The Earl Takes a Fancy by Lorraine Heath

New York Times bestselling author Lorraine Heath pens another richly satisfying romance in her Sins for all Seasons series.

She’s looking for a nobleman to wed…

Though born out of wedlock, Fancy Trewlove is determined to fulfill her mother’s wish that she marry into nobility. Fancy’s keen intellect and finishing school manners make her the perfect wife for any gentleman—if he’s willing to overlook her scandalous lineage. But Fancy’s plans are thrown into chaos when an intriguing commoner begins visiting her bookshop—and she finds herself unable to stop thinking about him.

He’s looking to escape his title…

Widowed just a year ago, the reclusive Matthew Sommersby, Earl of Rosemont, has been besieged by women hoping to become his next wife. Desperate for anonymity, he sheds Society life to search for the peace that eludes him. Fancy’s shop is his one refuge, until the night their passion erupts into a kiss that nearly leads to her ruin—and leaves both longing for much more.

Together, they discover an unlikely love…

As Fancy finds herself torn between her family’s expectations and her growing feelings for Matthew, secrets are exposed—secrets that force Fancy to question if she can trust her heart’s desire...

Book 5
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Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Erica – ☆☆☆☆
The Earl Takes a Fancy is the fifth installment in the Sins for All Seasons series. I can attest that the novel can be read as a standalone with little to no confusion, as I've only read the previous installment, but not the three prior to that. In classic historical romance fashion, the novel features new narrators that are connected to previous narrators, making it easy to jump right in.

Fancy is the youngest of the Trewlove siblings, sweet in disposition, which definitely made me want to go back and read the series as a whole, because I was interested in the other siblings' journeys. No doubt readers were eager to experience Fancy's story. Born out of wedlock, Fancy's reputation hinged on marrying a member of the aristocracy. Outside of that family demand, as the youngest, Fancy was well-loved by her siblings, but her beginnings made her into an independent young woman. Fancy's passion is helping illiterate people learn to read as she runs a bookstore.

Resonating with me more deeply than the heroine was the hero of the tale. Matthew Sommersby was previously married to a woman seeking only his title, widowed rightly so left a bitter taste in his mouth for the institution of marriage and women as a gender. The angsty drama obviously stems from Matthew's point-of-view when he discovers that Fancy needs a title to gain a positive reputation, and since that's all he knows when it comes to women, he obviously sees Fancy that way.

Not often do I find slow-burn in a historical romance, most subject to falling into the insta-love category. Matthew was a solid hero, a true gentleman, patient with a younger Fancy, looking for real love. Swoon-worthy.

My only issue is how the drama/conflict stemmed from miscommunication and misunderstandings, where a simple conversation would have cleared everything up, removing all conflict. That seemed weak to me, as it went against Matthew's more mature outlook on life. It would be more adult to ask questions and talk it out, instead of making assumptions.

The novel itself a lovely escape, the characters enjoyable and resonating, but the plot itself needed more. I'm curious to read the previous novels in the series. Definitely recommend to fans of historical romance, the author, and the series.

Lorraine Heath always dreamed of being a writer. After graduating from the University of Texas, she wrote training manuals, press releases, articles, and computer code, but something was always missing. When she read a romance novel, she not only became hooked on the genre, but quickly realized what her writing lacked: rebels, scoundrels, and rogues. She’s been writing about them ever since. Her work has been recognized with numerous industry awards, including RWA’s prestigious RITA®. Her novels have appeared on the USA Today and New York Times bestseller lists.

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Earl Takes a Fancy (Sins for All Seasons #5) by Lorraine Heath to read and review.