About the Book:
Title: One Wedding and an Earl
Author: Tracy Sumner
Series: The Duchess Society #4
Page Length: 240
Publication Date: Jan. 19, 2023
Publisher: WOLF Publishing
Synopsis: A scarred earl with a big heart—and a big problem.
Since his return from war, the Earl of Stanford’s life has been anything but simple. A meddling older brother, a raucous group of friends, a crumbling estate, and an injury that forever changed him. Now this. Her. His brother’s bright idea of a way out. The most infamous landscape architect in England arriving on his doorstep to restore his ruined gardens and his ruined heart. Only, Ollie Aspinwall isn’t falling for this sibling ploy.
He’s content to hide in the country, a brooding, stargazing, lost soul.
A gorgeous hellion with wild dreams—and a wild challenge.
Necessity Byrne has heard the rumors about the Scarred Earl. A walking scandal, she’s used to flouting convention and shocking society, so the offer to assist a reclusive peer with beautification of his estate is a project she’d consider. Except for the ripple of awareness that dances along her skin every time she recalls meeting the handsome, steely eyed rake years ago. A dilemma she doesn’t care to solve—even if she wants the job.
However, she’s a woman determined to take every dare offered her.
So, they agree to disagree for the sake of the earldom’s gardens, all the while battling a breathless, rampant attraction—until Ollie decides he wants to keep her. Can he persuade his feisty, adorable gardener to accept a besotted, broken-down earl with dreams of a family and love?
Come along on this sizzling slow burn, enemies-to-lovers, sorta second chance romp!
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My Review:
This is the fourth book in The Duchess Society series, and it follows Macauley’s brother Ollie and Necessity, a gardener who changes Ollie’s life. Necessity and Ollie are complex and compelling characters. They first met several years ago after Ollie was attacked, and Necessity helped care for him. Now three years later, Necessity is a well-respected gardener, and Ollie lives in relative isolation.
Necessity is a remarkable self-made woman. She’s had a difficult, tragic, and traumatic life, yet she has made a success for herself. She is driven, hard-working, and confident, and she doesn’t let obstacles stand in the way of what she wants. Ollie, also referred to as The Scarred Earl, is a bit of a recluse since the injury that scarred his face. He’s different from the other MMCs in the series in that he’s struggled with abuse, addiction, and horrific nightmares, and he’s living an isolated life in a crumbling estate in desperate need of repair. I found it interesting that the estate’s well-being paralleled Ollie’s. At the start of the story, the estate is as broken and in need of help as Ollie. As the story progresses, the estate slowly transforms with the help of Necessity and Macauley, much like Ollie does.
Ollie’s relationships change him, and one of the biggest influences in his life is his brother. I loved seeing their relationship deepen, especially considering they spent so many years apart. Macauley is one of my favorite characters from the series, so I was thrilled that he had a big role in this book too. Macauley was so opposed to marriage in previous books, but now he is totally in love and living in wedded bliss. Love it!!! I also love how sensitive he is, especially with Ollie. He is much more demonstrative in his feelings, and you can feel his sincerity in what he says and does. Basically, he’s just as swoon-worthy in this book as he was in the previous ones.
The Leighton Cluster is fantastic. The men and their wives have such a strong bond, and I love how they all support each other. They have strong found family vibes, and it’s so lovely to see them bring Necessity into their fold. As the only surviving member of her family, she has been alone for a long time. Ollie’s past is a lonely one too, so seeing both of them in this loving, supportive, and understanding family is wonderful.
Of course, my favorite relationship is the romance between Necessity and Ollie. This love story has several tropes I enjoy. Ollie and Necessity have total grumpy/sunshine vibes, and there are class differences that prove problematic in Necessity’s eyes. But this pair had a connection from their first meeting all those years ago, and that attraction hasn’t faded. They have fantastic banter, and their conversations are so entertaining. Whether they are arguing or teasing, their chemistry is unmistakable, and their steamy scenes are swoon-tastic!
I always enjoy Sumner’s historical romances. The characters are dynamic and compelling, and the romances are always super swoon-worthy. I’m excited to read Dash’s story. His romance with Theo has been hinted at, and it sounds like it’s going to be a good one! Special thanks to Tracy Sumner for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
Rating:
Favorite Parts:
- The romance.
- The friendships.
Favorite Lines:
Like the star, the truth comes about with time and study.
I dare where you’re concerned. with all my nerve and not an ounce less. I don’t have it in me to give you less.
I lie awake at night aching for you. My body mourning, my heart heavy, like someone died…I’ve missed you more than I’d imagined, more than I’d intended. More than I’d dreamed I could miss anyone. More than I like.
Recommendations:
Though this can be read as a standalone, I would recommend reading the other books in the series before reading this one to fully understand the context and connections between the characters.
