Girls Before Earls by Anna Bennett ARC Review!

 

Title: Girls Before Earls (Rogues to Lovers #1)
Author: Anna Bennett
Publish Date: December 28th, 2021
Publisher: St. Martin's Paperbacks
Source: Huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC for review!

WHAT A GIRL WANTS

To survive her difficult childhood, Miss Hazel Lively relied on two things: a tough outer shell and a love of books. Now, at the age of twenty-eight, she’s finally realized her life-long dream of opening a school for girls. She’s hoping that the wealthy families who flock to the shore for the summer will entrust their daughters to Bellehaven Academy―and help pay the way for less fortunate students. All Hazel must do is maintain a flawless reputation and raise a good deal of money. It’s a foolproof plan…till a sinfully handsome earl strides into her office.

WHAT AN EARL NEEDS

Gabriel Beckett, Earl of Bladenton, has had a monstrous headache since the day his teenaged niece became his ward. She’s been expelled from two London boarding schools and is doing her damnedest to scare off his potential fiancée. But Blade has a plan of his own―enroll his niece at Bellehaven Academy, where she’ll be out of town and out of his hair. He just needs to convince the buttoned-up headmistress with the soulful brown eyes to take on his niece.

LEAD TO AN IRRESISTIBLE DEAL

When Blade makes a generous offer to the school, it’s impossible for Hazel to refuse. But she has one non-negotiable condition: the earl must visit his niece every other week. Soon, Blade discovers there’s much more to Hazel than meticulous lesson plans. In moonlit seaside coves and candlelit ballrooms, their sparring leads to flirtation…and something altogether deeper. But the passion that flares between them poses a threat to Hazel’s school and Blade’s battered heart. They say a good thing can’t last forever, but true love? Well, it just might…

Penelope's Review

This is the first book in a new series by Anna Bennett and the first book I have read by this author! I really enjoyed her writing style, and the life she gives to her characters so I'm excited to delve into her other works eventually!

This book follows Hazel, a 28 year old woman who has recently opened up a school for girls, and requires a spotless reputation in order to get it up and running. When the handsome earl, Blade, brings his niece Kitty to Bellehaven Academy, he hopes to enroll her after being expelled from her two previous schools. What follows is a story of dedication and commitment, adventure, and love. 

Hazel was such a great character - she was brave and determined, and had a passion for her school and students. She was so strong, yet very guarded. It was great watching her open up to Blade and begin to realize that there is more to life than just her school and her girls. Blade was a straightforward man with a purpose in mind - get married, have an heir, live a loveless life. Until he meets Hazel. These two have such a great connection, it was really fun watching them get to know each other and fall in love with each other. It was done tastefully and realistically and I was really impressed.

I also loved the family connections - Hazel and her students, Blade and Kitty, etc. Each interaction was so special and really drove home the importance of family (blood related or not). The only thing I would say is that this wasn't the most unique historical romance I've read. Of course when you get into this genre, it's very difficult to find something you've never read before but authors tend to strive for a memorable twist. While I absolutely enjoyed this book and will definitely be trying other books from this author, I would say that it was missing "the twist" that made it stand out, in my opinion. That being said, I encourage you to give it a try! It's a quick, fun read with great characters!

Rating: 4/5 Devils!