I thought this was patchy. I love a good mistaken identity story - like Heyer's False Colours - but this doesn't quite come up to scratch. There are several threads here that are promising, but which aren't properly resolved - as if the novel wasn't quite sure what it wanted to be. I hadn't read any of the other books in this series and I felt like I was missing out on important background to the characters and the sub plots. Spoiler tags below for the problems, but it was my first book by this author and I'm not sure I'll bother with any more that come my way

I hadn't read the previous books in this series, but I still found this to be an enjoyable read. At first I was concerned that I would grow tired of trying to keep all of the characters straight, but soon enough I was wrapped up in the plot and enjoying the ride. I'll be recommending this one to patrons (and reading the other books in the series myself)!

This was a superb read. I've always been a fan of regency/ Victorian/historical style tales. I thoroughly enjoyed every second of this. Thorn is hot, dominant, and alternatingly aloof and passionate... the perfect contrast to Olivia's innocence and naivete. The secondary characters are almost as enthralling as Thorn and Olivia. The whole thing comes together in a fantastic combination and pulls you in from the beginning and by the end you are tangled in the characters lives and left floundering when it's all over. My only complaint is the ending. I needed the wedding and was denied it! Otherwise, its... simply superb.

I enjoyed reading this book even though Thorn, our hero and his attidude turned out to be indeed a (teeny tiny) thorn in my side. In the end, when I got the much-anticipated and much-needed HEA, I forgave him a lot but seriously, you can't always forgive everything just because people are in love and tend to do stupid things to get what they want, can you?
But let's get back to the beginning, when Thorn finds his (identical) twin Gideon and their neighbour Olivia out on the water in a boat together. Again. The two of them always shared a special bond that left him at the outside. Of course he doesn't need them because, well, he is the heir and he is important and...you get it, right?
Somehow it matters, despite all his attemps to convince himself of the opposite.
A kind of tug o' war starts with Thorn on the one side and Gideon on the other, when they all go to London for the Season where Olivia is supposed to find a husband - as soon as possible, acccording to her father and his almost betrothed who want to have the house to themselves when they marry.

Thorn does everything to seduce Olivia and I must admit that I was really upset because I hate when the hero thinks that it is alright to risk their beloved's ruin in order to get what they want. Soon they find themselves betrothed, albeit temporarily according to Olivia's father but Thorn is very willing to turn it into a more permanent option. Gideon wants to protect Olivia, even if he has to protect her from his own brother, Thorn wants to protect her from some other rather unsavory people and while all this protecting goes around, well, things get really tight and dangerous.

Sometimes I felt like everything was a bit too complicated, too many people were involved and things were a bit too obscure but on the whole I liked the book and would read it again.

3.5 Stars

The Earl of Kempthorn (known as "Thorn,") is delighted that his younger twin brother, Gideon, has returned from years of travel. Yet, their former closeness is gone, and Thorn feels that Gideon is hiding something. In fact, he seems to want to spend more time with their childhood friend and neighbor, Olivia Lydall, than with his family, even at his own welcome home party. While children, Olivia and Gideon shared a closeness that left Thorn feeling left out, and now he's feeling that way again. His irritation causes him to treat Olivia in a less than kind manner on occasion. In fact, his hot and cold feelings have him even pretending to be his brother, Gideon, while spending time with Olivia, trying to gauge their real relationship.

Olivia is not at a good place in life. Her widowed father is anxious to marry her off because he intends to remarry, and his potential wife doesn't want a stepdaughter around, challenging her for his affections and the running of the household. Lady Grisdale is the stereotypical evil stepmother, berating and mistreating Olivia when they're away from her father's presence. Then Thorn, who never really warmed up to her, seems to resent her renewing her lifelong friendship with his brother, Gideon. At first, I found Olivia to be a bit of a doormat and was disappointed that she didn't stand up for herself more. Eventually she developed some self confidence, and I liked this quality in her, but she did make some very unwise choices. Thorn is a complicated man, and while he did have many good qualities, I couldn't quite fall in love with him. He wavered between being kind, then cruel to Olivia. He wanted her away, then he wanted her for himself.

I have mixed feelings about WAITING FOR AN EARL LIKE YOU. I have read the first two books in the Masters of Seduction series, and I'm glad that I did, or I feel that I would have been somewhat lost in this book. There is an extended cast of characters and some very important events which happened previously that affect this story. Some interesting plot twists and uncharacteristic behavior made for a very compelling read that held my attention, even though I didn't really feel the romance. So, while I didn't totally fall for the hero, WAITING FOR AN EARL LIKE YOU was sufficiently well written, complex, and steamy to make for an enjoyable read.

Justin Reeve Netherwood, or Thorn, to his friends certainly puts his foot into it this time. It all started when he arrived home only to find his twin brother, Gideon, and his gal pal, Miss Olivia Lydall, thick as thieves as they've ever been. In order to get between them, he pretends to be his brother, when Olivia comes around asking for Gideon's advice in an important matter. That's how Thorn finds himself engaged.

Olivia is confused by her feelings for the two men who've been constants in her life. She's always considered Gideon friend material, but his attentions are suddenly more than friendly. And don't even get her started on the tension she feels towards his twin, Thorn. When Olivia finds herself compromised and engaged to Thorn, she's at her wit's end. Which brother should she choose?

I really enjoyed the relationship between Olivia, Gideon and Thorn. Olivia and Thorn are so right for each other. It's so obvious from the beginning although it takes Thorn a lot more time to come around to the fact that he really does care for her. He just has to get past his jealousy of Olivia and his twin, Gideon's, relationship. Theirs is certain to be a love for the ages!

Justin and Gideon Netherwood are twins. Justin is the elder so he's the heir while Gideon is the spare. As children they were close. Then Gideon left. He wanted time alone. Now that he's returned he's resumed his close friendship with their neighbor, Olivia Lydall. Justin wants that to end. Why can't he keep away from her? Is he jealous? Justin, Earl of Kempthorn, was an interesting character. His standoffish and distant attitude made him difficult to know. My attitude changed as the story progressed and I ended up liking him. As for Olivia, I liked her quick wit and her intelligence. She's a breath of fresh air in the stuffy drawing rooms of the ton. The chemistry between Justin and Olivia is powerful. I enjoyed this book. Their story was filled with unexpected twists as well as devious plots. Alexandra Hawkins did a great job. She pulled me in with her complex characters and their tangled relationships. I couldn't stop reading until I had answers. I'm looking forward to the next book in the Masters of Seducton series.
A copy of this book was provided to me. I voluntarily read an Advance Reader copy of this book. My comments here are my honest opinion.

I really enjoyed Thorn and Olivia together. I found the romance quite believable and loved the slow simmer of attraction between them. Though they swiped at each other, it was easy to see the mutual regard and admiration beneath all of it, and I enjoyed it immensely when they finally came together. The overall plot was interesting and kept me engaged. The characters were flawed and their was growth refreshing and believable. This was a sensual and delightful read with very flawed but wonderful characters. I recommend.

ARC was given by the publisher.~

Finally! After reading it slowly for three weeks, I am done with it.

I actually had a hard time reading this. Mainly because it is the 3rd book of a series. Plus, the way the thoughts of the men in the book was a bit vulgar. I do love a good vulgar book, not like the one in this book. It left a sour taste in my mouth.

The story however, was simple and sweet. I love how the twins tired to prank the people around them. Since the are almost the same. The same machination brought Olivia and Thorn together. The concept is really nice, but it was really a bummer, since she was unaware who is she kissing...

It was funny and really frustrating. The twist in the story was something else too. Now, that was really unexpected.

All in all, Waiting For an Earl Like You, is somewhat likable for me. I look forward to read the next book. Will it be about Gideon? or one of Thorn's bachelor's friends? Or maybe Lord Marcroft?

Miranda Owen: I normally don't care for stories about star-crossed lovers but I loved reading YOU CAN'T ALWAYS GET THE MARQUESS YOU WANT. Was it always the plan for this Masters of Seduction series to have the children of two bitter enemies fall in love? Do you enjoy reading stories with this theme?

Alexandra Hawkins: Yes. I’m a plotter so I always work out the main story arcs in advance. In fact, Chance and Tempest’s story was actually the first synopsis that I wrote for the series. As I developed the backstory for their families, I realized almost immediately that what had transpired between Norgrave, Blackbern and Imogene was dark, intense, and complex. I felt their story deserved more respect than to be condensed into a few pages so I pitched it to my editor and she loved the idea.

Do I enjoy reading stories with this theme? Over the years, I’ve come across books that have included the enemies to lovers trope and I’ve enjoyed them. Off the top of my head, Jayne Ann Krentz’s Eclipse Bay trilogy and Linda Howard’s After the Night come to mind.

Miranda Owen: Frost, from your Lords of Vice series, is one of my favorite characters and the Marquess of Norgrave, is one of those characters that you can't help but hate. Which is more fun to write – an appealing and complex antihero, or a rotten-to-the-core villain?

Alexandra Hawkins: Each type is entertaining to write. If I had to choose, I’d prefer to write about a charming antihero. What intrigues me the most about an antihero is digging through all of those complicated emotional layers to discover if he has a shot at redemption.

Miranda Owen: I’ve asked you this, but can you please explain to other readers why you didn't choose to kill off the Marquess of Norgrave at the end of A DUKE BUT NO GENTLEMAN?

Alexandra Hawkins: Killing Norgrave at the end of the book seemed too contrived and convenient. I’ll grant you, he deserves to die, but it was never my intention for his story to end with the first book. The tempestuous relationship between the Rookes and the Brants will play out as a subplot in the remaining books.

Miranda Owen: As much as I loved reading YOU CAN'T ALWAYS GET THE MARQUESS YOU WANT, I don't think I've ever been as excited at the end of a book, because there are so many secondary characters that I want to read more about in future books. What can you tell readers about who you plan on creating a book for in the future and who you'd like to? Of course mostly I'm talking about all the super hot guys you threw into YOU CAN'T ALWAYS GET THE MARQUESS YOU WANT. Although I do care about Arabella too, and want to see her get out of the house and away from her evil father. But still....historical hotties aplenty in this book.

Alexandra Hawkins: The next book in the series, WAITING FOR AN EARL LIKE YOU will feature Chance’s cousin, Lord Kempthorn aka Thorn and Miss Olivia Lydall who makes a brief appearance in YOU CAN’T ALWAYS GET THE MARQUESS YOU WANT. I’ve also plotted stories for Thorn’s identical twin Gideon who appears in book three, Tempest’s brother, Lord Marcroft, St. Lyon, and the exiled prince, Rainbault. Arabella wasn’t part of my original proposal but she has clearly won the hearts of many readers. I would love to see her get her own story, too, so I won’t rule out the possibility. However, I’m currently up for contract with my publisher so nothing has been decided as of yet.

Miranda Owen: I’ve always wondered about something as I've been a longtime fan of historical romance. As a writer, is it difficult to come up with different and interesting ways for the hero and heroine to be together and conduct passionate affairs under the watchful eye of parents and guardians?

Alexandra Hawkins: I’ll admit working around parents and chaperones does present a few challenges. How I deal with it depends on the book. Some characters have more freedom than others, and a few are willing to defy convention and risk everything to be with the one they love.

Miranda Owen: Are there any specific qualities that you always try and give your heroes and heroines, or does it all depend on the story?

Alexandra Hawkins: It varies from story to story. However, if I strip away the flaws, external/internal conflicts, and individual personalities, at their core, my heroes are strong men who live by their own code of honor and my heroines are intelligent women who too often feel restricted by society’s rules.

Miranda Owen: I’m partial to the Victorian era. Have you ever, or might you write a book set in that time period, or any other?

Alexandra Hawkins: My books span the years from 1792 to 1827. Although I’ve never set a story in the Victorian era, I enjoy reading books about the period so I wouldn’t dismiss the idea of writing one. I’ve even collected a few research books for the period so it’s something I’ve considered but haven’t found the right story idea to act on it. Before I sold my first book, I also worked on an outline for a medieval romance. It never got beyond the basic outline stage so it’s collecting dust in an old box of papers and research notes.

Miranda Owen: Confess. Who is your favorite Lord of Vice?

Alexandra Hawkins: Believe it or not, that’s a very difficult question to answer. When I wrote the proposal for the series, I would have told you that Sin was my favorite. He was the first out of the seven who fired up my imagination and drew me into their world. However, as I delved deeper into the lives of the other six heroes, I fell in love with each one of them. All of them have a special place in my heart.

Miranda Owen: I love stories with twins or doppelgangers like Frankenstein. Some of my favorite romances include this theme like MIDNIGHT PLEASURES WITH A SCOUNDREL and A MATTER OF TEMPTATION by Lorraine Heath. When writing about the Netherwood twins, what intrigues you most about their relationship?

Alexandra Hawkins: I love Thorn and Gideon’s emotional connection. For them, it’s deeper and more complicated than most sibling relationships. They are truly stronger together, which is why Thorn felt betrayed by Gideon’s decision to leave England. Thorn was unsettled by the years of separation, and he’s not quite ready to forgive his brother when Olivia comes back into their lives. The twins haven’t fully resolved their differences by the end of WAITING FOR AN EARL LIKE YOU, but I intend to delve deeper into their relationship and Gideon’s secrets in his book.

Miranda Owen: In WAITING FOR AN EARL LIKE YOU, danger and malicious intent comes from several directions. Throughout history, female criminals sometimes went undetected longer than their male counterparts because of a tendency by men of the time to underestimate, or overlook, women. In Norgrave you’ve created a classic villain, but this book shows that you can create poisonous female characters as well. Is it more enjoyable to write a villain versus a villainess? Any inspiration from fairytales?

Alexandra Hawkins: It wasn’t a conscious decision, but there are similarities between Lady Grisdale and the evil queen in SNOW WHITE. The countess is vain and ambitious, and she views Olivia as a rival for Lord Dewick’s affections.

Male or female, I enjoy the challenge of creating a compelling antagonist. I do agree—Female criminals are often underestimated and overlooked. Lady Grisdale is not the first villainess I’ve included in one of my novels, however, she will not be my last.

Miranda Owen: I’ve read quite a few historical romances that have a series built around female friendships. This Masters of Seduction series, like the Lords of Vice series, seems to be centered around a group of men and their strong friendships. How is writing about a group of male friends different from writing about a close-knit group of women? Is it a challenge?

Alexandra Hawkins: Some characters are more challenging than others. However, I’ve always had an affinity for writing male characters. When I am developing a new story, often it is the hero’s voice that emerges first but that’s just how my brain works. My approach to writing about a group of males versus a close-knit group of women is basically the same, especially in the beginning when I am working out motivations, conflicts, and unspoken fears and desires.

Miranda Owen: With this book, you’ve made me ten times as excited at the prospect for Marcroft to have a book of his own. If everything works out the way you hope it will, and you can put out the rest of the books in this series as you’d like to – can you say at what point his story will be told? Can you say whose book will be next?

Alexandra Hawkins: I’ve just finished my current contract with my publisher so nothing has been settled. I do have the remaining books in the series plotted, and Marcroft is definitely one of them. After writing Thorn’s book, I’ve been rethinking the original book order so I’m reluctant to share more details until I know what’s next for me.

Childhood friends to lovers story with a few twists, a bit of intrigue, a dose of passion, a reasonable lady, and a set of naughty twins. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I received an ARC of this book, from the publisher, via NetGallery, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review.


Olivia has been friends with the twins since she was a young girl. Olivia and Gideon are as close as close can be. now Olivia and Thorn (Earl of Kempthorn) not so much. So the story goes Olivia kisses Gideon or not, Thinks its Gideon or not???
I thought the book was great being about twin brothers who look the same (no one can tell them apart)but act like night and day was going to be Great.....in reality it kinda fell flat for me.

I'm gonna keep this short and sweet I love Historical romance and this was a good book for any one who does. I think I just wasn't in the right set of mind for one. Would I read it again?....Maybe?

From finding out the twin brothers used to share other women to Thorn's decision to continue their past switch-a-roo games as a means to try to become between the heroine and his brother without a just cause, I lost respect for both men. Since I don't find the plot sits well with me, I've decided to bow our gracefully and not write a lengthy, what would inevitably be a long critical review. I wish the author well, but this book didn't work for me. But, again, others may thoroughly enjoy the regency/love triangle aspect of this new to me author's latest book in this series.

Title: Waiting For an Earl Like You, Series: Masters of Seduction (Book 3), Author: Alexandra Hawkins, Pages: 352, stand-alone but part of a series.

(These comments are based on a NetGally ARC review. No compensation was given to the reviewer, nor is there any affiliation between the review and author/publisher/NetGalley.)

This was a nice reentry into Historical. I love Alexandra's writing style. The storyline flows seamlessly. At times it can drag a bit but a nice book to relax to.

This is book three however I have not read books one or two and did not feel like I was out of my element.

Twins that are devastatingly gorgeous and a girl that has just come to age and went from geek to swan? What more can a reader want?!

The fact that the twins look exactly alike is a bit of a factor in this one. Olivia and Thorn have never had a great relationship as he has always been, excuse the pun, thorny with her. When he is nice she suspects that he has some kind of ulterior motive so what else can he do but pretend to be his brother?!

This is hilarious. It has all the markings of my favorite writers, such as Gail Carriger, and is wonderfully set full of great characters and fantastic settings. Falling in love with the plot was easy, falling in love with these two brothers, maybe not quite as easy.

They are both a bit frustrating. Especially since I was on Olivia's side from the start. Put these two into her already hectic world and you know it is going to spell disaster. Someone Alexandra Hawkins is able to make all of this work and by the end I was shushing my poor husband as I wanted to get to the end but didn't want it TO END!

The hazards of being a reader.

Absolutely lovely story with so much to give. Very funny and as a historical romance it gave me everything that I was looking for, the elegance, the intrigue, the romance!

In short: Pick this up!

In a overall fashion of reading historical-romances I do consider "Waiting for an Earl Like You," to have the grounds for a strong, fun romance although there were a small number of factors that were a bit awkward at times.

To make a quick confession Hawkins is not one of my favorites or at least go-to authors when I am looking for romance. I have not been fairly open to most of her stories as the romance itself usually can be found dragging into unknown depths or even sufferings from an absent fiery chemistry.
However I was pleased to find that "Waiting for an Earl Like You," was very different and in the right ways. The story is based on childhood affections with Olivia, the heroine growing up with twins Gideon and Thorn. Olivia is now of age in the novel and is need of a husband. When she seeks out Gideon, it is unknown to her that she is speaking with Thorn, Gideon's twin brother. I don't want to single Thorn out as leading Olivia into deception because I loved his character. In fact I preferred Thorn's character over Gideon. Thorn was more of the bad boy, the kindle hero that can make your heart skip a few beats now and again. In my opinion Thorn himself was the perfect match for Olivia.

At the same the romance is still a bit of a flaw as Olivia thinks that the man she is falling in love with is Gideon. I felt this was a bit unpleasant considering the fact that Olivia having known the twins most of her life or at least Gideon should have been able to tell some of the differences more than what she did.
Still, this book was good read. I liked it overall and would recommend the book. I would also like to note that you do not need to the prior books in Hawkin's "Masters of Seduction," series to enjoy this story.

1.5 stars

I had read the first in this series (A Duke But No Gentleman) and was intrigued to see where the author had taken this Regency romance series. Now we have Thorn, the Earl, and his younger twin brother Gideon. Thorn is more than a touch judgmental and rigid, and he often can’t see people or what they ARE rather than what they had been as children. As he is now of the age (and position) to seriously think in terms of a wife and heirs, he’s unable to get himself to see past the wild hoydenish behavior of the child Olivia, when confronted with her as a now grown woman. Always Gideon’s friend as children, the two were wild, reckless and completely behaving like children.

But now, Olivia has sought out her former best friend, Gideon, for some romantic advice. Problem is, she actually found Thorn, and couldn’t tell the difference.

Back and forth, up and down, Thorn does finally see that Olivia is a wonderfully kind, passionate, and spirited young woman: truly seeing Gideon as a friend and slid advice-giver. But, Thorn’s dug a hole, a deep one, and he can’t seem to find the right way or time to tell her the truth.

Again – I came up against issues and problems with this story as well: the twin switch was far too convenient and made Olivia seem incredibly daft and clueless: which she wasn’t at all. Where in the first book I had issues with a lack of definition and voice for the characters, here the problem became Thorn, Gideon and Thorn playing Gideon – there were no distinctions whatsoever. And that lack of solid voice came up repeatedly – as the author chose to put them in the same scene. What started as a possible misunderstanding made for good intentions (or at least in Thorn’s view) became to feel like a mean prank played on a woman who was too dim, or too besotted and befuddled with all of the sexual tension that she could never see the difference. When you add that reaction to a story that was, essentially plodding in terms of pace, with characters who didn’t stand out – and you get this. Sadly a huge miss for me, and most probably the last I will read from this author.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

This is a fairly readable book, but it has a few elements which annoy me, if they don't bother you, you may enjoy the book. First, twin men, one posing as the other to spend time with our h. Second, too many references to prior books in a series, which is confusing and distracts from this story. Third, too much story wasted on dislikeable people that add nothing to the story, likely as a set up for future books, which I won't read. Fourth, too much storyline involving the men's past sexual conquests. I would complain about the time spent in the brothel, but its involvement is relevant to the latter part of the story. Large parts of the story, which didn't relate to the couple were uninteresting and wasted time. But I liked the HEA. I'm sure there will be several follow up books.