ARC Book Review-If Wishes Were Earls

If Wishes Were Earls
Rhymes With Love (3)
Elizabeth Boyle
Avon Books
E Book
Published December 2013
384 Pages
Regency Historical Romance
ISBN: 9780062089090
Authors Website

Harrriet Hathaway has loved only one man her entire life: the Earl of Roxley. But when he ignores her at a ball, she takes rather desperate steps to catch his eye and her plans find her ruined and without any hope of gaining Roxley’s heart. So it is much to her amazement when Roxley proposes marriage to save her from ruin. But Roxley’s proposal isn’t quite on the up and up and when she finds out she’s just another piece in one of his plots and japes, she vows revenge.

Roxley is desperate to pull his family from the brink of ruin, and the only way to gain a lost fortune is to prove to his aunts that’s he’s “reformed” his life and is determined to settle down. But the bride-to-be that he thought would be most amiable is doing everything to turn his life and his heart upside down. Harriet Hathaway had always seemed the most sensible girl he knew, but now this siren of a stranger he’s engaged to is leaving him feeling anything but sensible. Harriet is about to steal not only his heart, but quite possibly the keys to the Roxley fortune.

My Review

Harriet Hathaway has known Roxley for most of her life. Now as a grown woman, she wants more from him than mere friendship, she desires him and loves him. One night at a ball they share a memorable kiss, but nothing came from it. Now over a year later, she still wants to marry him and wants to show him that what they have is more powerful than any other match he could ever make with any other woman. Roxley, due to his parents gambling habits, has barely kept himself afloat. Now he is approached by a man who has bought all of his debt, and demands that he marries his daughter. Feeling as if his hands are tied, he knows that he has no choice, even though his heart has always belonged to one woman, a woman who was dare enough to kiss him and change everything. The last thing that Roxley wants is to hurt "Harry", but he doesn't have a choice in order to save those whose welfare are relying on him. Harriet is shocked when she learns that Roxley is suppose to propose to another woman, and is determined to stop it. Then a dangerous plot unravels, and it will take Roxley and Harriet working together to put that which was wronged right once again, and to take down those who would destroy them.

If Wishes Were Earls is the first novel that I have read from Elizabeth Boyle. I was able to receive a copy in exchange for a honest review from Avon and Edelweiss. I don't know why I haven't read her before now, especially since I love historical romance. As they say "Better late than never", and I definitely feel that way about this author. I plan on looking for this author at my local library and reading more of her books. Even though this is the third in the series, it could be read as a stand alone, but I definitely wishes I had read the first two beforehand, but it isn't necessary to read this one. First off I want to discuss the cover, which is one of my favorites, including the stepback. When I saw it for the first time, I found the blend of the purples, pinks and the white dress, had such a mixture of soft colors that created a magical scene of sensuality.

One of my favorite aspects of If Wishes Were Earls was the way that the story picked up, it starts with the reader seeing Harriet being bold and daring and going after what she wants, which is the Earl of Roxley. But what turns into hopes gets turned into disappointment when Roxley treats her differently after the fact. But she doesn't want to give up hope, so she sets up a plan to make Roxley fall in love with her and choose love over his duty. We see that there are two sides to this situation. Roxley wishes he was free to marry Harriet, but he has to provide for his aunts, and keep those lands that have been in his family for generations. When he ends up being blackmailed, he knows he has little choice. Then we see a certain sub plot of danger and intrigue involving some diamonds, and the plot thickens, and the reader is then taken on a ride of passion, suspense and power of true love.

I found If Wishes Were Earls to be a truly captivating story that reeled me in from the prologue. Usually I have to force my way through the prologue sometimes, I just want to get to the story (LOL). But I have found that reading the prologue lends the reader to some background information needed to make sense of the rest of the story. When I first read the synopsis I wasn't sure if I would like it much, but the story was far different than what the Synopsis implied the story to be. So I was surprised by how much I enjoyed seeing the change of events and the way the Harriet and Roxley get on together. I couldn't complain much about the setting, I found it very delightful the connection the Roxley and Harry have with each other, even though its subtle at times and too obvious at other times. The one thing that I would complain about this story would be the multiple flashbacks, it could be a bit confusing at times. Other than the flashbacks, I truly enjoyed this story and I can hardly wait for the chance to read the rest of the series, and more from this author.

Overall I splendid romance with a touch of witty humor, a hint of passion and excitement, a plot thickened with drama and danger and intrigue that will tie you up in knots, and a love story to charm and entice. A DELICIOUS READ!!! 

Favorite Quote
 "I want you, and only you" he'd whispered as he'd entered her. Taken her. Possessed her. It had been so breathless, so ruinous. So very wonderful.

My Grade 
4 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Steamy

Other Books In Series 
Along Came A Duke
And The Miss Ran Away With A Rake