With romance, suspense, and a mystery to be solved, this novel hits out at a common problem that is just as prevalent today as it was two hundred years ago. The harsh words we hear growing up influence one's outlook on life and when they are reinforced into adulthood, it is hard to break the pattern of negative thought patterns. Invited to a house party, Isabelle's initial interaction with Lord Gosforth does not go well, and although Henry is acutely embarrassed that she has overheard his careless words, he is nevertheless taken with her and her courage in rebuking him. He is further surprised when he sees her taking charge in an awkward situation and although he has vowed never to marry, he nevertheless feels protective towards her. However, when the unexpected happens during a demonstration of a hot air balloon, it is Isabelle whom Henry turns to as he recognizes in her a woman of intelligence and perceptiveness. Whilst Isabelle is struggling with her own family members, Henry's family also has skeletons that need to be aired and the truth when it is exposed astounds them all. It is when Isabelle's life is threatened that Henry finally realizes that he has to leave his past behind and embrace the future with her. The novel is a standalone and comes to a sweet conclusion. I received a copy of this romance as a gift through Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

Isabelle has been emotionally abused by her mother for her natural body and curves so she has lost all confidence in herself. Henry was physically and emotionally abused by his father so he is withdrawn with walls built to protect himself from others.
As they meet and interact, they have much in common but their baggage keeps them apart.
An unusual happening draws them together and communication improves with sweet kisses.
A lovely romance with a happy and fun ending.

I didn't really care for either main character. They both were dealing with things from their past I suppose at least Henry was trying to work through them. I didn't like how extremely awful some of the characters were to Isabelle, it just was too much along with her ownself negative talk no matter what those around her said. And then I felt as though the author used fatphobia against the gentleman that died which kind of negates any positives from the main relationship. I did like that Henry was not a rake, I actually loved that he was clear that he was cautious with his attraction and those he seeked out. I hope we see Sidney again. Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read this in exchange for my honest opinion.

If you haven't read the previous novels in this series do not worry. Although the heroines of each are from a set of friends each book can stand alone. There is some mention of the characters from previous books, but you don't have to know their backstories in order to enjoy this one. As for Captivating the Earl, I enjoyed this very much from start to finish. Isabelle and Henry are complex characters with traumas in their pasts that keep them from initially being open to exploring the feelings they have for one another. I'm glad that the mystery surrounding Henry's mother was resolved during the story (I would also very much like know more about Sidney's life after the end of this story). It was nice to have a female character not be described as having the perfect figure and know that she probably looks like the majority of women in this era (which I know would not have been acceptable back in the early 1800s). And I loved following her from a quiet and somewhat beat-down woman to someone who would stand up for herself when others were unkind and was able to get herself out of trouble rather than waiting around to be saved. I felt bad for both Isabelle and Henry in the moments when she could not accept his compliments because of the years of her mother's verbal abuse regarding her figure - her because it was clear how much damage that awful woman had done and him because he was being brave enough to express those feelings and then was shot down right away. Luckily they had friends and family to help them see they were each worthy of being loved. The mystery in this story seemed to be wrapped up a little too quickly so I was glad that it turned out to be more complex then it had first appeared. Much like Isabelle I was left wondering who the real Mrs. Daniels was. I was a little disappointed that the villains of the story got away because I hate unresolved plot points.

Captivating the Earl by Audrey Harrison is the story of Isabelle Carrington who is plump and not the ideal beauty of the era (then or now) that society wants or expects. Henry, Lord Gosforth, is captivated by Isabelle and isn't bothered that she isn't what society wants in the wife of an Earl.

Isabelle must overcome body issues, self doubt, and family members (I'm looking at you, Mom) who make her feel less than and to learn to trust that what Henry says is truly how he feels and that she is worthy of love and to love herself.

Henry has his own issues, his father was not a good person and a horrible husband and father. Fearing that he will become like him, he vows to never marry...until he meets Isabelle.

The story of them helping each other to find their true selves is sweet.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this arc in consideration of an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Isabelle Carrington does not fit the fashionable slender standards, she is fat. She has grown up with a mother who has made her feel less than her worth as does her cousin Eliza. Although she has a doting grandfather and supportive friends she is very self critical and has resigned she will never marry. Henry, Lord Gosforth has fears that he will become his father, a man who ill treated his wife, and has vowed never to marry.

As someone who is fat I was drawn to the premise and interested to see how this would be tackled. Honestly though, aside from a few mentions this is nothing more than a gimmick. The romance is very broadly drawn, there are too many other plot lines and ideas so it never feels very much of a focus. I didn’t feel any chemistry between the leads.
Some of the words took me out of the English, regency setting. Pops. Funning. And I almost started a tally of “repine”.
Disappointingly average.