Girls Before Earls: A Rogues to Lovers Novel

Girls Before Earls by Anna Bennett, book one in her Rogues to Lovers series, is an entertaining, romantic, and wonderful story with great messages about family, grief, society, and love. Miss Hazel Lively is a strong, independent woman who dedicated her life to helping young girls. Adamant that all girls, regardless of social class, deserve the same opportunities, Hazel opens a school to girls of all social stations. A lover of books and learning, Hazel is determined to make her school a success, and when the Earl of Bladenton enrolls his niece, it seems her prospects are looking up. However, Blade’s niece Kitty is a handful, and Hazel’s feelings for Blade are less than professional. Blade doesn’t believe in love. Determined to enter a marriage of convenience, Blade intends to leave Kitty in Hazel’s capable hands so that he can ensure his engagement to a woman of the ton. However, when Hazel makes his involvement in Kitty’s life part of their arrangement, Blade finds himself returning to Bellhaven Academy to visit Kitty and developing feelings for the proper and intelligent headmistress. Though very different, Hazel and Blade both keep people at a distance. For different reasons, neither let anyone get too close, and neither are looking for love. Hazel is committed to her school, and Blade has been burned by love in the past; which swore him off love forever. In addition, they are from different social classes, live in different places, and have different goals. From their first meeting, these two have explosive, off-the-charts chemistry, and their feelings are undeniable; despite trying to deny them. Theirs is a case of opposites attract, and these opposites have an amazing connection. Their budding relationship is equal parts sweet, romantic, fun, angst-filled, and sensual. I love the found family aspect of the story and how Hazel connects with other motherless women. She, Poppy (a local woman), and Kitty all lost their mothers at a young age, creating a bond between them; one that allows them to relate and understand each. I also enjoyed seeing Blade and Kitty grow closer as the story progresses. At the beginning of the novel, Kitty and Blade barely know each other. Estranged from Kitty’s parents, Blade is stunned to learn that he was chosen to care for her, and he struggles to connect with his difficult niece. However, with Hazel’s help, Kitty and Blade begin to develop a bond and a mutual regard for each other. This relationship changes both of them for the better. Ms. Bennett wrote a charming, clever, entertaining story that is not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with amusing banter, sizzling chemistry, and charming characters giving Hazel and Blade a chance for happiness, love and a future together. I definitely recommend Girls Before Earls to other readers. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Miss Hazel Lively had decided that she would open a finishing school for girls because of what happened to her in the past. She hoped that the well off customers could help provide extra money so Hazel could provide schooling for less fortunate girls. Now with the school finally open, Hazel is hoping for more girls to attend. When the handsome Gabriel Beckett, Earl of Bladenton, shows up wanting to enroll his niece, Kitty Beckett, whom is now his ward, Hazel is a little apprehensive. Hazel and Blade come to an agreement and she takes Kitty in. When Blade has to come and visit with Kitty every two weeks, he finds he is enjoying seeing Hazel more and more. While Kitty is proving to be a handful, Hazel understands where she is coming from and the two form a close bond. As their relationship develops, things between Hazel and Blade become more interesting until they take things to next level. Just when it looks like Blade may have found his happiness in Hazel, things from his past come back to haunt him. It will take a lot of self reflection before Blade can realize what will really make him happy, which of course is Hazel. I just adored this fun, enjoyable story. Hazel was out to prove herself that she can survive on her own because of her past while Blade never wanted to settle down because of his past. Problem is is that these two are just so drawn to the other they can't help but fall in love. It was wonderful watching these two fall hard. This was a great start to a new series by Anna Bennett.

I loved everything about this delightful story! I adored the way Hazel was able to reach Kitty, especially since they both had so much in common. I loved her patience with Blade, and how she gently helped heal his heart. I thoroughly enjoyed my virtual time in the charming community of Bellehaven, with all its various events and assorted citizenry. I especially appreciated how the community itself contributed to Kitty's healing journey. I was a bit surprised to find that Blade is only referred to by the shorted name of his title or his title itself; even after he insists on learning Hazel's first name he doesn't give her his. It's only in the online blurb that one discovers his given name; it is never used anywhere in the book itself. I was instantly captivated by this story and fell in love with the characters right away. Blade and Hazel really bring out the best in each other, and it's clear that she's the only one who could scale his walls and help him move on from the two worst days in his life. Anna Bennett is one of my favorite authors of historical romance, and if you haven't read her books yet, you owe it to yourself to start with this one. Every one is a winner, and this one is promising to develop into an exceptional series. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.