Although I have enjoyed the previous book in this series, "Waiting for an Earl Like You," fell a little flat for me. My biggest complaint is the "why" Thorn is trying to keep Olivia away from his twin brother Gideon. She's not a gold-digger by any means so not being privy to a good reason why Thorn must protect his brother was never explained.

I found Thorn to be both overbearing at times and the next moment, he's sweet to Olivia. I didn't like his arrogance that he alone knew what was best for Olivia. I also had a problem with Thorn pretending to be his brother on too many occasions when he was stealing kisses. His reasoning was that Olivia liked Gideon better than him and so it was easier to bend her to his will as Gideon. That didn't sit well with me and it's no way to start off a relationship. Nothing good ever comes of lying.

Ms. Hawkins is a talented writer and I hope the next book in the series is about Gideon. There was no much mystery surrounding Gideon's action in this book and I'd love to learn what he's so angry about.

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Care Y's review Jan 14, 2017 · edit
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Read from January 11 to 14, 2017

Olivia has been friends with Gideon Netherwood and a reluctant acquaintance of his twin brother Thorn since childhood. Now they are all grown up and spending the season in London where a series of switcheroos, misunderstandings, and evil machinations are at work.

While the plot line revolving around the switching brothers was intriguing and what drew me to this novel in the first place, in paper it did not play out as well. While the twin-switching as children may have succeeded, it seemed unlikely that as adults Olivia would not have been able to tell the difference between the twins in some of the book's situations, unless the twins dressed exactly alike all the time. I also felt like the plot line didn't have a particularly strong backbone and meandered for a bit before the nefarious secondary plot popped up late into the story. It was difficult for me to really like any of the characters as well - Olivia seemed a little wishy-washy and indecisive; Thorn seemed unrealistically irreverent of society and not particularly respectful; and Gideon never really came to life as a character with his long stretches of absences and then his sudden reappearances. At the climactic moment in the book, it seemed unlikely that Olivia would have made those choices and the motivations of other secondary characters in the scene didn't seem feasible.

Overall, the novel had an interesting plot and would suit avid readers of Regency romances reasonably well, but not a particularly strong novel.

Thanks to the publisher for an ARC in exchange for a fair review.

I really liked this book, but to be honest certain parts were really mixed up.I enjoyed the writing but at many points the characters would do something really uncharacteristic, almost as if they couldn't decide on who they were.Looking at the blurb I had thought the story would be going in a certain way, when it wasn't. Quite misleading!

Thorn and his twin Gideon have always looked very alike, and have used it to their advantage by switching places at many times.But, one thing they don't have in common is Miss Olivia.She has been best friends with Gideon since childhood, but Thorn always kept her at a distance with his rudeness and she never liked him back.When Gideon returns after making his own fortune, Thorn is quite perplexed by the distance between them now.And to be honest he's always been jealous of the bond between Gideon and Olivia.So, convincing himself that he needs to keep Olivia away from Gideon, so that she doesn't end up snaring Gideon, Thorn pretends to be his twin.But, the attraction between them is very powerful and is hard to resist.Will Thorn end up falling for Olivia in his own game?

Even though it looks like the story might be about twins switching places, it actually isn't!As far as I could tell Olivia didn't think of Gideon as more than a friend, and was attracted to Thorn alone.She doesn't even care much about the fact that Thorn pretended to be Gideon and kissed her, after she discovers it halfway in the book.Olivia's father was courting a countess who was quite rude in the beginning with her goal to marry Olivia off.I couldn't even understand what her father saw in that woman and how could he be so blind!

And at one point when Olivia and Thorn are found in a compromising position they go into an engagement, which Olivia thinks is fake.And noone seemed to care about the fact that Thorn was taking advantage of Olivia!Um!Hello! Not even Gideon or Olivia's father.Yes, they threatened him and Gideon fought with him.But nothing serious!That was quite unbelievable!
Gideon and Olivia hardly ever interacted, so I couldn't really see their close friendship.
And I really can't pinpoint the moment when Thorn started loving Olivia?At the beginning it's lust which was fine by me.But, honestly he couldn't make up his mind about what he wanted to do with her,even almost till the end!And then suddenly he is in love with her?How?Why?That was a little irritating.

The reason I liked this book inspite of all these things was the writing, and the unexpected twists.Though they came out of nowhere, they were quite entertaining!And what is Gideon doing and what has he been hiding?I really want to know!Looking at his weird behaviour it appears to be something quite big!I hope we find out soon!

" Waiting for an Earl Like You", is what our heroine Olivia Lydall has been doing, well maybe not the Earl in particular. Olivia has been waiting eight years for her freinds the Netherwood twins to return home to Malaster Park. Olivia would spend her days running around Malaster park with them, mostly Gideon the two of them thick as thieves , but his brother Justin ( Thorn ) his nickname being the Earl of Kempthorn, and first born heir has always treated her with an aloofness which has grown over the years .
Gideon is finally home from traveling and making a fortune of his own and a huge fete has been planned, but Olivia is no longer the twelve year old little girl they left eight years ago; she is a beautiful young women . A beautiful women that when Thorn goes looking for Gideon at the party at his mother's request he finds out on the lake with Olivia once again like they never was separated .
Of course this bothers Thorn , more than it should and he still can no understand after all these years why she preferred his brother over him especially when they are identical twins.
However to make matters worse, while assisting Olivia from the rowboat at the dock the three of them find themselves in the lake, leading. To emabaressment for Olivia , since she already does not see herself as fitting in with the members of the ton present . But what she does not expect is for Thorn to defend her to the other young women and Lady Grisdale , her father's fiancée who seems always to find fault with her.
As it turns out , Thorn is attracted to the lady , always has been and just never been able to face it , so when he wants to spend time with her now he employs an old trick and allows Olivia to believe that the man who visits her and is sneaking forbidden kisses is Gideon, but when Gideon finds out his brothers deception he is adamant with Thorn that he not hurt Olivia, his freind, the girl he will always look out for. Leaving Thorn to continue to believe that Gideon has a tender for her and she him. What Thorn is coming to understand is that he wants her for himself and will no longer be denied.
The story line not only pits brother against brother, but also includes family feuds, and a deeper plot line, one that could lead to disasterous consequences. Difficult to put down romance even if a little slow at parts.

Arc Graciuosly supplied by St Martins via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I've somehow missed out reading Alexandra Hawkins before Waiting For an Earl Like You. I absolutely loved her voice and look forward to reading her extensive backlist and future books.

I really enjoyed Waiting For an Earl Like You. I thought both Olivia and Thorn were both really strong characters, although I'm not sure Olivia really saw herself that way in the beginning. I initially thought Thorn was so rude to Olivia because he was jealous that Olivia took his twin Gideon from him. I quickly realized his jealousy had everything to do with he wanted Olivia for himself.

I didn't love the fact that Thorn pretended to be Gideon around Olivia several times. I felt it was too much of a childhood prank at first, and really felt like he let it go on a bit too long. However, I thought Olivia would be better at telling the twins apart as well. Honestly, these were my only issue with the book.

I love the somewhat slow build of romance between Thorn and Olivia. They really worked as a couple for me in a way that I could never see with Gideon and Olivia. Thorn and Olivia had great chemistry and I could tell how much they loved each other long before either one of them admitted it to themselves or each other.

Waiting For an Earl Like You was a very enjoyable read. I love when I find a new-to-me author whose voice I love from the very first page. I look forward to reading many more books from Ms. Hawkins in the future.


Rating: 4 Stars (B+)

I have recently become a huge fan of historical fiction in the past 6 months and this story rates at the top for being one of the best reads so far this year. It leaves you wanting more at the end of the story, but it is well worth it. Fantastic story.

I enjoyed reading this book as a Historical Romance; however, I was definitely disturbed by the violence which the heroine suffers and also the speed by which her soon-to-be love is willing to “ruin” her. It is a little too casually done for me. I know that women were not highly regarded at the time but in today’s world, a light-hearted romance seems to be the wrong place for a woman to suffer.

Apart from those two issues, I enjoyed the book. There was a lot of repartee between the various characters. I got the sense that I missed a considerable amount by not reading the first two books in the series.

I went back to see a synopsis of the two books and realized that I was correct, the two prior stories set the groundwork for this one. Especially the first book, which takes place a generation before and sets up the events that cause a breach between the two families involved.

I was provided a digital advance reader copy of this book by the publisher via Netgalley.

Waiting For an Earl Like You by Alexandra Hawkins
Masters of Seduction #3

Olivia Lydall grew up next door to the twins Gideon and Justin Netherwood. Justin, the Earl of Thornwood, and his brother have not seen one another for several years because Gideon left to make his mark on the world and perhaps acquire a fortune, too.

At first it seemed that the brothers might be vying for Olivia’s attention or even might consider sharing her BUT that is not at all what happened. Both brothers care for Olivia but only one really loves her and has loved her for quite some time. Olivia is not always aware of which twin she is with and the fact that they pretend to be their sibling rather than themselves leads to misconceptions from time to time. There was some romancing, a compromising position that caused a betrothal, a kidnapping and a few other surprises in the story before a HEA was found for Olivia and Thorn.

The story had promise and was a fair read but never really fully drew me in. I think I was more interested in finding out who Gideon might be in love with or who some of the other characters might end up with in the future than reading the ups and downs of the main characters in this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC. This is my honest review.

3 Stars

Malster Park, England

The Marchioness of Falsead has invited all of the friends to a house party at the family home, Malster Park. Her son, Justin Reeve Netherwood, Earl of Kempthorn, or Thorn as he is known by his family, is taking in all of the activities around him.

Thorn’s identical twin brother, Gideon, for whom the party is being held, seems to be missing so his mother asks Thorn to find him and get him back to the guests. We discovers him in a small sailboard with Miss Olivia Lydall, age 19, daughter of Lord Dewick who owns land that borders on Malster Park. Thorn, Gideon, and Olivia all played together as children. As Gideon and Olivia are returning to shore, the boat capsizes and all three of them get wet as Thorn has to rescue Olivia.

Olivia’s father, Lord Dewick, is preparing to marry Lady Grisdale, a 35-year-old widow. The woman has inserted herself in Olivia’s life helping to guide her to find a husband when, in truth, she just wants Olivia out of the house. Olivia is angry at the woman’s interference.

Thorn is a rather staid and strict man who has at times found fault with Olivia which angers her. Even though Gideon is the one who appears to be courting her, she can’t help but be drawn to Thorn.

I became quite confused at times trying to figure out who all the characters were and their background. Unfortunately, this is one of those books that needs a warning on the front telling readers that they must read the earlier books in the series or they will be totally lost as I was. I honestly did not enjoy this story at all.

Connie for b2b

The third installment in the Masters of Seduction series was an excellent story that has me eager for more to come. The focus in Waiting for an Earl Like You is Justin Reeve Netherwood, known as Thorn, the Earl of Kempthorn who has a love hate feeling for his twin brothers childhood best friend, Miss Olivia Lydall. As the story develops it becomes clear Thorn is masking tender feelings he has held for Olivia from a young age. He hides them even more by pretending to be his twin in order to be close to her. The only part in this type of trope I don't like is when it takes so long for the other person to realize which twin they are falling for but at the same time seeing foes falling into love leads to fun throughout the story. I wish the declaration of when Thorn's feelings truly began for the feisty yet adorable, Olivia, started much sooner than it did as by waiting so long I missed out on how he was really suffering seeing Olivia leave him out in favor of his brother, Gideon. There was no epilogue but I am sure I will see these two again in the next book, which I am eagerly anticipating. I do wonder why Lord Norgrave had any redeeming qualities in this story as I have wanted him to suffer since book one in the series but I still love the premise being set up for all these other characters to come.

A forgettable story that I could not finish reading. I had to DNF this book.

Justin Netherwood the Earl of Kempthorn or Thorn to friends and family has been sent to find his twin brother Gideon. The huge get together his mother has organized is to welcome him home and he has dodged out. Gideon is amusing himself with their neighbour's daughter.
Miss Olivia Lydall has lived nextdoor to the twins all her life. One has always been a great friend the other cold and arrogant.
Our hero has some very muddled feelings concerning his brother and the lovely impertinent Olivia. Our heroine can't seem to stop making a fool of herself, and it always by happens when one of the twins are around.
A fun historical romance with difficult family relations at it's core. Steamy love scenes with a side of intrigue. It's very easy to get involved in the lives of our characters. I think the other twin has a big secret that might be revealed in another book. I hope so, he is too sweet not to get his HEA. I loved it.

I was captivated by the blurb--the hero impersonating his twin brother while interacting with the heroine? Sounds intriguing.

However, after finishing the book, I thought the blurb was misleading. I got the impression that Thorn thought Olivia won't be good for Gideon, hence he tried to steer her away from his twin (meaning, he was doing it for GIdeon's sake, rather than for Olivia as was mentioned in the blurb). Also, sure, Thorn was attracted to Olivia, but he'd rather push her away than have any thought of claiming her as was mentioned in the blurb.

But differences between blurb and actual story for me, while irritating, is minor. What I didn't like here is that for most of the book, I didn't like Thorn at all. He's quite lukewarm about Olivia, and like I said, I don't think he wants to "claim" her at all, except until towards the end. Which, for me, is a little too late. Sadly, I also didn't really feel their chemistry at all.

Also, maybe due to personal bias or preferences, I found it hard to be engaged with the story. Another point is that there are a lot of characters and undercurrents between some of the characters--a family history of sorts--which quite confused me a bit. Maybe this is because I hadn't read the previous two books.

Overall, I just don't think this story is for me, but each reader would have to decide for herself.

**Review to be posted Jan 9, 2017

Olivia has been friends with Gideon and Thorn, who are identical twins, since she was a little tagging along after them wherever they went. Well to be fair she was more Gideon's friend then Thorn's. Thorn was to high and might, he barley tolerated Olivia at times when she was around.

Oliva is all grown up now and needs to marry as her widowed father has found someone and plans to marry. Her fathers possible intended is not a very warm or loving individual and seems to foster a dislike for Olivia.

Gideon has be gone abroad for many years and has returned home a very wealthy man. Olivia and Gideon resume there friendship. Thorn isn't too happy and believes that Olivia is out to ensnare Gideon and need to protect his twin.

A situation takes place that puts Thorn and Olivia in a compromising position by her father and the consequences are that they are now engaged to each other. Olivia believes the engagement is temporary. And Thorn, well thinks it's fake, no he thinks it's a real engagement actually he's not too sure what he thinks.

I found the premise of this story to be good but the execution was sadly laking. The dual roles that Thorn plays as himself and then Gideon was confusing at times and bothered me in the truth department for their relationship. I didn't feel I really knew Thorn as the two twins at times seemed mixed up in their characterization. Olivia I liked fine as she came across strong and sweet. The relationship as a whole was not really satisfactory due to how it played out with the Thorn/Gideon tricked that was played.

I enjoy Ms. Hawkins writing and romances but this was a miss for me. I will continue reading her future books.

Pubisher's Description:

LOVE ISN’T ALWAYS WHAT IT SEEMS.

Get lost in Waiting for an Earl Like You, the next lush, sensual Regency romance in the Masters of Seduction series by USA Today bestselling author Alexandra Hawkins.

Justin Reeve Netherwood, Earl of Kempthorn—a.k.a. Thorn—has never cared much for his neighbor’s daughter. But his twin brother, Gideon, befriended the wild, reckless, and wholly inappropriate Miss Olivia Lydall in youth, and two have been close ever since. So when Olivia finds herself in a state of romantic conflict and seeks out Gideon for advice, he’s only too pleased to oblige. Only problem: The man Olivia is speaking to is Thorn. And now it’s too late for him to tell Olivia the truth…

Thorn always believed that Olivia was too smitten with Gideon for her own good. So what’s the harm in steering her away from him? But Thorn’s charade turns out to be anything but harmless once he begins to see Olivia for who she really is: A woman full of spirit and passion…and someone he can’t live without. But how can Thorn claim Olivia’s heart when their deepening connection—and burning desire—is built on lies and deceit?

My Thoughts:

Olive and Thorn's story is a very intriguing mix of passion, comical dialog and just a touch of mystery near end. I would have never guessed this twist in the story.
I most certainly look forward to the continuation of this series. I enjoyed the read. I had not read nor do I own any other book by Alexandra Hawkins on my Kindle but will endeavor to look for others to read.
I would give this book 4.25 of 5 stars for storyline and characterization and 4 of 5 flames for heat. It is a book full of passion and the dialog between the hero and heroine is oftentimes very funny.
I received a complimentary digital copy through NetGalley to read and review. This in no way affected my opinion.

*** I received a copy of this book via Netgalley at no cost to me and I volunteered to read it; this is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.***

I always enjoyed a good romance book, throw some interesting characters, sparks and some engaging moments and you will have me reading to all hours of the night! This is the first book that I read of this author, and while it certainly was not an overall winner, I would say that it did have his good moments. I did not struggle to read through it.

I enjoyed the introduction of our characters. The banter between the heroine, Olivia, and our hero, Thor. The sweet friendship that Olivia shares with the twin brother, Gideon. Many times I did find myself wondering if maybe the story should be with Gideon and Olivia and not our serious, responsible, Justin “Thorn” Netherwood, the Earl of Kempthorn. I think the whole “identical” twin story was a little hard for me to believe. I just find it hard to accept that anyone would have such a hard time telling two people apart, especially with so many interactions through the years, but that’s just me.

The banter between Thorn and Olivia was certainly engaging, but nothing that blew you away. I almost found myself thinking that Thorn just wanted Olivia, because she meant so much to his brother. I found myself thinking that it was kind of like a special toy that he did not want his brother to have and at the same time, he just could not bear to see the closeness that she had to Gideon. Like he resented that she may know more about his twin brother than Thor. I love the escapes of the supporting characters. It always fun to go along and see what adventures a gentlemen brotherhood can get into.

I must say that there were some moments when I was scratching my head trying to figure something out. I could not figure out why the family would take a public carriage and not travel in their private carriages. It was kind of odd.

In all, it was not a bad story. It was a good book to enjoy.

You will have to suspend your disbelief in moments. And I will admit to being a little unnerved that our heroine thinks she is kissing someone else, although the author tries very hard to not make it seem rapey. Overall, I enjoyed the story, but this won't be everyone's cup of tea.