My Kind of Earl

September 1, 2020
In order to bring any degree of scientific credibility to the book Jane Pickerington and her friends are writing on the differences between gentlemen and scoundrels, Jane needs to observe her subject in his natural habitat. While Jane's surreptitious field trip to one of London's most infamous brothels is not a complete success, it does put her in direct contact with a tall, dark, and cranky stranger named Raven, whose birthmark subsequently rings a bell in her memory. Identifying the birthmark may hold the key to Raven's family legacy, but that turns out to be only the first step in Jane's efforts to transform a rough-around-the-edges scoundrel into the gentleman of her dreams. In the second splendidly witty and superbly sexy addition to her Regency-set Mating Habits of Scoundrels series, following Lord Holt Takes a Bride (2020), Lorret deftly tips her literary cap to Edgar Rice Burroughs' Tarzan while at the same time effectively deploying her own impressive imagination and opulent vocabulary in the service of an exceptionally entertaining romance.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)

September 25, 2020

Miss Jane Pickerington is determined to find out all she can about the nature of rogues for her advice book, The Mating Habits of Scoundrels. Though somewhat limited in experience, Jane considers herself a scientist and sets out to observe scoundrels in their natural habitat: a brothel. Upon sneaking in, she is immediately spotted by a handsome specimen named Raven. And then, somehow, an all-out brawl erupts. Raven tries to protect Jane but doesn't want to get mixed up with the high-society debutante--until she recognizes the birthmark he's had since he was a baby left on an orphanage doorstep. Raven reluctantly goes along with Jane's quest to find his true family while remaining careful not to upset the fragile world he's built for himself. His real motivation is spending more time with Jane, who in turn is eager to learn more about his lifestyle. The two eventually engage in sexy encounters that feel more than just research for Jane's book. VERDICT Lorret's witty dialog and clever blending of sweet and sensual elements make this second in a projected trilogy as entertaining as its acclaimed predecessor (Lord Holt Takes a Bride). Recommended for all historical romance collections.--Kathryn Howe, Saint John Free P.L., NB

Copyright 2020 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from October 5, 2020
The deliciously slow-burning second Regency romance in Lorret’s Mating Habits of Scoundrels series (after Lord Holt Takes a Bride) pairs an inquisitive debutante with an indifferent loner. Aspiring author and science nerd Jane Pickerington often toes the line of impropriety while conducting research for her forthcoming book, which will educate women on the differences between gentlemen and scoundrels. During a research trip to a brothel, she encounters the mysterious Raven and saves him from being ousted from the establishment due to his low birth. Raven, an orphan who had a hellish upbringing, is intimately familiar with London’s dens of iniquity, but has no clue as to his family—so he’s intrigued when Jane tells him she recognizes his unusual birthmark and might be able to connect him to his people. Jane’s rambunctious personality and determination prove hard to resist, and before Raven knows what’s hit him, he’s partnered with the unrelenting bluestocking on a quest for answers that leads straight into the heart of London’s high society. Raven and Jane are an excellent match: Jane’s curiosity and innocence adds spark to their sensuous moments while Raven’s playfulness keeps things light and airy. Witty flirtation, steamy interludes, and a bit of fascinating mystery combine into a irresistible romance. Agent: Stefanie Lieberman, Janklow & Nesbit Assoc.