Member Reviews
I’ve previously read a few of the Wild Wynchesters series, but I’ll be honest that I may have missed one or two. Erica Ridley writes really fun books and this one was another. I love love love Erica’s female protagonists and Elizabeth was easily one of my favorites from the entire series! She’s so feisty and funny. I really enjoyed this fun romp that was not only a good time, but really hit on serious feelings in such a great way. Loved it!
The title drew me in first and I was not disappointed. Funny and witty with a dash of action. Stephen is not my typical favorite type of MMC but he definitely grew on me. Elizabeth is definitely one of my favorite types of FMC, a funny woman who can kick some butt. Now I have to go back and read about the rest of the family in the previous books!
While the story was fun, I found it too whimsy for my tastes.
This was my first book by Erica Ridley and in the Wynchester series - I couldn't keep all the siblings straight when they were in a scene together, and I found the plot to be fun in concept but too whimsy in execution. I also had some issues with Elizabeth's character at first, but those resolved themselves as the book went on!
Again, I am the problem here. I see this being a success for other readers!
Thank you to Forever and Netgalley for the eArc!
I loved this book! I was laughing the whole time. I need to go back now and read the authors precious books. I loved our FMC and the chronic illness/pain representation, I loved the love interest, I loved the setting. I just adored it. Can’t wait to get my hands on a physical copy!
This book is a great start to a regency-era-filled summer with its humor, fun side characters, and adorable romance.
I hadn't read any of the Wild Wynchesters before picking up Hot Earl Summer, but I found myself easily entering the world of this family, and into the mindset of headstrong and powerful Elizabeth, aka Beth the Beserker.
I loved the duality of Stephen and Elizabeth, and that the setting the characters were put into served as a great plot tool in furthering their story. While the narrations felt a bit detached at times, they served really well in creating internal issues between both characters with their distinct personalities -- paving the way for character growth and relationship growth together.
Everything about this story was great fun in the best way possible, somehow lighthearted and meaningful all at once. Chronic illness, not fitting in, etc are all explored so well amongst the two protagonists, and the surrounding ambiance of the novel just elevates it all.
Overall, it's a great read, and I presume, a great book to get you into the world and relationships of all these crazy silly Wynchesters.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Rating: 3.5/5
I absolutely adored this book! Elizabeth is such a bloodthirsty little FMC and I'm here for all of it. Jacob was so accepting of all her quirks, just as she loved and adored all of his quirks. They were so well matched with each other, and perfectly complimented the other. The Wynchester family is so inclusive and loving to one another, and I love their mission to help those who need it most.
Loved reading the exciting and entertaining romance story. Instead of fighting Reddington for a will for her client, Elizabeth meets the handsome inventor, Peter. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and a must read riveting love story. Can't wait to read the next story in the series by the phenomenal author, Erica Ridley!
4.5 Stars
Elizabeth Wynchester is a character I aspire to be. We have many of the same ailments, joint issues, muscle spasms, swelling, and many more. She measures her health like a battery which is something I do as well. I’m useless under 20%, but not Elizabeth. She wielding swords and kicking butt. I wish I could do half as much as the swashbuckler that is Elizabeth Wynchester.
Elizabeth turns out to be the only Wynchester to take on the case of a woman, Miss Oak, needing to find her sister’s will to be able to take possession of Castle Harbrook. Only a couple problems. First, the late mistress of Castle Harbrook loved puzzles therefore hid her will somewhere in the castle. Second, Miss Oak’s nephew, Earl of Densmore, wagered the castle and lost to his neighbor, Richard Reddington. Lastly, Densmore took off, leaving his cousin and heir, Inventor Stephen Lennox, to fight off anyone who dares to attack the castle. Of course, nothing would stop Elizabeth from getting in.
Once Elizabeth gets in and hears what is really going on from Stephen, they agree to work together to protect the castle while they look for the hidden will. With Elizabeth’s collection of swords and Stephen’s machines to fortify the castle, the pair do their best to fight off Reddington and his fake soldiers with very real weapons.
I identify with Stephen as well. I don’t tinker with machines, but I do a lot of this and that with my creative projects. He’s also a homebody. I love staying home to work on my endeavors or curl up with a good book.
I love how Ridley crafted Elizabeth and Stephen’s sexual tension from their first meeting when Elizabeth slices Stephen’s shirt completely open. Never thought I’d be so enthralled by a description of a character’s abdominal muscles! The pair work together on their quest with more than a few hiccups along the way. They make the best of it in the end. The final battle is glorious. I loved how everyone had their purpose and Stephen found a group of people he fit in with. Overall, Hot Earl Summer was a fantastic fast-paced read with a couple with outrageous chemistry. You will not regret loving Elizabeth and Stephen.
I received Hot Earl Summer for free. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
I love this ridiculous family!
Elizabeth works with her family solving problems. Due to everyone else being busy she goes to solve the problem of a missing will hidden in a castle under siege. The will can only be found by solving a scavenger hunt where the location of the first clue is unknown. The castle is occupied by Stephen, a prolific inventor, who is currently keeping the castle safe from attempts to take it.
Elizabeth knows exactly who she is and what she wants and is comfortable being unconventional. There is chronic illness representation and a completely ridiculous villian. I loved this book.
Okay I really loved this! Before going into it I didn’t have many expectations, other than thinking the vibe would be similar to Bridgerton. I was pleasantly surprised with how much I loved this book! It was fast paced, castle vibes with parts that made me laugh out loud.
I loved the representation for chronic pain, as Elizabeth deals with pain throughout the book. I also really enjoyed the romance in the novel and thought it was really well written. I ate this book up!!
All opinions are mine, and I 100% recommend this book!
Historical romance can be hit or miss for me. Hot Earl Summer was a miss. I wanted to enjoy this, but I couldn’t keep the characters straight and none of them really stuck out to me.
What an intensely witty and fun story this is! Elizabeth is a warrior that can’t wait to be let loose on the world. Stephen is a hermit, bent on not letting anyone it…literally! This story is so full of wonderfully funny situations and laugh out loud moments, it is worth every. Minute .of.your.time! I loved how Stephen’s tinkering led to the “murder room”, and Elizabeth’s love for all things pointy! “His Grace” never stood a chance! Adorable fun and a sense of both of them growing in ways they never imagined!
I received this story for free and these are my own opinions.
Erica Ridley has penned her best tale yet in the witty wacky Wynchester histrom series! Oooooh do I love characters Elizabeth, curvy and courageous and a swashbuckler to boot, and inventor Stephen Lenox, whom she swears to protect as enemies descend upon the castle of the Earl of Densmore. (Stephen is the Earl's cousin whom he agreed to impersonate briefly.) As danger looms, can spinster Elizabeth protect not only him, but herself as handsome Stephen threatens to invade HER heart? Swoon!
This was absolutely bonkers, possibly the maddest of the series. The romance is quite lovely helped along by Stephen not wearing tops and importantly understanding and trusting Elizabeth to know her own mind and her own physical limitations (such as they are).
The inventions are great,and each more outlandish than the one before, using marbles, and paint and cups of tea. The battle and siege is unexpected but somehow become a staple of the book and a battle at dawn is part of the running of the plot. A fun read.
Another delightful adventure with the Wynchester family. Don"t miss this story of the zany, fun, quirky family by this talented author. Easy, fun, read you don't want to miss.
Amusing Historical Romance
Ms. Ridley's Wynchester family series is a delight. Her characters never fail to amuse and intrigue one. A group of orphans united by a caring man into a family that continues to grow after his passing. Their purpose is to aid others and in that goal ..live a varied and exciting life. I enjoyed it and recommend it highly. Intrigue and romance fill this tale.
Hot Earl Summer by Erica Ridley is the fifth book in The Wild Wynchesters Series. This is the story of Elizabeth and Stephen.
I love historical romances that have more of a modern touch and that is exactly what this story is. Elizabeth is a strong and independent heroine who loves animals and has a strong sense of justice. She is also trained in sword fighting. She is just badass, funny, and overall amazing and I absolutely love her. I also love seeing her relationship to her family and I can’t wait to read the other books of this series.
One of her missions leads her to the Earl of Densmore castle and she ends up being locked inside there. And the one who rescues her is Stephen who is the cousin of the Earl. He admires Elizabeth for her strength and sense of adventure, and I loved how he protected her. He is the one who falls first and fights for her and I loved seeing that.
The romance in this story is so much fun and these two have such great banter and chemistry. I loved following them on their little adventures and there wasn’t a boring page. This story definitely challenges the norms of the Regency time, and I was here for it.
Overall, Hot Earl Summer includes everything I love in historical romances, and this is such a fun read. 4,5 stars.
(ARC kindly provided in exchange for a review.)
My favorite book yet, from this author. It was chocked full of drama and action from the beginning. The suspense and the battle royal couldn’t have been better. It was definitely action personified. I’m used to reading more on the whimsical side from the author, it was quite unexpected and a treat to read a historically, believable story. A great read.
A thrilling tale that swept me into a world of action and intrigue from the very first page. Samantha Knight is a master of the blade, finding solace and purpose in her skill with a sword. Her distaste for children contrasts with her deep affection for her close-knit family, and despite her reluctance to admit it, she secretly yearns for romance. The writing is sharp and engaging, filled with clever wordplay that adds depth to the characters. Samantha is a heroine you can't help but root for, and the supporting cast adds layers of charm and humor to the story.
I thought this book was a delight! The premise was funny, and the characters were endearing as well as realistic. Was it the most faithful to a historically accurate tale? No, but that made me love it even more. The inclusive and interesting family unit was a breath of fresh air for a historical romance. I didn’t know that this was book 5 in a series, but after reading this one, I’m adding the rest to my TBR. I would definitely recommend this for anyone who is interested in a historical romance with more modern perspectives.
Thanks to NetGalley and Forever for the ARC!