The Untamed Earl

Second daughter, and second in her parent’s attention, Alexandra has recently had her debut, and has set her eye on one man. Only two things stand between Alex and her wishes, well 3 actually. Her older sister Lavinia, takes pride of place and affection with her parents, and she must wed before Alex can seriously entertain an offer. Lavinia is a shrew: spoiled, self-centered and entirely unlikable, she’s that sister you can’t wait to get rid of. Lastly there is Owen: years ago Alex set her sights on him, but he is being ‘brought into line’ in an effort to reform his rakish behavior, and arrangements have been made for him to wed Lavinia. Without this marriage, Owen will find himself unsupported and cut off from the funds a gentleman of his stature would require.

Alex truly stole this story – she is diabolical in her maneuvering of Owen as she “helps him” to win Lavinia’s favor. And poor Owen, Bless his little heart, he sees that Alex is so wonderful, witty and clever, and he likes her – but he also worries about his past and his less than honorable behaviors, that perhaps Alex is ‘too good’ for him. Like many men of this era, it takes a strong and determined woman, unafraid of a little guile and carefully planned togetherness to show him that the best decision is the one she wants made.

Bowman has created some truly clever heroines in this series – intelligent, witty and thoughtful, the stories are light and not to taxing on the surface, but beneath the fun story are women, particularly Alex, who are formidable in their determination to have a major part in determining their own destinies.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

I truly enjoyed everything about this book. The main characters and secondary characters were so much fun and witty. Lady Alexandra "Alex" was a truly charming character and someone I'd love to be friends with. Lord Owen was dashing, debonair and a good hearted hero even if only his sister and friends knew. Lord Owen's father tells him he's to marry and he has his bride picked out for him. If not he's cut off! There's only one catch, he's to make her fall in love with him first. She wants a love match. He enters into a unusual pack with his intendeds sister Alexandra to win her affection. Oh and there's another catch...Lady Alexandra has loved him since she was 15. What insues is a hilarious tale and a beautiful romance.
My only complaint is that it was a little long I think Ms. Bowman could of shortened it with out taking away from the story.

What an exciting read!!! The book was captivating and
extremely well written.
The descriptions were vivid with solid scene that made
me feel as if I were there with the characters.
There is a good blend of adventure, twists and turns,
deceit, trickery, drama, loyalty, regret, unpredictable
events, plotting plus romance. This book has some very
humorous, very touching and moving scenes.
The main characters have a dynamic relationship between
them but a hugh barrier. Lady Alexandra Hobbs is the
second daughter of the Duke of Huntley. At an early age,
she fell in love with Lord Owen Monroe when he helped
her brother and the stable boy from a group of ruffians.
She has just learned that her father has arranged a marriage
between her older spoiled sister.
What will she do? Will Alexandra be able to step into the
Situation and turn things in her favor?
The characters are all vivid, well defined and add to the story.
This is the fifth book in Valerie Bowman’s The Playful Brides
Series. It can be read as a stand alone with no difficulty
Thank you to the author for this book. My opinion is my own.