Real Earls Break the Rules by Tina Gabrielle – a Review

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Description:
1816 England

Brandon St. Clair, the Earl of Vale, has never been one to follow the rules. Even though he must marry a wealthy heiress so that he can be rid of the pile of debt he inherited with his title, he can’t stop thinking of another. Amelia Somerton is the daughter of a forger and is not a suitable wife. But that doesn’t stop Brandon from making Amelia a different offer, the kind that breaks every rule of etiquette…

Sin runs in Amelia’s family. And even though she now rubs elbows with the aristocracy, she knows the truth—she has the ability to forge priceless works of art. She’ll never be seen as an acceptable wife, not that she wants to marry, anyway. So when the earl scandalously offers her the one thing she’s always dreamed of, she can’t help but take it. But what begins as a simple arrangement, soon escalates into much more, and as the heat between them sizzles, each encounter becomes a lesson in seduction…

Review:

Real Earls Break the Rules begins with Amelia’s family being invited to a house party hosted by Brandon St. Clair.  Brandon and Amelia’s brother in law are friends, which led to the invitation, but Brandon has an ulterior motive.  He’s inherited a mountain of debt from his deceased father and needs Amelia’s help.  He knows that Amelia inherited her infamous father’s artistic talents and makes her an offer that she knows she should refuse.  Once he makes her the offer and tells her how it will benefit her, and her artistic talents, she accepts the offer, knowing all too well the ramifications if she’s discovered.  Brandon knows, too, the perceived ramifications if she’s caught, but he is almost desperate to erase the debt he inherited.  His father bought businesses that were bad investments and left them to flounder, leaving Brandon to set things to right and take care of his grandmother and his sisters. 

As Brandon and Amelia set their plan into motion, neither can dismiss their attraction to each other, which started a year before upon a chance meeting.  To add to Brandon’s stress, his grandmother wants him to propose to a spoiled brat, who just happens to be the daughter of a Duke and comes with a large dowry.  The fact that Brandon doesn’t even like the girl doesn’t carry much weight with his grandmother, as it is his responsibility to take care of the family by any means necessary.  Seemingly, someone is sabotaging the one business that he knows can make money:  the textile mill.  With machines breaking down and deplorable working conditions, he makes it his personal mission to turn the flailing business around.  He also makes it his personal mission to make Amelia his……….

Real Earls Break the Rules is an outstanding addition to the Infamous Somerton series.  Amelia fascinated me in the first installment of the series and I knew her story would be awesome.  I love that she stands her ground and is not willing to give up on what SHE wants, and knows she deserves.  She has a big heart and a true artist’s eye.  Brandon, even though I wanted to thumps his ears a couple of times, has a sense of honor that shined through.  His determination to do right by his family, and ultimately Amelia, will endear him to all who read this story.  Real Earls Break the Rules is ultimately a story about setting aside preconceived notions set by society and doing what is truly right, listening to your gut and following your heart.  I honestly can’t wait for the next installment.  (One problem is there are only three Somerton sisters, but I’m hoping she can keep this series going past that.)  There is angst, treachery and a somewhat slow building romance that kept my attention and kept me turning the pages.  If you’re a fan of this genre, you will love this series.  Well done, Tina Gabrielle!  Very, very well done!!!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher