Earl’s Choice by Jess Michaels
Regency Royals #2

This author, this story, these characters provided me with a wonderful way to spend the day. I was swept into the past, given a swoon worthy hero and wonderful heroine to watch as they worked out whether their love would find a way to overcome the obstacles in their way. Loved Sacha and Thomas and was rooting for their HEA ending.

What I liked:
* Sacha: charming at six and still so at 23, strong, loving, caring, family oriented, knows her place, knows what she wants and why it may not be possible. Perfect for Thomas.
* Thomas: Earl of Bramwell, destined for a princess, feels a spark for Sacha and not for the intended princess, dutiful, loving, kind, and perfect for Sacha
* The royal family – all of them
* Getting to see Ilaria and Captain Crawford and how they were doing – and the part shared was in the previous book but good for those that had not read book one
* Remington “Remi” – prince, middle brother, playboy, wiser than anyone knows, protective, I am intrigued by him.
* Grantham: king, eldest brother, reserved, loving, diplomatic, wants what is best for his country, worried, a good man, someone I hope to get to know better as the series progresses
* Giabella: Queen, mother, miserably married and now widowed. Hoping she and Dash end up together and we get to hear their story.
* The mystery of who is REALLY trying to upset the country, king, family, behind the attempted assassination of Ilaria.
* The ending and how it plays out well for two in the family.

What I didn’t like:
* The assassin and whoever is behind the attempts made
* The feeling that duty was more important than love and wondering how that would be dealt with

Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Definitely!

Thank you to NetGalley and The Passionate Pen LLC for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars ( )

My Rating is 3.5 Stars Rounded Up

After the first book in the series, I could hardly wait to read Thomas and Sasha’s story. The writing is good, the characters are delightful, and you can really feel the stress and danger for Sasha and Ilaria. The author really makes you feel the hopelessness and sadness of Thomas and Sasha as they realize they love each other, but also know that nothing can come of it.

Sasha Killick was orphaned at the age of six when her parents' ship sank as they were returning to Athawick from England. Sasha was taken in by the Queen and raised as one of her own. The King, however, was a totally different story. He was a nasty, mean-tempered man who had no love for his own family much less Sasha. However, she did have a home and a lot of love from her new siblings and the Queen. After the old king died and her brother Grantham ascended to the throne, Sasha accompanied the family to England on a state visit. Sasha senses the tension in the air during the crossing and is apprehensive – then she learns the reason for the tension and she’s even more apprehensive. It is the intention of the senior royals to marry Ilaria off to an English nobleman. As Ilaria isn’t a particularly biddable female, Sasha knows troubled times are ahead. When Sasha meets one of the gentlemen under consideration, she feels a strong attraction. Uh-Oh!

Thomas James Mackenzie Martindale, Earl of Bramwell is still trying to recover from the shambles his father left the earldom in. He left them in both social and financial ruin with little hope of finding their way out. He was a cruel and hateful man who would have taken great delight at their dilemma. Thomas has done almost all he can do to turn things about and he knows they have to have an infusion of cash or they are totally down the tubes. He can make himself resigned to the fact that he is on the list of contenders for Princess Ilaria’s hand if he has to do so to save his family. That is, he can resign himself to it until he meets her sister, Sasha.

The royal family is in danger and it seems to be focused on Ilaria at the moment, so Ilaria has been secreted away and Sasha is acting as her double. When Sasha is brutally attacked, things begin to come to a head. I am assuming that the villains will continue to plague the royals throughout the series, but there are hints about who might turn out to be the nasty faction.

So, why did I rate it 3.5 stars rather than the 5 stars I gave the last book? Well, it is because I had already read most of the story in the last book. It is from a slightly different perspective, of course, but it is the same story with not a lot of new added. We have additional scenes between Sasha and Thomas, etc. but not as much as I would have thought. Still, it is a lovely story and I enjoyed it. Now, I can hardly wait for Rimi’s story, Princes Are Wild because it takes place in a different place and date.

I hope you will enjoy this book as much as I did.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. ( )