Review: How to Tempt an Earl (The Raven Club #1) by Tina Gabrielle

Print Length: 280 pages

Publisher: Entangled Publishing (May 14, 2018)

From Goodreads.com: London society is cruel for a young woman whose father is an avid gambler. Miss Grace Ashton is not one to stand idly by while her family becomes destitute. Donning a mask, she slips into the night and attends the infamous Raven Club to confront the proprietor. But nothing prepares her for the sinfully attractive and wealthy Ian Swift.

Ian is intrigued when Grace walks into his gambling club but refuses her offer of a few jewels to pay her father’s large debts. Unbeknownst to anyone, Ian has inherited the Earldom of Castleton, and he must reluctantly take his place in Society. But Ian’s manners as a gentleman have suffered. He needs a tutor, and he knows the exquisite lady standing before him is the answer.

But soon tutoring turns to flirting, which unfortunately lands both of them in...marriage?

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My Rating: 3 stars out of 5

This was one of those stories that lands solidly in the middle for me. On one hand the author had a fluid and solid writing style which for me made the story pass by both quickly and interestingly. On the other hand, I feel as though there was more the author could have explored that they did not.

I enjoyed these two characters to a point - however I did not like how quickly Grace seems to capitulate to Ian even after hearing some pretty hurtful things. He was a downright brute in how he spoke after they were married, and yet she seemed pretty keen to overlook both that and her earlier resolve regarding him. There was also the matter of his elder brother's death. It was brought up enough throughout the course of the story (as well as the supposed scandal surrounding it) that I expected it to play a greater role in this story than it actually did. 

Overall, this was an enjoyable story that I do believe will appeal to those who enjoy historical romance. I would read more from this author (and in fact, I hope she does future stories on Ian's sisters when they make their debuts as I have no doubt they both have interesting stories to tell). 

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel in exchange for my honest review. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

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                                How to Tempt an Earl is available from Amazon.com