Publication Day Spotlight & Review: Girls Before Earls by Anna Bennett

 WHAT A GIRL WANTS 

To survive her difficult childhood, Miss Hazel Lively relied on two things: a tough exterior and a love of books. Now, she’s realized her life-long dream of opening a school for girls. She’s hoping the wealthy families who summer at the shore will entrust their daughters to Bellehaven Academy—and help pay for less fortunate students. All Hazel must do is maintain a flawless reputation. It’s a foolproof plan…till a handsome earl strides into her office.

WHAT AN EARL NEEDS 

Gabriel Beckett, Earl of Bladenton, has had a monstrous headache since the day his teenaged niece became his ward. She’s already been expelled from two London schools, but Blade is determined to enroll her at Bellehaven Academy, where she’ll be out of his hair. If only he can convince the buttoned-up—and unexpectedly intriguing—headmistress to take a risk.

LEAD TO AN IRRESISTIBLE DEAL

Blade makes an offer that’s impossible for Hazel to refuse, but she has one condition: the earl must visit his niece every other week. Soon, Blade discovers there’s more to Hazel than meticulous lessons. Their sparring leads to flirtation…and something altogether deeper. But the passion that flares between them poses a threat to Hazel’s school and Blade’s battered heart. They say a good thing can’t last forever, but true love? Well, it just might…

After reading My Mistletoe Beau by this author, I jumped at the opportunity to read her next novel; the first instalment in her new Rogues to Lovers series.

Hazel Lively, is a woman who wants to help those less fortunate than herself, although her own background and upbringing were tough. Now, as a twenty-eight-year-old spinster, she's finally trying to fulfil her dream and opens Bellehaven Academy of Deportment in the coastal town of Bellehaven Bay. However, the success of the school hangs precariously as she juggles the roles of teacher and fundraiser, until Gabriel Beckett, Earl of Bladenton enrols his troublesome, teenage ward into her school.

The Earl of Bladenton, "Blade", is at his wits end after his niece, Kitty is expelled from yet another school in London. So, he decides to enrol her at Bellehaven Academy, a school far away from London simply because 'out of sight, out of mind' is the best solution for both of them… or is it? When he meets the woman who runs the establishment, it triggers an unexpected response; one which questions his plans for the future.

Although well written, this novel didn't manage to hit the spot for me. The actions of the heroine didn't seem either fitting or appropriate, at times. Additionally, I didn't feel I was reading a story set in Regency England. Yet, the narrative is surprisingly addictive and keeps you wanting to turn the pages to read more. The protagonists, Hazel and Blade are likeable enough, but it's Kitty who steals the show, as we see how the young woman embraces life at her new school and thrives.

Overall, I feel confident Ms. Bennett's legion fans will adore Girls Before Earls and look forward to future novels in the series. Despite my own personal reservations, this is a highly entertaining novel with an enticing plot and intriguing characters.

***arc generously received courtesy of St Martin's Paperbacks via NetGalley***

AMAZON UK               AMAZON US

Anna Bennett is the award-winning author of the Debutante Diaries and Wayward Wallflowers series. Her dream of writing romance began during a semester in London, where she fell in love with the city, its history, and its pubs. Now Anna's living happily-ever-after in Maryland with her family, who try valiantly not to roll their eyes whenever she quotes Jane Austen.