Love at Christmastide is wonderful… if the couple in question believes in the magic.

Alistair Forsythe, the 12th Earl of Reardon, is the most sought-after man in the ton this Christmastide season. Handsome, of good character, and possessing a large fortune, he finally intends to do his duty to his title after being in India for years. In the market for a wife, he can now easily have his pick of any woman, yet none of them have snared his interest—not since Carole—but she is beyond his reach.

Miss Carole Hazelton doesn’t give two farthings about a man’s position within the ton or his looks. In fact, she’s not thought about the beau monde since that horribly embarrassing day five years ago when Alistair left her standing alone at the altar. Now making her living as a governess, she’s both dismayed and furious to discover the neighbor who’s returned to the townhouse next door is the man who’d jilted her—Alistair.

As that old scandal recirculates, it throws their reputations into question. To repair the damage, the earl and Carole must practice forgiveness. While she’s not quick to forget, he’s not above employing charm and mistletoe to his advantage or drawing on their past romance, but when the feelings they both thought long dead come rushing back, that love just might ruin them both… or provide a second chance they never knew they needed.

Titles in the Headstrong Heroines Standalone Books include — His Pretend Duchess —♥— Visions of Christmastide —♥— The Viscount’s Bluestocking Vixen —♥— A Rogue for Lady Peacock —♥— An Accidental Countess —♥— The Balloonist Wager —♥— She’s Got A Duke to Keep Her Warm —♥— The Most Wonderful Earl of the Year —♥—

This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.

Booksprout ARC

Title:  The Most Wonderful Earl of the Year
Series:  Headstrong Heroines Standalone Books
Author:  Sandra Sookoo
Genre:  Historical Romance
Published:  November 22, 2022
Publisher:
My Rating:  4.5 stars

Once upon a time Carole and Alistair were to be wed, a love match in fact until fate stepped in and changed lives forever.  Now, five years later, they are about to be reunited… and become aware of how being left at the altar by Alistair has had long-lasting repercussions for Carole and how learning the truth about well-kept secrets have changed Alistair’s outlook on life and the past, their shared past.

I was swept away by The Most Wonderful Earl of the Year, not only for the story but how these two people have withstood such pain in their lives and survived.  Now, they have a second chance to get love right but only if they are completely truthful with each other and if they are willing to take the risk of falling in love differently this time.  I liked both Carole and Alistair for different reasons, although Carole was a touch more challenging at times with her reluctance to follow her heart instead of her mind.  The secondary characters bring this tale to life with some secrets of their own and a very adorable, lively set of twins to help this romance along.  In fact, I had fun in this world which is why I read Romance.

If you love a slightly complex romance that gives two people who really do belong together a second chance, some shenanigans by helpful people, a look into the mindset of Regency times in a very clear and not always pleasant fashion, and a well-written, engaging romance… then The Most Wonderful Earl of the Year is perfect for your Christmas reading (or any time of the year).

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or author’s team via Booksprout. The opinions expressed in this review are my own – good, bad, or indifferent.*

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