If Wishes Were Earls audiobook

"I want you, and only you" he'd whispered as he'd entered her. Taken her. Possessed her. It had been so breathless, so ruinous. So very wonderful.Harriet Hathaway has known Roxley for most of her life. Now as a grown woman, she wants more from him than mere friendship, she desires him and loves him. One night at a ball they share a memorable kiss, but nothing came from it. Now over a year later, she still wants to marry him and wants to show him that what they have is more powerful than any other match he could ever make with any other woman. Roxley, due to his parents gambling habits, has barely kept himself afloat. Now he is approached by a man who has bought all of his debt, and demands that he marries his daughter. Feeling as if his hands are tied, he knows that he has no choice, even though his heart has always belonged to one woman, a woman who was dare enough to kiss him and change everything. The last thing that Roxley wants is to hurt "Harry", but he doesn't have a choice in order to save those whose welfare are relying on him. Harriet is shocked when she learns that Roxley is suppose to propose to another woman, and is determined to stop it. Then a dangerous plot unravels, and it will take Roxley and Harriet working together to put that which was wronged right once again, and to take down those who would destroy them.If Wishes Were Earls is the first novel that I have read from Elizabeth Boyle. I was able to receive a copy in exchange for a honest review from Avon and Edelweiss. I don't know why I haven't read her before now, especially since I love historical romance. As they say "Better late than never", and I definitely feel that way about this author. I plan on looking for this author at my local library and reading more of her books. Even though this is the third in the series, it could be read as a stand alone, but I definitely wishes I had read the first two beforehand, but it isn't necessary to read this one. First off I want to discuss the cover, which is one of my favorites, including the stepback. When I saw it for the first time, I found the blend of the purples, pinks and the white dress, had such a mixture of soft colors that created a magical scene of sensuality.One of my favorite aspects of If Wishes Were Earls was the way that the story picked up, it starts with the reader seeing Harriet being bold and daring and going after what she wants, which is the Earl of Roxley. But what turns into hopes gets turned into disappointment when Roxley treats her differently after the fact. But she doesn't want to give up hope, so she sets up a plan to make Roxley fall in love with her and choose love over his duty. We see that there are two sides to this situation. Roxley wishes he was free to marry Harriet, but he has to provide for his aunts, and keep those lands that have been in his family for generations. When he ends up being blackmailed, he knows he has little choice. Then we see a certain sub plot of danger and intrigue involving some diamonds, and the plot thickens, and the reader is then taken on a ride of passion, suspense and power of true love.I found If Wishes Were Earls to be a truly captivating story that reeled me in from the prologue. Usually I have to force my way through the prologue sometimes, I just want to get to the story (LOL). But I have found that reading the prologue lends the reader to some background information needed to make sense of the rest of the story. When I first read the synopsis I wasn't sure if I would like it much, but the story was far different than what the Synopsis implied the story to be. So I was surprised by how much I enjoyed seeing the change of events and the way the Harriet and Roxley get on together. I couldn't complain much about the setting, I found it very delightful the connection the Roxley and Harry have with each other, even though its subtle at times and too obvious at other times. The one thing that I would complain about this story would be the multiple flashbacks, it could be a bit confusing at times. Other than the flashbacks, I truly enjoyed this story and I can hardly wait for the chance to read the rest of the series, and more from this author.Overall I splendid romance with a touch of witty humor, a hint of passion and excitement, a plot thickened with drama and danger and intrigue that will tie you up in knots, and a love story to charm and entice. A DELICIOUS READ!!!

***Review posted on The Eater of Books! blog***If Wishes Were Earls by Elizabeth BoyleBook Three of the Rhymes With Love seriesPublisher: Avon BooksPublication Date: December 31, 2013Rating: 4 starsSource: eARC from Edelweiss***Warning: this is an adult book, and for the eyes of mature readers***Summary (from Goodreads):Harrriet Hathaway has loved only one man her entire life: the Earl of Roxley. But when he ignores her at a ball, she takes rather desperate steps to catch his eye and her plans find her ruined and without any hope of gaining Roxley’s heart. So it is much to her amazement when Roxley proposes marriage to save her from ruin. But Roxley’s proposal isn’t quite on the up and up and when she finds out she’s just another piece in one of his plots and japes, she vows revenge.Roxley is desperate to pull his family from the brink of ruin, and the only way to gain a lost fortune is to prove to his aunts that’s he’s “reformed” his life and is determined to settle down. But the bride-to-be that he thought would be most amiable is doing everything to turn his life and his heart upside down. Harriet Hathaway had always seemed the most sensible girl he knew, but now this siren of a stranger he’s engaged to is leaving him feeling anything but sensible. Harriet is about to steal not only his heart, but quite possibly the keys to the Roxley fortune.What I Liked:What a fabulous historical romance novel! I wasn't sure what to expect with this novel - in all honesty, I hadn't read the summary in a very long time. I requested this book months ago, and downloaded it months ago. I've now read this book in December, so I had no idea what this book was about. So, my expectations were fairly low, if existent at all, for this book.I was pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this book! Harriet and Roxley, the non-romance plot, the humor... everything was wonderful! There was a slow start, but the plot warmed up and took off. I didn't expect so much from a historical romance novel. Some might be put off by the amount of this book that ISN'T romance, but I love that. Let me talk about the romance. Harriet and Roxley have a history. They shared a very passionate kiss, and then some time after that, a memorable night together in a garden. Months later, neither can forget either event, or each other. But Roxley is in dire straits, and is blackmailed into marrying a merchant's daughter, in order to save his family's fortune and his good name as the Earl of Roxley.Harriet, of course, will have none of that. When she finally thinks that she will be reunited with Roxley, after so many months, she is crushed at first, to learn the hard way that Roxley will be marrying another. Harriet is not so easily deterred. She puts her nose and herself right into the thick of things. I love this about Harriet - she is bold, but not in the typical way that you might find in historical romance novels. She also isn't a simpering ninny. Good for her.She and Roxley are so perfect for each other, and they know it, and it takes more than half the book for the two of them to finally realize that they can be together. Both of them find out that the merchant and his merchant aren't as honest as they appear, and that is when things go downhill. Harriet isn't safe, Roxley's aunts aren't safe, and the mysterious diamonds aren't safe, either.The romance is great, in this book. It doesn't exactly take the forefront in this novel, though it might appear to do so. There is so much going on - Roxley trying to figure out who the merchant's daughter really is, Roxley trying to find the family's lost diamonds, Harriet trying to seduce Roxley back into loving her (he never stopped loving her, in case you wanted to know), Harriet dodging the idiot Fieldgate, Roxley and Harriet and the merchant's daughter prancing across the country to meet Roxley's aunt... it's a very busy book!And might I mention the humor in this book? Oh my goodness, I loved how Boyle injects the occasional joke or hilarious scene every now and then. I cannot remember the name, but there is this one Lord somebody who ALWAYS says the funniest things at the perfect times. And then there is Harriet, with her five brothers, and her ridiculous childhood with Roxley. There were so many funny scenes in this book - which I really appreciated.Overall, I really liked this book! I might actually read it again - we'll see. It has to be a fairly great book for me to re-read it, and this one was great! Plus, the romance was steamy, when there were steamy scenes. An all-around great novel!What I Did Not Like:Occasionally, there was some dragging in the plot - meaning, it seemed like the story was stuck in one place for too long. Like, I'll admit, the beginning is kind of slow. The way the plot is set up - with flashbacks placed every now and then in the story - made the story stand still for some time. The author needed readers to understand the past between Harriet and Roxley, and there was a lot that had already happened before this novel started.Of course, I never read the first two novels in this series (not that one HAS TO), so perhaps the background might have made more sense had I read them. I don't know if the events that transpired between Harriet and Roxley occurred during those books.But that's okay, about the drag, because it's a small thing, and it didn't detract from the overall story. It was just a pacing issue, but a tiny one nonetheless.Would I Recommend It:YES! I was very impressed with this novel, and how much I really liked it. This book isn't just a romance novel - there is a fair amount of great humor, scheming, and action. A perfect mix!Rating:4 stars. I really enjoyed this one! This one will probably end up on my end-of-the-year favorites list.

What a fun story. The pace rarely lets up. Harriet is delightful. I know others have criticized her "chasing" Roxley but that keeps her in character. She is not a missy miss. She has always been forthright since the two of them met and she planted him a facer.I could easily have read this in one day if I'd had nothing else to do. Unfortunately that was not the case and it was very difficult to put down. And yes, like others, I also knew where the diamonds were but found knowing added to the suspense.Roxley was a typical male. He thought honor meant having a fortune for Harriet. Silly men. Love trumps money any day. If he had followed through with his honorable plan they both would have been miserable. Good thing he had Harriet to set him straight.I struggle with the incestuous component of "friends becoming lovers" stories but I loved everything else so I decided to ignore my qualms.

IF WISHES WERE EARLS by Elizabeth Boyle is another exciting Historical Romance. #3 in the "Rhymes With Love" series, but can be read as a stand alone. See, "And the Miss Ran Away with the Earl" and "Along Came a Duke". Follow the Earl of Roxley and Harriet Hathaway on a dangerous journey of love, passion and danger. Someone is trying to destroy Roxley. With betrayal, suspicion, danger and passion how can you go wrong. I believe this is by far by favorite of this series. It is fast paced and filled with suspense and action. A must read if you enjoy historical romance, the strong,protector type hero and a heroine who is determined to help her beloved Roxley. Received for an honest review from the publisher and Above the Treeline.RATING: 4HEAT RATING: MILDREVIEWED BY: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More

Karla says: Lady Harriet has wanted to marry Lord Roxley since she was six years old. And finally last summer, Roxley kissed her. Having grown up on neighboring estates, and running wild with Roxley and her brother, Harriet, "Harry", dispaired of Roxley ever seeing her as a woman. She remembers the kiss. It was wonderful...glorious...perfect. She was sure he remembered too. After all, he was only a little foxed. But who is this Miss Murray? And why is Roxley escorting her about town as if he is enamored of her? Roxley is hers and she will find a way to remind him.Highly recommend - loved it

So far this is the best of the series. Harriet is the most daring of the three friends, Daphne, Tabitha and herself. The spark between her and Roxely was a long burning on, and there was no denial of thier felings in this one. The plot with the diamonds was a good addition for me, as I like some adventure with the romance. I do wish Tabitha and Daphne had been in the book more, but other than that and a few grammatical errors, it was a good read.

Previously reviewed on The Good, The Bad, & The Unread:This is the latest in Boyle’s series about the ladies of Kempton and their various ways of avoiding the curse that condemns them to spinsterhood – or their new husbands to terrible fates. This time we get the story of Miss Harriet Hathaway and Tiberius Maximus Marshom, the 7th Earl of Roxley, both of whom we first met right at the beginning of the first book when Roxley arrived in the village with his friend the Duke of Preston, and whose story I’ve been dying to read. This book, like the rest of the series, certainly made me smile numerous times, and it also had a mystery plot that took me most of the story to figure out completely, though the solution was obvious once I saw it.The story opens during the Masquerade Ball at Owle Park – the one from which Daphne eloped in the previous book, although knowledge of that fact isn’t essential if you’re joining the series in the middle – and Harriet, dressed as Cleopatra, is being chastised by Roxley over her scandalous costume. We learn that she has set her cap at Roxley, but he has a potential (if not very welcome) rival in the form of the dastardly Viscount Fieldgate. Harriet – the only girl in a family of five boys, all of them Roxley’s childhood friends – isn’t afraid to go after what she wants, though, and sets out to seduce Roxley in the gardens of Owle Park. Not that he’s entirely opposed to the idea, of course, even if he does feel obliged to behave honourably towards a woman who is practically family.Skip forward eight months and Roxley is in trouble. Since that night at Owle Park nothing has gone right for him – almost as if someone is conspiring against him – and his debts have mounted up well beyond any funds he might be able to raise elsewhere. Not only that, a wealthy merchant has bought up all those debts and is using them to compel Roxley into marrying his daughter – or else Roxley’s beloved aunts, who brought him up following the death of his parents, will be thrown out of their various homes and he will have to find some other way of accommodating them all. Aunts are a recurring theme in this series, and I love the lot of them.Meanwhile, Harriet arrives in London with one of Roxley’s aunts and is horrified by the news of his impending marriage but also suspects that something untoward is afoot. Roxley has already figured that much out and has enlisted the help of Harriet’s older brother and his colleagues at the Home Office, who piece together a story regarding the deaths of Roxley’s parents and a missing necklace, although there is at first no hint of who the villains are who are trying to retrieve it from Roxley (not that he has any idea where his parents might have hidden it).In order to delay the wedding, Roxley announces that it can’t take place until there has been a ‘mustering’, according to his family’s traditions: his bride-to-be must meet and win the approval of each of his aunts in their own homes.Harriet, determined to find out what’s going on, decides to accompany them (against Roxley’s advice, since he wants to protect her from whoever’s out to get him), and offers to work as companion to the future Lady Roxley (the previous incumbent having mysteriously sprained both ankles). There follows an excellent series of adventures featuring the aunts, as well as a hideous china pug dog that Harriet is forced to transport from one aunt to the next. All ends well eventually, and I’d guessed the location of the diamonds before the characters, even if I didn’t figure out the identity of the main villain until the big reveal.A worthy addition to the series, which also stands up well as a story in its own right. I also like the excerpts from a series of fictional romance novels (the Miss Darby Stories) which introduce each chapter as well as being referred to at times by Harriet when she’s seeking to illustrate their current situation by comparing it with a fictional example. Now I want another book in the series sooner rather than later, as well as more glimpses of the various aunts within the different families.

From the moment a very young Harriet Hathaway gave the young Earl of Roxley a facer, knocking him on his arse, she knew that he was ‘the one’. Years later after a most passionate moment at a house party, Harriet was convinced that her feelings for Roxley were returned and he would do the right thing and ask for her hand in marriage. Unfortunately a considerable amount of time has passed, and Harriet returned to London only to find that Roxley was on the verge of proposing to another. Refusing to believe that Roxley would truly marry another while his eyes still showed so much passion when he looked at her, Harriet refused to give up on a happily-ever-after. Roxley, realizing that his luck could not possibly have turned so badly, was in a terrible fix. He knew someone close to him had engineered his downfall, but couldn't understand the reasoning of forcing him to marry Miss Murray. Knowing he didn’t want any harm to come to Harriet, as he surmised it would should he continue to be close to her, Roxley attempted to keep Harriet at arms length. Yet, trying to keep Harriet from involving herself in his affairs would be like trying to keep the snow from falling during a blizzard! *** I have read many books by Ms. Boyle and have never been disappointed and with IF WISHES WERE EARLS, she continues to employ some of the best types of plotting with originality and creativeness. As such, there was quite a bit of suspense and mystery thrown into the mix as well as a lively pace that kept me totally immersed and guessing as to what was behind all of the bad luck that seemed to be following Roxley around. The bigger question was what did the mysterious Miss Murray hope to gain by marriage to a reputed rake who lived off of gambling and all types of games of chance. What exactly was the bigger motive?Well, with the bigger questions of what, who, and why being unanswered through most of IF WISHES WERE EARLS, one still has the effervescent dialogs between Harriet, Roxley, and his eccentric and highly unusual aunts that were a total hoot. Harriet was a gal after my own heart, who knew what she wanted and wasn’t going down without a fight. The characterizations of the leads with motivations was spot on. As should have been with the suspense, the secondary characters and villains all added to the total enjoyment of the story. Combine this with the witty dialogs, lovely sensual romance and it’s the perfect read complete with all the elements of whiling away a snowy day, while curled up in a big chair, with a cup of tea! Bottom line: IF WISHES WERE EARLS is a marvelous story and one which I highly recommend!Marilyn Rondeau, for www.ck2skwipsandkritiques.com

My Rating: 3.5 StarsCute, sweet, and unexpected. I enjoyed reading If Wishes Were Earls. I can't say that I loved this book, but I definitely liked it and enjoyed it.Harriet was a lovely heroine. She is determined and stubborn to the max. When she wants something, there is no way in this world she will let it go. And I liked that about her. She wasn't stubborn in an annoying way, but in a way that made it clear she wasn't the type to just give up. I thought she was a great character and I really liked her.Roxley was...difficult for me. On one hand, he was sweet, and I thought his steadfast love for Harriet was adorable.On the other, I kind of wanted to tell him to man up. I don't understand why he so meekly fell to blackmail. No fighting back, no trying to get out of it. Just acceptance, even though he was in love with Harriet. It wasn't until Harriet kicked his butt into taking action did he begin to see the possibility of fighting back and refusing to bow to blackmail. It just made me want to shake him and I got frustrated with him. In the second half of the book, when Harriet spurred him into action, he got better. We finally see him be determined and defiant. So, I ended up okay with him and I liked him just fine. But, he's not one of my favorite heroes.The romance was sweet. Harriet and Roxley have been in love for years and had planned on getting married until something threw a wrench in their plans. I love me the "best friends to lovers" trope in romance, so that was definitely a point in their favor. The spice was just a sprinkle, but it was full of sparks. These two were lovely together.I LOVED Roxely's aunts. They were hilarious. I just loved their characters. They were so fun and they livened up the book. They were undoubtedly my favorite part. They were not your typical regency women and I really liked that about them. They were all wonderful.The plot was steadily paced. I was kept interested the entire way though. There were some surprises along the way, secrets about Roxley's parents and the strange situation surrounding their deaths. I enjoyed the story and the ending was lovely.If Wishes Were Earls was a wonderful historical romance. It was sweet and surprising. I really enjoyed reading it. Lovers of romance, you definitely should give this book a read.*Thanks to Edelweiss and Avon Books for a copy!

This was a great book. I like historical romance and this book was no different. It not only was a romance but it also was partly a mystery as well. This book is the third in the series but is fine to be read as a standalone as I have not read any other books in this series either. This is also the first book I have read by this author but I definitely will read more of her books.I really enjoyed Harriet. She made me laugh with her antics and how she shocked Roxley or others at times. She spoke her mind and wasn’t afraid to go after what she wanted. There were some twists to the plot that I was not expecting to happen and that is always a good thing. I think my favorite flashback was when Harriet and Roxley first met and Harriet attacked him. That had me cracking up.At the beginning of the story I admit I really did not like Roxley. I was starting to wonder when the real love interest was going to show up because he bored me. As the book went on to the next couple of chapters though I really started to like him once I knew more about him.I was kind of back and forth on whether I liked the flashbacks or not. While they did add background to the story and let you know what had happened, a couple of times I had to re-read the first page or two before it dawned on me that it was a flashback. They are clearly marked on the chapters but I was just paying attention to the story and not the labels. My fault!All in all this was a great book and I recommend it to the fans of historical fiction. I would like to go back to read the other stories in the series because I really enjoyed the authors writing.*I received this book free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

If Wishes were Earls is the latest in the 'Rhymes with Love series. This series keeps getting better and better. I loved Harriet and Roxley's story. I have always been a sucker for Friends to lovers tales. The two have known each other since they were small. In fact, the first time they met, "Harry" knocked a young Roxley in his behind when he said he would never marry the likes of her. They definitely are right for each other. Harriet has been in love with him forever and truly sees beyond the playboy image that he portrays in London society.The story was a fun adventure. Someone is trying to ruin Roxley and his 3 aunts. I had an inkling of who was behind it, but there were a few suspects, I kept second guessing myself. That made it more fun when I got to the end. In order to try to save Harriet from danger, Roxley tries to deny his feelings. I was really pulling for him to give into his desire. They had great banter and that showed how deep and true their friendship ran. The only thing that was missing from the book was my favorite dog, Mr. Muggins. He is always good for a laugh-out-loud scene. I look forward to the next in the series. I also hope that Harriet's brother, Chaunce gets a book in the future! I definitely recommend this series for anyone who loves historical romance!

I adore the "guy has to get over his idiocy and deal with the fact that he's in love with his best friend's little sister" trope. Combine it with a madcap HR and I'm in heaven. I was in a serious reading slump before I picked up If Wishes Were Earls, like anxiety and deep conviction that I'd never find another book to love were involved, so what a relief that this crossed my path.So yay for Harry and Roxley! I had no problem with the fact that she chases him, especially since their relationship starts with her punching him in the face as a child. This chick knows what and who she wants and also knows that he loves her too and needs to get over himself. Was it a bit unbelievable that the book starts by mentioning he ruined her 8 months ago and yet, although honourable hasn't married her? Sure. Did I care? Not really. I found the entire story a delight and pretty much grinned my way through it. More like this please.