What do you think?
Rate this book
Noble Charades #1
The Earl Next Door
One available house. One pesky Earl. One month to drive him out.
When Miss Henrietta Dixon wants something, she finds a way to have it. When an incident in London sends her and her sister to Bath, she can think of no better opportunity to reunite her sister with the man she has always loved by inviting him to stay at the last available townhouse next door in the Royal Crescent. Her plan is coming along splendidly until The Earl of Guildford walks—or rather, saunters—into town, and steals it from under her nose.
Charlie can see only one way to save his sister from the horrible marriage his father has planned for her. He has to marry an heiress, Lady Eleanor, who has taken up residence in Bath. In order to secure the final place in the Royal Crescent, he has no choice but to offer any price it takes. He only has to stay for long enough to woo Lady Eleanor, but when a remarkably vexing young woman next door refuses to leave him in peace, he cannot help but declare war. A war of wits, a war of schemes, and most unexpectedly…a war against his obstinate heart. Miss Dixon is not only vexing, but she is intriguing and beautiful in a way he has never seen before. Whether she likes it or not, he’s keeping his place in Bath. But whether he can keep his heart is another matter entirely.
***
The Earl Next Door is a sweet regency romantic comedy. It is the first book in the Noble Charades series by Ashtyn Newbold.
1. The Earl Next Door
2. The Duke's Diary (Fall 2023)
3. (to be announced.)
When Miss Henrietta Dixon wants something, she finds a way to have it. When an incident in London sends her and her sister to Bath, she can think of no better opportunity to reunite her sister with the man she has always loved by inviting him to stay at the last available townhouse next door in the Royal Crescent. Her plan is coming along splendidly until The Earl of Guildford walks—or rather, saunters—into town, and steals it from under her nose.
Charlie can see only one way to save his sister from the horrible marriage his father has planned for her. He has to marry an heiress, Lady Eleanor, who has taken up residence in Bath. In order to secure the final place in the Royal Crescent, he has no choice but to offer any price it takes. He only has to stay for long enough to woo Lady Eleanor, but when a remarkably vexing young woman next door refuses to leave him in peace, he cannot help but declare war. A war of wits, a war of schemes, and most unexpectedly…a war against his obstinate heart. Miss Dixon is not only vexing, but she is intriguing and beautiful in a way he has never seen before. Whether she likes it or not, he’s keeping his place in Bath. But whether he can keep his heart is another matter entirely.
***
The Earl Next Door is a sweet regency romantic comedy. It is the first book in the Noble Charades series by Ashtyn Newbold.
1. The Earl Next Door
2. The Duke's Diary (Fall 2023)
3. (to be announced.)
326 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2023
1028 people are currently reading
2254 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 344 reviews
March 29, 2023
I would give this 10 stars if I could
Oh how happy this book made me! I kept laughing out loud and getting all teary eyed at the sweetness of it all, and sometimes doing both at the same time. It was hilarious reading about the bantering, teasing, and unfortunate situations they found themselves in. The humor was there without that over the top Jerry Lewis humor some romcoms have.
I loved Henrietta’s spite, revenge, and loyalty. I loved the way Charlie could deliver a comeback without skipping a beat and he found humor in all situations. I swear he made me almost swoon several times while reading this. Best swooning scene was the labyrinth, omg read with a fan! I also loved the dinner party scene, how to have a veiled argument without saying what you really want to say! But mostly I loved the descriptions of the water from the pump room throughout the book.
I truly loved the modern edge to it with the dual 1st person POV. Although I was hesitant about the 1st person voice at first, thinking somehow it would detract from the regency feel of the book, it truly didn’t for me. It was a romcom but with the innocence and integrity of the regency setting. The characters were so relatable and lovable. I am quite addicted to the series now and am dying to find out what next adventure will be like.
I adore this author’s books and would love to see this one adapted into a movie!
Rating: G/PG, clean and wholesome as always from this author!
Oh how happy this book made me! I kept laughing out loud and getting all teary eyed at the sweetness of it all, and sometimes doing both at the same time. It was hilarious reading about the bantering, teasing, and unfortunate situations they found themselves in. The humor was there without that over the top Jerry Lewis humor some romcoms have.
I loved Henrietta’s spite, revenge, and loyalty. I loved the way Charlie could deliver a comeback without skipping a beat and he found humor in all situations. I swear he made me almost swoon several times while reading this. Best swooning scene was the labyrinth, omg read with a fan! I also loved the dinner party scene, how to have a veiled argument without saying what you really want to say! But mostly I loved the descriptions of the water from the pump room throughout the book.
I truly loved the modern edge to it with the dual 1st person POV. Although I was hesitant about the 1st person voice at first, thinking somehow it would detract from the regency feel of the book, it truly didn’t for me. It was a romcom but with the innocence and integrity of the regency setting. The characters were so relatable and lovable. I am quite addicted to the series now and am dying to find out what next adventure will be like.
I adore this author’s books and would love to see this one adapted into a movie!
Rating: G/PG, clean and wholesome as always from this author!
April 5, 2023
Definitely want to read book #2 now.
April 8, 2023
Super Cute!
This was a delightful story with likable, endearing characters. A fun setting and storyline that kept me glued to the pages. I thought it was well written and left me eager for the rest of the series. I so enjoy a fun Romcom Regency!
Content Rated G
Swoony kisses, clean romance. No language or violence
This was a delightful story with likable, endearing characters. A fun setting and storyline that kept me glued to the pages. I thought it was well written and left me eager for the rest of the series. I so enjoy a fun Romcom Regency!
Content Rated G
Swoony kisses, clean romance. No language or violence
November 7, 2025
So dang romantic…
I absolutely loved this story. The romance between the two main characters was incredible. The kisses amazingly sizzling, and I can’t wait to read book two because the book ends with a tiny cliffhanger.
I absolutely loved this story. The romance between the two main characters was incredible. The kisses amazingly sizzling, and I can’t wait to read book two because the book ends with a tiny cliffhanger.
June 25, 2023
“Yet I was feeling everything in that moment—guilt, grief, determination, and a wild urge to rise on my toes and kiss Charlie into oblivion.”
This Regency Romcom is completely adorable and utterly romantic! I fell in love at page one when it had me laughing out loud! This is an enemies to lovers story that had me glued to the pages and I couldn’t get enough of the incredible characters and gorgeous setting.
This book is set in Bath, and the author really made that city come alive. I felt like I was there on a personal tour!
The characters in this book are my favorite! Charlie and Henrietta have the best personalities and chemistry that leapt off of the pages! She’s fiesty and so cute. He’s dreamy with the best sense of humor! Together they are PERFECTION!!!!😍 The attraction, banter and battle of wits and wills was sooo good! Don’t even get me started on the kisses! You will swoon!!! The romance, the heart wrenching moments, the laugh out loud scenes! All soo goooood!!!
Read for:
🤍enemies to more
🤍the adorable meet cute
🤍fun awkward hilarious situations
🤍wonderful MC’s that you will love
🤍incredible side characters-can’t wait for their stories
🤍so much chemistry, attraction, witty banter and swoony moments
🤍other tropes you don’t want to miss
🤍kisses that will have you melting
🤍twists and turns
🤍a fun and unique story line
This book gave me tears, laughter, swoons and it had depth and heart! I loved it and I will reread it for years to come whenever I want to go on a wonderful adventure to Bath with two of my favorite MC’s. I highly recommend this beautiful book, it’s a new favorite!
Content:neglectful parent,death of a parent in the past, kisses only
This Regency Romcom is completely adorable and utterly romantic! I fell in love at page one when it had me laughing out loud! This is an enemies to lovers story that had me glued to the pages and I couldn’t get enough of the incredible characters and gorgeous setting.
This book is set in Bath, and the author really made that city come alive. I felt like I was there on a personal tour!
The characters in this book are my favorite! Charlie and Henrietta have the best personalities and chemistry that leapt off of the pages! She’s fiesty and so cute. He’s dreamy with the best sense of humor! Together they are PERFECTION!!!!😍 The attraction, banter and battle of wits and wills was sooo good! Don’t even get me started on the kisses! You will swoon!!! The romance, the heart wrenching moments, the laugh out loud scenes! All soo goooood!!!
Read for:
🤍enemies to more
🤍the adorable meet cute
🤍fun awkward hilarious situations
🤍wonderful MC’s that you will love
🤍incredible side characters-can’t wait for their stories
🤍so much chemistry, attraction, witty banter and swoony moments
🤍other tropes you don’t want to miss
🤍kisses that will have you melting
🤍twists and turns
🤍a fun and unique story line
This book gave me tears, laughter, swoons and it had depth and heart! I loved it and I will reread it for years to come whenever I want to go on a wonderful adventure to Bath with two of my favorite MC’s. I highly recommend this beautiful book, it’s a new favorite!
Content:neglectful parent,death of a parent in the past, kisses only
June 20, 2023
Entertaining Read! A sweet love story, with witty dialogue and sparky kissing to make you swoon and ridiculousness to keep you entertained, embarrassing situations that bring lots of laughs, and the revenge was sweet and brought a smile to my face. Their bantering definitely made me smile.
Quotes I loved>
"Her lips, on the contrary, were smiling. I didn’t like that smile. It wasn’t the demure sort I had grown so accustomed to. It was the I am going to eat you alive variety."
"If I wanted to be truly confident, I needed to learn to recognize the beauty and grace of ladies like Eleanor and even my sister Anne without questioning my own."
"His chest rose and fell with a deep breath, and his words came fast. “Each moment I spend in Eleanor’s company, I wish I was in yours. Each time I imagine a future with her, I wonder instead how it might be to have you.”
Quotes I loved>
"Her lips, on the contrary, were smiling. I didn’t like that smile. It wasn’t the demure sort I had grown so accustomed to. It was the I am going to eat you alive variety."
"If I wanted to be truly confident, I needed to learn to recognize the beauty and grace of ladies like Eleanor and even my sister Anne without questioning my own."
"His chest rose and fell with a deep breath, and his words came fast. “Each moment I spend in Eleanor’s company, I wish I was in yours. Each time I imagine a future with her, I wonder instead how it might be to have you.”
June 21, 2023
Perfect for fans of Mr. Malcolm's List! Absolutely darling! I think this book hit me just right. This had a wonderful balance of fun, lighthearted moments and real, emotional ones. I felt like this story was the perfect summer read!
April 5, 2023
Home run!!
This book was pretty close to perfect! It had great tension, laugh out loud moments, swooniness (it’s a word) and did I mention that I laughed?!
This author is just awesome!
This book was pretty close to perfect! It had great tension, laugh out loud moments, swooniness (it’s a word) and did I mention that I laughed?!
This author is just awesome!
August 7, 2023
The Earl Next Door—G
Violence: no
Language: no
Sex: no
This book mostly did not keep my interest and it took me about a week to finish. Not my favorite AN
Violence: no
Language: no
Sex: no
This book mostly did not keep my interest and it took me about a week to finish. Not my favorite AN
February 8, 2025
Captivating! This is such a good book, the perfect regency rom-com. It’s funny, heartwarming, and absolutely delightful.
Henrietta is an outspoken, unfiltered, accident-prone young lady, who gets caught up in an enemies-to-lovers, forbidden-love romance. The MMC, though smitten and well suited for her, must marry a lady with a sizeable dowry to save his sister from being sold into marriage with a detestable man. Their romance has great chemistry while remaining completely clean. Such a fun read!
Everything ends with a perfect set up for book 2, which I will be starting without delay 🤓
Content:
There’s no foul language, violence, or sex. The romance is clean and limited to lightly descriptive kissing. There is no mention of faith or God.
Uncommon to other regency romances I’ve read, this is a 1st person dual POV, and it absolutely works.
Henrietta is an outspoken, unfiltered, accident-prone young lady, who gets caught up in an enemies-to-lovers, forbidden-love romance. The MMC, though smitten and well suited for her, must marry a lady with a sizeable dowry to save his sister from being sold into marriage with a detestable man. Their romance has great chemistry while remaining completely clean. Such a fun read!
Everything ends with a perfect set up for book 2, which I will be starting without delay 🤓
Content:
There’s no foul language, violence, or sex. The romance is clean and limited to lightly descriptive kissing. There is no mention of faith or God.
Uncommon to other regency romances I’ve read, this is a 1st person dual POV, and it absolutely works.
November 6, 2023
The Earl Next Door is a Regency romantic comedy with a cute romance and some funny situations. The story is pretty enjoyable, though the ending was a big let down, too rushed, and not satisfying, even though it was a happy one. Still, the characters were likable and had chemistry. Also, the double POV worked nicely with this one.
Read
November 13, 2024DNF. It could not hold my attention and I lost interest after a break.
No rating.
No rating.
May 20, 2024
Super cute clean period piece. Loved the characters & story. Loved this one more than the second but these were fun
April 7, 2024
Wow. I will never get those three hours back.
I decided to give this author a try because I’d seen recs floating around and was looking for a new clean romance option. Yikes. Another reminder of why romance as a genre gets a bad rap, and the reality that just because an author has a semi-substantial backlist doesn’t mean they are any good.
The quality of the writing is fan fiction level, as it tends to be with so many first person, dual perspective books. I typically slam a book shut the second I realize it’s written this way - unfortunately I let myself get so far in that I needed resolution….which is the only reason I finished it.
Another big flaw is that the main conflict was just….dumb. An argument/competition over an apartment that was meant for a suitor for the MFC’s sister….because apparently there is not one other apartment to let in Bath (but wait…3/4 through the novel other folks show up, having easily found other places to live for a time). Y’all - it was so. Dumb.
I could say so much more about how mediocre this book was, but instead I’ll end with this: any author with a pulse and a decent launch team can manufacture a four-star rating, and even higher. If you’re on here, from what I can see, if a book has 300+ reviews and rates 4.4 or higher, then you can start to trust that it’s likely a strong, well-written book worthy of your time. Everything else is a gamble. I’m very picky about writing quality, and I’ve read books I loved and books that were just plain awful that were both 4.33ish. Launch teams that flood initial reviews with 5 stars really dilute things for normal readers. Rant. Over.
I decided to give this author a try because I’d seen recs floating around and was looking for a new clean romance option. Yikes. Another reminder of why romance as a genre gets a bad rap, and the reality that just because an author has a semi-substantial backlist doesn’t mean they are any good.
The quality of the writing is fan fiction level, as it tends to be with so many first person, dual perspective books. I typically slam a book shut the second I realize it’s written this way - unfortunately I let myself get so far in that I needed resolution….which is the only reason I finished it.
Another big flaw is that the main conflict was just….dumb. An argument/competition over an apartment that was meant for a suitor for the MFC’s sister….because apparently there is not one other apartment to let in Bath (but wait…3/4 through the novel other folks show up, having easily found other places to live for a time). Y’all - it was so. Dumb.
I could say so much more about how mediocre this book was, but instead I’ll end with this: any author with a pulse and a decent launch team can manufacture a four-star rating, and even higher. If you’re on here, from what I can see, if a book has 300+ reviews and rates 4.4 or higher, then you can start to trust that it’s likely a strong, well-written book worthy of your time. Everything else is a gamble. I’m very picky about writing quality, and I’ve read books I loved and books that were just plain awful that were both 4.33ish. Launch teams that flood initial reviews with 5 stars really dilute things for normal readers. Rant. Over.
August 26, 2024
4 ⭐️! Is this regency rom-com? Because if so, I’m here for it.
“As nostrils went, he did have vexingly perfect ones.” 😂
“Sometimes it seemed like propriety was determined to ruin my life.” 😂
There are only 2 reasons this didn’t get 5 ⭐️:
1. Charlie spent WAY too much time bemoaning his fate instead of reaching out to his sister and to his friends to brainstorm some better solutions.
2. While the audience knows the earl is only interested in the heiress for her money, he is still courting her & preparing to propose to her while flirting it up and occasionally kissing Henrietta. And she allows it! Even going so far as to say, “This was the time to give myself something to daydream about when I was married to Mr. Skipton or some other man I didn’t love.” 🙄
Plus, “I’m sorry” is not exactly what you want to hear after your first kiss. 😬
BUT, if you’re willing to put those two frustrations aside, then this is such delightful fluffy regency set in the town of Bath that will make you smile.
Content: kissing only
“As nostrils went, he did have vexingly perfect ones.” 😂
“Sometimes it seemed like propriety was determined to ruin my life.” 😂
There are only 2 reasons this didn’t get 5 ⭐️:
1. Charlie spent WAY too much time bemoaning his fate instead of reaching out to his sister and to his friends to brainstorm some better solutions.
2. While the audience knows the earl is only interested in the heiress for her money, he is still courting her & preparing to propose to her while flirting it up and occasionally kissing Henrietta. And she allows it! Even going so far as to say, “This was the time to give myself something to daydream about when I was married to Mr. Skipton or some other man I didn’t love.” 🙄
Plus, “I’m sorry” is not exactly what you want to hear after your first kiss. 😬
BUT, if you’re willing to put those two frustrations aside, then this is such delightful fluffy regency set in the town of Bath that will make you smile.
Content: kissing only
April 5, 2024
This was enemies to lovers at its finest!! I loved Charlie and Henrietta’s not so meet-cute! The sparring, the witty banter, the chemistry…it was all fabulous! Henrietta was spunky, feisty and always finding herself in a pickle. Charlie was dreamy and loved to drive Henrietta crazy. They were the best match! I loved all the scheming, the twist and turns and all the romantic moments. This book will leave you laughing, crying and swooning!
Things I Loved:
🤍Enemies to Lovers
🤍Split breeches
🤍The water accident
🤍Matchmaking assistance
🤍War of wits
🤍Scheming
🤍The bee rescue
🤍The first kiss
🤍Timothy
🤍The archery competition
🤍Stolen kisses
Things I Loved:
🤍Enemies to Lovers
🤍Split breeches
🤍The water accident
🤍Matchmaking assistance
🤍War of wits
🤍Scheming
🤍The bee rescue
🤍The first kiss
🤍Timothy
🤍The archery competition
🤍Stolen kisses
August 1, 2024
Cute story.
Some readers might reasonably object to the development of this romance, which takes place despite the fact that the male MC is determined for personal reasons to pursue and marry a different person altogether. So in the end, the two MCs are falling in love while the man is paying court to and intending to become engaged to another woman. If that sort of trope doesn't float your boat, steer clear of this one. But it's not my favorite sort of love story.
It's a clean romance, only kissing.
Some readers might reasonably object to the development of this romance, which takes place despite the fact that the male MC is determined for personal reasons to pursue and marry a different person altogether. So in the end, the two MCs are falling in love while the man is paying court to and intending to become engaged to another woman. If that sort of trope doesn't float your boat, steer clear of this one. But it's not my favorite sort of love story.
It's a clean romance, only kissing.
April 6, 2023
Loved this book!
I have so been looking forward to this book! I love historical rom coms. Some of these interactions, usually involving pump water, were so hilarious and unique.
Henrietta was a breath of fresh air. She reminded me of myself a little, which is probably why I loved this so much.
Charlie was also great! Not your typical regency gentleman.
I can’t wait for the next story!
Clean romance.
I have so been looking forward to this book! I love historical rom coms. Some of these interactions, usually involving pump water, were so hilarious and unique.
Henrietta was a breath of fresh air. She reminded me of myself a little, which is probably why I loved this so much.
Charlie was also great! Not your typical regency gentleman.
I can’t wait for the next story!
Clean romance.
April 7, 2023
I really loved this book. I'm always excited when Ashtyn Newbold releases a new book because I know I'm going to get great romance, fantastic writing, and some good laugh out loud moments. I also liked that the obvious solution to the big problem in this book was not the solution they went with. It's set up for more books in the series with loveable characters.
March 29, 2023
This was probably my favorite book by Ashtyn Newbold to date! Great banter and chemistry. Lovely storyline. Enemies to lovers with forced proximity is chefs kiss! Can’t wait for the next book in the series!
October 11, 2023
Such a delightful book!♡ I can't wait for the next one!
March 9, 2024
The Earl Next Door had everything I love in a rom-com, plus the Regency era which made me adore it even more. This book made me laugh out loud while still maintaining itself as an uplifting and sweet love story.
I especially appreciated that this was a closed door romance novel. I didn’t miss the spice at all and the kissing scenes still were just the right amount of butterfly inducing.
Both main characters were endearing, too. I never felt annoyed switching between POVs because I always wanted to know how Henrietta and Charlie were feeling about what was going on.
I’m looking forward to reading the rest of this series!
I especially appreciated that this was a closed door romance novel. I didn’t miss the spice at all and the kissing scenes still were just the right amount of butterfly inducing.
Both main characters were endearing, too. I never felt annoyed switching between POVs because I always wanted to know how Henrietta and Charlie were feeling about what was going on.
I’m looking forward to reading the rest of this series!
November 28, 2023
This is the most entertaining story! I couldn’t put it down!! The main characters had so much chemistry. The banter was outstanding! Awkward moments are my favorite and there is an abundance of them here.
I loved Henrietta! She’s so fiesty, awkward and clever. I loved her revenge at the dinner.
Charlie had such a great sense of humor. He could truly appreciate Henrietta and her predicaments. He was so swoony and noble. Thanks to Henrietta he had a few awkward situations as well. It was fun to see how he handled them.
This was such a fun read. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute and stayed up way too late to finish! If you love a good romcom I am sure you will enjoy this book.
I loved Henrietta! She’s so fiesty, awkward and clever. I loved her revenge at the dinner.
Charlie had such a great sense of humor. He could truly appreciate Henrietta and her predicaments. He was so swoony and noble. Thanks to Henrietta he had a few awkward situations as well. It was fun to see how he handled them.
This was such a fun read. I thoroughly enjoyed every minute and stayed up way too late to finish! If you love a good romcom I am sure you will enjoy this book.
August 1, 2024
Breeches, blueberries, and pump water. Oh my! Similar feel to Walker’s “Lakeshire Park:” enemies to lovers through sibling devotion with some forced proximity. LOVE! Fantasticly adorable scenes, a little repetitive, but divine all the same. Definitely left doors open for additional stories to be told….👀
January 3, 2025
4.75 stars - My sister told me I was due for a regency and she was absolutely right. SO CHARMING! This enemies to lovers plot was so compelling with meaningful layers and side characters I can’t wait to read more about. Breaches, daisies, sisters, cat baths and pump water: turns out to be a great combination. I’m a Newbold fan now.
May 21, 2023
Okay I feel in LOVE with this book. It easily made it into my top three favorite historical romances of all time!
It was adorable, funny, had great pacing and a wonderful plot. I can’t wait to own a physical copy! (Hints to any of y’all needing gift ideas for birthdays or Christmas lol)
It was adorable, funny, had great pacing and a wonderful plot. I can’t wait to own a physical copy! (Hints to any of y’all needing gift ideas for birthdays or Christmas lol)
December 26, 2024
I read this on a whim and enjoyed it immensely. It's incredibly cute and sweet. Very well written, very easily devoured ❤️
March 25, 2024
Too long
December 18, 2023
ALL THE FEELS
OH MY GOSH FIVE STARS DEFINITELY!!!!!
so cute and clean and funny and a genuine problem that prevented them from getting married.
can’t wait for the next one to come out!!
OH MY GOSH FIVE STARS DEFINITELY!!!!!
so cute and clean and funny and a genuine problem that prevented them from getting married.
can’t wait for the next one to come out!!
August 3, 2025
Book 52 of 52 - hereby I’ve finished my reading goal for the year!😗✌🏼
This was cute! We stan a woman who's not afraid to be herself and suffer the consequences for it (I'm astounded at the ridiculousness of this period's norms, like forgive a girl for wanting to be nice?😑). Henrietta and Charlie had cute banter, and I liked how their story unfolded. Also highly appreciated the jealousy scenes – my favorite ones! Hihi
This was cute! We stan a woman who's not afraid to be herself and suffer the consequences for it (I'm astounded at the ridiculousness of this period's norms, like forgive a girl for wanting to be nice?😑). Henrietta and Charlie had cute banter, and I liked how their story unfolded. Also highly appreciated the jealousy scenes – my favorite ones! Hihi
Displaying 1 - 30 of 344 reviews