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***
