MY KIND OF EARL is the second book in Vivienne Lorret’s “Mating Habits of Scoundrels” historical romance series. Although it’s part of a series, this book works as a standalone novel also. For me, this story is a romance spin on the classic OLIVER TWIST kind of story. Raven is an orphan left to fend for himself and grow into a unique and resourceful young man. His earns his living by his wits and working at a gentleman’s club. His loneliness is something he tries to ignore and keep hidden away, to not appear vulnerable. One night fate intercedes and introduces him to Jane Pickerington. They meet in a very unusual way and Jane is the kind of intelligent and quirky heroine favored in early Amanda Quick novels.
This story is told from alternating perspectives and gives the reader a window into the soul and mind of the two main characters. Although Raven doesn’t want to appear vulnerable, his personality shines through and there is an innocent charm about him despite his rough childhood. It’s soon made clear that the endgame for this book is Raven being revealed as a long-lost aristocrat, but the bulk of MY KIND OF EARL focuses on the burgeoning relationship between Raven and Jane. This heroine and heroine grew up in vastly different circumstances but find they are both desperately lonely at their core. As they spend time together while Jane researches Raven’s possible family connections, and teaches him manners, they charm each other. Attracted by her intelligence and her compassion, Raven offers her a drawn-out seduction. Since she, along with her many siblings, have been largely ignored by her parents – Raven’s attentions prove irresistible. I like how Raven never comes off as a sleazy seducer. His feelings for Jane seem very genuine and he cares about her as a person, rarely than merely an object of desire.
MY KIND OF EARL is about two kindred spirits fending off loneliness and finding love as they discover the hero’s true identity. This story explores the perils of having no family and having an abundance. Jane’s banter with her extremely cautious friend, Ellie, add amusing vignettes to MY KIND OF EARL. I look forward to reading more about Jane’s friends and family in future books by Vivienne Lorret.
USA Today bestselling author Vivienne Lorret continues her charming new trilogy with a bluestocking whose search for information on the mating habits of scoundrels has her stumbling upon the missing heir to an earldom... in the London underworld.
Jane Pickerington never intended to start a brawl in a brothel. She only wanted to research her book. Yet when her simple study of scoundrels goes awry, she finds herself coming to the rescue of a dark, enigmatic stranger… who turns out to be far more than an average rake out for a night of pleasure. He’s positively wild!
Only the most feral and cunning could have survived foundling homes and work houses. Orphaned as an infant, Raven never had another name. At least… not until he meets her. Now he’s face-to-face with the one person who recognizes the strange birthmark on his arm and can reinstate him to his blue-blooded birthright.
All at once, Raven’s life takes a turn. His knowledge of dark alleys and gaming hells never prepared him for gilded ballrooms. So Jane becomes his tutor. Yet, the more lessons in decorum she offers, the more this untamed scoundrel wants to teach her all the ways to be wicked.
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