Enticing the Earl (Applegate Sisters)

by Nicole Byrd

The new Regency-set historical romance from a critically acclaimed author. Selfless widow Lauren Applegate is determined to retrieve the deed to her father-in- law's estate-even if it means offering... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0425220974
• Release Date: April 2008
• Publisher: Berkley
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 6.8" x 0.8" x 4.3"

Customer Reviews

Romantic and very likeable

Young widow Lauryn Harris risks her reputation to recover her family home and gains far more than she bargained for in this sweet and satisfying romance. Lauryn's father-in-law Squire Harris has been deeply depressed since the death of his only child (Lauryn's late husband) the year before. He has taken to drinking and gambling and is on the brink of financial ruin. Then on a visit to London, he loses the family estate in a card game to the Earl of Sutton (Marcus). Lauryn fears the squire will not survive this setback, so she secretly decides to take matters into her own hands. She knows from gossip that the earl recently parted with his latest paid paramour. So Lauryn gathers her courage, assumes the name of "Mrs. Smith," arrives at Marcus' doorstep in her well-worn clothes, and offers to become his replacement `courtesan.' In exchange, she asks for a small country estate - ideally in Yorkshire - at the conclusion of their affair. Because of the Yorkshire reference, and the fact she is clearly a lady, Marcus guesses that "Mrs. Smith" must be connected to Squire Harris, but he does not let on. He wonders if the squire is forcing her into this degrading position or if it is her own idea, but he is too desirous of the lovely and fascinating "Mrs. Smith" to worry overmuch about scruples. He accepts her offer, promptly buys her a much-needed new wardrobe, and whisks her away to his country estate the very next day. A part of Lauryn wonders if she is making a dreadful mistake...but a bigger part of her brims with anticipation. She has been lonely and deprived for a very long time. There is something undeniably thrilling about the wealthy, attentive and seductive earl. I very much enjoyed this book. I have a soft spot for the 'good girl forced by circumstance to become rich lover's mistress' storyline, and this one does not disappoint. Both lead characters are well done, and the story is involving and romantic (although Marcus' old girlfriend hangs around too much). Marcus nicely walks the line between sensitive and virile, while Lauryn is strong and intelligent yet utterly feminine. It is clear from the start that these two have a physical and emotional connection. I like their simple pleasure as they go through the paces of everyday life...even as they privately count the hours until they can be alone. Particularly sweet is the way they work together to solve the mystery, falling in love as they go. This is only the second Nicole Byrd book I have read. I was not fond of the first, but I feel completely differently about this one. Glad I gave this author another look!

Two thumbs up.

I always enjoy when authors come up with different twists on romances and Nicole Byrd did a great job with this novel! There is enough sex (though not written in excessively graphic detail) for readers who want lots of sex, but more importantly there is enough of a developing relationship for those of us who want lots of romance. Lauryn isn't a blushing virgin and makes a deal with the Earl to be his lover so there isn't much time wasted in the "chase." To me, the most delightful part of the book was the interaction between the couple while they were out of bed. Whether it was the two of them working together to get rid of a bat (the flying kind) that got into the house or working together on the mystery of the earl's recovered cargo, their activities made me care about them as characters. And the interactions with the earl's younger brother and his former lover added to the interest of the book. I have enjoyed a number of Nicole Byrd's books and this one is close to the top because the growing affection between the couple felt real as I was reading it. I definitely recommend reading this book.

Enticing the Earl

Widow Lauryn Harris is horrified when her father-in-law informs her he's lost his ancestral estate to an Earl in a card game. Wanting to help him, she decides she will get it back. The only way she can think of to do so is by offering herself to the Earl of Sutton as his mistress. Styling herself as "Mrs. Smith," Lauryn goes to the Earl's London home and asks for the recently vacated position. Though he can tell "Mrs. Smith" is no courtesan, Marcus, the Earl of Sutton, is intrigued by her and agrees to take her on as his mistress. His plan is to bring her to the country with him so they can spend time alone together. Nothing works out as he's planned, however, including his own feelings. Can these two very different people find love despite their unconventional beginning? Enticing the Earl is an amusing historical romp. It was easy to root for Lauryn, who was able to marshal the courage to do something so against her shy nature. Though Marcus's habits with women in the past seem rather "rakish," he's an honorable and kind man, not to mention hot! I enjoyed the secondary characters as well, and there was a well-done mystery / suspense angle that added interest and excitement to the story. I'm a sucker for Regency tales, and Nicole Byrd did a great job of combining several tried-and-true Regency storylines to create something that didn't feel old or clichéd at all. I'll be picking up some more of Ms. Byrd's books ASAP! Cassie reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

Mutual seduction and a mystery

The premise of this book is old, and well-written: Widow forms romantic attachment with aristocratic rake for the purpose of redeeming family heirloom, etc. I've read hundreds of books with the above plotline. What stood out about this one was the deftly-described characters, and fresh sub-plot. Lauryn..the widow, dearly loved her husband, and his family. She, herself, comes from a loving and large family. Unlike most of the books with this premise, Lauryn doesn't have to overcome any past anger or male control issues. Lauryn and her father-in-law are staying at a London hotel when she overhears the hotel maids talking about the Earl, and how he's recently given up his last mistress. Lauryn very much misses the love she shared with her deceased husband and after a year of mourning him she is beginning to believe her sexual needs will never be met again. The discussion of the hotel maids fires her imagination and makes her wonder about the Earl as a man. When she learns her father in law, Squire Harris lost his estate to the Earl in a card game, Lauryn feels she might be able to get his estate back AND feel physical love again..if only the Earl with hire her as his mistress. Her payment would be in the deed for Squire Harris' estate. She presents herself at the earl's home, and within short order removes her dress. Thankfully, the author does give Sutton a brain, and he quickly figures out what motivated "Mrs. Smith" to offer herself to him. What he didn't count on was falling in love with her. Suttons' past IS littered with bad memories of women, and he fights his love for Lauryn...almost to the point of losing her completely. There is an interesting crime/mystery to deal with...and a cautionary tale of opium use in the 1900th century. All together, a satisfying read.

entertaining historical romance

Unable to cope with the death of his son Robert last year and with no grandchildren Squire Harris left Yorkshire for London where he lost the estate in a game of cards to the Earl of Sutton. Robert's impoverished widow Lady Lauryn Applegate Harris vows to get the property back as that is her home. Though she knows her sister would welcome her back, Lauryn offers to become mistress to the new owner Marcus in hopes of regaining the deed. Marcus arrogantly informs her he will give her a two week trial at his country estate. There he realizes immediately that Lauryn is not a courtesan though she stirs his blood like no one ever has. As they fall in love in and out of bed and forge a relationship that includes companionship, a missing ship of his has been found. She decides to give her beloved a gift by investigating what happened to the vessel. Her endeavor and his efforts to keep her safe strengthen their love, but place their lives in danger from a deadly opium smuggler. This entertaining historical romance is a fun read as a resolute Lauryn and a scandalous Marcus engage in a terrific gender war. Although that theme has been used frequently, the story line is fast-paced from the moment the duo duel and never slows down until their final confrontation. The subplot involving smugglers is exciting, but more critical is that it enhances the battle of the sexes. Nicole Byrd provides an engaging nineteenth century romantic romp. Harriet Klausner