Blame It on the Earl: A Scandalous Regency Romp (The Duke’s Estates, 3)
While visiting the mythical Tintagel Castle in Cornwall, Sarah Moran happens upon a stranger by the name of Kenver Pendrennon, heir to an earldom, who is hurt and in danger. When she saves him, they end up spending a night together in a cave because of high tide. With the slightest whiff of scandal hanging over their heads, he does the honorable thing and proposes marriage. Kenver’s parents reject the match, doing all manner of things to make their daughter-in-law’s life a nightmare. This is a household where Kenver’s mother rules the roost. Will Sarah and Kenver’s love withstand the difficulties and trials?
Sarah is a kind and knowledgeable young woman fascinated by the Arthurian legends, and her beloved Kenver shares that same interest. While the characters are exceedingly well written, Kenver’s parents are loathsome and unbearable, and after a while, I found Kenver himself to be frustratingly weak-willed. It is difficult to like a character who doesn’t stand up to his parents’ cruelty or at least stand up for his wife. There are moments where the romance is beautiful and heart-wrenching, but I could not fully overcome my dislike of Kenver. On the other hand, I adored Sarah. An enjoyable but frustrating read.
