things started getting spicy.

A cute romance, but it wasn't for me. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

What a joyride with a fabulous cast of characters!

"What happens on Earls Trip stays on Earls Trip. Usually. In 1821, on the eighth annual Earls Trip, things took a bit of a turn."

This book is absolutely delightful from the first page. If you're in need of a romcom that's actually fun, this is it.

And the earls are delightful.

Simon loves books and solitude, and puts up with his friends.

Effie (Edward) is the emo goth of the group, given to brooding, painting, and painting.

Archie is outgoing and fond of his friends - and he has no idea what's in store.

Because girls are about to take over Archie's agenda. And shake up the status quo.

I adore this group of friends. Of course, found family is my favorite trope - and these three gentlemen are the perfect example.

"He sat back and let it wash over him. Here were all his people: Effie, Simon, Clementine, and Olive."

Earls Trip by Jenny Holiday is a cute found family, childhood friends to lovers, regency romance with a bit of a modern twist!! I really enjoyed this book. I loved Clementine and Archie’s story so much; even though at time Archie was a bit to perfect. I wish I could time travel to 1820 and live out this adventure.
Recommend to any historical romance lovers.

✔️ Childhood Friends to Lovers
✔️ Protective Over Her
✔️ Forced Proximity
✔️ Hurt/Comfort
✔️ Teach Me

I wanted to love this book based on the title alone (so clever!). I loved the premise of Earls going on vacation together and everything leading up to them getting to their destination was terrific. And yet.

The romance dragged. There was a lot of exposition on backstory but it was disappointingly light on tender moments, sexy moments, interesting moments.

The ending of the book was good, but it took too long to get to the romance. I love a slow burn but this was lacking the low simmer of tension. 3⭐️

Steam 🔥🔥
Banter 🗣️🗣️
Swoon 💕💕

A sweet and lovely Regency romance with a modern - but not jarringly so - modern sensibility. Men (for the most part) who respect women and their autonomy! Men who are largely in touch with their feelings - or at least willing to learn to be in touch with them! I am so looking forward to meeting these characters again in the sequel and especially to learning more about Effie’s story.

Earls Trip!

This book is very cute.

On the surface, it is about friendship and found family, set against the backdrop of the Regency era. It is also about the importance of staying true to yourself until you find your people. We also have a great childhood friends-to-lovers storyline.

There were many elements to this that I found interesting; the love interest is a vegetarian which was a shock for this Era! The author provided good historical context to legitimize this standpoint, which made me want to go and research the history of plant-based diets! The main character is our Archie, the Earl of Harcourt, and his love for his friends is so sweet and pure it will make you melt.

This book has the healthiest displays of masculinity and great feminism and is just a cozy, feel-good read!

I keep flip-flopping between 3.75 and 4 stars, but for now, I'll stay with 3.75. While I did like how wholesome the book was, I felt like Archie's character was too perfect for me to be fully immersed in the story.

I recently had the pleasure of delving into this book, and I am beyond impressed with the mesmerizing world that the author has crafted. From start to finish, the intricate plot weaves a tapestry of suspense, emotion, and unexpected twists that kept me eagerly turning the pages.

One of the standout features of this book is undoubtedly its characters. Each one is meticulously developed, breathing life into the narrative with their unique personalities, motivations, and flaws. The protagonists are not just names on paper; they are relatable, complex individuals with whom readers can form a genuine connection. The antagonist, too, is not a mere foil but a multi-dimensional force that adds depth to the story. The author's ability to create such well-rounded characters is a testament to their storytelling prowess.

The plot unfolds seamlessly, drawing the reader into a richly layered narrative that expertly balances tension, drama, and moments of poignant reflection. The pacing is impeccable, maintaining a perfect rhythm that keeps the reader engaged without sacrificing the depth of the story. The author skillfully navigates through various plot arcs, interweaving them with finesse to create a cohesive and satisfying whole.

What sets this book apart is its ability to tackle profound themes while maintaining an accessible and engaging narrative. The book seamlessly combines suspense and emotional depth, making it a truly immersive experience. The author's prose is both elegant and evocative, painting vivid imagery that lingers in the reader's mind long after the final page is turned.

As I reached the conclusion, I found myself yearning for more from this talented author. Their ability to craft a gripping plot and bring characters to life is truly commendable. I eagerly anticipate future works and would wholeheartedly recommend this book to any reader who appreciates a masterfully told tale. If you're searching for a book that seamlessly blends captivating characters with a compelling plot, this is a shining example. I can't wait to explore more literary worlds crafted by this exceptional storyteller.

Such a romp! I loved this. I thought the characters were fantastic, especially the secondary ones. Each of the guys was integral to the story, and it wouldn't have been the same without them. I also love a non-traditional heroine, and I think Clem is absolutely perfect for Arch. I'll definitely be picking up the second in the series.

Ah, jeez! Regrettably, this book didn't quite tickle my fancy. However, just because it didn't hit the spot for me doesn't mean it won't charm others! I found the characters a tad irritating. It's my first time reading Jenny Holiday's work; her style might not be my cup of tea. Connecting with the characters and storyline was quite challenging for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review! All opinions are my own.

Book Review
Earls Trip
By Jenny Holiday

Tropes
Found family
Female pleasure
Feminism
Vegetarianism
Classes
Regency romance
Alzeimers
Friendship
Found Family
Grief and loss

Quotes
"Not that kind of family. Why must family be defined by blood relations?
That's what I'm trying to say. Why can't we make our own families by surrounding ourselves with likeminded people? With people who appreciate us?"

Thoughts
I loved the evening discussion between the “Earls” about the definition of family and connection. I love how each of the men loved each other and respected each-other’s pursuits without judgement.
The banter between friends, the shared laughs, and their memories of past exploits all felt very authentic.
While this book felt light hearted there were some complex issues raised. Holiday was thoughtful in her written exploration of dementia, grief and loss. The discussion between the MC’s regarding their relationships with their parents resonated with me- the idea that we are all striving to BE something for someone and live up to someone else’s perceptions and expectations.

Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington publishers for my digital ARC in return for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own.

*Arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Books in exchange for a fair review*

“What happens on earls trip stays on earls trip. Usually.”

Earls Trip by Jenny Holiday is a fun historical fiction / romance WITH DUAL PERSPECTIVE about an earl named Archie, his best friends, his childhood friend Clementine and her sister Olive. Archie and his friends Effie and Simon take an earls trip (get it?) every year to take a break from the demanding lifestyle of being wealthy titled gentlemen in the regency era. The start of their trip is interrupted, however, when bad news from Archie’s old family friends arrives. Archie’s childhood friend Olive has eloped with the man that her sister Clementine was supposed to marry! Both sisters will be ruined. Archie, our hero, promises that he will fix everything and sets off to do so.

Of course, romance and bromance ensues and I loved every single page. Earls Trip is so lighthearted and fun while still being captivating and deep. Archie and Clementine were such wonderful characters and their story was the cutest friends to lovers story. I also loved the found family between Olive, Clementine, Archie, Simon, and Effie. I can’t wait to read the next book about Effie! And I can’t wait for this book to come out in April so that you can all read it and love it too!