The Earl, the Vow, and the Plain Jane

First off all, I feel obliged to point out (as I did not see anything in the description regarding this), but this story is an edited (and slightly expanded upon) version of her original short story; His Lordship's Vow.

Now, I had previously read His Lordship's Vow and had expressed in my review then how I wished the story had been longer, so when I saw this one and noticed it was approximately 113 pages longer, I was eager to give it a re-read!

Unfortunately, it didn't seem like anything had changed. There was still no romantic buildup between the two leads even though it seemed everyone else thought they would be perfect for one another. In fact the entire "romance" between them seemed entirely too rushed, and the "solution" presented one that was so obvious it defies logic that someone as intelligent as Slade was didn't see it well before the last five minutes of the book.

Don't get me wrong, I adored these characters (as well as Slade's brother and Lady Sarah), but I don't feel this book did them justice. There was just as much attention paid to Lord Alex and his campaign than there was any sort of romance.

I am sure there will be many other people who will enjoy this one more than I did. I have read other works by this author and enjoyed them, so I will continue to read more from them!

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

It didn’t take me long to read this book, probably only two sittings. I liked the story. I loved the premise behind it. The characters were okay, too. But, that was it. They were just okay. Not spectacular, not extraordinary, and I would not call Lord Slade an alpha male at any turn, for any reason. Obviously a vow to a dying father was important, but a man caring for three sisters should have realized (way before he did) that those left alive are far more important than any vow, particularly minors in his care. He was only a man and Jane was only an average woman–the Plain Jane, I suppose. I expected much more from these characters. By their descriptions, I envisioned totally different people.

I really felt like the book was missing some umph.

Regardless, there were a lot of things within the story I liked, otherwise I would have taken much longer to read it. There were also things (and characters) I really hated, which, to a certain degree, was the reason I stuck around to finish the story.

I really hated the younger cousin, Sarah, and I desperately wanted somebody to shove a pie in her face–unfortunately, no pies landed. Major bummer, right? She was a bit sure of herself and, even though she was young, I really think she could have taken better care of her words regarding beauty and Miss Featherstone.

Some people, amirite?

This was a very sweet romance, too, so not really the sort of book I’m used to picking up. I tend to read racier, edgier, faster paced books. When I, on purpose, pick up a sweet romance, I expect for there to be some sort of major conflict or, at the very least, some really warm scenes. In this book, a lot of that was really lost. To add insult to injury, so to say, the ending unfolded too quickly for the amount of build up behind it. I’m okay with knowing what’s going to happen before it does (and any reader can tell you this is very common), but I really dislike being let down in the delivery of these happenings.

I can’t say that I can give a recommendation for this book to anyone unless I give them a full report of the letdowns as well as the good points, so you have all been warned. Three stars.

❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋
A wonderful, sentimental romance , of an Earl who needs to marry money to save his estate and keep his vow to his dead father , and a plane young miss who is nothing in looks compared to her ravishing cousin.
But what they do have us a love of politics, a thirst for truth and reform , and a hidden desire for the one person that completes them , even if it’s not the one they require .
I really enjoyed this book and look forward the Alex’s story x
I received an advanced copy of this book and chose to submit a review

This was a great read which is the second in the series. Lord Slade and Jane Featherstone have so much in common but he has to marry an heiress with a large dowry to satisfy the vow he made to his father. As much as Jane loves him she sees the problem and offers to help him win her cousin, Lady Sarah who has a large dowry. She only ask that he love Sarah when he asks for her hand in marriage. That is the problem and he is at a loss how he can keep that promise. Lady Sarah is drawn to Lord Slade's brother more than him. Can they all work out the problems, honor the vow and find love?

Found this one pretty hard to finish. I would not recommend even as a “read now” on a long hot night. Pacing not even nor the characters three demensional

I really enjoyed learning more about the systems of government in this and having a heroine who was generally interested in it.

An interesting story, believable characters and a good setting. I think if you already like this writer you'll enjoy it a lot.

However, for me the style was quite different and had to get in to. I found it very formal and to convoluted. It really took effort to read. But for many this will read more like a book written at the Regency time, so it will appeal. Just not for me.

Lord Slade needs a wife with a dowry so he can pay for his sisters to come out when they are old enough. He made a vow to his father to marry someone who could restore the castle that the family owns that is falling into ruins. Jane is a very smart girl who is pretty but not ravishing. She is helping to bring Lady Sarah out and to find her a husband. Lord Slade needs help to woo Lady Sarah and asks Jane. He does not know she is in love with him Lord Slade is very in to politics and Jane is very knowledgeable about them as well. Jane has met someone who wants to marry her but Lord Slade cannot let this happen. Will Lord Slade marry Lady .Sarah or lose the castle. It is a sweet and lovely story. I received this book from Net Galley for an honest review and no other compensation.

This book was a pleasant surprise. It took me back to some of my favorite books. It reminded me people could still write like Jane Austin with such detail in the characters and so proper. It was like stepping back in a time machine. It's sad to think that just a hundred years ago people needed to marry for money and not love. This story is about Jane. A non wealthy commoner who was intelligent and loved politics. Not the ideal wife for many. But her friendship will Lord Slade had grown into a crush and with Lord Slade's money issues he needed to marry Jane's cousin Sarah. She was bringing a big dowery with her and Lord Slade needed it to care for his 3 sisters and upkeep on his castle. This is a simple Romance novel and makes you remember just how simple life use to be.

An eclectic story about following your passions. It is heavy on the political discourse taking place in England at the time centered around election, education and labor reform. It delves into how young couples took on this mantle and fought for change in their personal and public lives.

Do you want to relax and read an easy book that takes you to another era, with no major drama, full of historical detail and some romance? This book provides you that leisure time.
This is my second historical romance by this author. I loved the first I read: To Take This Lord.
So I asked to review this one. I liked it, but not so much as the other. There is not enough romance and too much politics.
The relationship between the spinster heroine (who isn’t a wealthy heiress) and the Earl who must marry for money stays stagnant for a long time. And then the plot is rushed to the end.
I found it difficult to build empathy with the characters. Both main characters had the same strong political opinions; the heroine was clever and well informed. The hero was a bit boring, not very passionate, safe for political reform.
I admire the extensive study of the political settings of the time. But the way it was described at length didn’t leave enough space for the romance to evolve.
There are no sex scenes, just kisses. Recommended for those who like a clean romance.
I will return to Cheryl Bolen’s books. Although this was not one of my favorites, I acknowledge her talent to write a good, light romance.

I received this book as an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

This was a delightful story, Lord Jack St. John, the Earl of Slade, was very politically minded, he was a whig. Miss Jane Featherstone's father was also a Whig and very respected in their area of expertise. He had made a vow to his father to save Dunvale Castle. Jane was the chaperone to her beautiful cousin, Lady Sarah. Jane thought that Lord Slade was very handsome, intelligent, and he looked great in his clothes. Jane was, she felt, plain, a bluestocking, and had never had a proposal and she had already been thru 3 seasons.
The characters were wonderful and well fleshed out. Jane had always been in love with Lord Slade but she felt because of her looks, and no dowry, there was no chance for them. The plot does have a few twists but it makes the story delicious and holding your interest. The descriptions are nice especially the description of the castle, were enlighting. The grounds sounded so lovely. The author happens to be one of those you know when you pick up her book it will be great.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed this very enjoyable tale.

The weight of a deathbed vow_____3.5 stars

A pleasing story that has you're upstanding hero reluctantly clinging to the deathbed vow made to his father to restore the family castle to its original glory. To do this he has to marry an heiress. Of course there's one available, even with several hitches.
I must admit I found myself annoyed with Lord Slade as he clung to his duty and then left an amazing woman like Miss Jane Featherstone to suffer, the woman he admired who understood Whig politics and their ramifications. All this was mother's milk to Jane, having been given full reign to join dinner conversations with some of the leading minds of the day from her early years. Of course Jane's not acceptably beautiful, probably more arresting. At least Lord Slade finds her pretty.
I really disliked that Lord Slade was rude to Mr. Poppinbotham who is not only standing for a parliamentary seat but seems to want to court Jane. Lord Slade couldn't have her so no one was going to. And I do hope there's a rosy future for this cit. turned politician. I rather came to like the much maligned Mr. Poppinbotham, absurd as he was in his focus on the cost of things. Of course he was focused on money! He'd had to claw his way up to a place of wealth and prominence.
So I had little time for the hero of the novel when he acted like a dog in the manger over Jane. I suppose I shall eventually forgive him as he was between a rock and a hard place. And I know, he's a man of honor etc. etc. I loved the female lead and some of the supporting cast. Though Jane's cousin, the heiress, is really quite self absorbed that only Jane's forgiveness of her many foibles had me willing to forgive her too. Oh my! I seem to have used a host of superlatives in this review. Yes, I could see the end coming, and am pleased to report that an HEA does hold sway, despite the path being strewn with obstacles.

A NetGalley ARC

This is a well written and delightful regency book. Miss Jane Featherstone is out shined by her beautiful and sweet cousin, Lady Sarah. Due to her lack of a dowry, Jane may soon be a spinster. When Lord Slade comes back into her life, it is to discuss politics and to request her help in wooing Lady Sarah. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher through Netgallery. This is my honest and voluntarily given review Even though the ending was predictable, I enjoyed the book. Being set during a British election perked my interest. This is the first book that I have read by this author and plan to read more by this author in the future.

I loved this story! I've always been a big fan of the author and have yet not liked a book she has written.

~Reviewed by Shell~~

The best way to describe this book is that its a heartwarming book with a slow burn romance, also when I was reading the book it was so quintessentially English.

This is book 2 in this series, I found this book you can read as a standalone. Cheryl Bolen is a new author to me and one who I will gladly read again.

Jane for me is the type of friend that you need in your life, she is loyal, kind and beautiful, even though she thinks she isn’t, and on some occasions I was telling Jane off because she is beautiful…but above all that she is intelligent and is able to hold a conversation about politics, well her father is in the House of Commons. Some men wouldn’t appreciate Jane, but there is one man who appreciates Jane…but unfortunately, he only thinks of her as a sister or does he.

Lord Slade is devilishly handsome, loyal to his friends and family. I found that Lord Slade did have a bit of quandary, and this was because of a promise he made to his dying father, but you knew from the start that he admired Jane.

Now there are two other people who are very prominent in the book and they are Lady Sarah Bertram, she is Jane’s cousin and everyone including Jane think Lady Sarah is beautiful, yes she is and this was where I was telling Jane off all the time because Jane is also beautiful. The other person Mr Poppinbotham (yes I did giggle over the name), is very annoying, his dress sense leaves a lot to be desired and he is forever talking about money and when he gets into Parliament.

As I’ve already said I was telling Jane off, well there was once more, and that’s when she thought the only person she should marry was Mr Poppinbotham, I gave Jane a firm telling off, and even her father was surprised as well. At least Jane’s father agreed with me in that she is beautiful and she could do far better than Poppinbotham.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I hope you do as well.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book, this is my honest review, all thoughts are my own.

Good read. Jane is fearful /anxious with her clueless brother (looking to marry Jane off) and his selfish wife, trying to get Jane out of the house. Jack is titled with a homeless estate and clueless about his feelings. Liked that both are intelligent and compassionate; I was disappointed by their immature actions. Standalone in a series.
Voluntarily read ARC for honest review.

Publisher's Description:

Bereft of beauty as well as fortune, the exceedingly plain Miss Jane Featherstone has failed to attract any suitor during her three Seasons. Rather than be a burden to her brother and his obnoxious wife, Miss Featherstone vows to accept the first man who asks—even though she's always worshipped a lord who's far above her touch. . .

Lord Slade must marry an heiress in order to honor the deathbed vow he made to his father, and he needs Miss Featherstone's help in wooing her beautiful cousin. After her initial anger, Miss Featherstone agrees to his scheme, telling him she's doing so because she admires his Parliamentary record of humanitarian legislation and his reverence for truth. But the more he's with the two cousins, the more attracted he becomes to Miss Featherstone. What's a man of his word to do? Break a vow to a beloved father—or follow his heart with Miss Featherstone?

My Thoughts:

As we would expect from the title we have a young Earl who needs a wife with a fortune but he is drawn to Jane, a plain young miss who lacks one. The man needs to woo and win her cousin who is not only a beauty, but comes with a very large dowry. Our hero needs the help of the dowerless miss to woo the beauty, but of course he falls for our plain Jane in the process.
Will he continue to try to win the favor of the beautiful and wealthy cousin or turn his attentions to Jane in spite of her lack of wealth?
As usual with Cheryl Bolen books this is an enjoyable regency romp. I gave this book 4.25 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization and a sensual rating of 3 of 5 flames. The sensuality is mild in this sweet regency story.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley to read and review. This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

Overall I enjoyed this book. I don't believe I missed out having not read the first book, which honestly was a refreshing thing.

Sarah and Jane were amiable - I appreciated the fact this never became a game of jealousy and pettiness. Jane's honest regard for Slade's political accomplishments and Sarah's genuinely kind nature made it painful though for I quite emphasized with Jane's predictment. Poppinbotham wasn't odious; he actually seemed like an agreeable sort with plenty of virtues. I felt Jane's comparison of him against Slade was (as even she continually admitted) uncharitable.

That said Slade was a DUNCE. Or maybe oblivious because he set his goal and fixedly followed after it even as his very thoughts and actions were contradictory.

There was a constant circle of "Lady Sarah could be more demure (or humble or interested in politics)" followed with "My Miss Featherstone mirrors my own thoughts!" or "Miss Featherstone certainly seems at ease here." followed with "Gosh I do need money." and usually ending with "I should seek out Miss Featherstone for help."

And the ending felt...rushed. Abrupt. One moment Slade is on one path, then after a conversation with his sisters his entire world view changed. I do think in the span of 48 hours he went from one mindset to another.

Miss Jane Featherstone is in love with the Earl Spade. However the Earl has made a vow to his dead father that he would marry an heiress so that he may bring the family castle back from ruin. Which at the point would cost a formidable fortune. Even though he cares for Jane, he will be courting her cousin Sarah who come with a very substantial fortune. As they go through different experiences, they will both come to know that they love each other. Again, there is that unforgettable vow.
Well written, classic characters for that time period and place.

Miss Jane Featherstone is riding with her lovely cousin, Lady Sarah Bertram. Sarah is the daughter of the Earl of Clegg and the granddaughter to George Berkley, a wealthy banker.

Jane is a plain, young woman and when she is seated next to Sarah, she feels quite drab. In addition, Sarah has a large fortune which means she will be the top of the season’s debutantes.

Jane has had a secret crush on Lord Jack St. John, the fourth Earl of Slade. He has been a long-time friend of her father’s and they enjoy discussing politics, allowing her to take part as well. Having met Sarah and Jane when they were out riding, Lord Slade is going to attend tonight’s ball where Sarah will be introduced to society.

That evening while Sarah is dancing, Lord Slade and Jane sit and talk about some of the reform issues currently being discussed in the House of Commons. Even though Jane is not a beautiful woman, Lord Slade finds she is delicately pretty and is surprised that she has not yet wed. He tells her that he plans to court Sarah and, hoping to win her hand, he wants Jane to help him win her. Jane responds that she wants Sarah to make her own decisions. His brother later explains their family’s need for money to Jane in that Lord Slade needs Sarah's fortune for he had made a vow to his dying father to return their home, Dunvale Castle, to its former glory. Jane agrees to help him with his courtship of Sarah but only if he can promise her that he truly loves Sarah.

I honestly found this story quite tedious to get through. There is way too much political discussion, which made this story literally boring. I have long been a fan of Cheryl Bolen, but I’m afraid that this book was a disappointment for me.

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

The Earl, The Vow, and the Plain Jane is the second book in the Lords of Eaton series by Cheryl Bolen.

The title says it all. The Earl is Lord Slade. He needs to marry an heiress to satisfy the Vow he made to his father on his death bead. The Plain Jane is Miss Featherstone, who is not an heiress. She tries to help her long time friend in search of one.

I liked the twist and terns that I certainly did not see coming. To me the book flowed and I was able to finish it in 2 sittings. (I had to sleep)

I enjoyed reading the story of Jane Featherstone and Lord Slade. This was an entertaining book and I would recommend this author.

I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review from netgalley. The Earl The Vow in the plain Jane right off the bat I have to admit I hate the title. I also dislike the fact that Jane constantly refers to the fact that she doesn't think she's pretty and then she doesn't add up to her cousin Lady Sarah who is renowned for her beauty in addition to being a heiress. That being said I do appreciate that the romance between Lady Jane and Slade feels very organic. The two of them have known each other since they were young as Slade participated in the political discussions held by Jane's father. I think the book include too fast it felt like it was trying to wrap up really quickly it went from the middle of the story to here's the ending. But overall I enjoyed the story.

Bereft of beauty as well as fortune, Miss Jane Featherstone has failed to attract any suitor during her three Seasons. Rather than be a burden to her brother and his obnoxious wife, Miss Featherstone vows to accept the first man who asks even though she's always worshipped a lord who's far above her touch. Jack St John, Lord Slade must marry an heiress in order to honour the deathbed Vow he made to his father, and he needs Miss Featherstone's help in wooing her beautiful cousin Sarah. After her initial anger, Miss Featherstone agrees to his scheme, telling him she's doing so because she admires his Parliamentary record of humanitarian legislation and his reverence for truth.
This is the second book in the series but could be read on its own. The characters have plenty of depth & even Cecil is likeable. The story on the whole flows well but does stall a couple of times. I did love the slow burn romance & how Jack reacted to Jane being courted. Whilst this series is about the three Etonian friends I’d like to see Jack's siblings have their HEAs. I look forward to Alex’s story

My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

The Earl, the Vow, and the Plain Jane is the second instalment in The Lords of Eton series by Cheryl Bolen. I hadn’t read the earlier entry in the series, but this didn’t end up being a problem for me as the author has crafted a story that stands perfectly well on its own.
Miss Jane Featherstone has no dowry and is considered to be a plain jane. She decides to marry the first man who asks her so that she will avoid being a burden to her brother and his family.
Lord Slade needs a wealthy wife to support his sisters and keep his deathbed vow to his father to restore the family estate. He needs Miss Featherstone's help to secure her beautiful cousin’s hand. Jane agrees after much hesitation even though she has long been secretly enthralled with the handsome lord.
Jane and Lord Slade are perfectly matched with a shared interest in politics, but as Lord Slade finds his attachment growing he refuses to break his vow.
This was an enjoyable read with well-written compelling characters.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. For more reviews please visit my blog:
http://www.wonderfullyweird88.com/

In the second story of the Lords of Eton series, Jack St. John (SinJin to his friends) has become the East of Slade. He has taken his seat in Parliament and is enthusiastic and successful in his political efforts. However, the earldom is not wealthy and he needs money to dower his sisters and fulfill the vow he made to his father that he would not let the ancestral home crumble to dust. He turns to his friend Jane Featherstone to help him court and win her cousin who is an heiress. Although Jane loves Jack, she agrees. Things don’t go exactly as they planned.

With the stage set, this story allows the reader to enjoy the interaction of the characters and just wait to see how it all works out. There is a very nice solution to the Lord Slade’s dilemma. All he needs to do is recognize it. The characters are likeable, and they like each other. There is a little excitement in the political element of the story, only a dash of action, but interesting. I recommend this one to those who like sweet romances with a little surprise.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The review is my own.

This book had a great plot idea. I love the notion of a plain Jane getting the man of her dreams. This story focuses on a poor bluestocking spinster and an Earl that must marry for money. Both greatly admire one another's intelligence but the Earl must American heiress. The heiress he is interested in happens to be the cousin of the spinster. The Earl enlists the aid of the spinster to help him marry the cousin. I struggled through this book as it felt rushed. There doesn't seem to be much about love between the H and h but rather more about their mutual respect and admiration. There did not seem to be a great deal of chemistry between them. I have read other books by Cheryl Bolen and felt more connection between the characters. I recommend this book to those who prefer clean romances as well as individuals interested in the political ideology of 19th century England.

This was a hard one for me. Normally I love every thing Cheryl Bolen writes but this one was difficult to get into. Some of their actions are immature and silly. It was a good story but just don't for. Me .

This is the second book in the series and it was pleasant visiting with some of the characters from the first book again. This story was wonderful. A surprise but yet not so surprising ending. I read the book in one day. I can't wait for the third book to come out!

Miss Jane Featherstone is thin and plain looking but is brilliant politically; while her cousin Lady Sarah is beautiful, kind but not very smart in politics; she is also an heiress so is even more of a catch. When Jane introduces Sarah to Lord Slade, Jack St. John Earl of Slade, Jane really can’t help but feel jealous of her pretty cousin. Jane has loved Lord Slade not only for his political views but just because who he is as a person for as long as she can remember. Of course Jane never thinks that Slade would ever feel the same way that she feels for him even though she can talk to him about anything politically except her feelings. Unfortunately Lord Slade does secretly harbor feelings for Jane but can never act on them because of his vow to marry someone for money. As Jane learns more about Slade and meets with him she tries to get her cousin to like Slade keeping her feelings under wraps. Can Jane continue to hide her feelings even with another suitor vying for her hand and will Slade be able to hide his attraction to Jane as well?
This seemed like such a simple unassuming love story but really it wasn’t. The story might be intricate with a lot of political descriptions that did make the story drag a little bit it was still good. I loved the verbal banter between the hero and heroine. Also the story despite its lengthy descriptions of politics really wasn’t bad and Ms. Cheryl Bolen knows how to spin a good story. Jane the plain logical smart heroine really carries the story and helps develop the other characters. I think that she really saved the story for me and made me like it just that much more. Lord Slade seemed a little flat to me compared to Jane. Sometimes I think he was too in awe of her intelligence that he didn’t know what to say. He was a good hero though and did seem a little slow too when it came to his feelings but I was glad he figured it out eventually. Still I enjoyed reading the story and can’t wait to read another by Ms. Bolen!