Monday, March 3, 2014

Title:       Why Earls Fall in Love [Wicked Widows, book 2]
Author:   Manda Collins
Rating:   ★★★
Availability: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Kobo

Manda Collins is back with Why Earls Fall in Love, the sequel to Why Dukes Say I Do, the first book in her Wicked Widows series. When I saw that Manda had a new book out, I immediately had to get it. I didn't realize until today out of her eight novels, I've already read five, and I'm pretty sure that number will still increase with her other future releases.

Society often makes strange bedfellows—and even more surprising betrothals... 

IS IT A REASON FOR ROMANCE?
 In Why Earls Fall in Love by Manda Collins, young widowed Georgina Mowbray is settling into her role as Lady Russell’s companion quite well—until the lady’s nephew Dominic, the Earl of Coniston, arrives in Bath for a visit. Georgie’s always found him shallow and too smooth, and trusts him as much as she trusts most men…which is to say, not at all. But Con turns out to be more intriguing than she remembers—and completely irresistible...

OR A PROMISE OF PASSION? 
Pretty, practical Georgie is nothing like the women Con usually woos—especially since she seems blind to his charms. But his elderly aunt is so fond of her that Con is determined at least to be sociable…with the occasional flirtation thrown in just for fun. But things take a serious turn when a dangerous figure from Georgie’s unhappy past appears and threatens to bring her harm. Con will do whatever it takes to keep Georgie safe. And if he can show her that all men are not menaces, he might be able to keep her in his arms and never let go…

I enjoyed the first book so much and liked the romantic, albeit a bit predictable, pairings that I did not hesitate to read Why Earls Fall in Love. However, this time, I didn't fall for Con or even particularly liked the heroine. Instead, I liked the story and think it's a good addition to the whole Wicked Widows series, and I am so psyched to read the real culprit behind the mayhem in the three ladies' lives!

The Earl of Coniston is an alpha to the bone, and I like that he knew what he wanted and that he didn't try to run from his feelings. However, he didn't appeal to me as much as Trevor did in the first book; Con sounded too glib for my taste. But I like that he trusted Georgina even against his family, and that he was all hell-bent on protecting her. I believe I'm capable of protecting myself (or running away from danger!) but it was nice to escape in a book where the man was a man who fought for his woman. Ooops, my romantic little heart is showing.

Georgina was a morose widow who was tightly controlled. By the end of the book, it is not known whether she has become more relaxed as a person. Now that I think about it, there wasn't really much character development between the two of them because they were too busy dealing with the man/woman who has been terrorizing her.

I find that, inevitably, there's always that one book in a series that is a good addition to the series as a whole but is not as amazing as the others. Why Earls Fall in Love was that for me. It did, however, spark my interest in historical romance again and in the Wicked Widows series. I am so excited for the last book, dealing with the delicious tension between Perdita and Archer, whose groundwork for romance has been laid out in this second book. Also, I am bursting with curiosity to discover who they're really dealing with!

Have you been reading the Wicked Widows series? :)


10 comments:

  1. Ooh I have no read a historical romance in ages! The last one two was about courtesans which I liked but didn't wow me. I think I will try out this trilogy though (?) especially since you loved the first book! Great review Goldie!

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    1. Ooooh what book is that? Hihi, thanks, Amir! High five! :D cheer

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  2. Even if this particular book wasn't a hit I do love the series concept. We need more diversity in romance novels.

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    1. I agree! Especially when you read a whole bunch in a particular genre and sub-genre, it gets wearying.

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  3. I haven't read this series yet as I don't read much straight romance/historical fiction. I do like how the Earl was all alpha and overprotective though. Lovely review!

    Jeann @ Happy Indulgence

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    1. Aw thanks for still reading my review though, Jeann. I'm really touched. :) cheer

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  4. I have only read one Manda Collins book before and it was a while ago. I know she has written a bunch of books though. I know what you mean by good books in a series that did not wow me. I find that usually happens at least once. Hopefully the next one will be better for you.

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    1. I sure hope so, fishgirl! Thank you for visiting! :) cheer

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  5. OOo I've not read her before but so going to add these to my list! I'm okay with books like this one where maybe I'm not blown away by the characters but the storyline itself totally grabs me. And I kinda think Con would be a hero I like. I love those protective alpha males. I'm totally capable of handling things on my own but you know sometimes it's nice to have someone come in and want to do some protecting and heavy lifting. *nods* Thanks for the heads up on these Goldie! Glad they've sparked your interest in historicals again :)

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    1. I know. Protective males can be awesome, especially if they're all macho about it. :p

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