3.5 stars
This started very well but unfortunately the pace slowed in the middle, however from 60% it became really engaging and it grabbed my interest. I didn’t know what to make of the character of Emma, Lady Dearborn. To a certain extent, I could understand the reason why she withheld the truth but all the stories she told and her evasive actions would have really annoyed me, so how Luka put up with it was beyond me. Luka had problems of his own and the situation with Emma didn’t help. There is a romance and some passionate scenes and a happy ending. I have enjoyed this series but this wasn’t quite up to the standard of the other books. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own l

Royal Match Book Four.
Spin-Off from Royal Wedding.

Emma Clark has been alone for long enough to enjoy it. When news of her husband's death reaches her, she cannot give up her freedom. Luka Olivien travels from Egypt only to find that no one seems to know about Albert's death. Impatient, but also intrigued by the Countess's ingenuity, Luka stays and allows Emma's ridiculous antics to continue until the house party she insists on throwing. In that time, she spins tales of her life and Luka begins to fall.

If you're looking for a story of slow-burn romance with an historical twist, this is the book for you.

Audio Review:
Justin Hill is a steady, guiding voice who allows the story to unfold without excess embellishments. He is the voice of this series and no other could do it justice.

An Inconvenient Earl is the 4th standalone story in Julia London’s Royal Match series. Luka Olivien, a Weslorian Earl of Marlaine and childhood friend of Queen Justine of Wesloria from the 1st Royal Match series, Last Duke Standing, was charged with returning the pocket watch of the late Earl of Dearborne to the Countess of Dearborne, Emma Clark. Yet, everyone including Emma seemed to be unaware of the Earl of Dearborne’s death. A task that Luka expected to take a day or two took much longer than that - finding himself puzzled yet tillitated and tantalized by the Emma and the happenings at Butterhill Hall.

There are familiar characters from earlier Royal Match series such as, Beck Hawke, Earl of Iddesleigh, and his family, Lady Lila Aleksander, Donovan Princess Amelia, Lord Marley, Lady Caroline and Prince Leopold Chartier..

#AnInconvenientEarl #NetGalley

Julia London always writes fun historical romances with characters you fall in love with and root for to have their HEA. AN INCONVENIENT EARL is no exception. Part of her A Royal Match series, AN INCONVENIENT EARL focuses on Emma Clark and Luka Olivien with a cast of fun and interesting secondary characters with visits by characters from past novels.
Emma Clark thought her marriage was a love match only to realize that her husband was cruel and abusive. When he abruptly decided to go abroad, she was finally able to breathe and be herself, making improvements on the estate. When a stranger comes to deliver bad news and promptly dies, she makes the rash decision to keep the news to herself, at least until she figures out what to do next. She’d almost forgotten about it until another stranger appears who wants to confirm that she knows of her husband’s demise. Luka couldn’t figure out what Emma knew. First she’s avoiding him, next she’s telling him stories. Somewhere along the way these two start to fall for each other. What will happen when the truth comes out? Then there is Luka’s own problems at home. Could there be a future for these two?
Emma was such a fun character. She’s gotten herself into a mess but the more you learn, the more you start to see why she ended up where she did. As Luka gets to know her, he finds himself drawn into her life and helping her, as he falls for her. I love how she wins over everyone (but her sister-in-law). It was also nice to see characters from previous novels, especially Beck and Donovan. Though it’s part of a series, it can be read as a standalone novel.
London has written another novel full of humorous characters and their interactions. It will keep you entertained from beginning to end. AN INCONVENIENT EARL is an entertaining way to spend an afternoon.
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of the novel. All opinions are my own and freely given.
#ANINCONVENIENTEARL #AROYALMATCH #JULIALONDON #HARLEQUINTRADEPUBLISHIN #CANARYSTREETPRESS #HISTORICALROMANCE

An Inconvenient Earl by Julia London, book four in her Royal Match series, is a wonderful, enjoyable, charming, humorous, comedy of errors, tale of avoidance. Emma Clark, Lady Dearborn, finds herself in quite the predicament when her not-so-nice husband abandons her to go on an expedition to Egypt; leaving her home to manage the estate and his siblings, his unpleasant sister and sweet young brother, in his absence. Emma is quite good at keeping her husband Albert’s estate in excellent working order while he is gone. She is the only person to know of the death of her abusive husband while he was abroad; finding herself free for the first time in her life and is reluctant to give up the chance to enjoy some time before coming clean to the rest of the family about her new status. She is enjoying the time without her overbearing and inadequate husband telling her what to do. When a Westlorian Earl named Luka Olivien arrives on her doorstep, to return her husband’s pocket watch to her, all of the freedom she has gained is threatened. It was obvious that these two belonged together but with the small lie Emma created about her husband growing larger by the minute, it was unsure if they would be able to get a happy ending.

Ms. London wrote a compelling story, except it started off a bit slow for me; with Emma coming across as being slow, ordinary, and unremarkable. As the story progressed: more and more was revealed about her; especially how intelligent she was. Luka was an amazing character: intelligent, caring, and charming. This story is shines a critical light on societal prejudices of the time. I highly recommend An Inconvenient Earl to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Here we find the last in the Royal Match Series, and boy will I miss this group of characters - probably enough to reread! Julia London has ended this group on the top of her game, as this was my favorite of the series.

The madcap, fast paced, laugh out loud experience of this book was so well done for me, I feel I could read it again and find things I missed the first time around.

Emma's husband Albert, Earl of Dearborn has died. But far from being bad news, Emma finds freedom from her abusive not-so-dearly departed husband. Through a surprising coincidence, the man of affairs who has come to tell her that Albert is dead, drops dead himself. All before he can share his message with the rest of the household.

Knowing that she will be thrown out by her sister-in-law who adored Albert, she had to think fast and kept that small inconsequential fact a secret. Almost a year passes for this household were Emma comes into her own, bringing the estate back to fruition in order to pass along a true legacy to the next in line, her brother-in-law, Andrew.

Things take a hard turn however when Luka Olivien(Westlorian Comte ve Marlaine, son of the Duke of Astasia) shows up, returning a watch to the family of Albert, a man he knows to have died.

Placing Emma, a free spirit, in a percarious position of having to not only keep her plans in place but avoid talking about Albert and hearing the news officially from Luka, but also finishing her plans for the estate and throwing one last ball and house party. Luka was amazing, a gorgeous, kind man who manages to see the kind of woman Emma is without holding it against her that she was avoiding the death of her husband, and I think, frankly wanting to let this farce play out!

There are some deeper levels here with his own storyline unfolding, but I really really loved the lengths Emma went to to avoid learning the information she already knew and completing her plans as best she could. It got a little heavy handed in her avoidance, but really it fit well within the story.

Julia London did another fabulous job. All of her books are great reads, but this one really stuck out for me as Iaughed out loud and couldn't wait to turn the page in some places. Very well done!

All opinions are my own and freely given.

She's a countess whose husband left to explore
She was happy he left, he'd not abuse her any more.
But when she'd learnt he'd passed away
She decided she'd no need to say!

So begins her adventuresome days
With parties, business and changing ways.
She's determined to do her best for the estate
Knowing once his death is known she'll have to vacate.

When someone else turns up who knows of his demise
She's scared she'll be caught out because of her lies.
She tries to avoid having conversations with the man
As acknowledging the truth could ruin her plan!

Get ready for family drama and lots more to surprise
As romance blossoms despite the lies.
He's also facing family problems, too,
And is being torn about just what to do!

A very different historical romance, such a fun read,
With a belligerent in-law determined to succeed.
There's mischief, treason, plots and schemes
As the Countess of Dearborn tries to follow her dreams.

For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
As I share with you this, my honest review.

This book left me conflicted - initially, the FMC came across as a selfish nitwit and the MMC seemed wishy-washy and just a touch naive. Both changed throughout the course of the book, but I can't decide if the changes were enough to make up for a lackluster start.

Emma Clark is the Countess of Dearborn, and her husband has been gone over a year on expedition. Their marriage was one of convenience so Emma was happy to be left alone at first. When news of his death in Egypt reaches her and the messenger himself dies before her, she decides to hold off letting the world know she is now a widow.

That lasts many months, until Luka Olivien, the Weslorian Earl of Marlaine, comes to give Emma her dead husband's watch. She does everything she can to stop him from saying the dreaded words that will bring her freedom to an end.

They end up falling in love, and at a certain point you do sort-of root for them but it's really hard to get that invested. There's a side-plot involving Luka's father and a rebellion in Wesloria that I feel was either added for no reason, or was just tied up in a neat bow because of deadline issues - the whole thing felt forced to me.

I am sad that this book did not live up to expectations as the first three were fun and very enjoyable. I am sure there's an audience for this book - it's just not me.

After her husband the earl dies on an expedition, Emma pretends he’s still alive. If his family learns the truth, they’ll throw her out of her home and leave her destitute. Then Luka, a Weslorian count, arrives to return her late husband’s pocket watch found in Egypt. Intrigued by her charade and her vulnerability, Luka finds himself entangled with the mysterious countess and her secrets.

This Victorian romp is a fun novel with whimsical characters. It’s sensual and a little poignant with understated emotion.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

An Inconvenient Earl is the 4th book in the Royal Match series. Emma Clark has a decision to make. She has been enjoying the freedom from her husband who has been on an expedition for over a year. Albert treated her horribly. A courier arrives with news that her husband has died from yellow fever. The courier dies right after he delivers the news. Emma is afraid that if she tells people that Albert has died, his sister, Adele, will kick her out the door and have control over the younger brother, Andrew, as he would be the new earl. Emma decides to keep it a secret for a while longer..
Luka Olivein, the Weslorian Earl of Marlaine, arrives to give Emma her late husband's pocket watch. A good share of the book is Emma trying to prevent Luka from telling her that Albert has passed away. He suspects that she is aware of this and tries to figure out why she would be keeping it secret. As they grow closer, rumors begin that she is committing adultery. Then Luca receives word that he is summoned by the Queen to return to Wesloria immediately. His father has been arrested for plotting against the Queen.
What will happen when Adele is told that her brother has passed away? What happens when Luca returns to Wesloria? I enjoyed the characters from the previous books in this series being included in this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I love Julia London's historical romance as they're always a lot of fun to read and the story are well plotted.
I love the humour and the spunky heroines.
This one was entertaining, I rooted for Emma and hope for a HEA. The plot kept me reading and I enjoyed the setting and the characters
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Emma Clark's husband left on an expedition over a year ago, and people are starting to assume that the Earl of Dearborn is dead. This doesn't suit her at all, as his family will swoop in and kick her out if he's declared dead. The Earl of Marlaine has traveled to England from Egypt to give the countess her dead husband's watch, and feels there's more to her than her party girl exterior. He is then drawn into her ruse.

While we have references to Wesloria and characters from prior books Julia London has written, it's not necessary to have read them first. This is Emma's and Luka's story, focusing on their emotions and the effort of hiding the truth. Emma is flighty and ditzy, though some of that is forced to distract Luka from telling her that her husband is dead. She isn't heartless, but with the freedom of living without a cruel and controlling man, she fell into the deceit and didn't want it to end. Luka was fascinated by and attracted to Emma, so he went along with it and fell in love. They love each other, which is easily obvious to everyone else. The big conflict between them is the truth and the discord in Wesloria that Luka tried to ignore so he could stay with Emma. The two eventually get their happily ever after, but it's a comedy of errors along the way.

In real life, I am not abhor dishonesty. However, in this book it was entertaining to see the lengths that the heroine, Emma, would go to in order to keep her dead husband a secret in order to preserve her way of life. Luka shows up to return her husband’s watch but is intrigued by Emma and stays around. That is when the book really gets enjoyable. The play between the two lead characters is very entertaining. When Lila and the other characters returned, it was like a comfortable visit with family. If you stick with the book and get to know Emma past her introduction you will enjoy the romance between Luka and Emma.

A sparkling ride!

What an untidy, meandering, convoluted, and strangely joyous tale!
Emma Clark’s abusive husband Albert, the Earl of Dearborn had decamped to Africa, leaving Emma to wander Butterhill Hall and manage the estate alone.
Months later a man turns up to give Emma the news Albert has died in Cairo from yellow fever. Said gentleman then promptly has some sort of attack and dies on Emma’s receiving room floor.
Emma’s stunned. What to do? She knows her sister-in-law Adele, will toss Emma out of Butterhill Hall when she learns of Albert’s death, so Emma says nothing. Almost a year is gone when Luke Olivien, the Weslorian Comte ve Marlaine, son of the Duke of Astasia, turns up to deliver Albert’s pocket watch to Emma. Luka is an anthropologist. He’s been travelling with Bedouin tribes studying their migratory habits and trade routes.
Emma does all she can to avoid having Luka tell her that Albert is dead. She ignores him, flees from him, changes the topic. Finally, like Scheherazade, she spins tales to prevent him from telling her.
Luka is fascinated by this charming, free spirit. He enters into this strange game of catch can.
Emma is drawn by Luke’s care, his gorgeousness and kind heart
The story floats on through the dawdling, halcyon days of summer, enlivened by Emma’s madcap actions, as she frantically tries to bring to fruition all the changes she’s made to the estate. She wants to leave it flourishing for her young brother-in-law and heir, Andrew.
Emma knows that Adele will want to destroy her changes, sending the estate back to it’s poorer state. To Adele her brother Albert could do no wrong—but he did.
Emma also knows she will be banished from Butterhill Hall, thrown out!
In one crazy moment, Emma decides to throw a house party and ball in honour of Luka. Her last hoorah before the truth is revealed. (I must admit to feeling a pang of dismay for her long suffering and stoic butler, Feeney.)
Will Emma ever acknowledge her husband is dead? And what of Luka who learns that his father has been arrested for treason in Wesloria and that he’s also a suspect.
The foolish bravery of Emma is both troubling and magnificent. The acceptance by Luka of who Emma is, is wonderfully romantic!

A Harlequin Trade ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

Emma's husband has been gone on an expedition for a long while, she enjoys her freedom and does not miss him. When the man bringing the news of her husband's demise drops dead practically at her doorstep Emma decides to keep the news to herself for as long as she can. A mysterious stranger arrives and she has to be creative to keep anyone from finding out what news he may be bringing. Luka is intrigued by Emma and wonders what she is doing and how long she can do it. An urgent plea arrives for him and he must return to his homeland. Both have decisions to make about the truth and each other. What will they decide?

Emma's husband left on an expedition and she is more than happy to be the head of the household. After more than a year, people are beginning to suspect that he may be dead. Luke travels all the way from Egypt to tell her that her husband is dead....

It's a fun book. It's a fun series actually. Love the reappearance of Lila and other familiar characters. Luka is terrific. I feel bad for Emma and all that she has to go through. Yes, she isn't the most honest character and people will probably judge her harshly for it. But she's very clever and smart and life isn't easy for a woman back then...

Thanks to the publisher for the arc.

I overall really liked An Inconvenient Earl. I read it as a standalone but characters from the previous novels in the series pop up, so it would probably be better to read those first (though not necessary). The female lead- Emma, well, she was ALOT. Off putting a times, but overall, I found she improved as the novel went on. I did love Luka. This was a fun read, one that can easily pass an afternoon away.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #Harlequin Trade Publishing, Canary Street Press for the ARC.

A fun historical romance that felt at times like a bonkers throwback to classic HR. Emma is a countess whose husband up and left her to "adventure" in Egypt. As the book opens, a man of affairs tells Emma her husband is dead ... and then keels over. The means Emma is the only person who knows she's a widow. She finds a newfound freedom in managing the estate the way she's always wanted to, and in throwing the most lavish parties Society has ever seen. But then, Luka Olivien, nobility from a small Central European principality (again with the HR throwback feel) shows up. He ALSO knows that the earl is dead, but he is intrigued by Emma and how tenaciously she's holding onto her secret. For the most part, the book treats Emma's situation as a farce. Towards the end, London attempts to pull on our heartstrings, but I'd have preferred a sillier ending rather than the serious turn. That said, it's very fun, and honestly, "fun" is one of the highest compliments I can pay to a historical romance.

This objective review is based on a complimentary copy of the novel.

Luka and Emma are a very good couple together. They are drawn toward each other at the worst possible time, but they could end up as each other's salvation. It's just going to be a complicated road to that place.
Emma is an effervescent character, and the choices she makes in her situation are plausible. It is easy to see how she ended up in a tough situation. I can see why she decided to delay Luka's departure, and some of that was very funny. But her delaying tactics and her sister-in-law's insistence on asking the same three questions repeatedly bogged the novel down. I got a little confused at a couple of points about why certain things were happening.
In the middle of that, Emma and Luka begin to develop a real relationship that is very lovely. They are a truly good pair when they are at peace. The epilogue is excellent, and everything is explained well and tied up nicely.

This was a really fun historical romance read with a unique premise! I'm sure fans of the author's other books also enjoyed the peeks into past characters even if it was a tiny bit distracting for those of us who weren't sure who they were.