The Earl Next Door

Amelia Grey

May 2019 · First Comes Love Book 1 · Sold by St. Martin's Paperbacks

About this ebook

What does a fiercely independent young widow really want? One determined suitor is about to find out. . .

When Adeline, Dowager Countess of Wake, learns of her husband’s sudden death, she realizes she’s free. At last, she can do, go, and be as she pleases. Finally, she can have the life she has always dreamed of. She doesn’t need, or want, to remarry. Especially not the supremely dashing future Marquis of Marksworth, who makes Adeline yearn for his desire. . .

Lord Lyonwood, son of a philandering marquis, will not be like his father. He wants to run his estates and watch them flourish—and find a wife who brings love to his life. When he meets spirited and self-reliant Adeline in a case of near-scandalous mistaken identity, Lyon feels he’s met his match. But Adeline isn’t interested in a marriage proposal. She will only accept becoming his lover—and Lyon finds it hard to refuse. Unless the fire of his passion can melt Adeline’s resolve. . .


“A master storyteller.”—Affaire de Coeur

Ratings and reviews

I loved reading Adeline and Lyon’s amazing story in The Earl Next Door by Amelia Grey, book one in her First Comes Love series. When Adeline, Dowager Countess of Wake, learns of her husband’s accidental death she finally feels free. She was the victim of spousal abuse; not physical but definitely emotional. Now, Adeline can do what she wants, go where she wants, and be as she pleases. Best of all, she does not need or want to remarry anyone. With the assistance of two other widows, Adeline opens a school to teach reading, writing, and sewing to girls of families who also loss a working parent in the accident. This school will be located on the property where she is now living. Imagine what the neighbors might think as they see delivery after delivery to the school. Unfortunately, one concerned neighbor forces the future Marquis of Markworth, Lyon Lyonwood her next door neighbor, to question the young Countess as well as scandalously mistaken her identity. Lyon refuses to be like his father by marrying in name only while have numerous mistresses laying in wait for him. He wants a wife who can love him and his life; be the one and only woman in his life. As he soon learns, the spirited and self-reliant Adeline is his perfect match but she is not interested in marriage. She yearns for his touch, his kiss, his . . ., but is only willing to be his lover, not his wife. Lyon uses all the passion and tools he has at hand hoping to convince Adeline to marry him. Ms. Grey wrote a charming, clever, entertaining and amusing story that is not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with humorous escapades, amusing banter, sexual chemistry and endearing characters giving Adeline and Lyon a chance to obtain all each desires. I highly recommend The Earl Next Door to other readers. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

3.5Stars When Adeline, Dowager Countess of Wake, learns of her husband drowned when the Salty Dove sank off the coast of Portugal, she realizes she’s free. At last, she can do, go, and be as she pleases. Lyon Marksworth, Earl of Lyonwood wants to run his estates and watch them flourish and find a wife who brings love to his life. When he meets spirited and self-reliant Adeline in a case of near-scandalous mistaken identity, Lyon feels he’s met his match. But Adeline isn’t interested in a marriage proposal. She will only accept becoming his lover and Lyon finds it hard to refuse. I loved the first meeting between Lyon & Adeline, it had me laughing out loud & I was all set for a really good read. I did enjoy the book & loved that Lyon fell hook, line & sinker for Adeline. However I liked Adeline but I never felt that she truly loved Lyon, she seemed to want her cake & eat it without confiding in him. The pace was good although the ending was a little rushed. An enjoyable read that just slightly missed being an enthralling read My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Adeline, Dowager Countess of Wake is a childless widow at 22 because of a shipwreck. She and two other widows start a school to teach 9 young girls whose families were also affected by the accident. She buys a house with a separate building that can be turned into a boarding school. There are a few problems. One is an extremely nosy neighbor (she has has a spyglass to better see what is happening), the other is the very attractive (and single) Lyon Marksworth, the Earl of Lyonwood. Sparks fly, arguments ensure, and whoopee is made. Infertility is dealt with and the title is safe. I liked Lyon more than I liked Adeline. I am looking forward to Kit and Brina’s stories.

About the author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Amelia Grey read her first romance book when she was thirteen and she's been a devoted reader of love stories ever since. Her awards include the Booksellers Best, Aspen Gold, and the Golden Quill. Writing as Gloria Dale Skinner, she won the coveted Romantic Times Award for Love and Laughter, and the prestigious Maggie Award. Her books have sold to many countries in Europe, Indonesia, Turkey, Russia, and Japan. Several of her books have also been featured in Doubleday and Rhapsody Book Clubs. Amelia is the author of more than twenty-five books, including the Heirs' Club trilogy and the Rakes of St. James series. She's been happily married to her high school sweetheart for over thirty-five years and she lives on the beautiful gulf coast of Northwest Florida.