When I was younger I used to be embarrassed every so often by songs I liked because they were, according to my peers, lesser. Now as a middle aged woman, I feel no shame about the books or movies or music that I like and I have become an unapologetic romance reader.

I haven't read many of Darcy Burke's books, but even in my short acquaintance with her work,  I've yet read a Darcy Burke book that I haven't enjoyed and this title is no exception. I adore her books; they are entertaining and fun, and a lovely break from the day to day. 

My thanks to Darcy Burke, Darcy Burke Publishing, and NetGalley for the advance reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for allowing me read this advance reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

I haven't read any Darcy  Burke books in what feels like forever!!!!.... So I thought it fitting that I read this prequel of the Untouchables.  It's the story of Edmund, the Earl of Satterfield, who became enamored with Eugenia (now the Dowager Duchess of Kendal) during her season twenty years ago, but he was young, - age 20 to her 22, leaving to the continent and an idiot for not pursuing her. Now, he has been given a second chance at love. 

Eugenia loved her husband the Duke of Kendal and continues to mourn him.  She feels she will never be able to find that love again.  The Duke extracted a promise from her that she will remarry and although she is not looking for love, she attends a house party hosted by her cousin, that turns out to be a - current tinder event - sorry don't know how else to call it.  Edmund see's her and realizes he is still crazy about.  Now....If only he can convince her that she can marry for love twice in one lifetime.

This is a cute and well-written novella. The characters are wonderful and the romance sucks you in. I now want to go back and read all the books I missed and learn about the other characters.  I hope you’ll read and enjoy the book as much as I did.

The Bachelor Earl by Darcy Burke
Rating 4
**WARNING: Spoilers are contained within this review.**
Summary: Genie, the Dowager Duchess of Kendal, arrives at an unusual house party, but she does not know it is unusual. Her husband passed away two years prior and this was to be her first outing back into Society since his death. Her cousin is hosting this party and failed to inform her the guests are all widowed woman and widower/bachelor men.  The purpose of the party is for the guests an opportunity to form an attachment, temporary or permanent.  One guest, Lord Edmund Satterfield, has loved Genie for two decades, but never approached her as he is two years her junior and was not ready to take a wife when she was the toast of the marriage mart.
The story is Edmund convincing Genie to have an affair with him, in the hopes that it becomes more (do not worry, it does, eventually).  
I give the story a 4-star rating for the following reasons:
1.	I have read other books by Ms. Burke and have enjoyed Lady Satterfield (aka Genie) in these books.  She is a kind woman who is looking for those who need and deserve her help.  It was lovely to get to read her backstory.
2.	The story was a novella, which I generally do not enjoy as much as full novels.  While there were things I felt could have had more pages dedicated to it, this story felt complete for the most part.
3.	There is a fair amount of steam between Genie and Edmund.  Having read Ms. Burke’s other work, I feel this would have been even better in a full blown novel, but considering its length, it was appropriate.
If you, like me, have enjoyed reading about Lady Satterfield in Ms. Burke’s other works, I recommend you grab a copy of this novella, too.  
I received a free Advance Reader Copy of this novella in exchange for my honest review.  All opinions are my own.

For those who love second-chance romances,  look no further than The Bachelor Earl by Darcy Burke. This is the story of the Dowager Duchess of Kendal, Eugenia, and the unmarried Earl of Satterfield, Edmund Holt. 

Satterfield had held a torch for Genie ever since he laid eyes on her during her first Season. He never acted on his feelings and went on with his life as a bachelor. It was refreshing that this story didn’t have Edmund pining away for years on end. It was a realistic take on moving on when facing a missed opportunity. Genie went on to marry a Duke whom she loved and Edmund lived his own life. 

There wasn’t a need for the typical dastardly villain, horrible spouse, or vengeful family member to create a gripping story. It was the simpleness of figuring out how to move on when life doesn’t turn out quite like you imagined. 

Edmund and Genie’s life was far from perfect and it was clear their life together would be not be free of challenges but they had both life experience and a new found appreciation for life that would see them through.

A perfectly charming romance!

I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I was an ok book,  a nice second chance story that moves a bit fast (but then again, it is a novella) and is rather sweet. Since this is a prequel, I am tempted to read the Untouchables series as well.

Was a highly entertaining adventure filled with witty and engaging charters, heart racing twists, exciting turns and undeniable passion. Really enjoyed this emotionally thrilling journey.

The Bachelor Earl (The Untouchables #13). By Darcy Burke. 2020. Darcy Burke Publishing (ARC eBook).

Eugenia Aldwick’s debut season ended with a proposal the led to a happy marriage to the Duke of Kendal and motherhood to her step-son for twenty years. Now, however it has been two years since her beloved husband has died and yet she still mourns him. But with a bit of cajoling from her cousin, Cecilia, Lady Cosford she decides to try to re-enter society gently by attending Cecilia’s small, country house party. But when she arrives she finds the guests are comprised entirely of widows, widowers, and bachelors; all of whom have expectations to make matches during their stay.

Edmund Holt, Earl of Satterfield, has always regretted not pursing Eugenia during her season. But he never made his feelings known and he never held resentment towards Kendal in their work together in the House of Lords. But now the Dowager Duchess is at the party and he can’t help but let hope spark for a second chance and convince her to take another chance at love.

A charming and romantic second-chance novella for The Untouchables series. It stands as a prequel and as this was my introduction to the series and the wonderful characters, it works well for a starting point.

A beautifully written historical romance novella with excellent historical details. A lovely addition to the series and it can be read as a stand alone. My thanks go to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in return for my honest opinion.

A great read! Loved the story line, really well done, strong writing. And unique, really liked that the characters were older and the house party angle was different. The cover art does not do it justice. Liked how the story line dealt with recovering and moving on from having a loved one pass and the fact that you can actually find love again or just enjoy yourself without guilt. A quick read at only 90 pages (e-book) but within those pages it doesn't lack and the character depth is mostly sufficient. I did however feel that we needed a bit more to Genie's character before having her jump in with Edmund and then later on saying she was always bold enough to go after what she wanted. Overall I highly recommend.

What a treat. A second chance at love for two mature adults, not quite seniors, but on their way. Second chances are one of my favorite tropes, especially when they are older couples, a little worn and tarnished. I adore Genie and Edmund.

Although I have read many of Ms Burke's other series, I have not read any of the Untouchables, so this prequel was a good place to start.

Two years after the death of her beloved husband, the Duke of Kendal, Eugenia St John is still in mourning, because theirs had been a love match. Ay forty-two, she is willing to live the rest of her life alone, despite her husband's dying wish for her to find someone else to love. But her cousin, Cecilia, Lady Cosford, tricks her into coming to a house party, not telling her that the guests are all widows, widowers or never married men.

Edmund Holt, Earl of Satterfield, had admired Genie when she first came out, twenty years ago, but he was young and off for a grand tour of the continent and when he returned, she was already married. Edmund never married, because he only wanted to marry for love and no one had ever stirred him like Genie. He came to the party to find a potential wife to provide him an heir, but all he wants is Genie. Genie does not believe she can give him children but wants children to mother. Will they take the path of love or necessity?

I read an ARC from NetGalley.com. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.

This was a heartwarming prequel, with steamy romance and yet it was sweet at the same time.  A delightful second chance story to flesh out the backstory of likeable and familiar characters.  Easy to read and completely engaging.

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

I really enjoyed this book, and it was kind of strange to compare the two books - The Forbidden Duke and this one as this happened before the Forbidden Duke and you meet Genie and Edmund (or Holt).  When you read The Forbidden Duke, years have passed and it is weird to see Edmund described as nearly bald!

Anyway, it was fun to watch as these two met (really for a second time) and how he really wanted to have Genie as his wife and didn't really care that they would not provide the necessary heir and a spare.  It is unusual to have the man be the romantic but I loved it!

I had to go back to the Forbidden Duke and read that again to see Titus and Genie.  Then, after all the talk about the untouchables, I need to re-read those books!

Always a good read and a HEA!

I feel a little bit lucky to come at this book from a place of being unfamiliar with this particular series. I’m sure there are some fantastic inside jokes that have completely passed me by, but I also didn’t have expectations of how I thought this story should go. I was able to sit back and enjoy Genie and Edmund’s story as it unfolded around me. My heart broke every time it looked like they would lose this second chance. And I felt the fresh pain and joy as they encountered obstacles and cleared them. It’s also introduced me to some characters I want to get to know better now.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley.

The Bachelor Earl by Darcy Burke is a delightful novella set at a matchmaking house party! This novella is a prequel to The Untouchable Series. I have read a few in that series and this works very well as a stand alone. 

This is a great read with characters over 40 and some serious romance. It reads so quickly but there is deep emotion and I was routing for these characters! I also love how the ending is not a traditional “epilogue” of most historical romances. The steam level is medium but hot and perfect for the story. 

Eugenia “Genie” Holt, Dowager Duchess Kendal has been widowed for 2 years. Her cousin has invited her to a house party not knowing it is a matching making  and maybe getting to know each other intimately event. The events are eligible gentleman and widows. Genie wants to leave but the weather has her stuck at the party. 

Edmund Holt, Earl of Satterfield was drawn to Eugenia years ago and now once again at the house party. Edmund came to the party thinking he should find a wife and make an heir since he is now in his 40s.

Thank you to #Netgalley for the chance to read this! All opinions are my own. 

#TheBachelorEarl #DarcyBurke #HistoricalRomanceNovella #DarcyBurkepublishing

**I received a free digital copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**

I'm a sucker for a cute little Victorian romance. The premise of this one seemed intriguing, and throughout the process of reading 'The Bachelor Earl' I was reminded why I enjoy books like this so much. The main character, The Dowager Duchess of Kendal, has had a rough time of it and a little romance is just what she needs. The plot was pretty good for a book that is, from my understanding, a prequel. I haven't read any other books in this particular series, but this one was enjoyable on its own and easily holds up solo. I definitely recommend this to readers who want a quick Victorian romance read.

I really loved this story. Genie is a widow, Edmund never married. This is a story of loss and love. It's quite beautiful! The ending is poignant and I'm so glad Miss Burke didn't give us the ending I was afraid she would!

This is my first Darcy Burke book. I was pleasantly surprised. It was a very quick read but the depth of characters did not suffer for it. The plot was clever and I found myself engraved from start to finish. Glad to have found a new author to catch up on!

The Bachelor Earl by Darcy Burke
The Untouchables - Prequel

Delightfully delicious and a wee bit decadent…this story tells of a house party with a twist…connections of long or short term can be arranged by male and female guests who had been married but lost their spouses. Which ones will find a mate and which ones will not?

What I liked:
* Genie: dowager duchess, widow, stepmother, loved her husband, mourned him two years, still misses her Jerome – she was not apprised of the type of house party she would be attending.
* Edmund Holt, Lord Satterfield – bachelor, in need of an heir, looking for a wife to provide that heir, but also looking for love.
* The writing, plot, and story – it was a delight to have an older couple that might find their HEA
* The games played at the house party
* I really liked all of it :)

Usually I put in something I don’t like but this story had nothing to dislike.

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

3.5 Stars

Eugenia, the Dowager Duchess of Kendal is a widow of 2 years. After finally deciding to venture back into society at her cousins house party, she runs into Edmund Holt, Earl of Satterfield, who is on the hunt for a new wife to give him an heir. Sparks fly and with the house party really being a matchmaking party, Eugenia and Edmund are free to see what comes of the attraction. Will they be able to overcome their obstacles and find their happily ever after?

I'm not sure why, but I had more of a hard time enjoying this story. I am a fan of the author, Darcy Burke, and I know this book got rave reviews, but I really struggled to get into the story., I would find myself picking it up, reading a chapter, then setting it down for a few days, with no interest to read again. Once I forced myself to give it a shot, it was a great story, but it just didn't vibe with me. Nothing against the author and it should not deter you from reading it yourself, but I wanted to give my honest opinion.
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my review and honest opinion.

As a great fan of Darcy Burkes book I excitedly sat down to read this book yesterday and today I finished it, I think you can take it that she has yet again written another engrossing read.

The Dowager Countess of Kendall has been in mourning since she lost her beloved husband and has kept herself to the dower house on the estate.  However her cousin has invited her to a house party and begs Genie to attend.

When she arrives she discovers the party is not quite what she expected, everyone there is a widow or widower and are all looking to remarry.

Edmund remembers the Dowager Countess on her first season, he was entranced by the beauty then and to find her at this gathering so many years later feels like destiny.

This book was a great story, the characters are well written and the story nips on at quite a pace, I loved the fact that the epilogue didn't go down the route I maybe would have expected but that just made the story better.

If you like regency romance then I can definitely recommend this book to you.

I was given a copy of this book by Netgalley in turn for an honest review