Lady Meets Earl Review (Love on Holiday, #2)

Hello, all!

I've been in a bit of a reading slump recently, and Lady Meets Earl by Christy Carlyle was exactly what I needed.

Pub Date: 11-29-22
Adult - Historical Romance

Perpetual people-pleaser Lady Lucy Westmont knows that she needs to change her ways to make a life for herself. When she receives a letter inviting her to stay with her free-spirited aunt in the Scottish countryside, Lucy jumps at the chance to do something for herself. Once Lucy arrives at the manor, she's shocked to discover her aunt gone and the handsome yet rude stranger she shared a train car with, claiming that he's the rightful owner of the property.

Up until recently, James Pembroke was in the shipping business. Now, James finds himself the new Earl of Rossbury, and with that title comes his late uncle's debts and a manor house in the wilds of Scotland. James, already in debt to a dangerous man after a business deal went sour, has no choice but to sell the manor. But when he arrives, he finds Lucy and her tenacious spirit has him re-thinking everything. As the pair spend more time together, their feelings for one another grow. But will James throw away his one chance at erasing his debts to follow his heart instead?

I've never read anything by Carlyle before, but you can bet I'll be diving into her backlist now. I thought this was so fun. I was instantly charmed and found Lucy so relatable. The romance between her and James was quite insta-lovey, but I didn't mind so much. They had great banter, and their relationship just felt so sweet. I thought James was stubborn and too prideful when refusing Lucy's help, but he had his reasonings. The plot had lower stakes than other hist-roms I've read, but I liked that. It made it feel cozier in a way. Overall, it was a cute, quick read, and I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

Rating: 4/5