In terms of meeting the brief entirely this book is everything a reader wants when they read its description, and so were I told by anyone that simplistic, easy to read, regency era romances were a favourite of theirs I would probably immediately recommend this book. The only reason I'm not giving this book five stars is the whole ward-guardian thing didn't work amazingly for me, it wasn't the most absolute worst though, because the author executed it in a way that wasn't concerningly creepy.

I always enjoy Erica Ridley’s books but this one is just AMAZING!
Miss Matilda Dodd is a month shy of her majority, and cannot wait to live life on her own terms. Rather than meet her unwanted new guardian as instructed, she attends a ball and comes kiss-to-kiss with an adorably befuddled handsome lord instead. But the grumpy, sexy stranger turns out to be the new guardian, hell-bent on marrying her to someone else!
Titus Noble, the Earl of Gilbourne, is an emotionless, rigid automaton who lives for predictability and order. There is no room in his exacting schedule for a ridiculous matchmaking festival, and there is no room in his peaceful life for an unexpected ward. The only solution is to marry the chit to the first fool willing to take the beautiful hoyden off the earl’s hands. That is, if Titus can keep his hands off his maddening, kissable ward…
OMG THESE TWO! I devoured this book in one sitting. I’m a sucker for guardian/ward troupes, but this one is absolutely sweet and engaging. They work so good together! They both have sad pasts and lost so much.
This story is romantic, deeply emotional, with steamy moments and adorable witty dialogs. I laughed, sighed and suffered for them. Such a beautiful journey! I highly recommend it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Sweet, charming, and the perfect length for a lovely afternoon of reading.
Matilda and Titus are total opposites so you know from the first moment they're drawn to each other that their story will be a good one. Their interactions are always honest, be they playful or serious, and it gives their eventual relationship such a sense of rightness that even the mandatory will they/won't they scene feels like an adventure they'll be able to tell their grandchildren about.
It's really nothing genre-defining or life-altering, but I enjoyed every single word on the page and highly recommend giving this super-sweet romance a chance.

Delighted thanks to NetGalley and Erica Ridley for the early read!

This Erica Ridley's book is absolutely perfect.
A grumpy Earl (yes, he has reasons to be a person who never laughs and avoids being in a crowd). An orphaned young woman placed as a ward in the hand of the said Earl, with a great desire to enjoy life (she also had profound losses in life), and for three weeks (until she reaches the age of majority) they are obliged to live together.

Miss Matilde Dodd - a fierce consumer of sweets - will have to live with Titus Noble, the Earl of Gilbourne, until she is independent, which will happen in 3 weeks.
Titus never participates in the Season, never goes to parties, and is famous for his irrefutable speeches at the House of Lords.
He swore never to marry or have children, and there's a pretty sad (yes, heartbreaking) story behind that.
But Matilde's joie de vivre is contagious.
She lost her parents to an illness. She had also gotten sick, and along with that, she developed a huge phobia of spiders (this is an important information, take note).

Being obliged to accompany her in some events, Titus immediately becomes her defender when he learns that some "ladies" - who are eagerly looking for marriage, and he is a strong candidate - are humiliating Matilde.

The couple's dialog is perfect, slow burn, and leaves a warm heart feeling.
I loved the couple - total chemistry. And the fact that the story started out focused on him, and his terrible scars, totally grabbed my attention. I read the book in 3 hours.
5 stars

A fun short beauty and the beast story. The character's were lovely and I rooted for them to get their HEA. There was no real reason for them not to be together so this perfectly fitted into a short story as there was only Titus's reluctance to love and loose someone else. Very enjoyable sweet read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Fun, sweet & emotionally resonating romance!

Two deeply wounded souls ... one marked for all to see, with the scars of his greatest torment, loss and regret that bind him to a life of penitent solitude, while the other holds her pain close to her heart as she wilfully embraces life and adventure to the full... are forced, so delightfully, into close proximity as guardian and ward.  Might two who seek such opposite paths of light and shadow converge to find a way to heal each other? I just loved finding out, in this trace of rags to riches meets beauty and the beast vibe tale that so subtly combined, to make this one thoroughly emotional, highly enjoyable romance!
This was so well written, the pair had this unexpected power to touch me so heartpoundingly deeply, I became attuned to their internal pain and loneliness, in such a profoundly empathetic way, that I read the majority through a veil of tears.
There was this aching undercurrent of loneliness they radiated, beneath the funny, sharp wit and push and pull heart binding chemistry that just hits you. It surrounded Matilda and Titus, in this sweet cocoon of rich humour and warmth, that cut through the grouchy laced rejoiners and resented mist of a newly appointed guardian towards his unwanted ward, and laced each designed-to-push-away word with this opposing softness - this endearingly comforting sincerity, compassion and strong instintual need to protect each other. That slowly and so entertainingly saw Matilda's resonating ray of sunshine persona crumble Titus' shield of austere, regimental-duty-driven-wounded bear-grumpiness, one small chink at a time.
DEFYING THE EARL is an unputdownable book, I just had to devour in one sitting yet despite being apart of a series can so easily be enjoyed as a standalone. Loving this series so far, can't wait for the next!

Pardon me while I bask in the afterglow of this book! I could not love it more. From the start I was taken with the levity and teasing humour between these two. Titus is perhaps the gruffest, stiffest man in England and yet Matilda faces his stern demeanour with sunshine and hope. Even amidst almost crippling insecurities, which may Hal be the biggest underlier in this entire book. Both of these characters suffer similar insecurities, the main difference is in how they’ve shaped their lives because of them. I was completely in love with Matilda by the end of the first chapter. Her quick wit and ready repartee to everything the Earl said to her was pure bliss. I could not stop giggling for most of this novel. When I did it was to heartbreak at the bitter anguish that is Titus’ life. It is impossible not to love this wounded, scared soul. I completely understand his appeal, you just want to cuddle him and hold him close to heal his shattered heart. This grump-sunshine story was everything I never knew I needed. A beauty and the beast retelling, right down to the lovingly loyal servants.

I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book 4 in the series. This was actually a fun read I enjoyed the characters a great deal. These really can be read as a stand alone. I am looking forward to more.

I really liked this at the beginning, despite the insta-kissing as soon as they first saw each other. I enjoyed the grumpy sunshine dynamic and adored Matilda. However, the more I read, the more I couldn't stand Titus, he was so mean to everyone, even Matilda. I just couldn't understand what she saw in him.
Also, Matilda read very young so their relationship creeped me out a bit.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I’d like to thank the author, the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

“Defying the Earl” by Erika Ridley is the fourth book in the “Lords in Love”-series. The novel tells the story of Titus Noble, the Earl of Gilbourne, and Miss Matilda Dodd. Titus loves rules and the order they bring. With a strong preference for self-isolation he spends most of his days in his office working. When he has to attend the May Day Matchmaking Festival in order to pick up his newly assigned ward, Titus finds himself kissing a mysterious woman who tastes like candied lemon peels behind potted fawns. To his own surprise, the young woman turns out to be Matilda Dodd, his ward. Matilda has no interest in other people meddling with her future. She wants to be one who decides who or when she marries. Not her aunt, not the Earl of Gilbourne. Yet, Titus can’t seem to wait to rid himself of her and marry her off. Shy Matilda has to stand her ground and not fall back in the arms of the handsome stranger who stole a kiss from her.

Though, the story is rather short and more a novella than a full-length novel, the author manages to create two intriguing and full fleshed main characters with quirks and all. I thoroughly enjoyed the combination of a shy FMC and a social reclusive MMC. It created a nice dynamic in which the couple shares similarities, but also differences which created tension and banter. Matilda and Titus challenge each other as much as they compliment each other.

Although the characters are well crafted and fun, the shortness of the novel surely created the issue of a rather rushed storytelling style. Everything happens quickly without much builtup. The characters get thrown together in a silly situation and then stuff continuously starts happening before time (or space) runs out. Unlike the installation before, Matilda and Titus were strangers when they met and had no prior connections which made the fast paced romance a bit too unbelievable. Their life together after the festival is also quite rushed through. Three weeks get discussed in a few chapters, racing through Matilda’s Cinderella-transformation, expanding feelings towards Titus and exploring London. I wish I had more time to sit with the characters and not get info dumped in order for the next scene to make sense. I also missed a bit of romance. Sure, there was tension and simmering feelings between the two, but two shared kisses and a fade-to-black scene didn’t make the cut for me. They had great chemistry and I loved the way they were able to connect with each other, but everything was too rushed that I couldn’t truly enjoy these amazing characters and their backstories.

The writing style is strongly leaning towards the classic romcom style found in many contemporary and historical romances alike. Many readers enjoy this more comedic style of writing, other’s prefer a more whimsical and older sounding style. To me, the writing style was solid and matched the silly and light-hearted plot. In a way it also helped with the rushed pacing as did not struggle with overcomplicated vocabulary and sentence structure.

Overall, a good continuation of the series, matching the prior books with its light-hearted and fun story. The story was a tad too silly for my taste but still a great novel to pick up on a spring weekend and get lost in the botanic gardens of Marywell for another adventure.

*The review will be simultaneously posted on GoodReads.

This was a really fantastic read. A witty historical romance with great characters and a bit of a twist on the path to their HEA.

Matilda was such a fun character and I loved her interactions with the grumpy Titus. She was definitely not what he was expecting.

If you’re looking for a fun, lighthearted Sunday afternoon read then this is definitely for you.

A sweet Guardian Ward romance. Any time I hear this trope, my ears instantly perk up. This was a lovely little take on it.

It was kind of interesting that it was only for a short term and there isn't really an age gap between them either. It took a bit of the forbidden-ness out of the situation. Which for me anyway, is what I love about a trope like this. It does have the forced proximity and he was delightfully grumpy yet protective, so that was fun too.

I just continue to stand by that this series feels a bit rushed.

3.5 stars (Rounded Up)
1.5 on the spice scale

Wow, this new series by Erica and Darcy is amazing. The stories take place in the small town of Merrywell. Every year they hold a festival for all, wealthy, workers, anyone who is looking for love and marriage. Most of the books have taken place here. This one starts in Merrywell and finishes in London. What could possibly go wrong when the Godmother of an Earl and the aunt of a simple county girl set them up!? Titus has scars both on the outside from an accident that took his family and mostly on the inside. He is a man with many secrets and guilt. Matilda was raised in a small village till she lost her parents. She has overcome much in her young life and now finds herself being given to an uptight, rigid Earl for a month! She always tries to see the best, is a very sunny happy person who just wants to make some friends. Find someone who wants to be with her. When these two end up kissing before they know who the other is everything both thought of the other is turned on its ear. What a lark this book was, once you start reading you will not be able to stop. I read it in one day. How they both learn and grow and find what is really important is wonderful. Others have said the story is like most regency romances, but I disagree. I read a lot of them and this one has a lot of surprises for us in our characters and how they end up. I have never read a book by either of these authors that wasn’t a page turner and I’ve read most of their books. Don’t miss this one or you will be sorry. This whole series can be read as stand alone but so much better read in order. This couple will be stuck in your mind for days after you finish such a wonderful story. I know I will be going back and rereading all the story again at some point. I can’t wait for the next one. I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion. Hurry and get your copy and get started...

Defying the Earl is the fourth book in the Lords in Love Series. Once again Erica Ridley has written a thoroughly engaging and as well as entertaining love story.

Titus Noble, the Earl of Gilbourne, is an emotionless, unbending man that keeps everyone at arm's length and lives by strict rules, until he meets his new ward thanks to his Godmother. She has concocted a scheme to get them together. Titus on the other hand just has to find a man for her to marry in the three weeks he has been given. But will he be able to keep his hands to himself let her go when the time comes.

Miss Matilda Dodd has a mind of her own and refuses to be any man’s property. She’s a month shy of her twenty-first birthday when she comes into her inheritance and finally be free to do as she likes. She is brought to the ball by her aunt to meet her new guardian and spies a very handsome man. Hidden behind a rather large fern they share a kiss and are immediately taken with each other. When her aunt introduces them, Mattie is shocked and Titus is stunned. He will have to maintain his stiff persona to keep her away. Mattie on the other hand has different plans altogether.

I really enjoy the books by the author. They are well written with very likeable characters. This was a wonderful afternoon read.

Independent Matilda steals a kiss from a handsome stranger at a ball—only to discover that he's her new guardian!

Matilda and Titus have strong chemistry, but neither is interested in marriage. He likes his peaceful and orderly life (or thinks he does), while she longs for the freedom of the fortune she'll inherit when she turns twenty-one. Living under the same roof, they come to realize their attraction is too strong to ignore. She brings out his tender side, and it's heartwarming to see his transformation. This is a fun read with unexpected depth.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

This one was just not for me... it didn't grab me from the get go, in fact the MH was super abrasive and there was just nothing pulling me in to see if he was redeemable and honestly i found myself not caring even if he was in the end.

Thank you for the opportunity to read early

Matilda Dodd is one month away from gaining her independence. Her aunt is tired of playing chaperone and is pawning Matilda off on her godson, Titus the Earl of Gilbourne for the next month. Titus detests balls and the ton and rarely leaves his home. Venturing out to Marrywell during the annual matchmaking festival to pick up a new ward is a new form of torture. While waiting for his godmother to arrive, he is drawn to a pretty girl that he begins kissing behind a fern. This is quite out of character for the elusive Earl and even more shocking to find out that pretty girl is his new ward. Titus fights to keep his affections to himself and their relationship platonic but feelings keep creeping in.

I adored this book. It might be my favorite in the series thus far. This is a grumpy/sunshine beauty and the beast retelling. The matchmaking festival isn't as in the forefront in this book as the rest of the series. When Titus looked for spiders at the modiste, I about swooned. I'm excited to continue on with this series! It was entertaining and well written.

Thank you to NetGalley, Erica Ridley, and Webmotion for this eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
#netgalley #lordsinlove #DefyingtheEarl #ericaridley #webmotionpublishing

Defying the Earl is a super cute book and a really fun read! I read it recently while on a flight, and it kept me entertained and made the flight go by so fast!
I'm not usually a fan of the ward/guardian trope, but Matilda is a charming, energetic, entertaining character and I wanted to read her story. This is the best ward/guardian trope book that I've read so far! Gilbourne is a grumpy, traumatized earl, who becomes Matilda's guardian after his godmother says that she is too much work for her. Matilda is eager to experience the world, and wants to make friends with everyone. Including Gilbourne! They meet anonymously for a few minutes, and share an accidental/can't help kiss-- and then learn who they are to each other! Too late, and we see the story as it unfolds from there.
Erica Ridley is a unique story teller, and I really like this book! Matilda and Gilbourne are great together, and the dialogue is so funny and witty. I really enjoyed the latest in the Lords in Love series! If you enjoy ward/guardian, sunshine/grumpy tropes, this is a book for you!
I received Defying the Earl as an ARC for my honest opinion. This is a great series to read!!!

Erica Ridley is one of my fav historical romance writer and this one a good one: entertaining, compelling, and well plotted.
The characters are fleshed out and the chemistry between them works.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this arc, all opinions are mine

This isn't my all-time favorite work by Ms. Ridley, but it was still a fun and quick read. Wish it would have been a little longer, in fact. Grumpy sunshine done well!

And now I'm interested to try candied citrus peels, in honor of the heroine.

Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for the opportunity to read a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.