Girls Before Earls by Anna Bennett

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Girls Before Earls by Anna Bennett, book one in her Rogues to Lovers series, is an entertaining, romantic, and wonderful story with great messages about family, grief, society, and love. Miss Hazel Lively is a strong, independent woman who dedicated her life to helping young girls. Determined that all girls, regardless of social class, deserve the same opportunities, Hazel opens a school to girls of all social stations. A lover of books and learning, Hazel is determined to make her school a success, and when the Earl of Bladenton enrolls his niece, it seems her prospects are looking up. However, Blade’s niece Kitty is a handful, and Hazel’s feelings for Blade are less than professional. Blade doesn’t believe in love. Determined to enter a marriage of convenience, Blade intends to leave Kitty in Hazel’s capable hands so that he can ensure his engagement to a woman of the ton. However, when Hazel makes his involvement in Kitty’s life part of their arrangement, Blade finds himself returning to Bellhaven Academy to visit Kitty and developing feelings for the proper and intelligent headmistress.

Though very different, Hazel and Blade both keep people at a distance. For different reasons, neither let anyone get too close, and neither are looking for love. Hazel is committed to her school, and Blade has been burned by love in the past; which swore him off love forever. In addition, they are from different social classes, live in different places, and have different goals. From their first meeting, these two have explosive, off-the-charts chemistry, and their feelings are undeniable; despite trying to deny them. Theirs is a case of opposites attract, and these opposites have an amazing connection. Their budding relationship is equal parts sweet, romantic, fun, angst-filled, and sensual.

I love the found family aspect of the story and how Hazel connects with other motherless women. She, Poppy (a local woman), and Kitty all lost their mothers at a young age, creating a bond between them; one that allows them to relate and understand each. I also enjoyed seeing Blade and Kitty grow closer as the story progresses. At the beginning of the novel, Kitty and Blade barely know each other. Estranged from Kitty’s parents, Blade is stunned to learn that he was chosen to care for her, and he struggles to connect with his difficult niece. However, with Hazel’s help, Kitty and Blade begin to develop a bond and a mutual regard for each other. This relationship changes both of them for the better.

Ms. Bennett wrote a charming, clever, entertaining story that is not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with amusing banter, sizzling chemistry, and charming characters giving Hazel and Blade a chance for happiness, love and a future together.  I definitely recommend Girls Before Earls to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.