Book Review: The Earl Next Door by Amelia Grey

Series: First Comes Love Book #1

Format: ebook

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

How I Got It: NetGalley

Genre: Historical Romance

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads

Adeline, Dowager Countess of Wake, is all on her own after her husband’s sudden death. The good news? Losing him allowed her to find herself. Finally, Adeline is free to do, go, and be as she pleases. She cherishes her newfound independence and is not looking for another man to wed. But seeking out a new lover? Well, that is a whole ’nother story. . .

Lord Lyon, son of the two-timing Earl of Marksworth, wishes to have a respectable, loving wife someday. When he meets the beautiful and self-reliant Adeline, Lyon is instantly smitten. But Adeline would rather have the handsome suitor in her bed than to take his hand in marriage. It’s a scandalous proposal—and one that’s hard for Lyon to refuse. Unless the fire of his passion can melt Adeline’s resolve. . .and he can find a way to be the Wickedly Wonderful Widow’s lover for all time?

Review

***I received this book via NetGalley from the publisher in exchange for an honest review***

I was interested in the concept of this story. I particularly like this group of three widows who are different and have a strong friendship. However, I wasn't particularly invested in the romance .

Initially, I was enjoying the story. Adeline and Lyon had great chemistry. And they were interesting on their own. Adeline has a great friendship with two other widows-they lost their husbands in the same tragic accident. The three all were a little different and that made for some compelling sequel bait.

Then, Adeline and Lyon had sex. For the first few paragraphs of that interaction-I thought it was some sort of dream sequence. It felt so unnatural. And that's actually how I felt about all of the sex-related interactions between them. It just made me care about the romance less and less every time they interacted. 

Ultimately, I was disappointed by this-more of a 2.5 stars-but I round up. That being said, I would be willing to read stories about the other widows. But I would probably get them from the library in case they have the same pacing issue. 

Thanks for reading!

Holly