The Red Hot Earl

Humorous and a bit different.

Enjoyable novella. Recommend.

Lady Bianca Stafford (Bee) and Ashton Rutledge, the newly minted Earl of Buckleigh, haven’t seen each other since she was a child and he went away to school. They meet and become reacquainted at Thornaby’s house party. It is Ash’s first foray into society since inheriting the title. Bee is looking for help for the annual St. Stephen’s Day celebration for the villagers. It doesn’t take long to see that their friendship could become so much more. Things do not go entirely well at the party. When an unpleasant incident causes Ash to leave, Bee follows. A few days later, she goes to his estate to ask him to host the village celebration. Thanks to a snowstorm, they start a brief and happy courtship. Smooth sailing from there out? No. There is a contrary brother, a bad joke turned tragic, and a lot of excitement for them once the snowstorm passes. How will all of this work out for Ash and Bee? Ash Rutledge is a fantastic hero. His strength of character shows in the way he worked to control the tics and outbursts that made him the target of bullies in school. He had not expected to gain the title, but was working to become a barrister. He has staunch allies in Bee and his mother. Bee is feisty and stubborn. She is also kind hearted and caring. She never noticed Ash’s idiosyncrasies when they were younger. He was her friend and she liked him. Bee loves and is concerned for her siblings. Her sister Poppy is sad, and her brother Caulder, the current Duke, is angry. Red Hot Earl is quick, cute, exciting, and a bit spicy. It is an enjoyable beginning to a series that promises the Stafford siblings will learn that Love is All Around. Rudolph would be proud of Ash. I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

Childhood friends reunite. Bianca is a bit of a tomboy and out spoken. Ash has a quirk that he has had to deal with all his life. They meet again at a house party. Nice romance. Great personalities.