- Title: Captivating the Cynical Earl
- Author: Catherine Tinley
- Publisher: Harlequin Historical on July 27, 2021
- Genre: Historical Romance
- Pages: 228
- Formats Available: Paperback & Digital
- Rating: 5/5
Trigger Warnings: Discussions of Past Abuse
Many thanks to Catherine Tinley for providing me with a digital copy of Captivating the Cynical Earl with a request for an honest review. Thanks also to Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting me on this tour and providing materials for the post.
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About Captivating the Cynical Earl
The cool, aloof earl
Provided by Rachel’s Random Resources for Tour Use
And the enchanting lady
For Jack Beresford, Earl of Hawkenden, emotional entanglements are the path to pain. But when his brother brings his new wife and her best friend to his country home, everything changes. Lady Cecily Thornhill is both vibrant and beautiful, and Jack finds himself increasingly captivated by her sunny nature. Yet he must resist her charms, for in a month she’ll be gone—unless his frozen heart thaws before then…
My Review
Catherine Tinley made me laugh, cry, and seethe with her new novel Captivating the Cynical Earl. This book is another Harlequin Historical novel that stole my heart, one where I found a home. This volume is one of many in a series. After reading this, I know I must read the rest before my brain will rest.
Lady Cecily carries the burden of her mother’s careless whimsies. The woman spends money as if she has no limitations leaving Cecily to pick up the pieces. When an opportunity arises that will allow Lady Cecily a reprieve, Cecily jumps at the chance. Nell and her new husband, Tom, face the wrath of Tom’s older brother, the Earl of Hawkenden. The furious Earl refuses to acknowledge Tom and Nell’s union. Even going so far as to try to find ways to end the marriage before word of it gets around London. After a battle of wills, the brothers find themselves under the same roof. However, Tom and Nell brought Lady Cecily along as their guest unbeknownst to the Earl. Can the Earl save his icy exterior, or will Cecily warm his heart?
I must say that I’ve not read a romance novel set up the way this one has before. Not only are we following the love story of Cecily and Jack, but we have a second story of Nell and Tom as well. I felt as though I were getting two stories in one. I loved it so much. There is so much love flowing through these pages that I couldn’t help but keep reading long past my bedtime.
Cecily and Nell are the best of friends. Their relationship flows like a smooth stream, as opposed to the storm that is Jack and Cecily. They get off on the wrong foot, but it is so much fun to watch them fall in love. Jack, the Earl, refuses to allow love into his life because all the women in his life have left him. He can’t trust anyone to stay, so he shuts them out. Yet, Cecily sneaks up on him and makes him rethink every emotion he’s ever felt. It is a tender and sweet story that lit up my whole night.
Often when you pick up a book in a series such as this one, the reader feels lost when trying to read it as a standalone. I never felt that way with this novel. Catherine did an excellent job in writing this in a way that feels complete. But it intrigues you in a way that makes you feel like you want to read the rest. Not because you missed anything, but because you love the characters so much you need more of their world.
It thrills me to award Captivating the Cynical Earl a full 5 out of 5 stars. I know I say this a lot, but you need to read this book. I promise it isn’t like any other romance you’ve read before. While you get the basic enemies-to-lovers trope here, it is still completely different. And, the ending is so spectacular that you will kick yourself if you don’t find out what happens. I admit that I cried the most joyous of tears at the end.
See My Review of Another Harlequin Historical Romance Novel: The Housekeeper of Thornhallow Hall
About the Author – Catherine Tinley
Catherine Tinley is an award winning author of historical romance. She writes witty, heartwarming Regency love stories for Harlequin Mills & Boon. Her first book, Waltzing with the Earl, won the Rita Award for Best Historical Romance 2018, while Rags-to-Riches Wife won the RoNA Award for Best Historical Romance 2021.
She has loved reading and writing since childhood, and has a particular fondness for love, romance, and happy endings. After a career encompassing speech & language therapy, Sure Start, maternity campaigning and being President of a charity, she now manages a maternity hospital. She lives in Ireland with her husband, children, cats, and dog.
Author’s Contact Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
Two love stories in one! This book sounds wonderful, as is your review. Thanks!
Thank you Wendy. ? This book was really remarkable.
Thank you so much for this wonderful review!
My pleasure. ?❤️