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Return of the Rogues #2
A Match For The Rebellious Earl (The Return of the Rogues)
Dashing and disreputable...
Now, he's back in Society's ballrooms!
Whispers of Captain Kit Carrington—now Lord Westford—have long scandalised the ton...so his arrival at the season's most-anticipated ball sends society's gossips into a frenzy!
Miss Genevieve Maitland needs his help to find an eligible match for her sister but assumes he'll be reluctant to help the family that rejected him. Yet after one spine tingling waltz with Kit, sensible Genny finds he's not her opponent—but a very tempting ally...!
Now, he's back in Society's ballrooms!
Whispers of Captain Kit Carrington—now Lord Westford—have long scandalised the ton...so his arrival at the season's most-anticipated ball sends society's gossips into a frenzy!
Miss Genevieve Maitland needs his help to find an eligible match for her sister but assumes he'll be reluctant to help the family that rejected him. Yet after one spine tingling waltz with Kit, sensible Genny finds he's not her opponent—but a very tempting ally...!
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 2021
14 people are currently reading
95 people want to read
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February 24, 2021
I've given this an A- at AAR, so that's 4.5 stars rounded up
Lara Temple’s A Match for the Rebellious Earl is a beautifully written love story featuring a reluctant Earl and a young woman who is so intent on making sure that those she loves are happy that she’s neglected to do the same for herself. It’s a passionate, gorgeously romantic story about two people at crossroads in their lives; the leads are so well-written and fully-rounded that they simply leap off the page, the chemistry between them sizzles, and Ms. Temple’s talent for writing sparkling, witty dialogue shines once again.
Genevieve – Genny – Maitland and her sister Serena spent a year following the drum with their beloved grandfather, a general in Wellington’s army. Whilst in Spain, Serena met and fell in love with Charles Carrington, heir to the Earl of Westford, and that’s also where Genny first met Captain Christopher – Kit – Carrington, Charles’ cousin and the black sheep of the Carrington family. Serena and Charles married, but sadly, he died without leaving a son and heir to succeed him, which meant the title then passed to Kit, whose parentage – his mother and grandfather were actors – has long led to his being regarded as disreputable. Added to that, gossip would have it he’s a pirate, adventurer and womaniser, and society is very critical of the fact that he has not returned to England since becoming Lord Westford.
Following the death of her husband, Serena, together with Mary and Emily (Kit’s widowed step-mother and step-sister) and Genny live with the exacting and dictatorial dowager countess, Lady Westford, and Genny – whose skill at solving problems and managing everything (and everyone) quickly earned a reputation for good judgment and level-headedness – has assumed the reins of the household. Lady Westford is a termagant and needs careful handling; she brow-beats Serena and Mary, who are quiet and unassuming by nature, and Genny does her best to keep them out of the line of fire as often and as best she can. But it’s exhausting, and Genny is self-aware enough to know that the constant battles are in danger of eating her up inside.
After resigning his commission three years earlier, Kit has been sailing the world, but now that Emily is getting married, he’s coming back to London for the wedding. He has no intention of getting caught up in the social whirl and is focused on getting back to his ship as soon as possible – but he decides to attend the ball being held at Carrington House in Emily’s honour, where he finds Genny efficiently marshalling everyone and everything into position around her. He doesn’t like it (despite being reluctantly impressed), but allows himself to be inveigled into dancing with a number of suitable ladies for the rest of the evening while the gossip rages around him.
Kit’s return prompts Genny to put into action a plan she’s been considering for a while, namely to find husbands for Serena and Mary in order to get them away from the dowager’s constant barrage of blame and unpleasantness. She recruits Kit to this cause, explaining that his presence at a number of select entertainments will lend them a certain cachet – but what she doesn’t tell him is that she’s made a bargain with the dowager – who is desperate to secure the Westford title – that she will also do her best to see Kit or one of his cousins take a wife from among the current crop of eligible young ladies, in exchange for money to pay off all the debts that Serena was left with as well as settling a sum on her and Mary.
Kit and Genny don’t hit it off to start with; he won’t be managed and makes Genny aware of that in no uncertain terms. They’re both strong personalities and they clash often, but there’s always a sense that there’s a mutual admiration and growing understanding beneath their verbal sparring, and I loved those moments of insight when Kit really sees Genny, her passion, her strength, her intelligence and drive – and feels angry on her behalf because she’s being taken for granted and nobody truly appreciates her.
“All that force, and passion, and need – wasted on organising dinner parties, curbing his grandmother’s temper and now, finding husbands for the Carrington women.”
The chemistry between them is intense and their romance is exquisitely paced, a sensual, witty courtship dance in which their dawning awareness of each other physically is complemented by their growing intellectual understanding of one another. Kit is a gorgeous hero, charming, honourable and thoughtful, he cares deeply for his step-mother and sister, and he’s very much his own man; and Genny, while she at first seems to be one of those ‘managing females’ so mocked by the men who populate the pages of historical romance, is quickly revealed to be a young woman trying to make the best of circumstances and trying to do the best for those around her. The author shows clearly how frustrating it is for her to have to redirect her natural leadership skills into the domestic sphere simply on account of her gender, making a point about how few options were open to women of Genny’s status in a very subtle way. I liked the way she forces Kit to face up to his responsibilities, and how he encourages her to see that she deserves to have something for herself amid all her scheming for others.
The secondary cast is strongly characterised and there’s an interesting secondary plotline involving Kit’s cousin Julian, although quite honestly, the complex family issues Genny and Kit had to deal with are enough on their own and I couldn’t help thinking maybe it was just a bit de trop. The ending feels a little rushed and I’d have liked to have witnessed a conversation between the couple in which they discussed their future.
The romance is gorgeous, the dialogue sparkles and the characterisation is top-notch. In spite of my (small) reservations, A Match for the Rebellious Earl is a witty, sensual and heartfelt romance that is sure to delight fans of the genre and author alike. Highly recommended.
Lara Temple’s A Match for the Rebellious Earl is a beautifully written love story featuring a reluctant Earl and a young woman who is so intent on making sure that those she loves are happy that she’s neglected to do the same for herself. It’s a passionate, gorgeously romantic story about two people at crossroads in their lives; the leads are so well-written and fully-rounded that they simply leap off the page, the chemistry between them sizzles, and Ms. Temple’s talent for writing sparkling, witty dialogue shines once again.
Genevieve – Genny – Maitland and her sister Serena spent a year following the drum with their beloved grandfather, a general in Wellington’s army. Whilst in Spain, Serena met and fell in love with Charles Carrington, heir to the Earl of Westford, and that’s also where Genny first met Captain Christopher – Kit – Carrington, Charles’ cousin and the black sheep of the Carrington family. Serena and Charles married, but sadly, he died without leaving a son and heir to succeed him, which meant the title then passed to Kit, whose parentage – his mother and grandfather were actors – has long led to his being regarded as disreputable. Added to that, gossip would have it he’s a pirate, adventurer and womaniser, and society is very critical of the fact that he has not returned to England since becoming Lord Westford.
Following the death of her husband, Serena, together with Mary and Emily (Kit’s widowed step-mother and step-sister) and Genny live with the exacting and dictatorial dowager countess, Lady Westford, and Genny – whose skill at solving problems and managing everything (and everyone) quickly earned a reputation for good judgment and level-headedness – has assumed the reins of the household. Lady Westford is a termagant and needs careful handling; she brow-beats Serena and Mary, who are quiet and unassuming by nature, and Genny does her best to keep them out of the line of fire as often and as best she can. But it’s exhausting, and Genny is self-aware enough to know that the constant battles are in danger of eating her up inside.
After resigning his commission three years earlier, Kit has been sailing the world, but now that Emily is getting married, he’s coming back to London for the wedding. He has no intention of getting caught up in the social whirl and is focused on getting back to his ship as soon as possible – but he decides to attend the ball being held at Carrington House in Emily’s honour, where he finds Genny efficiently marshalling everyone and everything into position around her. He doesn’t like it (despite being reluctantly impressed), but allows himself to be inveigled into dancing with a number of suitable ladies for the rest of the evening while the gossip rages around him.
Kit’s return prompts Genny to put into action a plan she’s been considering for a while, namely to find husbands for Serena and Mary in order to get them away from the dowager’s constant barrage of blame and unpleasantness. She recruits Kit to this cause, explaining that his presence at a number of select entertainments will lend them a certain cachet – but what she doesn’t tell him is that she’s made a bargain with the dowager – who is desperate to secure the Westford title – that she will also do her best to see Kit or one of his cousins take a wife from among the current crop of eligible young ladies, in exchange for money to pay off all the debts that Serena was left with as well as settling a sum on her and Mary.
Kit and Genny don’t hit it off to start with; he won’t be managed and makes Genny aware of that in no uncertain terms. They’re both strong personalities and they clash often, but there’s always a sense that there’s a mutual admiration and growing understanding beneath their verbal sparring, and I loved those moments of insight when Kit really sees Genny, her passion, her strength, her intelligence and drive – and feels angry on her behalf because she’s being taken for granted and nobody truly appreciates her.
“All that force, and passion, and need – wasted on organising dinner parties, curbing his grandmother’s temper and now, finding husbands for the Carrington women.”
The chemistry between them is intense and their romance is exquisitely paced, a sensual, witty courtship dance in which their dawning awareness of each other physically is complemented by their growing intellectual understanding of one another. Kit is a gorgeous hero, charming, honourable and thoughtful, he cares deeply for his step-mother and sister, and he’s very much his own man; and Genny, while she at first seems to be one of those ‘managing females’ so mocked by the men who populate the pages of historical romance, is quickly revealed to be a young woman trying to make the best of circumstances and trying to do the best for those around her. The author shows clearly how frustrating it is for her to have to redirect her natural leadership skills into the domestic sphere simply on account of her gender, making a point about how few options were open to women of Genny’s status in a very subtle way. I liked the way she forces Kit to face up to his responsibilities, and how he encourages her to see that she deserves to have something for herself amid all her scheming for others.
The secondary cast is strongly characterised and there’s an interesting secondary plotline involving Kit’s cousin Julian, although quite honestly, the complex family issues Genny and Kit had to deal with are enough on their own and I couldn’t help thinking maybe it was just a bit de trop. The ending feels a little rushed and I’d have liked to have witnessed a conversation between the couple in which they discussed their future.
The romance is gorgeous, the dialogue sparkles and the characterisation is top-notch. In spite of my (small) reservations, A Match for the Rebellious Earl is a witty, sensual and heartfelt romance that is sure to delight fans of the genre and author alike. Highly recommended.
February 4, 2021
I confess to resenting the price of Harlequin romances. Yes, it's less than the usual price for an HR by better known authors such as Lisa Kleypas, Eloisa James, or Mary Balogh, for example, but, for me, buying a Harlequin HR is rather like sticking my hand into a grab bag and not knowing what I'll pull out. In addition, I often wait for bargain prices to buy romances and Harlequins are seldom offered at a reduced cost.
That's why I'm happy whenever Lara Temple or Virginia Heath have new Harlequin releases. I know my hand is going to pull out a decently written and very possibly really good romance from that grab bag. This one by Temple is the second in her series The Return of the Rogues, after THE RETURN OF THE DISAPPEARING DUKE. The hero of this second book was a secondary character in the first, as a sea captain who brought the hero and heroine of the first book back to England from Egypt on his ship.
Well, now he's back himself, mainly to attend the wedding of his half sister Emily. This sea captain, Kit Carrington, now the Earl of Westford after the death of his cousin Charles, the previous earl, is not one for enjoying London and society. He prefers his free and adventurous life on the seas. And the fact that London snobs look down on him for his mother's non-peerage lineage doesn't help the situation at all.
But he's back for the wedding, since he loves his stepmother and half sister, but he fully intends to be off again afterwards. One more thing that makes staying in England unappealing is his grandmother, the Dowager Countess of Westford. She's a snobby control freak and all-round unpleasant piece of work.
That brings us to our heroine, Genevieve Maitland. She's living in the Carrington household because her sister Serena, the widow of Charles Carrington, the former Earl of Westford, is there. Serena, like hero Kit's stepmother, is a sweet, nonconfrontational sort and Genny feels the need to be there to protect them both from that very unpleasant, unkind dowager countess.
Genny and Serena, BTW, are granddaughters of the late General Maitland and spent some time when younger following the drum with him in Spain. There they made the acquaintance of hero Kit, since he was one of General Maitland's subordinates. So they meet again in England after many years, and the meeting is more sparks and sandpaper than violins and flowers. Genny is a bit of a managing female and Kit has no interest in being managed.
And now that's almost all I'll say. The plot is not very complex so you should go into it not knowing much more than I've already said. What the plot lacks in complexity, however, it makes up for in having good writing, excellent dialogue, great characters, and a very lovely romance. Although Genny is a managing female, she only manages for the well being of others, not for herself, and Kit learns early on to appreciate her. And when he saves a bee for her, Genny knows it's true love. Isn't that the way you always know?
That's why I'm happy whenever Lara Temple or Virginia Heath have new Harlequin releases. I know my hand is going to pull out a decently written and very possibly really good romance from that grab bag. This one by Temple is the second in her series The Return of the Rogues, after THE RETURN OF THE DISAPPEARING DUKE. The hero of this second book was a secondary character in the first, as a sea captain who brought the hero and heroine of the first book back to England from Egypt on his ship.
Well, now he's back himself, mainly to attend the wedding of his half sister Emily. This sea captain, Kit Carrington, now the Earl of Westford after the death of his cousin Charles, the previous earl, is not one for enjoying London and society. He prefers his free and adventurous life on the seas. And the fact that London snobs look down on him for his mother's non-peerage lineage doesn't help the situation at all.
But he's back for the wedding, since he loves his stepmother and half sister, but he fully intends to be off again afterwards. One more thing that makes staying in England unappealing is his grandmother, the Dowager Countess of Westford. She's a snobby control freak and all-round unpleasant piece of work.
That brings us to our heroine, Genevieve Maitland. She's living in the Carrington household because her sister Serena, the widow of Charles Carrington, the former Earl of Westford, is there. Serena, like hero Kit's stepmother, is a sweet, nonconfrontational sort and Genny feels the need to be there to protect them both from that very unpleasant, unkind dowager countess.
Genny and Serena, BTW, are granddaughters of the late General Maitland and spent some time when younger following the drum with him in Spain. There they made the acquaintance of hero Kit, since he was one of General Maitland's subordinates. So they meet again in England after many years, and the meeting is more sparks and sandpaper than violins and flowers. Genny is a bit of a managing female and Kit has no interest in being managed.
And now that's almost all I'll say. The plot is not very complex so you should go into it not knowing much more than I've already said. What the plot lacks in complexity, however, it makes up for in having good writing, excellent dialogue, great characters, and a very lovely romance. Although Genny is a managing female, she only manages for the well being of others, not for herself, and Kit learns early on to appreciate her. And when he saves a bee for her, Genny knows it's true love. Isn't that the way you always know?
January 22, 2021
A Match For The Rebellious Earl was my first read of the year and my first 5 stars review. This is a story I was waiting for a few months now.
Lara Temple didn't disappoint me telling Captain Kit Carrington story after she showed us briefly in the previous book in the series how amazing he was.
Captain Carrington is back in London to attend his stepsister's wedding, but soon enough he finds out he has to attend also other events to meet the Ton high-society as the new Lord Westford. Genevieve Maitland lives at Lord Westdord Hall to help her sister to overcome her grief for her husband's sudden death and to survive at the old Lady Westford venomous attacks.
Kit and Genny met years earlier when he was serving in Spain under her grandfather's command and he has always appreciated her smart and clever mind but now he also acknowledges her beauty.
They join forces to find new spouses to his stepmother and her sister but being constantly close they uncover a strong attraction for each other. Will they act on it risking a scandal that can ruin his family's reputation? Or will they put their kins happiness before their own.
I absolutely loved the characters, they are pretty unique and intriguing. My favourite is Miss Genny, she is uncharacteristic and unconventional for that time. I adore how strong and selfless she is putting her sister joy before hers, her love for history and curiosity makes us really alike.
"He encouraged me to explore the world and not to let others decide what I was worth. It was the best possible advice."
I highly recommend to read this regency romance, it caught my attention from the first page and I've eagerly read it.
Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.
January 24, 2021
A Match for the Rebellious Earl: A Regency Historical Romance
The Return of the Rogues Series #2
Lara Temple
https://www.facebook.com/LaraTempleAu...
Release Date 02/01/2021 ebook, 01/26/2021 paperback
Publisher Harlequin Historical / Mills&Boon Historical
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Dashing and disreputable...
Now, he's back in Society's ballrooms!
Whispers of Captain Kit Carrington - now Lord Westford - have long scandalised the ton...so his arrival at the season's most-anticipated ball sends society's gossips into a frenzy! Miss Genevieve Maitland needs his help to find an eligible match for her sister but assumes he'll be reluctant to help the family that rejected him. Yet after one spine tingling waltz with Kit, sensible Genny finds he's not her opponent - but a very tempting ally...!
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will her schemes bring her freedom or doom her future ...
How life was unfair for a too clever woman, Genevieve has to find a way to maneuver people around her if she wants to keep a bit of control over her life. While had she been born a male, she could have commandeered at will without anyone standing against her order. When as a poor relation, she must live from others charity, quite demeaning when she has all the weapons to lead people but lack the Y chromosome.
Kit long ago understood he would never be accepted by his haughty relatives, always viewing in him his baseborn mother and grandfather. The taint of his blood preventing them to love a little boy lost in this chess game about those believing themselves better play. So when he left definitely it was without even a backward glance. And each time he crosses path with them they give as much as they receive. Yet as he is temporarily on the English soil, he makes do.
Kit met Genevieve many years ago when he was a naval officer under her grandfather’s command. And even as a young miss, he had been impressed by her tactical intelligence and her clever managing. Now than nearly a decade has passed, she is still this too smart woman, and worse, she has an agenda.
Their witty exchanges are the high of the story, it is a battlefield with two strategists as they gauge and weigh the other, assessing the best path to strike and if cornered looking for the right retreat road.
What began as a battle of wits, turns soon in a seduction dance with many rehearsals as they fight their own attraction, afraid to change the course of their life or to put their faith in the hands of an other being. These two individual beings have fought lonely for so long, they do not know now how to rely on another’s shoulder. They struggle to share their burden. Until they will have to make a final choice.
5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen sweet lovemaking scene.
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
The Return of the Rogues Series #2
Lara Temple
https://www.facebook.com/LaraTempleAu...
Release Date 02/01/2021 ebook, 01/26/2021 paperback
Publisher Harlequin Historical / Mills&Boon Historical
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
Dashing and disreputable...
Now, he's back in Society's ballrooms!
Whispers of Captain Kit Carrington - now Lord Westford - have long scandalised the ton...so his arrival at the season's most-anticipated ball sends society's gossips into a frenzy! Miss Genevieve Maitland needs his help to find an eligible match for her sister but assumes he'll be reluctant to help the family that rejected him. Yet after one spine tingling waltz with Kit, sensible Genny finds he's not her opponent - but a very tempting ally...!
𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will her schemes bring her freedom or doom her future ...
How life was unfair for a too clever woman, Genevieve has to find a way to maneuver people around her if she wants to keep a bit of control over her life. While had she been born a male, she could have commandeered at will without anyone standing against her order. When as a poor relation, she must live from others charity, quite demeaning when she has all the weapons to lead people but lack the Y chromosome.
Kit long ago understood he would never be accepted by his haughty relatives, always viewing in him his baseborn mother and grandfather. The taint of his blood preventing them to love a little boy lost in this chess game about those believing themselves better play. So when he left definitely it was without even a backward glance. And each time he crosses path with them they give as much as they receive. Yet as he is temporarily on the English soil, he makes do.
Kit met Genevieve many years ago when he was a naval officer under her grandfather’s command. And even as a young miss, he had been impressed by her tactical intelligence and her clever managing. Now than nearly a decade has passed, she is still this too smart woman, and worse, she has an agenda.
Their witty exchanges are the high of the story, it is a battlefield with two strategists as they gauge and weigh the other, assessing the best path to strike and if cornered looking for the right retreat road.
What began as a battle of wits, turns soon in a seduction dance with many rehearsals as they fight their own attraction, afraid to change the course of their life or to put their faith in the hands of an other being. These two individual beings have fought lonely for so long, they do not know now how to rely on another’s shoulder. They struggle to share their burden. Until they will have to make a final choice.
5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen sweet lovemaking scene.
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
January 26, 2021
A rebellious Earl falls for a commanding spinster.
Genevieve Maitland had an unconventional upbringing following the drum with her military grandfather.
After his death, she lived with her sister, who was recently widowed and lived under the strict rule of her in-law family’s matriarch, The Dowager Lady Westford.
To survive such a dreadful life, Gene used her commanding nature and military strategy knowledge to manipulate the various family members into doing her bidding.
When Kit, Lady Westford’s despised grandson, returns to the state as the new Lord Westford, he is less than thrilled to see his former army commander’s grandaughter playing all the cards in his new home.
If you read The Return of the Disappearing Duke (a lovely read, highly recommended), you have already met Kit, aka Captain Christopher Carrington. He was the sailing merchant that took Rafe and Cleo back to England.
The story starts as an almost enemies-to-lovers (they are never real enemies) and evolves to a friends-to-lovers.
There is some clever banter between the two and a very sensual and immediate connection.
Kit was more alpha than Rafe (Rafe is probably a gamma hero), but he was managed beautifully by the strong-willed Gene.
She was a lovely heroine—fighting hard for her future and the well-being of those she loved.
The romance is intense and sensual with the right amount of angst.
A Match for the Rebellious Earl is an intense and romantic historical read with two strong main characters who have to compromise and accept that they belong with each another.
I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
*For more reviews, book art, and book-related articles, please visit https://lureviewsbooks.com *
Genevieve Maitland had an unconventional upbringing following the drum with her military grandfather.
After his death, she lived with her sister, who was recently widowed and lived under the strict rule of her in-law family’s matriarch, The Dowager Lady Westford.
To survive such a dreadful life, Gene used her commanding nature and military strategy knowledge to manipulate the various family members into doing her bidding.
When Kit, Lady Westford’s despised grandson, returns to the state as the new Lord Westford, he is less than thrilled to see his former army commander’s grandaughter playing all the cards in his new home.
If you read The Return of the Disappearing Duke (a lovely read, highly recommended), you have already met Kit, aka Captain Christopher Carrington. He was the sailing merchant that took Rafe and Cleo back to England.
The story starts as an almost enemies-to-lovers (they are never real enemies) and evolves to a friends-to-lovers.
There is some clever banter between the two and a very sensual and immediate connection.
Kit was more alpha than Rafe (Rafe is probably a gamma hero), but he was managed beautifully by the strong-willed Gene.
She was a lovely heroine—fighting hard for her future and the well-being of those she loved.
The romance is intense and sensual with the right amount of angst.
A Match for the Rebellious Earl is an intense and romantic historical read with two strong main characters who have to compromise and accept that they belong with each another.
I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
*For more reviews, book art, and book-related articles, please visit https://lureviewsbooks.com *
January 29, 2021
Expertly-drawn characters, clever dialogue, impeccable storytelling with humor, historical tidbits, and emotional depth, and sigh-inducing romance made this another excellent read from Ms. Temple.
Kit was so intriguing in his introduction in the previous book The Return of the Disappearing Duke. I love that Lara gave him a fascinating backstory and a strong partner in Genny. She’s an admirable heroine who is shrewd, capable, and yet also tender. I enjoyed all of their clashes and encounters.
The secondary characters are also well-rounded. Julian and Lady Sarah are especially interesting. I’ll be watching out for them in future books.
Kit was so intriguing in his introduction in the previous book The Return of the Disappearing Duke. I love that Lara gave him a fascinating backstory and a strong partner in Genny. She’s an admirable heroine who is shrewd, capable, and yet also tender. I enjoyed all of their clashes and encounters.
The secondary characters are also well-rounded. Julian and Lady Sarah are especially interesting. I’ll be watching out for them in future books.
October 13, 2023
4.25 stars.
I just like Lara Temple writing style. But now when I try to think of the story I can’t think of anything to say.
Kit has spent most of his adult life on ships traveling the world, never thinking he is going to inherit a title.
He comes back to the society just to pay respects to his sister upcoming wedding and falls straight into the wide net of the main planner of this family “generalissima” Miss Genny.
And Genny is like a talented organizer for his grandmother who wants see at least one of her grandsons produce a heir … soon.
So Genny starts pulling strings and organizing the parties, bringing young girls into the realm of these young bachelors never expecting she will be the one caught in her own net.
Even though Kit comes of as easy going even if reluctant by nature from the beginning of the book, I loved it when he got furious. It felt so justified and it was also resolved in the adult manner.
Great story.
I just like Lara Temple writing style. But now when I try to think of the story I can’t think of anything to say.
Kit has spent most of his adult life on ships traveling the world, never thinking he is going to inherit a title.
He comes back to the society just to pay respects to his sister upcoming wedding and falls straight into the wide net of the main planner of this family “generalissima” Miss Genny.
And Genny is like a talented organizer for his grandmother who wants see at least one of her grandsons produce a heir … soon.
So Genny starts pulling strings and organizing the parties, bringing young girls into the realm of these young bachelors never expecting she will be the one caught in her own net.
Even though Kit comes of as easy going even if reluctant by nature from the beginning of the book, I loved it when he got furious. It felt so justified and it was also resolved in the adult manner.
Great story.
February 1, 2021
Absolutely beautiful read, as always our authoress has outdone herself and given us all we adore from a Regency Romance, lovable rogues, conniving villains, adorable antics, hilarity and a feisty heroine we can all get behind.
I most definitely highly recommend this book.
I most definitely highly recommend this book.
February 5, 2021
If you read The Return of the Disappearing Duke, you probably fell a little bit in love with Captain Kit Carrington, the maybe-a-pirate ship captain who played a supporting role. Now it’s time for Kit to get his own love match, as he reluctantly returns to England to take up the title of Lord Westford, the responsibilities of which include the welfare of several cousins, widows and one Genevieve Maitland, sister of his cousin’s widow and apparently the person who’s been managing almost everything in his absence. They knew each other long ago in Spain when Genny was accompanying her grandfather, a respected general. Kit calls her the ‘Generalissima’ but it’s respect for her abilities rather than teasing.
Terrorised by the dowager Lady Westford, Genny reluctantly agrees to try to get one of the three Carrington men to choose a bride. But she’s actually more invested in finding a husband for her sister Serena and cousin Mary so she can get them out from under the old harpy’s control. Her matchmaking efforts all come to naught, though, because absolutely none of them are interested in finding a match. Except Kit. But he’s only looking at Genny, and that’s just preposterous. Isn’t it?
These two are absolutely charming together. They’re both trying to find their place in the world, Genny in particular unsure what contentment might even look like for her until Kit gives her options. There’s a particularly awesome epilogue several years into the future showing how they have built their world together to find their joy in it which I absolutely loved - I’m not always a fan of happily ever after epilogues but this one works because it shows the changes and the compromises they made and how it hasn’t affected their happiness together.
About the only thing missing was a Carrington family tree, because I did struggle a little to remember just how everyone was related to everyone else. I did read an ARC though so perhaps there’ll be a diagram in the final published edition!
Five stars for a lovely read, and I’m looking forward to more in this series!
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title from the author.
Terrorised by the dowager Lady Westford, Genny reluctantly agrees to try to get one of the three Carrington men to choose a bride. But she’s actually more invested in finding a husband for her sister Serena and cousin Mary so she can get them out from under the old harpy’s control. Her matchmaking efforts all come to naught, though, because absolutely none of them are interested in finding a match. Except Kit. But he’s only looking at Genny, and that’s just preposterous. Isn’t it?
These two are absolutely charming together. They’re both trying to find their place in the world, Genny in particular unsure what contentment might even look like for her until Kit gives her options. There’s a particularly awesome epilogue several years into the future showing how they have built their world together to find their joy in it which I absolutely loved - I’m not always a fan of happily ever after epilogues but this one works because it shows the changes and the compromises they made and how it hasn’t affected their happiness together.
About the only thing missing was a Carrington family tree, because I did struggle a little to remember just how everyone was related to everyone else. I did read an ARC though so perhaps there’ll be a diagram in the final published edition!
Five stars for a lovely read, and I’m looking forward to more in this series!
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title from the author.
January 16, 2021
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Fantastic, addictive and satisfyingly Passionate, this was all I needed and more. Such wonderful characters.
It was a story that constantly had me guessing, would they , wouldn’t they.
Never a boring moment, always a bit of a surprise or romantic interlude around the corner, constantly changing scenery or venue.
It gave me little chills at the passionate moments, at one description of Kit’s seduction of Genny I actually moaned myself so completely absorbed in the moment.
Glad no-one heard me , lol.
I adore Lara’s books, she has a wonderful gift and I always find her books enjoyable and entertaining.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
💋💋
Fantastic, addictive and satisfyingly Passionate, this was all I needed and more. Such wonderful characters.
It was a story that constantly had me guessing, would they , wouldn’t they.
Never a boring moment, always a bit of a surprise or romantic interlude around the corner, constantly changing scenery or venue.
It gave me little chills at the passionate moments, at one description of Kit’s seduction of Genny I actually moaned myself so completely absorbed in the moment.
Glad no-one heard me , lol.
I adore Lara’s books, she has a wonderful gift and I always find her books enjoyable and entertaining.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
December 27, 2020
This is a wonderful story. I thoroughly enjoyed it and know I will read it again and again. It concerns the love story of two exquisitely drawn characters who leap off the page fully formed and stay in the mind long after the book has ended.
Genevieve Maitland is a woman out of her time. She is intelligent, intellectual and has all the skills of a born leader. However, these attributes were not required of a woman in Regency England. As the sister of a widowed Countess, she is living as a companion to the Countess's mother in law, and on the charity of the new Earl, Kit Carrington, who up until this moment has preferred sailing the seven seas to claiming his heritage. She knew Kit some years previously when he was one of the more respected captains serving under her grandfather, General Maitland, in the Spanish wars. Genevieve is disappointed and annoyed that Kit seems to be shirking his responsibilities to his family and his widowed step-mother in particular.
Kit Carrington has returned to England to support his young stepsister at her wedding and is keen to get back to his ship "The Hesperus" and return to his life of trade and adventure. He finds Genevieve efficiently managing his grandmother's household, pulling strings and working hard to find prospective husbands for her sister and for Kit's stepmother. He is somewhat affronted! However, he finds himself, reluctantly, physically attracted to Genevieve.
What follows their first meeting is an exhilarating, witty and entrancing courtship dance that reminded me a little of Beatrice and Benedict and Petruchio and Katherina. The verbal sparring, the advance and retreat, the misunderstanding and reconciliations all come together in a glorious whole that makes my heart sing.
I loved watching Kit as he falls in love with Genevieve. He is gorgeous, uber-sexy and has an engaging compulsion towards self reflection. He fights his attraction at first, dismissing it as just lust but the more he learns about Genevieve, the more he admires her intelligence, her stoicism, her efforts to secure the best future she can for those she cares for. As he comes to understand the difficulties she lives with on a daily basis and as he discovers each new facet of her character his heart becomes increasingly engaged until he realises with some shock that he is in love with her.
As much as I fell in love with Kit, it was Genevieve who spoke to me most. How hard it must have been to hide her intelligence and intellectual pursuits. How difficult it must have been to sublimate her leadership skills into organising family matters when, had she been born male, she could have made her mark in the world as a leader in her own right. How hard it must have been to rely on the charity of others as an indigent relation and to have to scheme for a way to make a life for herself. And yet Genevieve is loving, compassionate and honest in the way reacts to Kit and the effect he has on her.
There is a very cinematic quality to the book. Scenes on the dance floor, theatre, beach and The Hesperus are very vivid and serve to highlight and enhance the different stages of their romance. A host of supporting characters are brought to life with a delicate touch and each has a vital role to play in emphasising aspects of the protagonists' characters and motivations. I particularly enjoyed the imperious Dowager Countess in all her horror and had a sneaking sympathy for Julian, Kit's kind but ineffectual cousin.
All in all, this is a gorgeous book: a social commentary with depth, a witty, romantic and sexy love story with wonderfully vivid characters. I just loved it.
Genevieve Maitland is a woman out of her time. She is intelligent, intellectual and has all the skills of a born leader. However, these attributes were not required of a woman in Regency England. As the sister of a widowed Countess, she is living as a companion to the Countess's mother in law, and on the charity of the new Earl, Kit Carrington, who up until this moment has preferred sailing the seven seas to claiming his heritage. She knew Kit some years previously when he was one of the more respected captains serving under her grandfather, General Maitland, in the Spanish wars. Genevieve is disappointed and annoyed that Kit seems to be shirking his responsibilities to his family and his widowed step-mother in particular.
Kit Carrington has returned to England to support his young stepsister at her wedding and is keen to get back to his ship "The Hesperus" and return to his life of trade and adventure. He finds Genevieve efficiently managing his grandmother's household, pulling strings and working hard to find prospective husbands for her sister and for Kit's stepmother. He is somewhat affronted! However, he finds himself, reluctantly, physically attracted to Genevieve.
What follows their first meeting is an exhilarating, witty and entrancing courtship dance that reminded me a little of Beatrice and Benedict and Petruchio and Katherina. The verbal sparring, the advance and retreat, the misunderstanding and reconciliations all come together in a glorious whole that makes my heart sing.
I loved watching Kit as he falls in love with Genevieve. He is gorgeous, uber-sexy and has an engaging compulsion towards self reflection. He fights his attraction at first, dismissing it as just lust but the more he learns about Genevieve, the more he admires her intelligence, her stoicism, her efforts to secure the best future she can for those she cares for. As he comes to understand the difficulties she lives with on a daily basis and as he discovers each new facet of her character his heart becomes increasingly engaged until he realises with some shock that he is in love with her.
As much as I fell in love with Kit, it was Genevieve who spoke to me most. How hard it must have been to hide her intelligence and intellectual pursuits. How difficult it must have been to sublimate her leadership skills into organising family matters when, had she been born male, she could have made her mark in the world as a leader in her own right. How hard it must have been to rely on the charity of others as an indigent relation and to have to scheme for a way to make a life for herself. And yet Genevieve is loving, compassionate and honest in the way reacts to Kit and the effect he has on her.
There is a very cinematic quality to the book. Scenes on the dance floor, theatre, beach and The Hesperus are very vivid and serve to highlight and enhance the different stages of their romance. A host of supporting characters are brought to life with a delicate touch and each has a vital role to play in emphasising aspects of the protagonists' characters and motivations. I particularly enjoyed the imperious Dowager Countess in all her horror and had a sneaking sympathy for Julian, Kit's kind but ineffectual cousin.
All in all, this is a gorgeous book: a social commentary with depth, a witty, romantic and sexy love story with wonderfully vivid characters. I just loved it.
February 18, 2021
I came across the character of Kit Carrington in a previous novel I reviewed, The Return of the Disappearing Duke, and I was thrilled to hear he featured in a novel of his own. And he did not disappoint (not that I expected him to)...
In A Match for the Rebellious Earl, we come across Captain Kit Carrington, now Lord Westford, an earl, on the death of his grandfather. A man who loves the freedom of the sea – and prefers to steer clear from his domineering, widowed grandmother – he is in no hurry to return home and take up the reins of his estate. When he's urged by his cousin Julian, a carefree rogue he never got on with since his childhood, to attend a family wedding, he resigns himself to spend as little time onshore as needed.
But when he meets Miss Genevieve Maitland again after eight years, he meets his match indeed, for Genny is feisty, determined, and bossy. When she enlists his help to find a suitable match for his widowed step-mother and Genny's sister Serena, little does he know where the path will lead him.
"’Right now I'm contemplating your chest,’ she blurted out."
A Match for the Rebellious Earl is a wonderful romance that holds you in a strong grip (pun intended) throughout. The two main characters, Kit and Genny, are complex beings; each with a strong sense of personal space and independence. Kit is highly respected by his men, with his strong sense of honour and loyalty. Genny has a caring nature that not only restricted to her sister, but also to an assortment of animals. She runs the Carrington home under the watchful eye – and sharp tongue – of Kit's grandmother, but in doing so, she ignores herself, and her own dreams and desires. Until Kit shows up...
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. As the setting moves from London to Dorset, the restrictions set by the Ton fall away, and finally both Kit and Genny discover emotions they'd kept hidden before. The development of the characters is one of the strong points of this story. Their well-hidden fears and insecurities come to the fore in the final chapters where a teasing ’will they-won't they’ situation rises from the choppy waters of the sea.
As Genny discovers her daring self she'd kept locked away for years, Kit realises that life onshore has its enticing rewards.
I'm hooked on Lara Temple's new Return of the Rogues series, and I'm already looking forward to the next. Having kept a close eye on various characters in A Match for the Rebellious Earl, I'm now wondering who is next on her list of lonely hearts to find love.
A riveting, fast-paced Regency romance. Highly recommended.
In A Match for the Rebellious Earl, we come across Captain Kit Carrington, now Lord Westford, an earl, on the death of his grandfather. A man who loves the freedom of the sea – and prefers to steer clear from his domineering, widowed grandmother – he is in no hurry to return home and take up the reins of his estate. When he's urged by his cousin Julian, a carefree rogue he never got on with since his childhood, to attend a family wedding, he resigns himself to spend as little time onshore as needed.
But when he meets Miss Genevieve Maitland again after eight years, he meets his match indeed, for Genny is feisty, determined, and bossy. When she enlists his help to find a suitable match for his widowed step-mother and Genny's sister Serena, little does he know where the path will lead him.
"’Right now I'm contemplating your chest,’ she blurted out."
A Match for the Rebellious Earl is a wonderful romance that holds you in a strong grip (pun intended) throughout. The two main characters, Kit and Genny, are complex beings; each with a strong sense of personal space and independence. Kit is highly respected by his men, with his strong sense of honour and loyalty. Genny has a caring nature that not only restricted to her sister, but also to an assortment of animals. She runs the Carrington home under the watchful eye – and sharp tongue – of Kit's grandmother, but in doing so, she ignores herself, and her own dreams and desires. Until Kit shows up...
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. As the setting moves from London to Dorset, the restrictions set by the Ton fall away, and finally both Kit and Genny discover emotions they'd kept hidden before. The development of the characters is one of the strong points of this story. Their well-hidden fears and insecurities come to the fore in the final chapters where a teasing ’will they-won't they’ situation rises from the choppy waters of the sea.
As Genny discovers her daring self she'd kept locked away for years, Kit realises that life onshore has its enticing rewards.
I'm hooked on Lara Temple's new Return of the Rogues series, and I'm already looking forward to the next. Having kept a close eye on various characters in A Match for the Rebellious Earl, I'm now wondering who is next on her list of lonely hearts to find love.
A riveting, fast-paced Regency romance. Highly recommended.
January 22, 2021
4.5/5 stars!
A Match for the Rebellious Earl stars Captain Christopher ‘Kit’ Carrington, a sailor and very, very reluctant earl. We first meet Kit in The Return of the Disappearing Duke where he sails from Egypt back to England and his family. This story opens with Kit’s return home and all that awaits him there, including a rather judgmental grandmother and the inquisitive Ton. The circumstances of his birth are not as pristine as befits a family of his stature, a fact his relatives never let him forget. He carries that burden, choosing to turn his back on them as much as possible until his half sister’s upcoming nuptials necessitate his return. He is brash, intelligent, adventurous and brave. His courage and wit are his greatest assets once he becomes reacquainted with Genny.
The story opens with Genny, her sister, Kit’s grandmother and her daughter-in-law, Mary. It does take a little while to figure out how each of these women is connected and who the Carrington men are. I’m not sure I ever really figured out exactly where Charlie, Marcus, Julian and their parents sprout on the Carrington family tree. However, the most important details are made very clear and Genny’s role as family protector and director is quite obvious.
Miss Genevieve Maitland feels she must justify her presence in the household as Serena’s sister. (Serena was meant to be the next Countess of Westford before the pre-mature death of her husband). She takes it upon herself to ensure the effective running of the household and even takes responsibility for the well-being of the family members. Her ruthless dedication to the management of the Carringtons earns her the nickname Generalissima from Kit- a reference to their time spent in Spain where her grandfather was Kit’s commanding officer. Genny’s rather unconventional upbringing means she is not a woman to sit back and simply accept whatever life throws at her. She is action-oriented and determined to better the quality of life for those she loves, even if that means sacrificing her own dreams and desires.
I’ve quite enjoyed several of Lara Temple’s books and this one is no different. I love how she creates heroines who question and seek to defy their society’s definition of a woman’s role. Genny would be considered far too forthright, far too intelligent, creative and definitely too ambitious. It’s a great thing then that Kit could never admire and love any woman who challenged him less.
The battle of wits between these two creates sparkling chemistry as each of them tries to ‘manage’ the other. In the end, they both take a headlong tumble into love and ultimately learn there is no way to meticulously plan or prepare for such an occurrence.
Oh, historical details of wars of the time and even battles fought in the distant past feature are introduced too. These elements are worked into the story seamlessly and provide colourful, historical facts.
A Match for the Rebellious Earl stars Captain Christopher ‘Kit’ Carrington, a sailor and very, very reluctant earl. We first meet Kit in The Return of the Disappearing Duke where he sails from Egypt back to England and his family. This story opens with Kit’s return home and all that awaits him there, including a rather judgmental grandmother and the inquisitive Ton. The circumstances of his birth are not as pristine as befits a family of his stature, a fact his relatives never let him forget. He carries that burden, choosing to turn his back on them as much as possible until his half sister’s upcoming nuptials necessitate his return. He is brash, intelligent, adventurous and brave. His courage and wit are his greatest assets once he becomes reacquainted with Genny.
The story opens with Genny, her sister, Kit’s grandmother and her daughter-in-law, Mary. It does take a little while to figure out how each of these women is connected and who the Carrington men are. I’m not sure I ever really figured out exactly where Charlie, Marcus, Julian and their parents sprout on the Carrington family tree. However, the most important details are made very clear and Genny’s role as family protector and director is quite obvious.
Miss Genevieve Maitland feels she must justify her presence in the household as Serena’s sister. (Serena was meant to be the next Countess of Westford before the pre-mature death of her husband). She takes it upon herself to ensure the effective running of the household and even takes responsibility for the well-being of the family members. Her ruthless dedication to the management of the Carringtons earns her the nickname Generalissima from Kit- a reference to their time spent in Spain where her grandfather was Kit’s commanding officer. Genny’s rather unconventional upbringing means she is not a woman to sit back and simply accept whatever life throws at her. She is action-oriented and determined to better the quality of life for those she loves, even if that means sacrificing her own dreams and desires.
I’ve quite enjoyed several of Lara Temple’s books and this one is no different. I love how she creates heroines who question and seek to defy their society’s definition of a woman’s role. Genny would be considered far too forthright, far too intelligent, creative and definitely too ambitious. It’s a great thing then that Kit could never admire and love any woman who challenged him less.
The battle of wits between these two creates sparkling chemistry as each of them tries to ‘manage’ the other. In the end, they both take a headlong tumble into love and ultimately learn there is no way to meticulously plan or prepare for such an occurrence.
Oh, historical details of wars of the time and even battles fought in the distant past feature are introduced too. These elements are worked into the story seamlessly and provide colourful, historical facts.
December 30, 2020
Captain Kit Carrington returns to London aboard his ship amongst scandalous rumours. Is he the pirate or just a privateer, either way the 'ton' are falling over themselves to be on his guest list and meet him.
He finds his estates and houses are been run efficiently by Miss Genevieve Maitland, daughter of an officer he once served with and sister to his late brothers wife. But unlike gentle Serena, Genny is feisty, clever and clearly unhappy in the straight jacket of protocol, niceties and decorum Regency society insists upon its women.
Hes too dashing, too wild, shes too impulsive and daring. So when they meet, theres bound to be fireworks!
He finds his estates and houses are been run efficiently by Miss Genevieve Maitland, daughter of an officer he once served with and sister to his late brothers wife. But unlike gentle Serena, Genny is feisty, clever and clearly unhappy in the straight jacket of protocol, niceties and decorum Regency society insists upon its women.
Hes too dashing, too wild, shes too impulsive and daring. So when they meet, theres bound to be fireworks!
January 16, 2021
Wonderful, complicated, strong characters. Kit is back in London after years on the seas, taking up some of his responsibilities for his family. His grandmother thinks that his main duty should be to marry and have children to continue the family line. Genny is trying to get her sister out from under the thumb of the grandmother and makes a pact with the old witch. Filled with emotion and some surprises, this was a a great read from a favorite author.
January 2, 2021
This was a lovely story with some wonderfully sparkling dialogue (my favourite!) perfect for a cosy winter's evening. I really liked Genny's independence and intelligence and the way she forced the completely gorgeous hero, Kit, to confront his responsibilities. Beautifully written and engaging. Recommended for all fans of Regency romance.
January 10, 2021
Another winner from Lara Temple. Kit and Genny were excellently matched, with entertaining banter and sizzling tension. Sweet moments, funny moments, and Temple's usual stellar prose made this a heartwarming, page-turning read.
April 19, 2021
Captain Kit Carrington where have you been my whole life??
I knew when we were first briefly introduced to him in The Return of the Disappearing Duke that he was going to sweep me off my feet – I do love a rugged rogue, especially one who may or may not have been a swashbuckling pirate. True, Ms Temple never actually states if he was or not, but from what we know about him I would like to think he was, Kit would be the perfect pirate OH my days I am imagining it all already – dressed in loose open-necked shirts, very tight breaches which leave nothing to the imagination 😉 and boots – I love a man in boots … sigh!!!
I do have a rather perverse imagination, don’t I?
I should talk about the book and not what I am day-dreaming whenever luscious, cheeky twinkle-eyed Kit walks into a scene – but once you meet captivating Captain Kit you will understand why I am all remiss to talk of anything other than how glorious his arms are and how well he fills a pair of fitted breaches.
A Match for the Rebellious Earl is the second book in the; Return of the Rogues mini-series, both books can be read very easily as stand-alone’s so you don’t necessarily need to read the previous book, but to be honest why would you pass it by? Why would you not want to meet ravaging Rafe from the previous book? Honestly, that guy is so HOT, HOT, HOT!!! But even that brooding rogue has competition in the for cunning, clever, courageous; Captain Christopher Carrington.
The un-willing, newly named Earl of Westford; Captain Kit Carrington is back after his adventures doing who knows what on the high-seas, the notorious rogue’s boots are now on dry land and even worse he must do his duty and even worse he must face his dragon-like grandmother with her infernal; thud, thud, the thudding of the cane (if you have read it you will understand) and even worse he is now being manoeuvred around society by his very own Generalissima.
Poor Kit, a man can’t get any peace!
Kit stole my heart completely, (I may have mentioned that already) I loved his air of not caring and not being bothered by all that is going on, he claims all he wants is to be gone away from the hustle and bustle of his family, but beneath that he has a true kindness about him, he does love those in his close circle and I love the gentleness which so few see, the few moments in the barn with Genny and the Kitten is heart-warming. He is a complex man in his own right, I felt that there is pain beneath that devilish charm, an uncertainty of what he wants and what is expected of him. He is a loyal man, he will do his duty but he doesn’t like it and I liked that contradicting themes. But, what you can be certain of is his unwavering lust and love and respect for Genny – even though she does push his buttons.
Genevieve Maitland has well-laid plans and the only way those plans will come to fruition is if the dashing rogue does as he is told as everyone in her little circle have to. Honestly, people don’t stand a chance where she is concerned, she is a little pocket rocket and it’s such fun watching as she takes charge and how she goes head to head with the equally strong-willed; Dowager – Kit’s grandmother.
Genny is a bit like a storm in a teacup – she is small but she has bluster, she is a born leader, if she was a boy she would have made a brilliant General – but alas she was born a girl and that is not to be permitted (yet). I love her delicate and almost miss-able way of how she manages people, it’s a work of art and how she goes head to head with the Dowager is wonderful and shows what proves what an impressive force of will she has. I have just realised that I am making her sound almost bullish or manipulative (true the way she arranges Kit’s social calendar is a beautiful piece of manipulation) but I see her as a woman who is just trying to keep the peace, trying to help those she loves and protect those who just haven’t got the gusto to stand up for themselves and that is commendable.
I adore Kit and Genny, theirs is a romance no matter their differences the moment Genny starts to organise and manipulate Kit like a general would his troupes you know these two are going to be huge fun. I love how Kit is slightly taken off-kilter by her straight to the point, non-nonsense words twisting games and how she out-manoeuvres him at every point, it’s hilarious I can almost see the blinking bewildered stumped look on his face when she so perfectly organises his daily schedule.
But, where she can stump him with her the sheer force of her stubborn, militarian and fast as a lightning bolt mind, he can so easily disarm her with a slight tilt of the head, a seductive smile his tantalising, predatory, piratical – devil may care and charismatic persona. I’m afraid as much as she would like to dislodge him from her world, he sneaks beneath through her steely defences and lays claim on her heart, he charms her with his kindness and boyish charm – not surprising really, he is one hell of a cheeky chappy.
I have to say that as much as I enjoyed the book, I hate to admit that in my personal view the beginning was a little overrun by characters. Don’t get me wrong I do like a fully stocked character list, but I did at times feel a little confused as to who was who and their role within the story. I felt like I was at a family wedding and all these random family members were introducing themselves and I am standing there bewildered as to who these people were. And yet, I liked all of the character’s as themselves and how well each one worked within the entirety of the story and this wouldn’t have been the same charming and dynamic romance without them. Once all the introductions were made I soon found myself falling in step with the story again, especially once glorious piratical Kit and brash no-nonsense Genny were tossing barbs at each other.
Lara Temple is an absolute dream to read, she puts so much love and passion in her stories and her character’s, they sparkle like the finest jewel. Her writing is exemplary, the attention to detail is as always flawless; from the glamourous dresses and ballrooms to the settings and how they speak it is all so real and makes reading such a delight.
A Match for the Rebellious Earl is a wonderfully passionate, funny, charming and delightfully mesmerising love story. It is essentially a second chance romance, but with the constant bickering and quick-witted, lusty banter between Genny and Kit you could easily call it enemies to lovers – they do butt heads more than once which is so much fun to read and at times though banters are steamy and sexy. But their mutual respect and love for each other are powerful throughout, they are genuinely good people, they understand the other in such a way that you know that they are the two halves of the same coin and I love them.
Overall, another glittery and blinding winner from the talented Ms Temple!
I knew when we were first briefly introduced to him in The Return of the Disappearing Duke that he was going to sweep me off my feet – I do love a rugged rogue, especially one who may or may not have been a swashbuckling pirate. True, Ms Temple never actually states if he was or not, but from what we know about him I would like to think he was, Kit would be the perfect pirate OH my days I am imagining it all already – dressed in loose open-necked shirts, very tight breaches which leave nothing to the imagination 😉 and boots – I love a man in boots … sigh!!!
I do have a rather perverse imagination, don’t I?
I should talk about the book and not what I am day-dreaming whenever luscious, cheeky twinkle-eyed Kit walks into a scene – but once you meet captivating Captain Kit you will understand why I am all remiss to talk of anything other than how glorious his arms are and how well he fills a pair of fitted breaches.
A Match for the Rebellious Earl is the second book in the; Return of the Rogues mini-series, both books can be read very easily as stand-alone’s so you don’t necessarily need to read the previous book, but to be honest why would you pass it by? Why would you not want to meet ravaging Rafe from the previous book? Honestly, that guy is so HOT, HOT, HOT!!! But even that brooding rogue has competition in the for cunning, clever, courageous; Captain Christopher Carrington.
The un-willing, newly named Earl of Westford; Captain Kit Carrington is back after his adventures doing who knows what on the high-seas, the notorious rogue’s boots are now on dry land and even worse he must do his duty and even worse he must face his dragon-like grandmother with her infernal; thud, thud, the thudding of the cane (if you have read it you will understand) and even worse he is now being manoeuvred around society by his very own Generalissima.
Poor Kit, a man can’t get any peace!
Kit stole my heart completely, (I may have mentioned that already) I loved his air of not caring and not being bothered by all that is going on, he claims all he wants is to be gone away from the hustle and bustle of his family, but beneath that he has a true kindness about him, he does love those in his close circle and I love the gentleness which so few see, the few moments in the barn with Genny and the Kitten is heart-warming. He is a complex man in his own right, I felt that there is pain beneath that devilish charm, an uncertainty of what he wants and what is expected of him. He is a loyal man, he will do his duty but he doesn’t like it and I liked that contradicting themes. But, what you can be certain of is his unwavering lust and love and respect for Genny – even though she does push his buttons.
Genevieve Maitland has well-laid plans and the only way those plans will come to fruition is if the dashing rogue does as he is told as everyone in her little circle have to. Honestly, people don’t stand a chance where she is concerned, she is a little pocket rocket and it’s such fun watching as she takes charge and how she goes head to head with the equally strong-willed; Dowager – Kit’s grandmother.
Genny is a bit like a storm in a teacup – she is small but she has bluster, she is a born leader, if she was a boy she would have made a brilliant General – but alas she was born a girl and that is not to be permitted (yet). I love her delicate and almost miss-able way of how she manages people, it’s a work of art and how she goes head to head with the Dowager is wonderful and shows what proves what an impressive force of will she has. I have just realised that I am making her sound almost bullish or manipulative (true the way she arranges Kit’s social calendar is a beautiful piece of manipulation) but I see her as a woman who is just trying to keep the peace, trying to help those she loves and protect those who just haven’t got the gusto to stand up for themselves and that is commendable.
I adore Kit and Genny, theirs is a romance no matter their differences the moment Genny starts to organise and manipulate Kit like a general would his troupes you know these two are going to be huge fun. I love how Kit is slightly taken off-kilter by her straight to the point, non-nonsense words twisting games and how she out-manoeuvres him at every point, it’s hilarious I can almost see the blinking bewildered stumped look on his face when she so perfectly organises his daily schedule.
But, where she can stump him with her the sheer force of her stubborn, militarian and fast as a lightning bolt mind, he can so easily disarm her with a slight tilt of the head, a seductive smile his tantalising, predatory, piratical – devil may care and charismatic persona. I’m afraid as much as she would like to dislodge him from her world, he sneaks beneath through her steely defences and lays claim on her heart, he charms her with his kindness and boyish charm – not surprising really, he is one hell of a cheeky chappy.
I have to say that as much as I enjoyed the book, I hate to admit that in my personal view the beginning was a little overrun by characters. Don’t get me wrong I do like a fully stocked character list, but I did at times feel a little confused as to who was who and their role within the story. I felt like I was at a family wedding and all these random family members were introducing themselves and I am standing there bewildered as to who these people were. And yet, I liked all of the character’s as themselves and how well each one worked within the entirety of the story and this wouldn’t have been the same charming and dynamic romance without them. Once all the introductions were made I soon found myself falling in step with the story again, especially once glorious piratical Kit and brash no-nonsense Genny were tossing barbs at each other.
Lara Temple is an absolute dream to read, she puts so much love and passion in her stories and her character’s, they sparkle like the finest jewel. Her writing is exemplary, the attention to detail is as always flawless; from the glamourous dresses and ballrooms to the settings and how they speak it is all so real and makes reading such a delight.
A Match for the Rebellious Earl is a wonderfully passionate, funny, charming and delightfully mesmerising love story. It is essentially a second chance romance, but with the constant bickering and quick-witted, lusty banter between Genny and Kit you could easily call it enemies to lovers – they do butt heads more than once which is so much fun to read and at times though banters are steamy and sexy. But their mutual respect and love for each other are powerful throughout, they are genuinely good people, they understand the other in such a way that you know that they are the two halves of the same coin and I love them.
Overall, another glittery and blinding winner from the talented Ms Temple!
March 8, 2021
Falling in love with Genny and Kit's story is inevitable. This is the kind of books which I love for its smooth and intriguing beginning. I was already expecting a great story for Captain Christopher Carrington, or Kit, who we met in The Return of the Disappearing Duke, but Miss Genevieve Maitland, or Genny, took me completely by surprise.
Such a strong-minded, logical, obliging, confident, and naturally sensual heroine is most attractive, and is who our mysterious hero needs.
Son of an earl and an actress, Kit is to become the next Lord Westford, especially after losing his parents at a young age and with his uncles dead. However, after his service in the army, Kit escapes from his duty at Carrington House, sails away on the Hesperus, and travels the world until he is requested to attend his sister's marriage.
When he returns home, he meets Miss Maitland, his uncle's sister-in-law.
In fact, Genny and Kit met in Spain when she and her sister, Serena, were under their grandfather's care, and Kit was in his army squad. From her grandfather, Genny learns about battles and armies. When Serena marries a Carrington and then becomes a widow, Genny, Serena, and Mary-Kit's stepmother, live with the Carringtons' grandmother, Lady Westford, better known as Medusa by everyone.
Genny loves to have control over every situation and is extremely organized. For that, Lady Westford trusts Genny, a side from the household management chores, her grandsons ' marital future. Nevertheless, the young woman has to find good suitors for her sister and Kit's stepmother, and save them from Lady Westford's hell.
However, when she meets again Kit, or Lord Westford, he shakes her world and turns it upside down. And she can't ignore him.
The strog attraction between them explodes into unsatisfied passionate encounters, enslaving Kit and Genny in a labyrinth of delusion and expectations.
The breathless moments of their meetings will keep you on edge, wondering is Kit is ever going to keep Genny for himself, or let her slip from his hand. Besides their whole drama, Kit's cousin, Julian, will be the stone in his path which Kit can't seem to push away, just like their grandmother.
Temple's writing is what I describe as exquisitely descriptive and luscious, with profound emotions and a pace most suitable for romance readers. The unfolding of events will roll you subtly from one tide to another. No matter what happens or if you think their comings and goings are burning the characters out, you'll always want more of it.
You'll love the settings between the city, the colorful gardens, and the daring seas, which reflects what our protagonist is made of.
Captain Christopher has definitely filled my expectations, and so his heroine. For this, I give this book a 4.8 stars review.
Such a strong-minded, logical, obliging, confident, and naturally sensual heroine is most attractive, and is who our mysterious hero needs.
Son of an earl and an actress, Kit is to become the next Lord Westford, especially after losing his parents at a young age and with his uncles dead. However, after his service in the army, Kit escapes from his duty at Carrington House, sails away on the Hesperus, and travels the world until he is requested to attend his sister's marriage.
When he returns home, he meets Miss Maitland, his uncle's sister-in-law.
In fact, Genny and Kit met in Spain when she and her sister, Serena, were under their grandfather's care, and Kit was in his army squad. From her grandfather, Genny learns about battles and armies. When Serena marries a Carrington and then becomes a widow, Genny, Serena, and Mary-Kit's stepmother, live with the Carringtons' grandmother, Lady Westford, better known as Medusa by everyone.
Genny loves to have control over every situation and is extremely organized. For that, Lady Westford trusts Genny, a side from the household management chores, her grandsons ' marital future. Nevertheless, the young woman has to find good suitors for her sister and Kit's stepmother, and save them from Lady Westford's hell.
However, when she meets again Kit, or Lord Westford, he shakes her world and turns it upside down. And she can't ignore him.
The strog attraction between them explodes into unsatisfied passionate encounters, enslaving Kit and Genny in a labyrinth of delusion and expectations.
The breathless moments of their meetings will keep you on edge, wondering is Kit is ever going to keep Genny for himself, or let her slip from his hand. Besides their whole drama, Kit's cousin, Julian, will be the stone in his path which Kit can't seem to push away, just like their grandmother.
Temple's writing is what I describe as exquisitely descriptive and luscious, with profound emotions and a pace most suitable for romance readers. The unfolding of events will roll you subtly from one tide to another. No matter what happens or if you think their comings and goings are burning the characters out, you'll always want more of it.
You'll love the settings between the city, the colorful gardens, and the daring seas, which reflects what our protagonist is made of.
Captain Christopher has definitely filled my expectations, and so his heroine. For this, I give this book a 4.8 stars review.
December 20, 2020
Ah… What a wonderful love story. We first met Kit in Rafe’s book The Return of the Disappearing Duke. He was larger than life in that story, the ship’s captain who may or may not have been a pirate at some point (it was never made absolutely clear). In Lara Temple’s latest Mills & Boon/Harlequin offering Kit Carrington is back on dry land and in England. With a parentage that the Ton looks at somewhat askance Kit blithely ignores their opinions and lives his life the way he wants.
Genevieve Maitland first met Kit when she was a teenager and lived with grandfather, a general with army in the Peninsular. Kit was an officer under her grandfather’s command. In this story they are older and are in the right place and time to fall in love. And fall they do. Head over heels. Watching them fall is a delight. Lara Temple’s story-telling capabilities grow with each successive book. Reading this book was an absolute pleasure and I cannot recommend A Match for the Rebellious Earl highly enough.
Genevieve Maitland first met Kit when she was a teenager and lived with grandfather, a general with army in the Peninsular. Kit was an officer under her grandfather’s command. In this story they are older and are in the right place and time to fall in love. And fall they do. Head over heels. Watching them fall is a delight. Lara Temple’s story-telling capabilities grow with each successive book. Reading this book was an absolute pleasure and I cannot recommend A Match for the Rebellious Earl highly enough.
December 9, 2020
Excellent read
Machinations, collusions, and plots as Genny tries to manipulate those around her to find her sister and the Earl’s stepmother new husbands, and the disreputable Earl a wife, so he might provide heirs to satisfy his grandmother. Working with Lady Westford proves an arduous task, and Genny must make various trade-offs, in the hope her plotting will be successful.
She needs the co-operation of the new Earl, who after resigning his army commission has spent the last three years sailing round the world. While the Ton would have it he is a pirate and a wicked seducer of women, it seems more likely he was in search of antiquities and exploration.
Despite his reluctance and suspicions, Genny persuades him into making various social appearances which don’t work out quite as she has planned, as the Earl is increasingly entranced by her, and much against her will, Genny, too, responds to him.
Weaving in and out of social events, forming and re-forming their battle lines, the Earl and Genny grow closer and closer until finally the realisation dawns that they love each other.
All Genny’s plans for her relatives come to nothing, and it is only the sour Lady Westford who finds a twilight marriage. Genny’s sister and Mary are content with the outcome–a house and their debts paid.
Kit has a determined character but hidden beneath his exterior of veiled boredom and distaste for socialising is kind and caring person who wants Genny to be free of all her worries and obligations.
Genny is tired of her efficient life, and longs for someone who will love her, and for adventure, and travel. Add to this a good dose of perfectly understandable lust, beautifully portrayed, gilded with a growing love, and you have all the ingredients for a wonderful love story.
A delightful epilogue looks into the future, where we find Kit and Genny at the Rubicon, their two children on holiday in the care of their aunts, and a clear indication that over the years, great love and a dislike of being apart has grown between the hero and heroine.
This complete novel had me amused, involved, and interested. Beautifully written (I do like writing of excellent quality) and with a good knowledge of British social customs and hierarchies, it grabbed me from page one until I finished it in the middle of last night, being unable to leave well alone until the following morning.
Machinations, collusions, and plots as Genny tries to manipulate those around her to find her sister and the Earl’s stepmother new husbands, and the disreputable Earl a wife, so he might provide heirs to satisfy his grandmother. Working with Lady Westford proves an arduous task, and Genny must make various trade-offs, in the hope her plotting will be successful.
She needs the co-operation of the new Earl, who after resigning his army commission has spent the last three years sailing round the world. While the Ton would have it he is a pirate and a wicked seducer of women, it seems more likely he was in search of antiquities and exploration.
Despite his reluctance and suspicions, Genny persuades him into making various social appearances which don’t work out quite as she has planned, as the Earl is increasingly entranced by her, and much against her will, Genny, too, responds to him.
Weaving in and out of social events, forming and re-forming their battle lines, the Earl and Genny grow closer and closer until finally the realisation dawns that they love each other.
All Genny’s plans for her relatives come to nothing, and it is only the sour Lady Westford who finds a twilight marriage. Genny’s sister and Mary are content with the outcome–a house and their debts paid.
Kit has a determined character but hidden beneath his exterior of veiled boredom and distaste for socialising is kind and caring person who wants Genny to be free of all her worries and obligations.
Genny is tired of her efficient life, and longs for someone who will love her, and for adventure, and travel. Add to this a good dose of perfectly understandable lust, beautifully portrayed, gilded with a growing love, and you have all the ingredients for a wonderful love story.
A delightful epilogue looks into the future, where we find Kit and Genny at the Rubicon, their two children on holiday in the care of their aunts, and a clear indication that over the years, great love and a dislike of being apart has grown between the hero and heroine.
This complete novel had me amused, involved, and interested. Beautifully written (I do like writing of excellent quality) and with a good knowledge of British social customs and hierarchies, it grabbed me from page one until I finished it in the middle of last night, being unable to leave well alone until the following morning.
Read
January 2, 2021Categories
Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Regency Romance
Miniseries
The Return of the Rogues
Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Regency Romance
Miniseries
The Return of the Rogues
December 10, 2020
Intriguing read, which way will Miss Genevieve Maitland, manipulating of all around her go, will she achieved what she wants to see in life, her sister remarried, her sisters late husbands debts paid, exciting read to see where this story takes us.
At the beginning I was not a fan of Gennys as she is affectionately known, she does grow on you so much you get a surprise with each new revolutions she explains she has had a hand in, that my friends is thanks to the beautiful writing of this story by our author Lara Temple 👏👏👏
As for Lord Westford he has not idea what is going on in his home, his grandmother seems to stamp her cane and every one falls in line, but no, it’s Genny the General, who tries to control all.
Known to all as Kit Carrington who has been away for years following the sea, the ton wait and watch to see were he will go but he is on a mission to see his sister married then off again to sail the sea, but the young Genny is a force to be reckoned with, who managed to turn his life upside down.
Wonderful read, all characters in this story speak to you and in one chapter where Kit lets lose, I found I had a huge smile and wanted to yell, go get them.
Highly recommend as it is a Lara Temple book and this author never lets her readers down 👏👏👏👏👏👏
Stand alone.
At the beginning I was not a fan of Gennys as she is affectionately known, she does grow on you so much you get a surprise with each new revolutions she explains she has had a hand in, that my friends is thanks to the beautiful writing of this story by our author Lara Temple 👏👏👏
As for Lord Westford he has not idea what is going on in his home, his grandmother seems to stamp her cane and every one falls in line, but no, it’s Genny the General, who tries to control all.
Known to all as Kit Carrington who has been away for years following the sea, the ton wait and watch to see were he will go but he is on a mission to see his sister married then off again to sail the sea, but the young Genny is a force to be reckoned with, who managed to turn his life upside down.
Wonderful read, all characters in this story speak to you and in one chapter where Kit lets lose, I found I had a huge smile and wanted to yell, go get them.
Highly recommend as it is a Lara Temple book and this author never lets her readers down 👏👏👏👏👏👏
Stand alone.
January 12, 2021
I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review from the author.
Well Kit, I was looking forward to you and I was not disappointed. We first met via Rafe's journey home via ship and I was intrigued then! You might prefer to read his book first but this story is not a sequel as such and they can be read entirely independently.
Kit, like Rafe has a lot going on behind the scenes and in going rogue he also doesn't take family or loved ones along for the ride. Also like Rafe, Kit has an inconvenient aristocratic life beckoning or maybe even demanding and when we catch up with him he's sailing towards this future. At least for a while.
Our heroine, Genevieve Maitland is stuck in the middle of a widowed sister and her widowed sister in law plus an extremely irascible mother in law/grandmother figure. Barring her actual sister she's actually marshalling Kit's relatives rather than her own and they have an interesting childhood backstory together (I actually quite liked some of Kit's cousins and almost hope to see them again).
Into this complex situation returns Kit, unwillingly now the head of this family has another secret of his own. Scandalous parentage! There was definitely a lot less exoticism in location though possibly more in Kit's collections instead...
I enjoyed getting to know Kit, and Genevieve's skills were practically military in keeping the family going. I did find Kit's family members a little much at times especially his grandmother and there were a fair few of them. Also there was so little time for Kit and Vivi (I love this version of her name) to really get to be with one another - apart from that delicious ballroom frisson at the beginning I felt a bit of a disconnect at times. I liked that Vivi also had her own secrets and attempts at freedom via her own talents.
The end too I felt needed a certain something I can't pin down. Maybe due to the complex family issues and Kit being in the middle of everything I almost wanted that breath of air where he and Vivi worked out what their future might be and in the end felt a bit rushed though I did enjoy the way this was resolved even if it felt a bit short.
I still really enjoyed this story though it was more of a four star read for me.
Well Kit, I was looking forward to you and I was not disappointed. We first met via Rafe's journey home via ship and I was intrigued then! You might prefer to read his book first but this story is not a sequel as such and they can be read entirely independently.
Kit, like Rafe has a lot going on behind the scenes and in going rogue he also doesn't take family or loved ones along for the ride. Also like Rafe, Kit has an inconvenient aristocratic life beckoning or maybe even demanding and when we catch up with him he's sailing towards this future. At least for a while.
Our heroine, Genevieve Maitland is stuck in the middle of a widowed sister and her widowed sister in law plus an extremely irascible mother in law/grandmother figure. Barring her actual sister she's actually marshalling Kit's relatives rather than her own and they have an interesting childhood backstory together (I actually quite liked some of Kit's cousins and almost hope to see them again).
Into this complex situation returns Kit, unwillingly now the head of this family has another secret of his own. Scandalous parentage! There was definitely a lot less exoticism in location though possibly more in Kit's collections instead...
I enjoyed getting to know Kit, and Genevieve's skills were practically military in keeping the family going. I did find Kit's family members a little much at times especially his grandmother and there were a fair few of them. Also there was so little time for Kit and Vivi (I love this version of her name) to really get to be with one another - apart from that delicious ballroom frisson at the beginning I felt a bit of a disconnect at times. I liked that Vivi also had her own secrets and attempts at freedom via her own talents.
The end too I felt needed a certain something I can't pin down. Maybe due to the complex family issues and Kit being in the middle of everything I almost wanted that breath of air where he and Vivi worked out what their future might be and in the end felt a bit rushed though I did enjoy the way this was resolved even if it felt a bit short.
I still really enjoyed this story though it was more of a four star read for me.
January 25, 2021
Lara Temple’s latest historical romance is the wonderful story of Kit and Genny as they move from a tentative friendship to discovering that sometimes you just can’t help who you fall in love with.
Readers of the author’s previous book (the excellent ‘Return of the Disappearing Duke’) will have briefly met Kit, otherwise known as Rafe’s friend ‘Captain Chris’, and no doubt been intrigued by the mysterious sailor who clearly had a story to be told, and made a strong impression on the reader. In this book, Kit wonderfully springs to life from the outset as he reluctantly returns home to his family for an upcoming wedding, and is forced to accept his new calling as Lord Westford. For Kit, who would much rather re-board his beloved ship and sail away, the appearance of Genny within the household provides him with a much needed sparring partner as the two embark on a delightful friendship which has the potential to become so much more. The instantly likeable Genny is a definite candidate for ‘heroine of the year’ and it’s only January! She is one of those heroines that you cannot help but fall in love with from the outset, and her witty retorts drive the plot as she organises family life with military precision to the extent that Kit jokingly calls her ‘Generalisima’ Together, the pair are a delight and you cannot help but root for them to give in to their feelings as the story progresses. Indeed, one of my favourite elements of the book was that we are able to watch Kit and Genny fall for each other without realising it, and the fact they can interact with each other without the restrictions of society (given that no one expects them to end up together) only adds to the enjoyment. The plot is strong and well-paced and you really do care what will become of the characters in the end.
As always, Lara Temple also shows off her talents for creating well rounded secondary characters that add depth to the plot, and also steal the show with their cameo appearances; special mention must go the delightful Lady Westford (imagine Maggie Smith at her very best in ‘Downton Abbey’ and you get picture!) who rules the roost in the family and always has to have the last word. I won’t spoil the sub-plot, but there is a surprising twist to her appearances which will leave you smiling at everyone’s reaction to what transpires. There is also scope for future appearances from Julian, Marcus, Serena and Mary who all play their part in the story, as well as the entertaining Lady Sarah, whose conversation with Genny regarding a marriage of convenience with Kit is a standout moment and only add to the reader’s belief that Genny should reveal her true feelings.
The concluding chapters feature a strong element of romance which is befitting of the characters journey to happy ever after and it’s a case of tissues at the ready for the emotional climax of the scene where Kit decides to teach Genny Italian which is one of the most memorable declarations of love I have read in a while. Furthermore, my favourite moment involves an analogy to the unexpected breaking of a glass – I won’t spoil it, but the quote alone is beautifully written.
Overall, this is yet another triumph from Lara Temple, who only seems to get better with each passing book. The story is full of romance, humour, family drama all amongst a cast of characters who spring to life and keep the reader engaged throughout. The end will leave you smiling (if somewhat teary eyed) and the characters will be remembered long after the last page has been turned.
Readers of the author’s previous book (the excellent ‘Return of the Disappearing Duke’) will have briefly met Kit, otherwise known as Rafe’s friend ‘Captain Chris’, and no doubt been intrigued by the mysterious sailor who clearly had a story to be told, and made a strong impression on the reader. In this book, Kit wonderfully springs to life from the outset as he reluctantly returns home to his family for an upcoming wedding, and is forced to accept his new calling as Lord Westford. For Kit, who would much rather re-board his beloved ship and sail away, the appearance of Genny within the household provides him with a much needed sparring partner as the two embark on a delightful friendship which has the potential to become so much more. The instantly likeable Genny is a definite candidate for ‘heroine of the year’ and it’s only January! She is one of those heroines that you cannot help but fall in love with from the outset, and her witty retorts drive the plot as she organises family life with military precision to the extent that Kit jokingly calls her ‘Generalisima’ Together, the pair are a delight and you cannot help but root for them to give in to their feelings as the story progresses. Indeed, one of my favourite elements of the book was that we are able to watch Kit and Genny fall for each other without realising it, and the fact they can interact with each other without the restrictions of society (given that no one expects them to end up together) only adds to the enjoyment. The plot is strong and well-paced and you really do care what will become of the characters in the end.
As always, Lara Temple also shows off her talents for creating well rounded secondary characters that add depth to the plot, and also steal the show with their cameo appearances; special mention must go the delightful Lady Westford (imagine Maggie Smith at her very best in ‘Downton Abbey’ and you get picture!) who rules the roost in the family and always has to have the last word. I won’t spoil the sub-plot, but there is a surprising twist to her appearances which will leave you smiling at everyone’s reaction to what transpires. There is also scope for future appearances from Julian, Marcus, Serena and Mary who all play their part in the story, as well as the entertaining Lady Sarah, whose conversation with Genny regarding a marriage of convenience with Kit is a standout moment and only add to the reader’s belief that Genny should reveal her true feelings.
The concluding chapters feature a strong element of romance which is befitting of the characters journey to happy ever after and it’s a case of tissues at the ready for the emotional climax of the scene where Kit decides to teach Genny Italian which is one of the most memorable declarations of love I have read in a while. Furthermore, my favourite moment involves an analogy to the unexpected breaking of a glass – I won’t spoil it, but the quote alone is beautifully written.
Overall, this is yet another triumph from Lara Temple, who only seems to get better with each passing book. The story is full of romance, humour, family drama all amongst a cast of characters who spring to life and keep the reader engaged throughout. The end will leave you smiling (if somewhat teary eyed) and the characters will be remembered long after the last page has been turned.
January 1, 2021
Another great book from Lara Temple!
Is Captain Kit a... pirate? Lord? Scandal?
I really enjoyed this book, I couldn't put it down and read it in 2 sittings!
We follow Captain Kit Carrington, now Lord Westford, as he sails back to England and turns up unexpectedly at societies biggest ball of the season having unexpectedly inherited the title and estate of the Lord of Westford after the death of his brother. He returns for the upcoming wedding of his sister but finds himself forced to remain in the thick of society balls, dinners and activities. Kit prefers to be out on the ocean, sailing off to far away lands.
We also follow Genevieve who is living in the estate of Lord Westford with her sister, Serena, who is a widow of Kits brother (the previous Lord Westford). Genny can be quite bossy and doesn't easily bow down the pressures of the vast household, let alone Kit. They find themselves butting heads constantly and they get under each others skin like no other. However, they also find common ground and Kit previously knew Genny and her grandfather during the war and he had great respect for her grandfather, which makes Ginny think that Kit isn't all that bad... sometimes.
Genny, although younger than her sister, seems to take on a motherly role and wants to try and organise their lives and future down to a tee. Kit helps Genny realise that maybe Serena is find just how she is and doesn't want to be forced down a path that she isn't ready for. Kit also beings to see for himself that Genny isn't trying to have control over her sisters lives, she just wants her sister to find happiness.
We also read some scenes on board Kits boat, The Hesperus, and I loved those parts! A book that has society balls, dancing, waltzing, scandal, gossip, but also a boat full of wine, treasures and fun on the open sea?! yes please!
With Genny and Kit in the same household we see a lot of conflict and fieriness between them, but we also see respect and adoration blooming. It is a great story to read and I loved seeing their relationship develop in different ways, not just from dislike to love but also the friendship and respect that grows between them. We also have a lot of other characters within this book that each bring their own perspective on things which is nice to read without being weighed down with too many characters. This book is well written and a fantastic story to sit down with.
Is Captain Kit a... pirate? Lord? Scandal?
I really enjoyed this book, I couldn't put it down and read it in 2 sittings!
We follow Captain Kit Carrington, now Lord Westford, as he sails back to England and turns up unexpectedly at societies biggest ball of the season having unexpectedly inherited the title and estate of the Lord of Westford after the death of his brother. He returns for the upcoming wedding of his sister but finds himself forced to remain in the thick of society balls, dinners and activities. Kit prefers to be out on the ocean, sailing off to far away lands.
We also follow Genevieve who is living in the estate of Lord Westford with her sister, Serena, who is a widow of Kits brother (the previous Lord Westford). Genny can be quite bossy and doesn't easily bow down the pressures of the vast household, let alone Kit. They find themselves butting heads constantly and they get under each others skin like no other. However, they also find common ground and Kit previously knew Genny and her grandfather during the war and he had great respect for her grandfather, which makes Ginny think that Kit isn't all that bad... sometimes.
Genny, although younger than her sister, seems to take on a motherly role and wants to try and organise their lives and future down to a tee. Kit helps Genny realise that maybe Serena is find just how she is and doesn't want to be forced down a path that she isn't ready for. Kit also beings to see for himself that Genny isn't trying to have control over her sisters lives, she just wants her sister to find happiness.
We also read some scenes on board Kits boat, The Hesperus, and I loved those parts! A book that has society balls, dancing, waltzing, scandal, gossip, but also a boat full of wine, treasures and fun on the open sea?! yes please!
With Genny and Kit in the same household we see a lot of conflict and fieriness between them, but we also see respect and adoration blooming. It is a great story to read and I loved seeing their relationship develop in different ways, not just from dislike to love but also the friendship and respect that grows between them. We also have a lot of other characters within this book that each bring their own perspective on things which is nice to read without being weighed down with too many characters. This book is well written and a fantastic story to sit down with.
January 25, 2021
I have to admit I’ve really been looking forward to reading Kit’s story. Let’s just say it was everything and more. The witty sparring and the gorgeous chemistry burned bright between Kit and Genny. I couldn’t read this book fast enough hoping that this pair would find their way to being together.
The story held my interest throughout especially the tricky dynamics of this family. Then add in Genny trying to keep order along with looking out for her family and I was hooked. Instantly likeable, Genny had such a wonderfully warm and intelligent personality. Of course a big stumbling block in her life appears in the form of Kit. Newly retuned home although not necessarily happy to be back. Now, what can I say about Kit? Well, I think I probably ended up a little in love with Kit myself. He was such a strong lead with a personality that drew me in the more I got to know him, sigh 🥰
I think I spent most of the time reading this book smiling at Kit and Genny’s banter. The way they danced around each other trying to stay one step ahead. A Match for the Rebellious Earl captured my attention from first page to last. I was completely caught up in the romance and even though I raced through this book I really didn’t want it to end!
Lara Temple always writes the most sizzling and beautiful romances. Just like the first book in the Return of the Rogues series A Match for the Rebellious Earl was a hit with me. Love, love, loved it!
The story held my interest throughout especially the tricky dynamics of this family. Then add in Genny trying to keep order along with looking out for her family and I was hooked. Instantly likeable, Genny had such a wonderfully warm and intelligent personality. Of course a big stumbling block in her life appears in the form of Kit. Newly retuned home although not necessarily happy to be back. Now, what can I say about Kit? Well, I think I probably ended up a little in love with Kit myself. He was such a strong lead with a personality that drew me in the more I got to know him, sigh 🥰
I think I spent most of the time reading this book smiling at Kit and Genny’s banter. The way they danced around each other trying to stay one step ahead. A Match for the Rebellious Earl captured my attention from first page to last. I was completely caught up in the romance and even though I raced through this book I really didn’t want it to end!
Lara Temple always writes the most sizzling and beautiful romances. Just like the first book in the Return of the Rogues series A Match for the Rebellious Earl was a hit with me. Love, love, loved it!
February 2, 2021
Expect to be engaged in the battle between the new Duke of Westford, Kit Carrington and Genny Maitland as they go toe to toe with a big push from his grandmother. Genny's determined to find him a Duchess and he's determined to resist her efforts. Never mind they knew each other eight years ago during the war in Spain. She's changed and so has he. One uncooperative Duke would rather be back on his ship. Genny just wants to be with him, even if she's the only one in love. Sit down in your comfy chair and be prepared to read with barely a break, you won't be disappointed. A definite keeper.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book gifted by the author
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book gifted by the author
January 31, 2021
Genny is used to dealing with difficult people and situations as a young woman she lived with her grandfather a General in the Spanish wars, and that's where she met Captian Carrington. Kit Carrington now Lord Westford has no fond memories of the Carrington family except his stepmother and half-sister Emily. Forced back to London he faces a battle with a formidable enemy with his heart at stake.
This is an enjoyable historical romance with vividly portrayed characters. Genny is a coper and a manager out of necessity. Her conflicted romance with Kit makes her long for a different life. The chemistry simmers, as the witty dialogue and subterfuge play out between Genny and Kit. This is a romantic story full of emotion and passion. Reading this is a lovely way to spend a cold winter's afternoon.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
This is an enjoyable historical romance with vividly portrayed characters. Genny is a coper and a manager out of necessity. Her conflicted romance with Kit makes her long for a different life. The chemistry simmers, as the witty dialogue and subterfuge play out between Genny and Kit. This is a romantic story full of emotion and passion. Reading this is a lovely way to spend a cold winter's afternoon.
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
January 28, 2021
Review to come! Loved it!
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