Regency romances can run the gamut from fun, rollicking stories of two people hiding their attraction behind biting verbal exchanges to the more heart-wrenching tales of love lost by sacrifice and misunderstanding. Engaging the Earl, by Mandy Goff, evokes laughter, tears, surprises and sighs in a truly stellar romance combining the best of both types.

Marcus, Earl of Westin, has been asked by his sister to find a husband for her friend, Emma. This stalwart, brooding elder brother takes his responsibility seriously, only to find he is falling in love with the woman he seeks to help. Emma Mercer, a governess fallen on hard times, finds herself both irritated by and attracted to this man with secrets, burdens, and a good heart. Whether it is a tender moment or lively banter between the hero and heroine, confrontation between hero and suitor, or interactions with secondary characters, Goff provides scenes worth reading over and over again and a book to be put on the keeper shelf or, rather, kept near at hand.