"The Earl's Betrothal" by Karen Tuft

The Earl's Betrothal

Karen Tuft
GoodReads review

⭐⭐⭐⭐
Romance, clean, period; some descriptions of war, and crime so PG-13

Amelia and Anthony's story was even better on a second read. Interesting back story with Anthony almost being a casualty of war, and thought dead, and Amelia being an orphan, and a companion to his mother. Their attraction gradually building with Amelia's way of helping others, speaking her mind, diplomatically, and with care for her circumstances, and the Earl's broken spirit, suffering from the war and flashbacks, his tiredness for machinations and women after his name and title, and not himself. Amelia's kind, genuine nature, her beauty along with her intelligence without cruelty, and her perceptive nature with regard to Lord Hargreaves flashbacks and war memories, along with lack of sleep while trying to fulfill his duty (in so many myriad ways) made for a compelling story. The side stories, both of their families, his father's illness and brother's death, the fiancee that might be, the conflicts, misunderstandings, and of course, their sweet moments together made for a lovely read.

Sweet romance, but there is some tension with some war crimes described, and another attack later in the novel, so not perhaps for a tender heart, but still so compelling to draw to Anthony as a character as he struggles to acclimate back to life outside of battle and injury. This was told from alternating points of view, and thoughtfully done. I loved the honest, hurting hearts in this story, the main characters that had such strong core values, side strong side characters that were so well drawn, and such an important part of the novel and of course, the sweet and tender romance that grew between the two main characters. Gorgeous cover a plus!

I received a copy from Net Galley in exchange for a fair and honest review, my opinions are my own.