The Earl's Perfect Match

Sebastiano #4

by Kimberly Nee

Bennett Markham, Earl of Dunning, needs an heir, which means he needs to find a wife first. His only requirements are that his bride not be a fortune-hunter and absolutely cannot love him, now or ever. Love is not in the cards for Markham men. Elena Sebastiano is more than a little surprised when the Earl asks her to play matchmaker for him. They barely know each other, so how is she supposed to choose the perfect bride? Nonetheless, the challenge intrigues her. But what's a woman to do when she wants the man for herself? Convince him no one will do but her...

Genres: Historical Romance

Kindle Edition

Published July 23, 2018

About the author

I write historical romance for Entangled Publishing and The Wild Rose Press. Like any good Jersey Girl, I love Bruce Springsteen, the New York Yankees, the New York Giants, the New York Rangers, Tom Hiddleston, tattoos, and all things historical--just not necessarily in that order.

Reviews

[vaneeta naik · Rating 4 out of 5]

" The Earl's Perfect Match " by Kimberly Nee is a nice Historical Regency Romance ... a well written book ...plot is simple & well developed ... The characters are well in synch with the story...The story is about a American origin Heroine & an Earl in Regency England ...

Bennett Markham, Earl of Dunning is ditched by his cousin cum fiancee on the dit of there wedding as she is in love with her childhood friend ...he needs an heir, which means he needs to find a wife first, who should not be a fortune-hunter and absolutely cannot love him ever.He believes in the curse placed on the Markham clan long ago hence love is not for Markham men.

Elena who is from St. Phillippe ,she is here to attend the wedding of her brother to the girl who was the Earl's fiancee...Elena is an exotic beauty & Lord Dunning asks Elena to help find him a wife and a little surprised when the Earl asks her to play matchmaker for him as they barely know each other, & in a dilemna how to choose the perfect bride ...Also such a challenge interests her...

The story starts from here as they become attracted to each other and can’t seem to stay away from each other. There are many twists & turns in this new attraction and Bennett is determined to not love Elena...but eventually can't resist the attraction... The part which i didnt like is the reason behind the curse was very silly & Bennett believing in it ...also one incident didnt take his life & they leave happily after was too sudden an end ...there are many unanswered questions so was left unsatisfied ...

overall the book was a good read ....

[Kacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I have grown to love historical romances. At first I didn't even know what I was missing but after reading one I was hooked. Now I can't get enough and this book does not disappoint. Bennet and Elena story is filled with drama and romance and laughter. Everything you could possibly want in a romance novel! This book is so well written. The author creates these lovable characters. I can't wait to read more from this author!

[Amanda Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elena Sebastiano is unique and different - all things that are frowned upon when met by the ton. Elena was raised in the tropics and has traveled to England to attend her beloved cousin's wedding to an English earl. Turns out, her cousin fell in love with Elena's brother and cried off her wedding with the earl.
Bennett still wants (needs) to get married and produce an heir. What is he to do? Elena intrigues him, but there might be a curse on his family - all the men die young. How can he allow Elena to love him and then leave her?
Of course, Elena doesn't believe any nonsense about a curse. Silly superstitions. She knows that the more time she spends with Bennett the more she is attracted to him and the less she wants to see him make a cold marriage of convenience.
Elena and Bennett are very sweet together and very much a couple who deserves a happy ending. There are some passionate scenes, not very descriptive and tastefully done. But these two fairly light of the room when they are together. Would definitely recommend The Earl's Perfect Match to historical romance lovers.

[Lori D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy come, easy go. At least that is what it seems like when Bennett Markham, Earl of Dunning is left by his fiance to marry her childhood friend. Now looking for a new bride he solicits Elena, sister of the new groom to help him find the perfect match. No, he was not heartbroken, but only wants a wife with specific requirements of not being a fortune hunter and not expecting love. Easy Peasy, right? As Elena has contact with Bennett, she begins to feel attraction to him and him to her. But he fights it because of a family curse of the men in his family that leaves the brides a widow early on.
So what will happen? The story has a little of it all. Many ups and downs, a little drama, action and of course humor to pull it all together.
Read to find out what happens on this delightful read that will have you smiling at the end.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

As he approaches 30, Bennett starts to get antsy given that all the Dunning men before him died at that momentous age with a “family curse” being touted as the reason. Thumbing his nose at the so said curse was fine when he was younger but he decides to be safe rather than sorry in preserving the earldom. Not wanting to leave behind a grieving widow, Bennett decides a marriage of convenience is best. When his initial choice, falls in love (with someone else!) the wedding party goes on as planned just with a different groom, with his blessing With several single ladies in the party, Bennett ropes in Lena (the bride’s cousin) in helping to select a bride for him: someone who isn’t and won’t love him, is not after his fortune & someone agreeable – he decrees as being his main requirement.

Lena was born and lives in the West Indies & feels like she sticks out among the snobbish and proper English. Her initial impression of Bennett as a rather insipid character changes as she gets to know him while Bennett finds her fresh and natural.

There are the “bitchy females” in the story (rather clichéd) who are quite determined to win Bennett & who are not adverse to stop to being underhand. I did like Lena’s extremely protective brother.

The storyline is nothing new/special. It started off quite well until about 2/3 into the story. They have sex and suddenly after being openly enamored and affectionate with Lena, Bennett has a total turnaround and starts spouting, “I can’t marry you”, “It would be selfish of me since I’m going to die when I’m 30 and leave you to grieve me”. Right. After the sex. That was so totally inane, I rapidly lost interest in the character and story and couldn’t finish the book.

[Harper Hamilton · Rating 4 out of 5]

What’s a handsome, rich, eligible bachelor to do? Bennett Markum, Sixth Earl of Dunning, needs an heir. But to have a legitimate heir, he first needs a wife. When his plans to marry Claudia Santa Cruz go awry, he generously hosts the wedding and enlists the help of Miss Elena Sebastiano to find his future lady among the guests. He arms her with a list of qualities that his future wife must have and then encourages her to mingle with his guests. Seems like a reasonable approach, right?

Exotic beauty Elena is visiting from St. Phillippe, West Indies, where she enjoys a lifestyle that is quite different from English society. She reluctantly agrees to help the Earl find the perfect match, the perfect loveless match, that is. Elena finds that perhaps the Earl’s list isn’t what he really needs after all. Can she convince him that he deserves more?

As a big fan of historical romance, I’m always looking for a new author to follow. This is the first story by Kimberly Nee that I’ve had the pleasure to read. I found it to be a charming and enjoyable story and will definitely continue to follow her.

I voluntarily received an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Fizza · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is someone who is a perfect match for Earl of Dunning, he only needs to find her. She must be someone practical and not some starry eyed woman who believes in love and all that. However, when it comes down to it.... it turned out that the kind of woman he was hoping to avoid is the exact kind of woman he finds himself attracted to...
Elena Sebastiano is like a fish out of water. She doesn't understand English women at all. But the good thing is that he only needs to tolerate their antics for a few more days. Soon after her brother's wedding they will all go back home, to West Indies. Even English weather is cold and deary. She is having a hard time here. But she must admit that Lord Bennett is someone she can easily fall in love with. Good thing she knows exactly what he wants and that she isn't someone he'd ever select for himself...
Maybe the two of them are in for a surprise or maybe life will turn out exactly the way they anticipated.
It's a very well written story and has some of the best characters in historical fiction. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to my fellow readers.
P.S. I received a complimentary copy of this book.

[P Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I voluntarily read a Review Copy of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one elses*

Bennett needs an heir but first he must find a suitable wife who meets his requirements but love is definitely not in the cards. He approaches Elena for help him but ends up becoming completely ensnared by her beauty, sass and charm. Will he embrace his feelings and pursue Elena or give up the chance of being loved by the only woman who stole his heart?

Elena’s fiery yet care free spirit made her stand out from the crowd. She always spoke her mind never allowing others especially, Bennet to walk all over her.

Bennet was hot/cold throughout and at times, I literally felt like smacking him or shoving a sock in his mouth to keep him from putting his foot in it. I was relieved when he finally got his head out of his rear end.

Bennett and Elena had great chemistry. Their stolen moments together were intimate, breathtaking yet beautiful and captured Bennett’s emotions and feelings towards Elena perfectly.

I really enjoyed this book and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 Stars
Bennett Markham, Earl of Dunning, needs an heir, which means he needs to find a wife first. His only requirements are that his bride not be a fortune-hunter and absolutely cannot love him, now or ever.
Love is not in the cards for Markham men. He thought he would have married Claudia but isn’t upset that she’s marrying for love. Elena Sebastiano is more than a little surprised when the Earl asks her to play matchmaker for him. They barely know each other, so how is she supposed to choose the perfect bride? Nonetheless, the challenge intrigues her.
An engaging read that also had secondary characters finding love, which I was so glad about as I really like Cordelia. It took me a little time to like Bennett but he did ‘grow' on me, I like Lena. The characters had plenty of depth. The story flowed well & kept me interest all the way through. Although this is part of the Sebastiano series it is easily read on its own
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elena arrives in England to attend her brother’s wedding and meets Bennett who is looking for a bride in order to secure an heir. Bennett believes there is a curse on the men in his family in that they die at a very young age. He requests Elena help him find a wife, who will not love him, because when he dies he does not want to leave a grieving widow. The problem starts when they become attracted to each other and can’t seem to stay away from each other. There are several ups and downs in this new attraction and Bennett is determined to not love Elena but his plans don’t always work out. To me, the ending in this book appears to be very abrupt, as if in a series, because there appears to be some loose ends that could result in another book. The book is a good read and I would recommend it but the ending leaves you wondering.

[Katrina Berry · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Earl's Perfect Match by Kimberly Nee is Book 4 of the Sebastiano Series.

I love historical regency romances like a fat kid loves cake...and this one hits the spot! Ms. Nee delivers a very well-written story that flows splendidly, has wonderful characters, has a detailed world, gives a terrific build-up and chemistry between the couple and keeps us engaged...and that my friends is how you keep us readers happy! I also loved the fact that this was the first book within the series that I have read and I had absolutely no problems reading it or keeping up with what had been going on. Fantabulous Ms. Nee!

Please note that an ARC was generously provided in exchange for an honest review of which this is both honest and completely voluntary.

[Deb Diem · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Earl's Perfect Match by Kimberly Nee is a fantastic historical romance. Ms. Nee has provided us with an amazing, well-written book and loaded it with outstanding, lovable characters. Bennett believes his family is cursed and that he will die in his early thirties. Elena is at the Earl's estate for her friend's wedding. Bennett and Elena's story is full of drama, action, sizzle and humor. I enjoyed reading The Earl's Perfect Match and look forward to reading more from Kimberly Nee in the future. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Anna Swedenmom · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice read that gives the reader a wide range of actions and fantasy. I must say, at the beginning of the book I was totally engrossed in the story, however, it lost its momentum about half way and then finally picked up again. While I enjoyed the entire book and will look out for more from this author, I can tell you this read may bog a little but no worries it picks up again. I enjoyed the characters as well as the way the story was perhaps a little different then the norm. While fantasy historical is not so appealing all the time, the author does a good job with this one. I was given this arc via NetGalley. All opinions expressed here are my own. Regards, Anna

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Earl's Perfect Match by Kimberly Nee is book Three in the Sebastiano Series. This is the story of Bennett Markham, Earl of Dunning and Elena Sebastiano. I have read the previous book, but feel this can easily be a standalone book.
Bennett asked Elena to help find him a replacement wife after his last engagement ended with her marrying another man. Bennett's family appears to be cursed so he doesn't need or want a love match but does need a wife. Elena goes forward to help but her feelings start to get the better of her towards Bennett.
Enjoyed reading their story!

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book 4 in the Sebastino series. I have not read the previous books but I was able to follow the story. Bennett Markum needs a heir before he falls prey to a curse that kills the men in his family after they turn 30 years old. Elena is an island girl trying to fit in society. Bennett recruits her to help him find a wife. It had a good story-line but the back in forth between I want her don't want her was getting on my nerves

[Suzette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story and all it had to offer in the form of character development. It was charming. The characters were witty and funny. The cover was eye catching and really popped. I was slightly disappointed in the ending because I felt I little like I was left hanging. I can only hope that there is another book with Con and Cordelia’s story where all the questions will be answered. It is overall still a book very worthwhile reading.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining read. I liked the characters of Elena and Bennett. Elena was forthright, determined and quite unique amongst the ladies of the day. Bennett had a struggle with what he wanted and what he thought would be best for everyone. There were other interesting characters and some spiteful ‘ladies’. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Bec · Rating 4 out of 5]

Playing matchmaker to the Earl isn't easy for Elena Sebastiano, especially when she wants the Earl for herself. However, what's she to do when Bennett Markham doesn't want anything to do with love and only needs a wife in order to produce an heir. Is convincing him she's the best option the only way to go? Perhaps.

Elena knows winning Bennett over is going to prove a major challenge but she's more than willing to go any distance to win his heart. She's strong, sassy and determined to show the Earl she's his perfect match. I liked that she didn't let the hero's hot and cold attitude deter her from showing him that no one is more suited for him than Elena.

Their strong chemistry shines through in the moments they share as a couple. The more and more time they spend together, the more the Earl's heart begins to melt and show how he's coming to feel for Elena. He's falling more and more under her spell and begins to realise she is his perfect match.

Overall, I enjoyed this book because of the strong heroine and the way she didn't give up on the hero when he gave her every reason to give up. I also enjoyed how this story ended and that Elena and Bennett got their happy ever after, as there's nothing more important than the pair finding happiness after everything they went to in order to be together.

[EvilAntie Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Where are my pirates?

1st of all, let me say I love this series. It was about pirates and the sea and romance. While not deemed a series, which it should have been, this book 4 doesn't have pirates or the sea. It has a naive heroine whose' love scenes are somewhat unbelievable. I loved this series trust me. I had a reading marathon. Each novel was awesome, until this, which ends on a teaser note. This book is called the "perfect match" it is nowhere close. What this book is however, it is an imperfect conclusion.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bennett, the Earl of Dunning gets thrown over by his intended fiancee. He didn't love her but he does need an heir. Elena who is from St. Phillippe, is an exotic beauty there for her friend's wedding as the bride is a relative. Lord Dunning asks Elena to help find him a wife with the understanding that the woman cannot love him or want him for his money and title. Elena is looking for a wife for him but discovers that she doesn't want him to find someone else.. Loved this book. Will Lord Dunning find he can love Elena back or will she go back to her country without him? The author writes with heart and love.I received this book from Net Galley for an honest review and no compensation otherwise.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I re-read the beginning a few times, I wasn’t following the story easily, it might have been me and not the book.

Bennett & Elena’s story has a lot of twists and turns. The author keeps us guessing as to which way the story will go next. There are dramatic parts to this book, as well as light-hearted and funny scenes. And there are a few love scenes too.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for this honest review.

[SH · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Earl's Perfect Match follows on from the previous book with Bennett Markham, Earl of Dunning, not marrying his cousin. Consequently, he finds himself in the awkward position of asking Elena Sebastiano to find him a wife, who will have his heir but not fall in love with him. Not a difficult task?
Believing himself to be cursed, he has avoided romance but finds himself attracted to Elena, the sister of the man who has married his ex-fiancé. Elena is not like the typical English rose, with her exotic features and olive skin. She soon finds herself captivated by Bennett despite his unusual request.
The story was so entertaining, and it was so easy to like both characters. This was an easy read, but I was a bit disappointed that there were a few aspects left unfinished. I suppose I will just have to wait for the next book in the series.
I received an advanced review copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Aisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Earl's perfect match starts off with Bennett asking Elena to find him a bride even though they barely know each other. Bennett was supposed to marry his cousin Claudia who is marrying Elena's brother Instead at Bennett estate. Bennett's only requirements are a wife who doesn't only want his fortune and will not fall in love with him. For the most part I really like the relationship between Bennett and Elena however there are moments between Bennett and Elena where Bennett comes off as a real jerk and it's hard to forgive him especially when it happens towards the end of the book. All in all a happily ever after Romance.

[Robin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun, well-written Regency romance. Elena was lively and down to earth. She and Bennett had chemistry and I enjoyed reading their story. The secondary characters were entertaining also. I would recommend this book to others and would read more books by this author.

[SynergyQuest · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Pretty good, though it felt like the story ended prematurely. It felt more like a (HFN) happy for now rather than a HEA. I assume the subsequent stories are firmly connected and likely pick up exactly where the previous one leaves off. Still, I have questions and don’t like to be left hanging.

*** SPOILERS*** What's going on with Huxley? I think he sabotaged Ben’s saddle and I wanted some resolution to those suspicions, which were encouraged when Ben said he knows he heard Huxley's voice at the race. Also, does he live beyond his 30th Birthday? That’s a big question that has a significant impact of if this relationship really has a HEA. One assumes that he must lead, but a bit certainty would be nice.

So, in my view what is here of the story is good, but it kinda feels like part 1 of 2.

I received an ARC of this book, via NetGalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Publisher's Description:

Bennett Markham, Earl of Dunning, needs an heir, which means he needs to find a wife first. His only requirements are that his bride not be a fortune-hunter and absolutely cannot love him, now or ever.

Love is not in the cards for Markham men.

Elena Sebastiano is more than a little surprised when the Earl asks her to play matchmaker for him. They barely know each other, so how is she supposed to choose the perfect bride? Nonetheless, the challenge intrigues her.

But what's a woman to do when she wants the man for herself? Convince him no one will do but her...

My Thoughts:

This is my first read by this author but it will not be the last. I may have missed out before because fantasy romance is not my cup of tea and I did associate this author with fantasy. She has, however written several historical romance books before this one and I will look into them.

A family curse, the need for an heir, a fiance who jilted him; these are the elements that make up Bennett Markham's life. He will absolutely not marry for love. That is one element not in the cards for our Hero.

Elena, our heroine wants nothing more than this man who surprises her by asking her to play matchmaker for him. What is she to do? She wants this man for herself, not to find him someone else.
Fighting their mutual attraction seems to be in the cards. Will Bennett finally give in and admit his love for Elena?

This well written regency surprised me with how much it drew me in.
I gave this book 4.25 of 5.0 stars for storyline and character development and a sensual rating of 3 of 5 flames.
Th angst between this couple is palpable.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book to read and review.
This in no way affected my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

[Patrica Liebe · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and the publishers for a honest review.
Kimberly Nee is a new-to me author so I was very surprised to read this lovely story that is called The Earl's Perfect Match. This is the fourth book in the 'Sabastiano' series. As I had not read the other books in the series I was not familiar with some of the characters in the story but I feel this did not stop me from enjoying this book. The Heroine is,Elena Sebastian who seems to feel that she is a bit of a 'matchmaker' as she has been successful in helping her family members into happy marriages. The hero of this story is, Bennett Markham, Earl of Dunning who, along with his brothers seem to have not much good luck in the forever kind of love. When Elena and Bennett team up to find him a perfect match, things seem to not go as planned. I laughed out loud at some of this story as I was enjoying it very much. Kimberly Nee has a way with words that I like. I recommend this book to all readers who love a perfect match and a HEA.

[Ann L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bennet asks Elena to help him find a wife, he does not want love, just a wife and even though she knows little of him she acquiesce, problem is she finds herself more and more attracted to him. This is a really captivating story with charming characters.
I received a copy from Netgalley and I am voluntarily leaving my own honest opinion

[Pat]

This was a very enjoyable historical romance read. It has a nice blend of drama, emotion and humor. The characters were interesting and the story well-written. The hero, Bennett, has to overcome his belief that the males in his family are cursed and will die young. He only wants a wife to obtain an heir and is adamant that he must not marry someone who cares about him. It takes a strong heroine, Elena, to change his mind. She is going to try, but will she do it? Read the story to find out.